Letters: Trump charges are warranted

Now that Donald Trump has become defendant Trump, the MAGA faithful have been quick to adopt Republican talking points to excuse his behavior. The charges are unprecedented, they say, regardless of the fact that DA Bragg has brought these same charges dozens of times since he's been in office. The only thing unprecedented in the indictment is that we've never had a criminal like Trump as president before.

They also say that the charges are too trivial to indict a former president on. The man directed a conspiracy to pay off a porn star to keep her tryst with Trump a secret. It just so happens that this was done at a critical point just before the 2016 election. Had this story come out, Donald Trump may well have lost the election.

Another excuse used is that our country is being humiliated on the world stage by bringing the charges against Trump. I would submit that we were being more humiliated by Trump's behavior while in office than by his indictment.

Finally, I have two questions for the MAGA faithful: First, would you have objected to the prosecution of Al Capone on tax violations? And, second, what excuses will you have when Trump is indicted in Georgia for interfering in the election's certification, or for espionage and obstruction of justice for keeping classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, and eventually for seditious conspiracy to overthrow the government? The man deserves to be charged for his every wrongdoing, as should his co-conspirators.

Richard Keslinke

Algonquin

Arlington Park link to 'Run for the Roses'

Although Arlington Park, the racetrack where so much history and so many endless memories (mainly good, some not so good) no longer conducts live horse racing, I would be remiss in not trumpeting a local owner and homegrown trainer and their extremely talented 3-year-old colt Two Phil's for securing a spot in the 2023 Kentucky Derby on May 6. As a matter of fact Two Phil's is the current top point earner for inclusion for The Derby to be run on the first Saturday in May. A brilliant victory in the Jeff Ruby Stakes at Turfway Park on March 25 shot the connections to the top of the standings with 123 points. Kudos to Arlington's longtime leading trainer Larry Rivelli and owners Patricia's Hope, LLC, and Phillip Sagan, and I must also mention jockey Jareth Loveberry for a terrific ride. Best wishes for success in "The Run for the Roses."

Larry Boward

Glen Ellyn

Keeping faith with vets

Congratulations to the Illinois House, on passage of House Bill 1635, the transfer of the 4.7 acres from the Lake County Forest Preserve District to the National Cemetery. Introduced by Rep. Bob Morgan, with co-sponsors Reps. Daniel Didech, Laura Dias and Joyce Mason, the bill keeps faith with our veterans as we continue Fort Sheridan National Cemetery as a field of honor for our veterans.

Michael Peck

Mundelein

A case for cutting carbs

Regarding "The case for eating more carbohydrates" March 20:

The article states, "The truth is carbs aren't bad." My health improved dramatically when I cut my carb consumption to fifty grams a day. Inconsistent with this article's claims on metabolic syndrome, my triglycerides went from 250 to 50. My HDLs are over 100 and I lost 35 pounds.

Stating that "Restricting or eliminating carbohydrates can lead to other health problems" is inconsistent with my experience. The Virta Health program is approved by Blue Cross. It encourages patients to cut their carb consumption. I and many others have benefitted from their program. Lowering carb intake to combat diabetes is a proven approach.

Austin Walsh

Schaumburg