Sharing opinions to get at actual facts

This is in reference to Mr. Lawrence Lustig’s Jan. 8 letter. He feels that opinions that he does not hold are automatically “left,” “liberal” or “left-wing narratives.” Isn’t it possible that a regular, middle-of-the-road citizen might see things differently from another citizen? People are entitled to their opinions and this is where they should be voiced without fear of name-calling.

However, as the saying goes, you are not entitled to your own facts. There are too many places where Mr. Lustig has his facts wrong, so I will focus on just one area.

Mr. Lustig states that as president, Trump has the right to take formerly classified documents. First, Trump took classified documents not “formerly” classified documents.

Second, no president can take such documents. Trump especially could not because he was no longer president.

Lastly, these documents are property of the United States government and not property of any current or former president (or vice-president for that matter). When our government requests that its documents be returned, it is the obligation of a former official to promptly return these materials. Which Biden returned. When the National Archives informed Trump that he had some of their materials, did he return them? No, he did not. That is what prompted the raid on his residence — to recover property that belong to the United States government.

Mr. Lustig referenced Biden as “incapable of telling the truth.” What say you about Mr. Trump?

I want to know when I have my facts wrong. (And believe me, I’ve had my facts wrong in the past and no doubt we’ll have some facts wrong again in the future). But I’m interested in the truth and the Daily Herald editorial page gives all of us an opportunity to learn, to share opinions and ascertain the actual facts. I believe that’s a good thing.

Angeline Finnigan

Naperville