LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As a survivor of domestic violence, my soul has been crushed by President Trump’s election and his continued determination to undermine civil and women’s rights.

It has made me question my faith in humanity, in my friends and coworkers. It’s like a nightmare that never ends, destroying your spirit, leaving you with a lingering fear of the future.

Yet, in the midst of this human tragedy we have renewed our commitment to support one another. The old adage, what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger, has come into play, and we will rediscover our strength.

Although I am hurt and discouraged, I am inspired by the unity of women across America and believe that this experience will pave the way for equality for future generations. This is just another part of our journey, not our destination. We will live to fight another day, and the victory will be all the sweeter.

Evelyn Diana Frogge-Chabot, Bartlett

Kavanaugh a victim of politics

Kudos to Republican Sen. Susan Collins for her passionate speech in support of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. From the very first moment this man was announced as the nominee for the Supreme Court, the Democratic Party has done nothing but try to railroad him, block him and smear his name, all because they are still fuming about President Trump winning the White House ...

It appears that we have entered a dark time in our country now when a person is guilty before presumed innocent instead of innocent until proven guilty. I feel bad for what Judge Kavanaugh and his family have had to go through over these last few weeks in what appears to be nothing more than a smear campaign led by Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein and her Democratic counterparts.

I also feel sorry for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford what she has had to endure during this time period, but unfortunately her story against Judge Kavanaugh does not hold water at this point.

Jeffrey Johnston, Olive Branch

Innocent until proven guilty

Being an independent voter I have no party to be loyal to. What I look for from each party is to implement a structured evaluation process that is decided after all facts are presented to the American people. I've noticed a bias before any candidate was announced for the Supreme Court. I don't judge any man or woman without learning who they are and their political position has nothing to do with their character or capabilities. I did research as many facts from rulings made by Judge Kavanaugh and see no indication of what speculation many news networks are claiming.

If I were on a jury on claims of sexual abuse with testimony and facts presented, then I would have reasonable doubt of guilt. On the most violent of crime trials, a person is innocent until the facts confirm his guilt. I worry we are so divided that escalation of confrontation in hostile ways can only lead to violence.

If you truly love this wonderful country, then let everyone express their views with civility towards each other and condemn all violence. God bless all of you and America.

David Wieland, Eads

Rape is crime hidden from view

I am an old woman and spend a lot of time watching TV. These last few days has taken me back to an earlier time. The answer for men accused of rape has always been deny, deny, deny. The next step is make fun of the woman. Rape is a crime hidden from view of others. We only have the statements from the accused and the victim. The accused are two 17-yearold boys and the victim a 15-year-old child.

We may never know for sure so we have to decide who we believe. I believe Dr. Ford.

We saw a president use the old deny and make fun of. I even saw some people join in the laughter. I fear for future victims of this crime.

Urba Reed, Memphis