I am disappointed in the first reactions of our political leaders on both sides of the aisle to former President Donald Trump's indictment in New York ("Youngkin condemns indictment of Trump," March 31 RTD). Gov. Glenn Youngkin said New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicted Trump for "pure political gain. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and other Democrats uttered the "no one is Above the law" mantra. Neither side bothered to point out that an indictment is not a conviction and that the presumption of innocence puts the onus of proof on the prosecution.
With all his money, there is a good chance the former president can put together a legal team that can beat this rap. Bragg may have secured a grand jury indictment, but a conviction is more challenging. Meanwhile, this indictment has provided the fuel necessary for the former president and the current governor of the commonwealth to keep the MAGA forces fired up. It is their "political gain."
Steve Bailey.
Richmond.