Letters to the editor: Trump settles with his own DOJ, America’s concerning wealth inequality
Ukraine War
I recently returned from my eighth humanitarian trip to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, witnessing firsthand the catastrophic crisis of this war alongside the unbreakable resilience of its people. Russia continues to relentlessly target civilians—bombing homes, hospitals, schools, and churches—while committing unspeakable war crimes. Among these atrocities are the destruction of over 700 religious sites and the abduction of thousands of children.
It is imperative, morally and strategically, for the United States to enact stricter sanctions to help end this genocide. To achieve this, the bipartisan Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 2913), which tightens economic pressure and prevents the premature lifting of sanctions, must be passed. Russian oil and gas exports fund the war machine and enable the Kremlin to target civilians. As a voter in Lexington, Kentucky, I expect my representatives to support this vital legislation, pressure Russia to end this war, and ensure Moscow cannot use a pause to rearm.
As this war enters its fifth year, constituents like me are watching closely. America’s leadership, our national credibility—and my vote—are on the line.
Joan Root, Lexington
Wealth Inequality
Wealth inequality in the United States has reached levels that should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation. While millions of working families struggle to afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and higher education, a small percentage of the population continues to accumulate enormous wealth at a historic pace.
Historically, federal income tax rates for top earners were much higher, sitting at 70 percent in 1965. Today, the top federal individual rate is 37 percent, and the top corporate is 21 percent, a significant difference from 52 percent in the 1960s. These massive tax cuts for the rich and corporations occurred under the Reagan, Bush and Trump administrations.
Extreme inequality weakens our democracy and undermines social trust. A healthy economy depends on a strong middle class, fair wages, affordable education, and equal opportunity. America succeeds when prosperity is shared more broadly.
It is time to address wealth inequality before the divide grows even larger. Please reach out to your elected officials and demand that they increase taxation of the rich and corporations so it will be more equitable for all Americans and pay down our massive Federal debt.
Jon Miller, Lexington
SAVE America Act
Why does the Constitution seem to mean one thing yesterday and another thing today?
Kentucky voters are being told that the SAVE America Act goes too far because elections belong to the states. But if that is true, then why has Congress repeatedly passed national election laws for decades — often with U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s, R-Ky., support and involvement?
The U.S. Supreme Court addressed part of this issue in the 2013 case Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. Arizona attempted to require proof of citizenship beyond what federal voter registration law required. The Court blocked Arizona’s effort because Congress had already established the federal registration system governing those elections.
Notice the tension: the Court did not say Congress lacked authority. It ruled that Congress possessed enough authority to override the state.
Congress has exercised that authority many times before. The National Voter Registration Act established nationwide registration procedures. Then, after the disputed 2000 election, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act. At that time, McConnell did not merely support that legislation — he helped architect it alongside U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-CT.
If Congress constitutionally possesses authority to establish national election procedures in some situations, what constitutional distinction suddenly makes the SAVE America Act unacceptable?
David Paher, Richmond
Trump v. IRS
In 2016, contrary to custom, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump deferred releasing his tax returns because he was allegedly under IRS audit, while implying his returns would be forthcoming post-audit. He lied. The returns were only revealed via an outlaw IRS contractor.
As president lording over both the IRS and U.S. Department of Justice, Trump sued the government but now claims he has benevolently “settled” his bogus, already dismissed lawsuit in consideration for the DOJ rewarding January 6 lawbreakers and Trump acolytes from a $1.8 billion fund. All of this while law-abiding Americans struggle with inflation accelerated by the Iran War that exceeds War Powers Act authority.
With no risk now of being primaried, what do Congressional primary winners say about this? Do they agree that Trump’s fund is stupid or immoral as U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said (both can be true)? Will they vote for legislation to stop this scheme?
Congress members - tell us also if you support $1 billion grandiose funding for the East Wing extravaganza to be built through no bid contracts awarded to Trump favorites. And while you’re at it, tell us if you support Trump and his family use their positions to enrich themselves through sweetheart deals and conflicts of interest. RSVP to your constituents.
Buck Hinkle, Lexington