Romney’s solo act of courage

Acquitted | Feb. 6

With his speech on the Senate floor and his vote to convict President Donald Trump of abuse of power, Sen. Mitt Romney elevated himself into the history books as a profile in courage. In breaking away from the cult-like grip of the Republican Party, he will pay a big price in the short term, with harsh vindictiveness from the president and his party minions. But as the only Senate Republican to follow his oath to uphold the Constitution by serving as an impartial juror in the impeachment trial, he is an honorable man of faith and conscience. We need more like him.

Doug Robison, St. Petersburg

Acquitted isn’t exonerated

Impeached by the House, President Donald Trump was neither vindicated nor exonerated by the Senate, as he claims. He was acquitted. Just a reminder: O.J. Simpson was also acquitted.

Scott Moore, Safety Harbor

I may have to vote for Trump

I am not a Trump fan but may be forced to vote for him. The Democrats have run a partisan and inept impeachment; it’s Thursday, and they still haven’t produced a final tally for the Iowa caucuses; and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi showed disrespect at the State of the Union. This is all compounded by the Democratic presidential candidates proposing larger spending without explaining how to pay for it. I may very well hold my nose and vote for Donald Trump. There needs to be a new party that represents conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans. Until such time, Trump may get my vote.

Kim McCall, Tampa

Give respect to get respect

It never seems to matter, to those who expect President Donald Trump to be respected, to see if he respects others. He has labeled opponents with uncomplimentary names — “Lazy Joe” Biden, “Crazy Nancy” Pelosi and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, one of the House impeachment managers, “Fat Jerry.” Once some of the “best people” leave his administration, he even calls them names. If you want respect, give it.

David Lubin, Tampa

A legacy not worthy of award

State of the Union

During the State of the Union address, President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh, who perpetuated the birther conspiracy and played “Barack, the Magic Negro” on his show. Trump did this during Black History month. This was an intentional nod to his base, and it is shameful.

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Eileen Stafford, St. Petersburg

Loving it, not leaving it

Disrespecting the president | Letter, Feb. 6

If I don’t like what I’m seeing here in my own country, I intend to take action to bring about change. I’ll vote, I’ll write, I’ll talk, I’ll support candidates with whom I agree. Those are actions guaranteed to me by the Constitution. I get angry when I’m told that if I don’t march in lockstep with those of differing opinions, I don’t belong here. Where should I go? My great-grandparents came here for the economic and political opportunities still sought by many immigrants. I will continue to work legally toward what I believe in. And if I disagree with you, I’m staying right here in America to do it. It’s my right and my duty as an active citizen.

Joan Smith, Hudson