Opinion: Donald Trump’s gangster presidency

To the editor: President Trump does not understand the concept of checks and balances, which the founding fathers put in place to secure our democracy. He has always done whatever he wants and said whatever he wants. He answers to no one and surrounds himself with yes men and women. (“Absolutely nothing about James Comey’s firing passes the smell test,” editorial, May 9)

Trump conducts his presidency as if he were a gangster, rewarding those who are loyal to him regardless of what the facts are. I can just see Trump telling Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to come up with a legal basis for firing FBI Director James Comey; ironically Sessions and his deputy came up with something that happened months ago concerning Comey’s handling of Hillary Clinton’s email, the very thing Trump complimented him for doing during the campaign.

Trump has fired Comey, acting Atty. Gen. Sally Yates and U.S. Atty. Preet Bharara, all people of integrity whom Trump cannot control and were investigating the president. It’s time for members of Congress to stand up to Trump and protect the democratic process and the American people.

Alba Farfaglia, San Clemente

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To the editor: Trump’s letter to Comey thanking him for purportedly informing the president that he is not under investigation is akin to an obvious tell by a poker player that he has a weak hand.

In this case, Comey’s investigation may have been close to revealing Trump’s and his cronies’ close ties to Russia. It is also reminiscent of Nixon’s claim during the Watergate scandal that “I am not a crook.” (“The Russia investigation is on life support. Here’s what it will take to survive after Comey,” editorial, May 10)

Hopefully, even Republican members of Congress will see the firing of Comey for what it is: a flagrant abuse of power and attempt to cover up what may amount to illegal actions. Congress should not hesitate in calling for the appointment of an independent special prosecutor.

Perhaps such appointment will mark the beginning of the end of this train wreck of a presidency.

Jeff Skiljan, Encinitas

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To the editor: All Americans should be rejoicing over Trump’s firing of Comey. The FBI director’s dismissal has shown once again that Trump is a great president.

Comey was not fit to be the director of the most prestigious investigative agency in America. He proved this once and for all on July 5, 2016, when he announced that he was not recommending criminal charges against Hillary Clinton for the illegal use of a secret and private email server. Everyone with more than half a brain knows that Clinton deserved to be prosecuted for breaking numerous federal laws and endangering American security.

Comey probably knew this but did not have the backbone to recommend charges. The FBI cannot have a director who ignores the law and has no spine.

It’s very comforting to have an adult in the White House with the courage to make this a better country.

Bob Wallace, Las Vegas

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To the editor: How many more incidents of our president’s weird and irrational behavior must we Americans suffer before it rises to the level of impeachment? I am unable to sleep for fear of his next impulse.

Hilda Rolfe, Los Angeles

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