Trump says Obama committed treason. This is Alice in Wonderland-style justice

‘Trump’s attack on the “traitorous” Obama may be predictable. But it should not be acceptable to any of us.’ Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Almost every American knows that in our legal system, people accused of crimes are presumed innocent. The burden is on the government to overcome that presumption and prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Those simple but powerful maxims were once a source of national pride. They distinguished the United States from countries where government officials and political leaders branded the opponents guilty before they were charged with a crime or brought to trial.