I am deeply concerned that President Donald Trump has pardoned violent Jan. 6, 2021, criminals who were found guilty of breaking into the U.S. Capitol and assaulting the police in a bloody and vicious attack. Such lawless behavior by the president has shaken me profoundly, since it undermines my sense of justice and accountability. I fear it will embolden many lawless individuals to commit violent crimes against others, in President Trump’s name, since they believe he will then pardon them. In interviews, one Jan. 6 criminal bragged that he would immediately go out and buy a gun, presumably to use it in another act of political violence. I condemn political violence in any situation.
It was remarkably stunning to have the inauguration occur on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, since King’s nonviolent protest for racial justice contrasts starkly with President Trump’s promoting political violence to overturn the 2020 election.
I implore President Trump to set a better example, by governing with faith in our laws and adherence to the U.S. Constitution.
Bruce Dalleo
Wilmington
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
