Columnist left out important facts of history

I'd like to respond to Michael Barone's recent column. He asserts that multiple indictment charges lodged against Trump are for "what is essentially the same offense". Barone seems unaware that 'charge stacking' is commonly used by prosecutors for the same offense. He also asserts that the inclusion of photographs of evidence was somehow unusual.

The first use of photographic evidence in a federal court case dates back to 1859. Thus, Barone's implication that the use of photographs in the federal indictments of Trump was inappropriate is way out of date. As for the use of a suspect's quotations, surely Barone should remember the so-called "smoking gun" tape that ended Nixon's presidency?

Now, as for alleging a double standard about Hillary, it is strange that Barone does not mention that President Trump wanted to have Hillary prosecuted since he had repeatedly stated "Lock her up" in his rallies. But, his own counsel advised against doing that, so Trump chose not to pursue the matter. The fact that Hillary was not prosecuted was a decision of the Trump administration, not solely by Democrats as Barone asserts.

What about Joe Biden's misuse of federal documents? Barone does not mention that he is being investigated by special prosecutor Robert Hur, a Trump appointee, regarding his retention of federal documents. Hur has not yet issued his report.

Contrary to Barone's assertion, AG Garland did nothing unusual in stepping aside for a special counsel. Barone seems to be unaware of how common it has been to have such an appointment made. Since Watergate, every president including Biden, except for Obama, has had an independent counsel investigate some aspect of their administration.

Arthur Pitz

Elmhurst