Letters to the Editor | July 2, 2024

On Sunday, columnist Trudy Rubin proved again that she is an astute and totally committed analyst of international affairs. Her recent visit to Ukraine, her travel to a war zone, and her interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky are examples of her ongoing efforts, at personal risk, to provide her readers and U.S. leaders with the truth.

Zelensky’s transition from comedy and television to the presidency, and his tireless and total dedication to the survival of Ukraine, are impressive. He has a full understanding of his country’s needs and the role the international community must play in Ukraine’s attempt to survive intact. Donald Trump’s reelection would undermine Ukraine’s efforts. Trump has made it clear he will cut off all aid to Ukraine on Day One and demand an immediate cease-fire. It is equally clear that Vladimir Putin is looking forward to Trump’s election. Once again, Rubin has presented a clear picture of what needs to be done and what needs to be avoided.

Joel Chinitz, Philadelphia, jjchin@comcast.net

CNN moderators let Donald Trump ramble on and on and on with the most ridiculous made-up and false statements. He was a joke, like a snake oil salesman with verbal diarrhea. For Trump’s denial of the “suckers and losers” statement, just ask retired Gen. John F. Kelly. Thursday’s debate was the worst I’ve ever seen. Joe Biden must have had too many bad dry runs; his voice was damaged, but he was not really prepared for Trump’s machine gun of lies. Neither candidate won, but I’ll still vote for Biden because of his experience and character. I could never support a totally unqualified egotist and liar.

Robert Turnbull, Hatboro

The online headline, “A Philly judge dismissed charges against a cop accused of beating a mother in front of her child amid 2020 unrest,” is not only sensational and misleading but potentially dangerous to the safety of the judge. As noted in the article, key witnesses failed to appear at the proceeding, and the judge’s hands were tied. The judge was aware this was a procedural defect and the case would be refiled. In this current environment, the safety of our judges should be a high priority and concern of our citizens.

There has been a substantial increase in the number, tenor, and nature of the threats to judges over the years. In fact, in 2023 there were 913 reported incidents (and many more likely went unreported). Threats to federal judges have more than doubled over the past three years, as has the violent nature of those threats. We should not forget what happened to U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas, whose only son was killed when an unhappy lawyer showed up at her New Jersey home seeking revenge. Our judges are public servants. They put their lives on the line every day, and such sensationalizing is irresponsible and dangerous.

Deborah R. Gross, CEO and president, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, dgross@pmconline.org

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