OPINION:
Of the recent bribery allegations against Sen. Robert Menendez, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said, “The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state.”
This statement from a sitting Democratic governor concerning a sitting Democratic senator is quite revelatory. Even more so since just about every sitting Democratic official goes blindly about their business, ignoring serious problems concerning Democratic President Joe Biden.
Murphy is signaling a totally new concept: guilty because I say so. President Biden, former President Trump, Sen. Menendez and other officials tarred and feathered by the media before a real trial all deserve the same legal principle of presumption of innocence.
The voters of New Jersey gave Menendez the right to his current office. So until there is another election or he is convicted of a felony, he alone should make the decision about whether to remain in office.
Equal protection under the law is not always popular, but it should always be applied.
JAMES KOUT
Bowie, Maryland
