Truth, even when uncomfortable, can still prevail

While I was indifferent to whether the former president should be charged, I am stunned by the decision of a lay jury of his hometown peers. This marks a very sober episode in American history.

Consider John Edwards, who was charged with violating campaign finance laws to cover up his affair while his wife was dying. No one cried “politics” when he was charged. The real difference is we were a more moral country back then and Edwards dropped his campaign to be president. Likewise, I was shocked when Cyber Ninjas found Donald did not win the Arizona election in 2020. Both instances give me hope that when average Americans get to see the evidence, they can reach a just and truthful decision — even when the facts belie what they want to believe.

In these times of deep political divisions, it is heartening to see that the truth can still prevail. The integrity of ordinary citizens reminds us that democracy relies on our courage to face uncomfortable truths.

Patricia Meier

Cedar Rapids