To the editor: Republicans are up in arms because former President Trump, convicted of 34 felonies in New York, could be sentenced to prison or jail, an unusual but not unprecedented punishment for a white-collar criminal that would have a profound impact on A politician. the fate of the party and the future of our nation. (“How Trump’s Denial Strategy Could Hurt Him at Sentencing,” June 3)
Democrats were also up in arms when then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) contemplated blocking President Obama from filling a Supreme Court vacancy in 2016 and again when McConnell had the chance to fill another vacancy in 2020. They were two lifetime judicial appointments that would also have a profound impact on the politics and future of our nation.
He did it anyway.
That new Supreme Court, consequently conservative, faced an equally massive upheaval when the justices decided in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade. And guess what?
They did it anyway.
Republicans have shown New York Judge Juan Merchán the principles they support as they contemplate decisions that could bend the arc of history while infuriating an entire political party. Jailing Trump would do just that.
I should do it anyway.
Daniel Shafer, Los Angeles
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To the editor: I think the debate over Trump's conviction for falsifying business records to hide damaging information has missed the point of concern.
After the “Access Hollywood” tape was revealed near the 2016 election, then-candidate Trump worried that showing more of his true moral character could cost him the presidency. Then, he tried to hide an alleged affair with a porn star.
Consider also the civil court ruling finding him liable for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll and then defaming her. In sentencing Trump, Judge Merchan has the added factor that the former president violated numerous gag orders.
Regardless of Merchán's decision on July 11, voters will have the opportunity in November to decide who they identify with most and who should represent the United States on the world stage. Will Trump be right that exposing his moral character could cost him an election?
Steve Latshaw, West Hills
