Trust not spiritual conviction with state energy
New Brunswick, N.J.: It’s tempting to make heroes of Rusty Bowers and Mike Pence. Given the encompassing terrain, they tower above Bill Stepien, Bill Barr and all the opposite con males and flunkies testifying earlier than Congress. Bowers, specifically, emerges as a person of refreshing integrity and few phrases; cautious, considerate and understated, however deeply principled. It’s good to know there are nonetheless these round us on the aspect of the angels.
But wait a sec: Bowers claims he would nonetheless vote for Donald Trump regardless of the whole lot he and we all know concerning the latter and his contempt for the Constitution, due course of and the rule of legislation. More painful nonetheless is that Bowers believes that our Constitution was “divinely inspired.” To credit score our brilliantly crafted however fallible Constitution (bear in mind the Three-Fifths Clause?) as “divinely inspired” locations it above critiquing, amending and even changing. Talk of inspiration must be reserved for excellent artworks or strokes of genius, not paperwork written by legal professionals.
Decent human beings, individuals of excellent will and deep feeling who’re clearly competent at their jobs, are present process an internalized civil struggle. On one aspect are the common sense dictates of their roles as residents of the secular society that Thomas Jefferson et al had in thoughts in 1789. On the opposite — not essentially the aspect of our higher angels — are their spiritual beliefs, based mostly on a ebook written by human beings impressed by our primary have to not really feel alone within the universe.
What this says concerning the highly effective function faith performs in American society is miserable. What it bodes for America’s future is hardly trigger for optimism. J.T. Barbarese
The reality hurts
Bronx: I wish to inform that buffoon Trump that I’m uninterested in his Big Lie. The solely election that was stolen was the one ya stole from Hillary Clinton in 2016. You’re such a lunatic that you have to be in Bellevue. You know nothing of what it takes to be an incredible president and also you by no means will. I’ll inform the reality about you all the time. Doris Festante
Due course of
Manhattan: As everybody is aware of, a candidate for president who will get probably the most votes in a selected state will get all of that state’s Electoral College votes. There is not any mechanism by which a dropping candidate can strain a state’s secretary of state overseeing a federal election to vary the electors or the result to tilt in his favor. Any direct communication by a candidate (or his consultant) with an election official in an try to take action must be a federal crime, if it isn’t already. The solely authorized recourse for difficult election outcomes is thru the courts. However, such challenges should be based mostly in actual fact and backed by supporting proof. Consequently, Trump and Rudy Giuliani’s claims, based mostly solely on conspiracy theories, have been laughed out of court docket. It’s excessive time Trump confronted the truth that he misplaced the election to President Biden truthful and sq. and moved on. Enough is sufficient! Chana Schwartz
Judicious course of
Staten Island: In a 6-3 resolution, the Supreme Court struck down a New York legislation requiring individuals to indicate a necessity to hold a gun as a way to get a license to hold in public. The Democratic leftists screamed in opposition. Some even advocated the abolishing of the Supreme Court. So a lot for them all the time touting that they’re the saviors of democracy. Supreme Court rulings are usually not determined by a reputation contest. Many instances previously, their rulings ran counter to main widespread opinion. If we reject their reasoned rulings then each court docket case might be determined by widespread opinion. The Supreme Court protects minority opinions. They give attention to interpretation of the Constitution, not the political winds that might sway them. That’s why they’re appointed for all times. Joseph Valente
Their burden to bear
Newton, N.J.: As an American citizen against gun violence, I hereby make the next expenses towards Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts: You will now be held accountable for each particular person killed or wounded by weapons within the United States. Their blood is in your arms and heads and can by no means be cleansed. Michael Schnackenberg
Disregard for all times
West Columbia, S.C.: So the Supreme Court is making an attempt to kill us. First, it’s denying girls the protected and personal resolution of whether or not to provide beginning or abort, which can imply extra moms and youngsters in danger bodily and financially. Then it’s endangering residents in cities which have held again the tide of gun violence as a result of the right-wing majority of justices have decided that security in public locations is much much less necessary than the flexibility of males to gather as many firearms as they will and take them wherever they go. It appears that fetuses are the one Americans who might be protected if these 5 spiritual, righteous, Republican justices have their manner. I’d prefer to see simply the place within the Constitution — or within the Bible — they’ve discovered the reassurance that girls haven’t any proper to their very own our bodies and males will need to have all of the weapons they need. And but they name themselves “pro-life”! Carol Robinson
Public issues
Manhattan: I invite our once-esteemed Supreme Court justices to return and stroll the streets of the Bronx or Brownsville or Bed-Stuy day or night time, or sit in a automobile speaking or consuming. No takers? Of course not — they get private safety on the trace of a menace. They are a shame to their excessive positions. Mary Fredericks
Guns galore
Manhattan: Dang you, Clarence Thomas, and all 5 of you different Supreme Court justices who’re accountable for this gorgeous ruling! You simply randomly determine to overturn a century-old N.Y. state legislation that has required gun candidates to show “proper cause” and “good moral character,” arguing that the legislation violates the Second Amendment? I certain as heck don’t envy our mayor and governor. They had it powerful sufficient to start with with a progressive “defund the police” sort as DA. Now? How the hell are they going to persuade even a lifelong subway rider like me that taking public transit continues to be a protected different in our already crime-infested metropolis? Someone ought to create a GIF that photoshops Justice Thomas’s head on Oprah’s physique, declaring, “You get a gun! You get a gun! Everybody gets a gun!” NYC is furious proper now and as you may inform, I’m too! Gary Stein
Bare minimal
Redondo Beach, Calif.: Mike Pence was in workplace for 1,460 days and there was solely in the future of braveness. John Chevedden
Criminal inaction
Rockaway Park: I wish to reply to Voicer Scott Thompson: He states that former President Donald Trump was accused by the Democrats and the media of planning, organizing and inciting the Jan. 6 revolt on the Capitol. You’re proper, Mr. Thompson, he didn’t do these issues and neither did the media nor the Democrats. However, as president, he did nothing to cease it and that’s the issue. The Democrats and the media didn’t put up a noose to hold Mike Pence. It was the president’s job to cease the occasion from going ahead. Why didn’t he name out the National Guard? Instead, such as you and I, he watched it play out on tv and did nothing, and as such he’s an adjunct to against the law towards our nation. Sharon Gabriel
Game-day delay
Rosedale: Now that the NBA Finals are over, I’ve a request for the league and the networks that broadcast the video games. Living on the East Coast, it’s actually troublesome to observe to the top video games that begin at 9 p.m. Why do the video games have to return on so late? The sport doesn’t end till no less than 11:30 p.m., which is hard for individuals who must work the next morning. I perceive that with the West Coast being three hours behind, it’s a 6 p.m. begin for them, however I believe everybody will get an opportunity to observe the sport in full. Maybe they might miss the start of the sport however that’s manner higher than lacking the top. Shirley Jordan
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Source: www.bostonherald.com