In the PBS Masterpiece series “Poldark” (set in England after the American War of Independence), Capt. McNeil offers this advice to Ross Poldark, who is facing trial: “Have a care for the law. ’Tis a cranky and twisted old thing. And you may flout it half a dozen times, but let it once come to grips with ye and you’ll find it harder to be loose from than a great black squid.”

For many reasons, many people, even ones who believe that Donald Trump is guilty as charged, wonder whether Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg should have brought forth the charges related to the Stormy Daniels hush money matter, at least as the first indictment of the former president, when so many other supposedly more serious crimes are chargeable.

Are not the charges in Manhattan hard to prove, especially in terms of felony rather than misdemeanor? What if Trump walks? Well, maybe he walks on this one, but let that cranky old thing – the law – get a grip on him. He should not be loose from it.

Jay C. Lacke
Westbrook