Apply them equally: justice, liberty, and accountability

It is uncommon for me to respond to letters to the editor; however, Mr. Russell’s recent submission [Letters from our Readers, Jan. 28] warrants a reply. When broad accusations are presented as fact, it becomes necessary to address them with clarity and evidence.

Mr. Russell asserts that Democrats support “pedophile’s, murders, rapist’s, criminal gang members, robbers, drug dealers and traffickers, domestic violence, and fraudsters.” Such sweeping claims are serious and should be supported by verifiable facts rather than rhetoric. I encourage Mr. Russell—and any reader—to consult independent sources and primary records when forming conclusions. I am always willing to reconsider my own views when presented with credible evidence; that is how informed discourse works.

Regarding allegations of sexual abuse, it is worth noting that publicly released portions of the Epstein records reference Donald J. Trump numerous times. While only a small fraction of those files has been made public, their contents raise legitimate questions. When similar allegations involved Democratic figures, calls for transparency were loud and persistent. That same standard should apply universally. I believe that support for any individual credibly implicated in abuse should end immediately, regardless of political affiliation. Loyalty to a party should never override basic moral judgment.

Mr. Russell also claims that Democrats “support criminals and fraudsters” for political gain. This assertion is difficult to reconcile with recent, well-documented facts. Donald J. Trump has been convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records—convictions reached by a jury in a court of law. Fraud, by definition, is intentional deception for personal or financial gain. Additionally, Trump University was shuttered following multiple lawsuits and resulted in a $25 million settlement. These are matters of public record, not partisan opinion.

Further, numerous individuals convicted of fraud, drug-related offenses, and other serious crimes have received presidential pardons from Donald J. Trump, including high-profile cases tied to financial misconduct and narcotics trafficking. There have also been pardons related to January 6th offenses and election-related schemes. These actions complicate any claim that criminal behavior is uniquely tolerated—or condemned—by one political party alone.

Mr. Russell also continues to invoke Hillary Clinton as though she remains politically relevant. She has not held executive office, nor did she ever serve as president. Repeated fixation on her name does little to advance current political discussion and instead suggests an unwillingness to engage with present realities.

Ultimately, my concern is not partisan. I do not allow party affiliation to dictate my moral standards. Justice, liberty, and accountability should apply equally to everyone, regardless of whether their name is followed by an “R” or a “D.” When principles are applied selectively, they cease to be principles at all.

If we are to claim reverence for the Constitution and the ideals of this country, then those ideals must be upheld consistently—not only when they serve our preferred narrative.

Jamie Holeman