Trump’s conviction on 34 counts is not a cause for celebration, but a sad reminder of the turmoil he has created

Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 charges by a 12-person jury. All are Class E felonies, with a possible prison sentence attached to each.

Sentencing will probably be held in July, according to Justice Juan Merchan. Expect Trump (seen above in a public domain photo posted on wikimedia commons) to appeal. He has that right.

I’m not joyful. I’m sad and frustrated that the antics of one human being has caused such turmoil in our country.

There are more trials ahead. Dates are not set for them as Trump’s legal team is using every legal maneuver they can to either dismiss the charges or delay the cases until after the election. Lots of complicated legal issues yet to be decided.

Immunity is the big one. No Supreme Court decision yet.

A word of caution: if you wish to celebrate, I urge you to do it privately. Public displays may generate a very negative response.

If you are angry, don’t allow the anger to control you. Destroying property and hurting others is NOT a rational act.

To quote a famous line from the TV series Hill Street Blues, “Let’s be careful out there.”

Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.