Trump's lawsuit is not 'longstanding' but a matter of immediate concern
“Court likely to reject President Trump’s immunity claim: narrower ruling could delay trial until after election” (Page A1, April 26): Supreme Court Justice Neil M. “We're writing rules that will stand the test of time,” Gorsuch said. It sounds a little like what Secretary of War Edwin Stanton is said to have said when President Abraham Lincoln was wounded by an assassin's bullet. “He's now part of the era.” Perhaps this was an effort to add weight to the task at hand. But Gorsuch's job in this case seems a little more straightforward.
As we learned recently in the decision overturning Roe v. Wade, in which Gorsuch joined, decisions, no matter how monumental they may seem, are not carved in stone. It is also recalled that during Chief Justice John Roberts' Senate confirmation hearing, he suggested that his job would be like that of an umpire calling “balls and strikes.”
What former President Donald Trump envisioned and orchestrated on January 6, 2021 was clearly a strike (in more than just words) and a violation of presidential power, whether personal or official. It is not within the range at all.
The court needs to address the serious violation at hand now and leave the finger push-up matter for a future date.
James P. Pearl
marlborough
I argue that when Justice Gorsuch declared, “We are writing rules that will stand the test of time,'' Justice Department lawyers should have said, “No.'' It's tempting to say that, but out of respect, it's best to create a rule that's strictly specific to this one particular fact. ”
traver clinton smith jr.
lexington
The author is a lawyer.
The judge's questions ironically convey a sense of distrust in the court system.
One of the most ironic aspects of last week's arguments before the Supreme Court over former President Donald Trump's immunity claim was the apparent distrust of the court system itself. Some of the justices wondered what would stop a newly elected president from pursuing the outgoing president and seeking prosecution for actions he committed while in office. Well, if those charges are justified, the court could prosecute and convict. If not, either no charges will be filed or the charges will be dismissed without cause. The only reason to consider granting immunity is if there is a belief that the justice system is corrupt. Perhaps the current conservative majority on the court is showing us what they really think about their actions.
james christopher
westwood
Where exactly do President Trump's loyalties lie?
I have doubts about Donald Trump's loyalty given the many indictments, criminal proceedings, court cases, and pending trials surrounding him. To whom or what is the former US president claiming support or allegiance? Is it God or country? What about the overall improvement of the American people? Or the people who insurrection against the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021? Is it President Trump's own ideology? His own skin?
Wayne E. Williams
Camden, New Jersey
Is the Republican front-runner looking for a “hall pass”?
By claiming that the president needs immunity from prosecution, Donald Trump is essentially suggesting that he will break the law if elected president again.
T. Lee Myers
bedford
