Mark Ridley-Thomas and deterring political corruption
To the editor: Columnist Erika D. Smith writes persuasively and empathetically in regards to the tears shed within the courtroom through the sentencing of former L.A. Metropolis Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas to 42 months in jail. She laments the great blow this delivers to the underserved communities so successfully served by Ridley-Thomas.
Smith wonders who will likely be deterred sooner or later by the imprisonment of a beloved champion of the folks. I imagine that any aspiring politician ought to perceive the bounds to which an elected official can go to repair an issue, irrespective of who may profit.
Unaddressed by Smith is the essential query of with whom former USC College of Social Work Dean Marilyn Flynn conspired, if not with Ridley-Thomas.
If he’s not responsible, she’s not responsible. But she entered a responsible plea and expressed regret for acts she dedicated in live performance with him.
Teresa DeCrescenzo, Studio Metropolis
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To the editor: One purpose so many people are dismayed by Ridley-Thomas’ sentencing is the historic actuality of a double commonplace within the justice system.
Little question Ridley-Thomas contributed a lot to our various communities — contributions that are actually overshadowed by his conviction on seven felonies and the intent of U.S. District Choose Dale S. Fischer to make an instance out of him.
There isn’t any getting round that rich donors and wealthy company cats previously have been capable of get away with comparable acts and that individuals like former President Trump are capable of run round scot-free and run for workplace.
Jose Calderon, San Dimas
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To the editor: It really is a tragic day when a trusted public servant like Ridley-Thomas abuses energy and pushes his decision-making so near the road of unlawful conduct that even he needs he may return in time and do issues in another way.
Now it’s time for Ridley-Thomas to pay for his “errors,” as he calls them. The justice system calls them felonies, and a jury of his friends agreed.
Tears are known as for, however on this case they need to be tears of pleasure. For as U.S. District Choose Dale S. Fischer mentioned, “Nobody is above the regulation.” Hopefully public belief will likely be restored.
Katie Rodgers, Valley Glen
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To the editor: Smith writes that Ridley-Thomas’ sentencing was a tragic day for all, not simply the defendant now branded as a prison.
She begins by implying that the choose’s feedback had been unduly harsh and follows with the outpouring of a neighborhood’s grief and observing that confidence within the authorized system is eroding — intelligent, however notably distorted.
What’s lacking is that even good folks do unhealthy issues, and if our system of justice is to face up to assaults from the “make America nice once more” faction, it should be constant, predictable and never influenced by the defendant’s recognition.
Louis Lipofsky, Beverly Hills
