To the Journal editor:

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

When political leaders spew ugly remarks with violent insinuation and intent they should be held accountable for the consequences, if not in State or Federal Court then in the Court of Public Opinion.

On Sept. 29, 2020, Trump told the far-right extremist group Proud Boys to “Stand Back and Stand Ready” (AP News.com Sept. 30, 2020).

Less than four months later, Trump stood before thousands of people driving home his intentions: “…You will never take back our country with weakness; … And we fight! We fight like hell! And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” (AP News Jan. 13, 2021 Transcript of Trump’s Speech).

Soon after, standing by and ready, along with hundreds of others, small groups of Proud Boys assaulted law enforcement and sacked the capital building (businessinsider.com March 21, 2021).

Unhappy with Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Trump posted on Truth Social, “…in times gone by, the punishment would have been death.” The four-star general was forced to take special steps to protect his own safety and that of his family (Reuters Sept. 27, 2023 General Protects Family).

Trump’s bitter posts on Truth Social against judges overseeing his hearings elicited numerous responses from his followers suggesting lethal retaliation (reuters.com May 14 special-report).

Title 18 of the U.S. Code, Chapter 115, states that it is a crime to retaliate against a Federal official, to include a Judge, by threatening them or their family.

Four-Star Gen. William McRaven, former Navy Seal and commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations who oversaw the raid that removed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden said, “You (Trump) have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.” (businessinsider.com 2018-8 mcraven-trump).

I don’t consider Gen. McRaven a communist, radical-left thug or vermin that needs rooting out, as Trump describes those who disagree with him (NPR.org Nov. 17 trump vermin).

It has been said that what proceeds from the mouth comes from the heart. Listen, and you will hear a callous heart full of divisive, weaponized and destructive language.

For those struggling, wake up and reclaim your independence. Then as a nation we can hold leaders like this accountable. Elections are the people’s court and may be the last resort.