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Capitol alibi

Posted

To the editor:

For at least the second time, Nat Weiner suggests that the blame for the January 6 insurrection falls upon those who violated the Capitol. In July, Mr. Weiner wrote “Why is the blame for January 6 being placed squarely on Donald Trump’s shoulders?... Why is Trump being blamed for the stupidity of his followers?” (“A defense,” letters, The Chief, July 12).

Last week, Mr. Weiner wrote “The decision to storm the capitol was made by those who stormed the Capitol. Not Donald Trump” (“No confidence,” letters, The Chief).

Using that logic, it was wrong for California to prosecute and convict Charles Manson for murder in 1969. After all, Manson wasn’t present during the Tate murders and he didn’t physically participate in the LaBianca murders. The prosecution even conceded that Manson didn’t directly order the murders. Yet, I doubt anyone, including Mr. Weiner, believes there was a miscarriage of justice in the Manson case. 

Trump’s culpability for January 6 is equally clear. The question raised in Mr. Weiner’s latest — “What is it sad about” tens of millions of Americans voting for Trump? — is more than answered once one accepts this.

Joseph Cannisi

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