Delaying Trump's trial a problem for both parties, voters | Letters

Pro-Trump and anti-Trump voters can’t agree on much, but one factor seems on everyone’s mind − timing. As the indictments unfold and the GOP holds fast to their top polling candidate − Donald Trump − it becomes obvious that the anti-Trump faction is concerned that somehow the presidential election next year could produce unheard of legal complications like, if Trump is elected, can he pardon himself? So the Dems want a speedy trial.

But it seems to me that the GOP should be concerned about timing also. Their concern should not be the delay tactic that is expected. They should worry that an early 2024 trial (or trials) on federal and possibly Georgia and New York State charges could result in a mid-summer conviction − just about the time of the Republican National Convention. Imagine that after all the primaries were conducted indicating Trump as the hands-down favorite now comes a guilty verdict that makes him ineligible for office. The GOP has a real problem. Who becomes the candidate after all the Trump-faithful have voiced their choice?

And so we come to the real question on timing − at what "breakpoint" in all the legal proceedings does the GOP decide to follow or dump Trump? What is a strong signal to the GOP "powers-that-be" to prepare for an alternate presidential/vice-presidential ticket, and whose names do we choose? At that late date, there won’t be time to ask the GOP voter base "Who do you want if Trump is unavailable?"

My "take" is that both the Dems and the GOP should desperately want to know the outcome of these trials ASAP. But I think the broader question is: Where is the regard for the American voter in all this procedure? How do we follow the traditional route of presenting the best candidates from the two main parties if legal decisions intervene?

The judiciary owes all voters the opportunity to cast their votes according to the U.S. Constitution. But delaying these trials will make that nearly impossible.

Mike Hauer, Villa Hills

Outside interests didn't cast my vote against Issue 1

After Tuesday's resounding defeat of Issue 1, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose once again blamed "outside interests and liberal billionaires" for the loss at the polls. Similar to a 3-year-old running around with their hands over their ears saying "La, la, la" in protest over bedtime, LaRose and his GOP cronies continue the rhetoric and obstinance that pushed me and many other Republicans away from the party.

Outside interests and money did not cast my "No" vote to Issue 1. The GOP’s misogynistic viewpoints and pathetically meek obedience to the religious right is what helped me make an informed decision. I understand the checks are just too big to ignore from those religious leaders, and, therefore, your judgment has been clouded. Truly pathetic.

What’s more pathetic is the attempt to redefine democracy as 41% majority rule. One step closer to Apartheid, and unfortunately one step closer to a Sectarian Government. Does the Ohio GOP really think their constituents are too stupid to recognize these attempts? Hopefully, Tuesday’s decision clarifies this for them. I don’t want to live in Iran, or the Ohio GOP version of it.

LaRose touts his former military service as a quantifier for his worthiness to serve. I, too, am a veteran of the U.S. Army. I joined the military to uphold liberty and democracy here and to help those individuals in other countries lift the yoke of oppression. It disgusts me that a veteran would try to "customize" democracy to fit a religious sect’s belief.

Well Mr. LaRose, you wake up today a "No-Go." I know you and all the veterans who read this letter to the editor will understand that term. You are not a champion of democracy, you are a champion of far-right religious donations, as the rest of your GOP cohorts are. You will be a "No-Go" if you choose to run for the U.S. Senate as well. I offer this slogan with no expectation of recognition or compensation, just the hope that it sends LaRose and the rest of his fellow bullies to defeat in future elections.

The GOP is a No-Go in Ohio.

(Editor's note: No-Go is a military term for a situation or person to avoid.)

Patrick Mitchell, Indian Hill

Don't mess with what the majority of Ohioans want

In regards to issue 1, it’s a shame Secretary of State Frank LaRose did not pay attention to the lesson former Ohio Gov. John Kasich learned: Don’t mess with what the majority of Ohioans want. My suggestion for LaRose and all who support an authoritative regime, Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking for replacements for his army, maybe it’s time for you to move.

Gregory Reece, Pleasant Ridge

Ohio voters have spoken, and lawmakers need to listen

The people of Ohio have spoken, and they said they don't want politicians interfering with women's reproductive rights. They rejected Gov. Mike DeWine's apparent philosophy to keep women in their place − "barefoot and pregnant" as the old saying goes. There are any number of reasons a woman may want or have to terminate a pregnancy at some point. That's traumatic enough, and it's time we tell our elected representatives they shouldn't be making it worse by passing misogynic laws that turn women and medical personnel into criminals.

Robert Sharkey, West Chester Township

LaRose desperate to explain Issue 1 defeat

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's explanations of the failure of Issue 1 remind me of the guy who had a stand at the county fair selling liver and onions on a stick. Now he's trying to figure out where he went wrong. Some products don't sell because nobody wanted them in the first place.

Clint Bramkamp, East Walnut Hills

DOJ acted against Trump with Biden's approval

An Aug. 9 letter to the editor asserted that Senator J.D. Vance needs a civics lesson because President Joe Biden can indict no one. The Department of Justice is part of the federal executive branch. The attorney general was nominated by the president and serves solely at the pleasure of the president (unless impeached).

To say that the DOJ is not taking the actions it has in persecuting the leading political opponent of the president without the full knowledge and approval of President Biden is farcical.

Jack Felton, Green Township

The working class no long has standing in the Democratic Party

I grew up in a blue-collar, working-class family. My dad was a union man, and I proudly followed in his footsteps. Our family voted as a unit for the Democratic Party because, in those days, they stood for our values. That's no longer true and, in fact, the progressive leadership today has taken our party (and the country) in a 180-degree turn.

The working class no longer has standing in the party, which is now led by college-educated liberals who favor soft-on-crime policies, transgenderism and mostly nonsensical green energy programs. As a result, I'll be sitting out the next election, as well as all future elections, until they return to the party of my youth.

Jeff Moeller, Anderson Township

Reds Fantasy Camp brought pure joy to lots of kids

Cheers to Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Reds Community Fund, Reds Youth Academy and Miracle League Baseball. My son, Johnny, and I have just returned from Reds Fantasy Camp, our end-of-the-year celebration of baseball. We were joined by Reds players Spencer Steer, Buck Farmer and Fernando Cruz, who engaged with our kids with great delight and acceptance. Pure joy was felt by all. It was a little slice of the world we all want our kids to live in. Mostly a thank you to our children who show us everyday how to live with courage, resilience and joy.And always − Go Reds!

Sue Miele, Covedale

Thankful to live in Cincinnati not San Francisco

My husband and I attended a wedding in San Francisco last weekend, my first visit to the city in about 10 years. Wow, have things changed. From boarded-up store fronts, excrement on the sidewalks and constant "attacks" from the homeless, the "City by the Bay" is a shadow of its former self. We should be proud and thankful that Cincinnati hasn't fallen into that kind of disrepair, and hope that our city leaders will do all they can to keep it that way.

Donna Pritchard, Liberty Township

Allies questioning whether they can still count on America

I think that the average American has become so self-absorbed and/or apathetic that they don't realize that our allies are beginning to wonder if they can still depend on us. From a president who can't speak in full sentences, to a military that seems more concerned about transgender issues than the mounting veteran suicides, to major cities where the homeless and criminals rule the streets, to college campuses where opposing viewpoints are no longer tolerated, it's obvious that we're going in the wrong direction as a nation. We used to be looked up to by the rest of the world, but that's becoming less true every day. Unless we demand better from our leaders and ourselves, we'll no longer be the country the rest of the world can count on, let alone be a country that will survive and prosper.

Arthur Zimmer, Loveland

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Delaying Trump's trial a problem for both parties, voters | Letters