Supreme Court
Re “Immunity ruling could put military, civil service in impossible situations” (Our Views, July 11): The editorial is one of the most powerful in recent memory. The Supreme Court’s presidential immunity decision will undoubtedly join the Dred Scott and “separate but equal” decisions as among the worst in the court’s history. That, plus the Citizens United decision, allowing untold millions to be donated to political action committees, will forever cloak Chief Justice John Roberts’ court in infamy.
The recent revelations about Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito and their wives don’t help the situation, and something must be done. Should the Democrats win the White House as well as both houses of Congress, they can restore the court to its normal moderate self. They can do this by impeaching, convicting and removing both Thomas and Alito. Or they can simply add more justices to the court. The Congress is the only body empowered by the Constitution to do this. Then the Democratic president can appoint justices who will restore confidence in the Supreme Court, which is now sorely lacking.
Dr. Arthur H. Jennette, Williamsburg
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Democrats?
I used to be a Democrat. I believed in free speech, fight the power elites, stick it to the man and get the government off our backs. This is what Democrats used to be about.
Back then, we said that we may not like what you said, but would defend your right to say it. Now, they want to control every noun and pronoun in English. How dare you have your own thoughts. Fight the power? The “man”? It is laughable how they now roll over to those in power and do exactly as they are told.
People magazine features their true lords. That millions of people voted for President Joe Biden means that those people wanted him to run again. They knew of his issues (anyone with a brain cell could see those) and supported him. Nah, the power elites saw his poll numbers and forced him out. They put in a puppet candidate, someone who has so failed at her job so succinctly that her boss kept her from the public for much of this administration. The Democrats roll over for it. A bloodless oligarch coup. I thought Democrats were against that.
In 2016, some of the GOP rank and file hated that former President Donald Trump was winning. But the people were supporting him. There was talk of having delegates change their votes. But, they finally gave in to the will of the people.
It is incredible how the Democrats just rolled over. In the words of Padme Amidala, “This is how liberty dies.”
Michele Baird, Virginia Beach
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“Hillbilly Elegy”
My wife, Tracy, and I just finished watching “Hillbilly Elegy,” the life story of Republican nominee for vice president, Sen. J.D. Vance, now streaming on Netflix. Vance, born and raised in Middletown, Ohio, often recounts the values of his mother and her family who grew up in a seriously conflicted environment in the small, rural town of Breathitt County, Kentucky.
Often separated from his drug-addicted mother, he was eventually raised by his stern grandmother, “mamaw,” in Middletown. Demanding much, her forbidding spirit and unyielding determination enabled Vance to excel in both school and work, eventually graduating from Yale Law School.
Director Ron Howard, actress Glenn Close and the entire cast were exceptional. We were mesmerized by this movie, based on his memoir of the same name. If you have the opportunity, check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Steve and Tracy Yedinak, Newport News
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2024 election
A presidential candidate who constantly distorts the truth, has committed adultery, was found liable for sexual abuse, belittled a person with a disability, found liable for fraud, and separated migrant parents from their children is not following the teachings of Christ. Ministers (and politicians) who lead church members to support such behavior are leading them down a path in direct opposition to God’s laws and judgments. These leaders are perverting the gospel. The Apostle Paul describes those church members as having “itching ears,” listening for what they prefer and not for the truth.
Jesus came to Earth to offer salvation, and during his ministry showed compassion by healing the sick. Contrast that with former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act; more than 10 million Americans would have lost medical insurance. Throughout the Old Testament immigrants are referred to as “strangers,” and the Hebrews were instructed not to oppress immigrants remembering how they suffered while in Egypt. Trump refers to immigrants as thieves and murderers and has shown them no humanity.
His biggest lie is that the 2020 election was rigged for which the courts have found no supporting evidence. Jesus and God’s law are truth, and Revelation states “all liars” will join unrepentant sinners in the lake of fire. Christians voting for Trump are holding “the truth in unrighteousness” — Romans 1:18 — meaning they know the truth but prefer to follow their own desires and biases. No politician is perfect. However, I pray Americans elect a president who believes in mercy and justice.
Robert E. Hargrove, Virginia Beach
