Stand Up and Speak Out on October 18
This letter to the editor, by Kerry Kittel, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on October 2, 2025.
Everyday Americans are proud to pledge allegiance to our republic, and even prouder to swear their support for “liberty and justice for all.” Many government meetings open with the pledge of allegiance, and it is still recited at most schools each day.
The current administration has perverted what is an almost sacred pledge. They seem committed to providing liberty and justice for some, and have some pretty twisted ideas about who qualifies for either.
Consider their treatment of Border Czar Tom Homan. Homan is accused of accepting $50,000 in cash from FBI agents in September of 2024 in return for delivering lucrative government contracts if Donald Trump was elected. Reportedly the cash bribe was recorded on both video and audio.
How did the incoming administration deal with evidence of likely criminal activity? It welcomed Homan to an administration led by a convicted felon and halted any further investigation.
The treatment of Homan is just another assault on justice. Added to pardons for the January 6 mob who tried to overthrow an election, defying federal judges and attacking those whose rulings go against Trump, issuing an Executive Order ending birthright citizenship, and deporting U.S. citizens and others without due process are assaults on both liberty and justice.
Trump also fired Eric Siebert, his appointee as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, because Siebert found no evidence with which to charge Letitia James. Trump demanded that James, as well as James Comey and Adam Schiff, be charged with nonexistent crimes.
Howard Kurtz, Media Buzz host on Fox News, understands the threats posed to America’s justice system. Kurtz warned that Americans might be getting used to “the serious spectacle of a president not just interfering with the Justice Department, but literally dictating who should be charged and who should be protected.”
Trump has broken so many norms - and quite a few laws. Americans who care about liberty and justice for all need to fight against Trump deciding who gets either. Please join one of the October 18 “No Kings” events to help stand up for liberty and justice.