The law of the land?
I read with interest a recent letter under the heading “Someone had to.” I find it fascinating that Donald Trump was lauded as a great “law of the land” champion and enforcer in this letter. There are so many directions one could go here, but I will focus on one.
On January 6, 2021, a large and violent mob overpowered law enforcement and took over the United States Capitol Building. The mob’s unambiguous intention was to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election by blocking its congressional certification. If you don’t want to call this an “insurrection,” fine. But there can be no debate that this attempt violated a cornerstone of our political system: the peaceful transfer of power. There can be no debate that the actions of the mob were profoundly unlawful.
In the aftermath of January 6, more than 1,500 members of the mob were brought to justice and convicted of relevant crimes through legitimate legal procedures. Donald Trump, however, referred to these criminals as “political prisoners” and set them all free through an executive order as soon as he was inaugurated.
Trump has based all of his statements and actions pertaining to the January 6 violence on the false notion that the 2020 election was stolen from him. All charges of 2020 election irregularities potentially influencing the outcome have been thrown out in the courts. This includes a US Supreme Court made up of three liberals and six conservatives, three of those conservatives having been appointed by Trump himself.
The law of the land proclaimed Joe Biden the winner in 2020. Trump has demonstrated through his blanket January 6 pardons and countless other actions (as president and private citizen) that he is contemptuous of laws of the land when they conflict with his interests.
The “Someone had to” letter-writer said it best: “What happens when laws are only applied based on who is in power? You stop having a republic, and start playing with authoritarian fire.”
Peter Langworthy, St. Paul
Some are working hard. Others …
How is it that so many of our lawmakers have turned into wimps? Allowing one unethical and manipulative man to control their decision-making.
Many of us, before we vote, research the candidates. Learn where they stand on issues that impact us, not only personally, but our state and country as well. Candidates we believe are intelligent and independent thinkers. Granted, there are many who are still working hard to keep democracy a reality in the United States. And then there’s the wimps.
God Bless America!
Ursula Krawczyk, St. Paul
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This new odor
While grocery shopping and visiting a museum recently I noticed a smell that was new to me. A friend informed me that it was marijuana. Years ago smoke from cigarettes and cigars filled the air. How are we going to regulate this new odor in our air?
Recently on TV I saw manufacturers making all kinds of marijuana delights (looks and tastes just like candy). How are we going to keep these out of the hands of young children and teenagers?
Minnesota made a mistake when they legalized marijuana. How can we stop this? Just say no, don’t use or buy, and help keep ourselves and our children safe.
Mary Anne Gruetzman, New Brighton
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