Do we believe ‘no man is above the law’
Part of the Ethics in Government Act is the statute allowing for a special prosecutor to investigate any person who may have committed a federal crime other than certain misdemeanors.
The first step calls for the attorney general to conduct a preliminary investigation. The act says “[i]f information received under this chapter involves the Attorney General, the next most senior official in the Department of Justice who is not also recused shall perform the duties assigned under this chapter to the Attorney General.”
That person is Dana Boente, deputy attorney general.
Perjury is a federal crime. Attorney General Sessions said this under oath: “I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians.” It is indisputable that he lied under oath. We seem passionate about prosecuting “street crime.” Why should we not be as vigilant (or more so) in prosecuting crimes committed by senior federal government officials?
Now is the time to decide if, in our democracy, we truly believe “no man is above the law.”
John C. Cavett Jr.
Smith mischaracterizes ‘Indivisible’ group
I must take issue with the Free Press Feb. 20 column by Robin Smith. Smith mischaracterizes the network of grassroots groups identified as Indivisible, which has sprung up since the election of President Trump.
As you correctly state, we are using ideas outlined in indivisibleguide.com, which advocates some Tea Party strategies. But whoever is using “paramilitary force armed with bats, steel rods, fireworks and Molotov cocktails” is not us. I am with Indivisible, but I am a peaceful Tennessean, much like you.
At this writing, our Indivisible group, Sewanee Organize and Act, is 300-strong from across Franklin, Grundy and Marion counties. We are nurses, teachers, farmers, artists, students, parents and retirees. We are black, white, brown, gay, straight and of various faiths.
We fear for our families and communities, our country and the world. Among the things that we oppose are violence, vandalism and polarizing political rhetoric. Among things we support are freedom of the press and building bridges between people. Ms. Smith, let’s talk; we probably share many values. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2 p.m. (CST) at Otey Church in Sewanee. For more information email sewaneeorganizeandact@gmail.com.
Mary P. Priestley
Sewanee, Tenn.
Blue lives matter for just one race?
A question for editors, but I don’t expect an honest answer: If black cops were shooting unarmed white people, would you feel differently about “Blue Lives Matter”? Would you automatically assume those unarmed people shot by cops were criminals, deserving of their fate?
I shudder right now, thinking about all the lies being told by so-called Christians, so-called followers of Christ, who said “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” The justifications and rationalizations would make a rational person spit. I firmly believe Jesus was a rational person.
Allan Baggett
Trion, Ga.