The story of Rudy Giuliani is worthy of Shakespearean tragedy — right down to the pound of flesh.
A dogged prosecutor, a driven mayor, a hero of 9/11, Giuliani’s most praiseworthy quality has been his will.
He cleaned up crime and filth even as Democrats tried to block his agenda.
He was the face of resilience after the terror attacks and was unwavering in his belief that the city would rebound.
Yet in recent years that stubbornness has steered him wrong.
He is obsessed with the idea that the 2020 election was “stolen,” despite no evidence being uncovered after four years of court cases, recounts and investigations.
He defamed two Georgia poll workers as having committed fraud.
Giuliani admitted in court that what he said about them was false, then went outside and repeated the lies.
The workers are right to be aggrieved.
What isn’t right is the preposterous $148 million judgment the court handed down in the case.
In no universe did Giuliani’s statements cause that much damage to the two workers, nor did his actions justify ripping away all his worldly possessions.
Much like the massive civil fines in New York against Donald Trump, this dollar figure is based on vengeance not justice.
Now the authorities are trying to take away his house, his cars, even his Yankees memorabilia. The punishment far outweighs the crime.
Giuliani is appealing, and we, who remember him as the man who saved New York, believe he deserves to win.
A more just decision would be a small fine and an apology.
And we, as friends, hope Giuliani can overcome his stubbornness, give that apology and move on from this pointless crusade.
America’s Mayor is better than this, and America’s Mayor deserves better than this.