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Irony is a literary device that has been used from the beginning of time. We write or say something that seems the opposite of what we are really trying to convey. We do it for humor or for emphasis.

Biblical examples are plentiful. For example, the Apostle Paul writes that when he is weakest, God’s strength is easily seen. The greatest example from the Bible is that the One who came from heaven to seek and save a lost world and to provide us with a permanent and eternal home, had no place to call home while he lived on earth.

I couldn’t help but notice the irony of New York justice last Friday when a lone judge, Arthur Engoron, all by himself, proclaimed the former president and leading candidate for the same office later this year, a man by the familiar name of Donald Trump, guilty of fraud.

There was no jury involved in the case. Although most of us think that, in any trial, one can request what the 7^th Amendment of the Constitution describes as a “right.” That only applies in federal cases and this trial against Trump was a state trial and, even though he did not request a jury, the judge said that, even if he did, there would not have been one. In other words, Trump’s verdict would be decided by one person, Judge Arthur Engoron.

My, what a verdict! Last Friday, Judge Engoron issued his decision. Donald Trump was found guilty and fined $355 million dollars. And I thought traffic fines had gotten out of hand. Not only does Trump have to pay the unbelievable fine, he has been barred from any business activities in the state of New York for three years.

The Donald wasn’t the only Trump family members seared by the judge. His two sons, Don, Jr. and Eric were also fined and restricted from business in the state. Their judgments were $4 million dollars each and two years bans.

You might be thinking, what did the family do? While applying for loans from foreign banks, they inflated the worth of their collateral real estate. Although I cannot imagine borrowing the sums of money that this family does, I can try to relate it to a much smaller loan.

For instance, a farmer needs to borrow money to make his crop this year. He goes to the bank and the bank asks for collateral. Naturally, the borrower would want the arrangements as attractive as he could get them. Understandable.

But wouldn’t you think that the banker would be responsible enough to make his own judgments and decisions. The banks, from which the Trumps were borrowing, I’m sure, did their “due diligence.”

When the executives were called upon to testify in this Trump trial, they acknowledged that they wanted to do business with the Trumps, they lost no money, and, in fact, wanted to do more business with them. That held no sway with the judge.

Guilty, as charged. $355 million fine and it must be paid before any appeals can be made. Ultimately, it is suggested that, by the time the fine and interest are paid, the total will approach one-half billion dollars.

Meanwhile, and here’s the irony. Whether you like Trump or not, he has been a very productive citizen for New York and the world. He also has been the President of the United States and would like that job again. For the life of me, I don’t know why except that he loves his country.

The irony? Someone, born in this country gets the book thrown at him, while illegal migrants attack police and commit crimes, are arrested and released, with, get this…no bail or fine! Something’s rotten in New York.