Wake up, America

Despite the numerous improprieties by President Donald Trump (in fact, too many to remember), the recent ones that make lasting impressions with me relate to his publicly criticizing the judge and members of the jury in the midst of the recent Roger Stone trial, in which Mr. Stone, a close friend and associate of Mr. Trump, was found guilty of serious criminal offenses.

Mr. Trump’s similar, and perhaps even worse, conduct occurred in a prior criminal case against one of his other friends/associates, when he publicly charged that his friend/associate was being unfairly prosecuted, while the nonsequestered jury was deliberating. This was an obvious and outrageous attempt to intimidate and influence the jury before it rendered a verdict.

The jury system in this country is one of the linchpins of our democracy, and you can clearly see what detrimental effect such conduct has on that democracy — i.e., jurors and judges.

One would have to be looking over their shoulder in fear of being publicly ridiculed and perhaps even physically assaulted by those favoring Mr. Trump, unless they make decisions that satisfy him. I believe that every citizen, and especially every lawyer who has trial experience, should be awakened by this disgusting conduct.

Further, in response to some who say “look what he has done for the country by way of the economy” (which is debatable), I say to them that even assuming that such is true, you are willing to trade off morality, honesty and legality for something (economy) that will eventually be negatively affected by such behavior. I am not so willing and ask that fellow citizens take a stand and express themselves for the benefit of our country.

CARL MOSES Hermitage