Attribution to Gage Skidmore

Stewart Elmer Rhodes, head of the Oath Keepers, was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced yesterday to 18 years. In handing the sentence, Judge Amit Mehta harshly stated that

“You, sir, present an ongoing threat and a peril to this country and to the republic and to the very fabric of this democracy.”

Mehta added,

“You are smart, you are charismatic and compelling and frankly that’s what makes you dangerous. The moment you are released, whenever that may be, you will be ready to take up arms against your government.”

Mehta also prophesized that Americans will.

“now hold our collective breaths every time an election is approaching.”

Rhodes, for his part, did not apologize for his actions, stating that he was a poltical prisoner. Judge Mehta characterized what happened on January 6 as an act of terrorism.

This was a big win for the Department of Justice (DOJ). Rhodes was not present on January 6. He was not at the actual storming of the Capitol, but DOJ proved that he played an integral part of the day’s events. It will not be surprising if Enrique Tarrio, head of the Proud Boys, suffers the same fate.

If Rhodes serves his entire sentence, he will not be released until he is in his mid 70’s. The frightening thing is that Rhodes expects to serve two years, at most. He is confident that Trump will win the 2024 election and that Trump will then pardon him. Trump has already said that he will pardon all those involved with January 6. That is the potential for America’s future.

On the positive side, Trump could very well be in jail by then. With regard to Mar-a-Lago, Trump is now possibly facing charges under the Espionage Act. That could be enough. But Jack (Wolverine) Smith is tightening the noose ever tighter on Trump. Stewart Rhodes was not at the Capitol, on January 6. Yet, he was found guilty of seditious conspiracy. Trump was not at the Capitol, that day, though he wanted to be. Trump may realize the same fate as Rhodes.