I am very puzzled by the lack of security when these American terrorists stormed the Capitol. Was everyone told to “stand down” by someone? It is very odd that when peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrators, who had no weapons, were there, the Capitol was lined by people in full military gear, in line shoulder to shoulder.
But when backers of President Trump, who were a rowdy group, some of them armed, surrounded the Capitol, there was no one standing toe to toe to protect our Capitol building.
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How did this happen? These Trump supporters were expected, yet the police were not prepared. Trump will see this country destroyed to get even for not winning. He cares not for the people or America, and I hope his supporters can now see that.
It has now been shown how easy it was to breach our Capitol, and it cannot ever be so carelessly guarded again. Now let’s see if these American terrorists will be prosecuted, before Trump can pardon them.
Connie Orland, Plainfield
Policing in Black and white
During the March on Washington and the Million Man March, both mostly attended by African Americans, there was a heavy presence of Capitol Police, National Guard, etc. However, during the siege by Trump Supporters on the nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, there was a noticeable decrease in Capitol Police and National Guard personnel.
Interesting.
Prentiss Byrd, Bronzeville
Self-pardoning is a crime
Reasonable people can disagree about the wisdom of prosecuting a former president for criminal activity while in office. But no reasonable American can agree that the president is above the law.
According to Nixon’s own Justice Department: “Under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case, the president cannot pardon himself.”
A self-pardon cannot be allowed to stand and become precedent.
On its own, a self-pardon is both an admission of criminal behavior and an illegitimate attempt to escape prosecution for it.
If President Trump attempts to pardon himself, the Justice Department has no moral choice; it must prosecute for obstruction of justice.
Steve Whitney, Glenview
