The American way

It is being widely circulated in the mass media that Donald Trump said he would issue pardons to those convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. That is one of the most troubling, dangerous and potentially damaging statements I have ever heard or read.

If Trump were re-elected president and followed through on that, he would hollow out the formal legal system in the U.S. and violate the fundamental principles and laws of our democratic republic. Any semblance of law and order would be savagely, unthinkably and irretrievably trampled on and tossed aside. Lawlessness would follow.

It is time to take Trump at his word and denounce such radical, non-American talk. He must be called to account, just as those who stormed the U.S. Capitol who have been charged, tried, convicted and sentenced. Hundreds more will be charged and prosecuted as the legal system works in its constitutionally ascribed ways.

That is the American way. Any lesser approach leads to anarchy or dictatorial rule.

– Hal Mansfield, Arivaca, Ariz.