Editor,

Compassion and understanding are always encouraged, particularly at this time of year. However, they cannot replace accountability when it comes to actions taken against our national security or clear and purposeful violations of the President’s national Oath of Office (to protect and defend the Constitution).

I encourage Mary Ellen Dias (“Blame Trump’s mental illness for denial of election” – 12/24/22) to read “Too Much and Never Enough” by Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, a trained clinical psychologist. Or read ” Rage” or “Fear – Trump in the White House” by Bob Woodward. Or read “A Very Stable Genius – Donald J. Trump’s Testing of America” or “I Alone Can Fix It” both written by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker.

If Ms. Dias reads any of these books, and there are many others, she will understand why, at long last, Trump must be held accountable as he may be charged for actions while President of the United States. His continued lashing out is not new. It’s a tactic he’s used all his life – to the damage and destruction of others.

Attorney General Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice must follow through with appropriate legal actions based on facts and evidence available. Let a jury of his peers or a judge determine how his actions should be treated. Failure to do so places our national security at risk of the next fascist intent on destroying our nation and democracy.

Rusty Gagnon

Oak Harbor