opinion | Concerns about the judge and jury for Trump’s trial
To the editor:
Don’t do it, liberal America! Don’t get caught up in the melodrama of the Florida trial! The former president craves attention. The news media conspires to give him free publicity. Why give this despicable man what he wants?
And the outcome of the test? Yes, it looks like Jack Smith has an open and closed case. Still, there is a reasonable chance that we have a closed judge. This is the bad luck of the draw.
Judge Aileen M. Cannon has numerous tactics at her disposal to delay, disrupt and derail the proceedings. She can influence jury selection, undermining the chance of a unanimous guilty verdict. Even if the jury comes to that conclusion, it is the judge who determines the sentence. This can be a slap on the wrist.
Why not assume that the likelihood of conviction and a severe sentence is slim and turn your attention to other matters of national importance?
If you need to follow the former president’s legal adventures, you’d better focus on the likely trial in Georgia and Mr. Smith’s investigation on January 6.
David B. Abernethy
Porto Valley, California
The author is emeritus professor of political science at Stanford University.
To the editor:
Subject “Judge of first instance speeds up documents case” (front page, June 21):
So Judge Aileen M. Cannon set a trial date for August. I’m suspicious. She will have full power over the punishment and the option to dismiss the case. Is she helping Donald Trump by quickly solving the whole thing so it can be done before the election?
How dare she ignore calls to withdraw, given her criminal record? She must be removed.
Sandy Miley
Sherill, New York
To the editor:
On “Leaving the fate of Trump in the hands of 12 ordinary citizens is genius,” by Deborah Pearlstein (opinion guest essay, June 16):
In ordinary times, Professor Pearlstein’s belief in the wisdom of the jury system in trying Donald Trump would be justified, but these are not ordinary times. Mr. Trump has prepared his followers to threaten and intimidate anyone who might oppose him.
Strong as the case is, I believe that at least some jurors will vote for acquittal because they rightly fear for their safety.
David Ligare
Carmel Valley, California
To the editor:
At the center of the case against Donald Trump is the details of the highly classified documents he took. And the main problem is that the defense’s right to see the government’s evidence conflicts with the absolute need to keep that material secret.
There is then the possibility that the judge will agree to withhold such crucial evidence. Can people with the highest security clearance view the documents and present affidavits and witnesses in court that support the government’s claims?
This could be a litmus test for the integrity of the judicial process.
Arnold Mitchell
Scarsdale, New York
To the editor:
Regarding “Judge’s Record in Trump Case Causes Concern” (front page, June 15):
While I understand that any judge presiding over an unprecedented and historic case like this will come under scrutiny, I am appalled at how easily a Latina woman is belittled for her inexperience and her briskness when questioned.
Such descriptions are of no consequence to this 49-year-old working mother and small business owner. I’ve heard it all ad nauseam.
Speaking liberally, I hope Judge Aileen M. Cannon proves all her naysayers wrong and goes down in history as a great lawyer.
Would a male judge at the same stage of his career have asked the same questions about him? I highly doubt it. So much of this article reads like water cooler talk about the new female boss.
Shantha Krishnamurthy Smith
San Jose, California
To the editor:
It wasn’t the Watergate burglary that brought Richard Nixon down; it was the cover-up and obstruction of justice. Likewise, it was not the taking or storage of classified documents that resulted in Donald Trump’s indictment; it was lying to the FBI and DOJ and obstruction of justice.
Mike Pence and President Joe Biden kept government documents, but promptly cooperated with the government and returned the documents. It’s not complicated.
Alan M Goldberg
Brooklyn
To the editor:
I already know how I would vote if I were on the Trump trial jury.
Good luck finding 12 Americans who don’t.
Eliot Riskin
Riverside, Conn.
The uprising in Russia
To the editor:
Regarding “How insurrection undermines Putin’s grip” (news analysis, front page, June 26):
An autocrat must always appear strong. An act of treason and rebellion was committed against Russia and Vladimir Putin blinked. His mentor Stalin is turning in his grave.
There is now a serious crack in Mr Putin’s power structure that he may not have enough cement to repair.
Ed Houlihan
Ridgewood, New Jersey
To the editor:
What kind of world have we entered when looking for mercenaries?
Elliot Shoeman
Los Angeles
Migrants and the Suburbs of New York
To the editor:
“New York City and Suburbs: A Rift Widens” (front page, June 18) highlighted the resistance of Rockland County executive Ed Day to housing migrants in suburban hotels.
While some suburban residents oppose migrants coming to our communities, there are others who want to give migrants a chance at a better life. I have met many Westchester residents who want to donate food and clothing to migrants.
And – if the federal government made it easier for migrants to work legally – we could try to match employers who can’t find employees to work in their industry with migrants who are eager to work legally in the suburbs.
Churches and synagogues in the suburbs would welcome the opportunity to allow congregants to ‘adopt’ individual migrants and give them personal attention and assistance so that they can lead better lives.
Ed Day does not speak for the suburbs.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh, New York
The writer is the town overseer of Greenburgh.
Climate Education: The New Jersey Example
To the editor:
On “Schools Encourage 7-Year-Olds to Fix Climate Change, Not Fear It” (front page, June 17):
Cheers to my former home state, New Jersey, for having the guts and intelligence to address climate change in the education system. The effects of our climate’s troubling behavior will continue to be felt by everyone, whether you agree or deny it.
The youngest among us will experience its effects longer than my generation of grandparents, so of course it makes perfect sense to start with them in their early school years.
The great purpose of education is to prepare all ages for a meaningful life in the world as it is and as it changes. Teaching young people how to bend with the arc of change and move with the seasons couldn’t be more relevant today.
I wish the people of New Jersey the best with this, but even more I wish them an understanding of what they are doing so that they can become ambassadors for the other states and, yes, for the Federal Department of Education as well.
Well done New Jersey!
Bill Headly
Santa Fe, N.M