Sen. Mike Lee, apparently out of reflex instead of reason, immediately compared the federal indictment of former President Donald Trump under the Espionage Act to political prosecutions in banana republics in Central and South America.
How embarrassing, both to himself and his constituents. And how disrespectful of our justice system and the rule of law.
First, unlike Trump while he was president, there is no evidence that President Joe Biden has ever instructed Attorney General Merrick Garland whom to investigate or how or when to charge.
Second, Garland appointed an independent special prosecutor to avoid any appearance of politics in this matter.
Third, faced with the knowledge that he had sensitive, classified material he had no right to, and after warnings, letters, subpoenas and finally a duly issued search warrant, Trump denied, argued, misled, fought and allegedly obstructed the Justice Department every step of the way.
Finally, after more than a year of careful review of the facts and law, the DOJ has come to the conclusion that they feel confident they can prove the allegations against Trump beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury.
Given how serious the charges are, if Trump was anyone else, once arraigned he would likely be in jail, without bond, awaiting trial. Trump is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, has been and will be afforded due process under the Constitution and federal statutes, and will be represented by counsel of his choice at a trial before a jury of his peers.
This is about as far from a banana republic as one can get.
As a former prosecutor, Sen. Lee surely knows better than the irresponsible statement he issued. That he continues to put his loyalty to Trump and his party over the rule of law and alleged breaches of national security tells us volumes about his character.
Ira Rubinfeld, Springdale
