Re: “Trump dangles prospect of pardons,” Jan. 31 news story In his latest foray into an alternate universe, former President Donald Trump has suggested that those arrested for the January 2021 assault on the U. S. Capitol “are being treated so unfairly” and may be deserving of pardons if convicted.
Once again, Trump is assuming the role of judge, jury and defense attorney and he seeks to gloss over the sad debacle that occurred. But, just as he did regarding his false claims about a “stolen election” despite more than 60 court cases finding no cause for any of his claims, Trump alone apparently knows better.
It is time for Republican leaders and the rank and file to take off their gloves and call it like it is. Trump is trying to edge our democracy toward a fascist state. Anything contrary to his thinking is wrong. This applies to actions by our court system, our media, our public opinion or Congress.
Voters must demand any candidate running for office in this November’s elections (senator, congressperson, secretary of state or dog catcher) respond to these two questions: Do you believe Trump and feel that our 2020 election was stolen? And, should the former president be held accountable for his actions (or inactions) and words on Jan. 6 that resulted in the Capitol riots? Then the electorate will know where that candidate stands regarding this blatant attack on our form of democratic government.
Howard Herbst, Aurora
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