Sittenfeld's actions were unethical but not illegal | Letters

The legal scholars have weighed in and a few tell us P.G. Sittenfeld's conduct was "commonplace" in politics. It wasn't. His behavior is full of ethical lapses that should be, at least, disqualifying if he ever attempts to run for office again. But it is also not illegal.

The Feds ran their playbook on Sittenfeld and refused to take no for an answer. They dangled money, trips and parties in front of him, but there was still no smoke coming from the barrel. Then, they overcharged him hoping the jury would think: "Hey, he must have done something illegal our government charged him with all this!" But on the critical issue of quid pro quo, Sittenfeld said, "Can't."

The Feds were going to get their man, even if their man was innocent. Most people don't have the money to fight. Sittenfeld did. And he should have won. Maybe there is still time.Charlie Luken, Downtown

Sittenfeld conviction might clean up a good system gone bad

Regarding, "Former AGs: Reject Sittenfeld convictions," (Dec. 20): OK, what am I missing? The article lists several former attorney generals from both political parties who support overturning the conviction of disgraced former Cincinnati city councilman, and mayoral almost, P.G. Sittenfeld. What I really found offensive was the reported statement in the article that the amicus briefs held "his convictions for bribery and attempted extortion had criminalized typical political fundraising and could lead to bribery prosecutions against every politician."

To me, I would think that might be a good way to start cleaning up a pretty good system gone bad. "Typical political fundraising?" You think we might have a problem here that needs to be addressed? I suggest that a camera crew follow Sittenfeld to the correctional facility in Ashland, a semi-white-collar prison (I have toured it and trust me, you don’t want to be locked in there), and document his changing from a three-piece suit into prison garb and making many new friends. That Enquirer documentary might make some elected officials think twice about "typical political fundraising" in the future. Just a thought.

William H. Gerak, Hebron, Ky.

The solution to a divided America is not electing a divider

I respectfully disagree with your guest columnist John Wood Jr. Donald Trump may be popular with Republicans, but don't forget he lost to Joe Biden in 2020. Remember polls were wrong in 2016, leaving Democrats scratching their heads, so let's think about why we don't need Trump again in the White House.

The most important ingredient in our government is our democracy and the Constitution. Any president who has a desire to circumvent these unique qualities that makes the U.S. the leader of the free world leads us to an autocratic state. Trump has praised dictators and used language that is similar to that style of governing. Why should Americans take that chance and place him back in the White House?

If we ignore Trump's non-activity during the Jan. 6 riots at our Capitol, his many indictments for his criminality, his record during his prior four years as president, adding $9 trillion to the deficit, deporting asylum-seeking parents home while keeping their children, many who have not been connected with their family. The loss of life due to mistakes made during the COVID-19 pandemic is just the tip of the iceberg of a failed presidency by a unqualified president.

Yes, America is divided. However, the solution to bring us together is not bringing back the person who created the division.

Benjamin Crews, Springdale

How many more have to be killed for Israel to feel safe?

I’ve watched in horror and utter dismay at humanity’s propensity to turn a blind eye to the killing and maiming of innocent children and anyone in the way of the Israeli army’s path of turning Gaza into rubble. Simultaneously, I see people I have met and known traveling to vacation or "volunteer" in Israel while one cannot get bread, water or medical supplies into Gaza, causing starvation and medical emergencies.

How can anyone call this defending yourself by a civilized society? How many more children have to be killed for Israel to feel safe?

I abhor the tactics of Hamas and loss of any innocent civilian lives. I have spent two decades condemning terrorism with deafening silence when it is being committed by cruel state actors. It has become evident that the killing of over 20,000 civilians in Gaza and the brutal displacement and atrocities being committed against Palestinians is far beyond anything to do with Oct. 7.

I implore every American to learn the catastrophe happening to the Palestinian people and learn about the role our America has played in the killings with its unconditional support and endless funding of bombs and weapons of destruction.

This cannot be justified by any means. It makes everyone unsafe in our fragile world.

Shakila Ahmad, Mason

Not all Coney Island memories are warm ones

I was interested in the nostalgic memories posted by readers mourning the closing of Sunlite Pool and Coney Island. My wife and I also share memories of times when we danced at the Moonlite Gardens and making purchases on display from local artisans at Summerfair.

Yet, other memories are not as warm. My friend and colleague Dr. Derek Dunn, a University of Cincinnati graduate with a Ph.D., former captain in the U.S. Public Health Service, and acting associate director of science for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, shared with me the following. As a young black man, he and his family were not allowed admission to Coney Island because of his race. A similar story was told by Marian Spencer, a UC student and civil rights activist. As reported in the Enquirer in April 2017, Spencer called Coney Island to inquire about admissions policies and was assured that the park was open to "everybody." When she then told them she was a Negro, and that she would like to bring her sons, she was told, "No they cannot come. We can't admit Negroes." Admission policies to Coney Island were changed in 1955 including integration of the Sunlite Pool following NAACP legal actions.My single point in writing is that while celebrating this unique and memory-filled institution, we should all remember that Coney Island was not always welcoming to everyone, and that we all will benefit from continuing to work to accomplish the goal that "everyone counts, or no one counts."

Robert W. Keith, Kenwood

Republicans keep riding Trump merry-go-round

During Donald Trump's second impeachment trial, Senator Mitch McConnell stated that Congress wasn't the place to convict Trump for trying to overturn the election, the courts were. Now that Trump is being prosecuted in the courts, Republicans state the courts aren't the place to make that decision, the election is the determination.

When the 2020 election was held, the voters decided that Trump was not the president by an overwhelming 7 million votes. Now, Republicans say that elections should determine the next president. If Trump loses again, it's back to insurrection.

The circular logic goes round and round. Quoting the theme from "Valley of the Dolls" − "Gotta get off, gonna get, have to get off of this ride."

Diane Shuler, East Price Hill

Stop legislation allowing fracking on public lands

I acknowledge that state Rep. Bill Seitz has announced his retirement, but I have a question for him. Why did the Ohio Legislature come to the point of allowing fracking in some state parks. I would really like to know.

We live in a time when there's division and name-calling; where there's a tendency for people on any side of an issue to say the other side is leading us to ruination. And it seems to me like Ohio Republicans are trying to do some odd things just because they have a 75% supermajority. I have a suspicion that 53% of Ohioans don't want fracking in the public lands. What are you all getting out of this legislation? I mean really, do we need the extra oil? Will we not get the mini-quakes that go with it? Will we not get additional water pollution? Who will gain?

I think that power is being misused by Seitz and his mates. I think this legislation will benefit a small portion of Ohioans. Truthfully, I think Republicans are committing low-speed hara-kiri. Why does it seem like they are always either against things or for things that benefit a small minority. Things which don't seem to consider the ensuing generations or Ohioans now. Things which usually seem to help an already wealthy minority become uselessly more well off.

I am a 76-year-old white male of neither party. But I do have some grandchildren, and I see an ever-increasing number of underprivileged Ohioans turning to violence and other negative behaviors. I hate to see Ohio go this way when it can do much better. Please, stop the legislation that allows fracking on public lands.

Gene Seibel, Delhi Township

News media refuses to recognize error of its ways

In the latest Rasmussen survey, 60% of likely voters believe that media bias continues to get worse, a number that is up six points in only nine months. Interestingly, even Democrats agree with this assessment, although not to the degree that Republicans and independents do. Much of this bias is undoubtedly due to the media's obsession with Donald Trump's indictments, while at the same time, their minimizing of the legal problems of Hunter Biden. You would think that with declining subscriptions and viewership, the media would recognize the error of their ways and become more "neutral," but apparently self-destruction is of little concern to them. The only conclusion one can reach is that they must have bottomless pockets.

Jeff Mueller, Mt. Washington

Spencer's contribution reason enough to save Coney Island

Many memories of family and the longevity of Coney Island and Sunlite Pool underpin the call to "save" them. A significant, historical event that occurred in 1955 has yet to be mentioned − Cincinnati's own Marian Spencer began and was the catalyst in desegregation of Sunlite Pool. When I go to Coney Island each summer, I thank her for making a happy place where all can have a respite. Her contribution alone is the reason for the park to remain. Thank you, Marian Spencer. She stood on business.

Teresa Davis, Anderson Township

Thousands of dogs in shelters need love, a home

While the Enquirer posted 13 articles for puppies for sale in a recent edition (and at Christmastime no the less), why not do a story on the 100,000 dogs in shelters and rescue waiting for a forever home. And give recognition to the many shelters and rescue groups that save the dogs that people discard after purchasing and give light to the real world that dogs face each day. Yes, those sick or old dogs once were puppies too, but love them for life, care for them and stop breeding more dogs into a world where so many are now homeless. Do a story that will shock the Enquirer readers and just maybe help save an animal without purchasing a puppy from a mill.

Sami Smith, Madiera

Democrats refuse to address southern border crisis

Aid to Ukraine and Israel is being held up because Democrats refuse to address southern border control despite a record-breaking influx of illegal immigrants. Democratic governors and mayors see Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's policy of sharing the burden of housing, feeding and giving medical care, etc., with their cities and states as "demonizing and dehumanizing." Do the Democrats really believe that just Texas and Arizona should repopulate their entire states so the Democratic Party can continue to push for "open borders" without consequences? Go Gov. Abbott!

Gene Burchell, Edgewood, Ky.

UN resolution for Gaza aid toothless without ceasefire

After days of delay and dilution, the UN Security Council finally passed a resolution to provide desperately needed aid to Gaza. However, without an immediate ceasefire, this toothless resolution simply means aid, if it ever arrives, will be provided shortly before the recipients are slaughtered. The killings will continue unabated and unashamedly. A Christmas in the Holy Land only a devil would devise.

Werner Lange, Wyoming

US House Speaker should be charged with obstructing justice

Question: Let’s say you see an assault committed and take a picture with your phone. But when the authorities ask for your picture, you refuse. Are you committing a crime by aiding the perpetrator to get away with his criminal activity? I think most people − and certainly most police personnel and lawyers − would say "yes." Even if your motives were legitimate − like wanting to hide other information on your phone − again, they would say "yes," if the phone search is limited to only the assault pictures.

So what’s the difference between hiding potential criminal activity in an assault and what Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is doing to obscure the faces of those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol?

I guess he’s making the judgement that these people are innocent − despite over a thousand of their co-defendants having been convicted. The last time I checked, he doesn’t have the right to decide guilt or innocence. And preventing law enforcement from properly determining criminality/innocence is clearly an obstruction of justice. So why isn’t Johnson being charged with aiding and abetting or accessory after the fact or (delayed) participation in the riot?

It seems to me that the Democrats are failing to assess what his denial actually represents. And, as Americans, we should all insist that everyone who was present on that awful day be identified, arrested − if appropriate, tried and guilt established or exonerated. Said another way: "Who died and left Mr. Johnson to act as judge and jury?"

Mike Hauer, Villa Hills

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Sittenfeld's conduct wasn't commonplace, but it wasn't illegal either