U.S. Justice System has aided and abetted our ‘law-breaking felon-in-chief’ | Opinion

A crime not to punish crime

“New York judge must do the unthinkable - and correct - thing to Donald Trump | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Nov. 8)

Judge Juan Merchan’s convoluted ruling essentially slapping President-elect Donald Trump on the wrist for 34 felony violations of state law has now left tens of millions of Americans dismayed and disgusted.

After all, the nation’s justice system — and the courts in particular — are not merely vehicles for delivering vindication or punishment, they are theaters whereby the people can witness our laws in action. The fact that so many of Trump’s January 6 soldiers could be swiftly brought to justice while their commander-in-chief avoided it is not lost on the American public.

Special counsel Jack Smith’s report demonstrating that Trump would have been convicted of inciting an insurrection had the government’s case gone forward is not merely maddening, it’s an admission that “equal justice under the law” is a sham.

The multiple other cases against Trump represented a golden opportunity to demonstrate that no citizen is above the law and that our country is capable of convicting law-breaking leaders — just as other democracies have. In failing to do so, our system has thereby aided and abetted our serial law-breaking felon-in-chief.

It’s a crime not to punish crime.

Mark S. Haskett

Modesto

MoBand needs MoLove

“Huge change coming for Modesto’s beloved MoBand,” (modbee.com, Feb. 7)

Getting out of the house and enjoying fresh air; playing with water at the refurbished splash pad;

clapping hands to an enchanting melody; laughing with friends; catching up with neighbors; and enjoying a picnic in Graceada Park. These and countless more are the memories that MoBand provides through its annual Concert in the Park.

Concert in the Park is an all-inclusive, timeless Modesto tradition that has spanned over a century. There are hopes to expand the reach of MoBand with opportunities for students. And, recently, MoBand has worked with several entities to upgrade lighting in Mancini Bowl and replace the seating in the bowl.

But this event — which is free for the community — costs quite a bit of money each year to put on. After the six week free-to-the-public concert series has ended, the total cost is at least $30,000. To raise these much-needed funds, MoBand’s third annual crab feed, featuring a live auction and delicious food and drinks, will take place on Saturday, February 1 at St. Joseph’s Church. It is open to the public, and ticket information is available at the MoBand website.

Julie Scherer

Modesto

Goodbye to decency

“From the archives: Jimmy Carter visits Modesto CA,” (modbee.com, Dec. 31, 2024)

It is ironic that within the space of a couple weeks we said goodbye to President Jimmy Carter, one of the most decent men to ever occupy the White House, and swear in one of the most indecent men who will again occupy that same office.

President-elect Donald Trump is already on his way to converting our democracy to a dictatorship, following in the footsteps of his puppet-master, Vladimir Putin. Maybe Russia will send us arms when we invade Greenland.

Jack Heinsius

Modesto