Readers: this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution, a list of earlier revolutions and the author, Entry #1.

Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether in the next few years, a revolution in the US is still possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US.  Most recent sense check, Entry #332.  

Entries for the past several months have been an intentional diversion from the craziness in Washington. This entry and #352 put us back inside the Beltway.

(Sometime in the next couple of years.)  In an effort to avoid being a defendant in a series of upcoming trials for fraud, tax evasion, extortion, rape, and several other charges, lawyers for former President Donald J. Trump claimed his insanity prevents him from being able to take the stand and defend himself properly. Trump’s counsel, appointed by the court after Trump’s assets were liquidated in bankruptcy, supported the insanity claim by citing a lifetime pattern of irrational behavior.

Counsel noted that the pressures experienced during his presidency, especially during the impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives, exacerbated the insanity condition. Counsel stated his condition has worsened to the point where Trump can no longer comprehend even the most basic reality.

Trump’s original counsel, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, was replaced after being disbarred recently after the series of indictments. Giuliani also faces a slew of criminal charges based on testimony presented to the grand jury.

Like many former Trump associates, Giuliani has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the Trump trials. Despite the indictments, Giuliani has continued to grant interviews, often claiming when asked about his possible criminal behavior, “Donald made me do it.”

Trump’s counsel has said privately, according to several sources, the only possible defense is insanity. Counsel believes evidence presented during the impeachment proceedings combined with evidence gathered by the New York State Attorney General, Federal Southern District of New York, and Robert Mueller, is overwhelming and leaves counsel no choice but a plea of insanity.

What Trump apparently does not realize is a plea of insanity might be worse for him then jail time. Under almost all circumstances, a successful plea of Insanity does not allow the defendant to go free but requires time to be spent in a mental institution in an attempt to rehab the individual. As a counter to this requirement, Trump’s counsel has suggested that Trump be housed in one of his remaining properties and have a social worker visit and provide rehab.

When prosecutors became aware of the possible request by counsel, several noted that someplace more like Bellevue Hospital would be appropriate for Trump’s attempted rehab. After all, the prosecutors noted, Bellevue is in NYC.

Since the indictments were handed down, Trump has been allowed to remain in his apartment on 5th Avenue. With the transfer of ownership of that property following Trump’s bankruptcy, it is unclear how much longer Trump will be allowed to remain.

As an alternative to the series of trials, reportedly Trump has offered that if all charges are dropped, he would give up his US citizenship and passport and relocate to Russia or North Korea. The prosecution would not confirm the offer but stated such a proposal needed first to be presented in court and then let the judge decide how to proceed. Stay tuned.