Despise the judge as much as you will, Mr. Trump – but leave his family out
letters to the editor
April 10, 2023
About the editor: While I agree with the fundamental argument of Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley Law School, that an oral warrant should not be issued against former President Trump, I think it would be fair for New York Judge Juan Manuel Merchan to To unequivocally order Trump to leave would incite Merchan’s family. Throw it out.
Trump said, “I have a Trump-hating judge with a Trump-hating wife and family whose daughter worked for Kamala Harris.” What do Merchan’s wife and daughter have to do with Trump’s case?
By mentioning these family members in his post-trial speech, Trump immediately puts them in danger, and there is some evidence that his words may inspire followers to do things they later regret.
Merchan should drag Trump back to court and punish him for referring to his family. The former president is free to make disparaging remarks about the judge, but does not include the family.
David Berry, Altadena
..
About the publisher: I can no longer contradict Chemerinsky. While he bases his argument on the First Amendment and historical precedent, each case is unique and should be judged accordingly; No shoe fits all.
In the case of Defendant Trump, despite Judge Merchan’s warning, his past of illegal and irreparable conduct continues. On the day the judge warned him not to make inflammatory statements on the case, Trump’s words to his supporters clearly contradicted those instructions.
Representative Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), chief prosecutor in Trump’s first impeachment trial, put it best in his closing remarks to the Senate in early 2020:
“We must say enough! He betrayed our national security and he will do it again. He compromised our elections and he will do it again. You will not change him. You cannot limit him. He is who he is. The truth matters little to him, what is right matters less still, and decency matters not at all.
Larry Naritomi, Monterey Park
Source: LA Times

Roger Stone is an author and opinion journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He is known for his controversial and thought-provoking views on a variety of topics, and has a talent for engaging readers with his writing.