The Issue: A New York appeals court reducing the bond amount in Donald Trump’s civil fraud case.
One wonders what formula Judge Arthur Engoron used to determine that Trump’s “ill-gotten gains” amounted to $454 million to begin with (“Shaving grace for Don,” March 26).
Congrats to New York’s appellate courts for not allowing such barratry to stand.
The cost of doing business in New York has become so prohibitive that the city’s commercial enterprises are fleeing for friendlier climes.
James Evans
Worcester, Mass.
I’m happy to see Trump finally get a break in having his outrageous $454 million judgment cut down to a more “manageable” $175 million.
Eugene R. Dunn
Medford
Our court system is broken.
A New York appeals court has agreed to hold off on the collection of former President Donald Trump’s more than $454 million civil-fraud judgment if he puts up only $175 million within 10 days.
Why do rich, white men always seem to get a break?
The inability of our court system to administer accountability for terrible crimes is a phenomenon that has spread across our nation.
Recent court decisions have shown that personal backgrounds, wealth and unconscious biases about race, gender and appearance play a more important role in outcomes than the actual law.
Richard A. French
Pasadena, Calif.
It’s legal to use political campaign donations to pay lawyers working on cases directly related to Trump’s campaign.
But why is it legal for him to use campaign donations to pay lawyers in his New York fraud case?
Or his E. Jean Carroll defamation case?
That shouldn’t be legal.
Mike Barrett
Ashburn, Va.
The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution states: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishments inflicted.”
Has Attorney General Letitia James read the Constitution?
Nancy Brenner
Manhattan
In undemocratic countries, leaders try to eliminate opposition.
This is not a partisan issue. As Americans, we need to stand against this weaponization of our justice system.
If we don’t, then next time it might be one of us standing trial because we don’t share the political beliefs of the party in power.
Donna Rennecker
Georgetown, Ky.
I hope Trump pays his penalty in pennies.
Rick Meyer
Pinehurst, NC
The Issue: Catherine, Princess of Wales, announcing her cancer diagnosis after months out of the public eye.
I was greatly saddened to hear of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis (“Royals ‘huge shock’ reveal,” March 23).
She stated that she is receiving preventive chemotherapy.
I offer my heartfelt prayers to her husband Prince William and their children.
I fully understand what she is going through at this time, because at age 66 I was diagnosed with cancer.
I am now 75, but my doctor is keeping watch on me.
The key to treating cancer is to get tested on a regular basis.
Princess Kate, we are all praying for you.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
The medical issues the royal family is currently experiencing are no one’s business but their own.
Of course the mainstream media feast upon the story.
Arthur French
Wainscot
Princess Catherine exemplifies what’s missing in today’s culture: grace and dignity in the face of adversity.
If only the public could follow her example.
Scott W. Ventrella
Ridgefield, Conn.
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