Ken Paxton's securities fraud deal shows different standards of justice apply | Letters

Texans should be outraged at the settlement deal for Attorney General Ken Paxton. Rather than putting this matter to rest, it serves only to demonstrate the difference between how public officials with deep pocketed allies are treated differently than other alleged criminals.

The Harris County prosecutor stated he was "confident a Harris County jury would have found our proof beyond a reasonable doubt." Why then didn't Mr. (special prosecutor Brian) Wice put a state level public official through the same trial he certainly would have tried for lesser mortals? 

Aren't we supposed to hold public officials to a higher standard than other citizens?

Skunks smell better than this Paxton deal.

Craig Hackler, Austin

Most would not get the privilege

of a deal like the one Paxton got

In 2005 Trump was filmed bragging to a TV host that he could kiss women and grab their crotches with impunity because he was “a star.” The result of this televised revelation? We elected him president while the TV host was fired.

This sorry story continues with Ken Paxton: With enough money and/or power you can get away with (accusations of) criminal (or vulgar) activity whereby most citizens would not get this privileged dismissal.

If Paxton were truly innocent of securities fraud, how instructive for all of us if he had had the integrity to insist on proving that. According to the Statesman, Paxton’s lawyer said, “You never know what 12 strangers are going to do if you try a case anywhere.” What a discouraging statement from a lawyer as our justice system relies on this. It’s sad that shameless ego is publicly accepted (Paxton’s re-election) and rewarded legally.

Leanne Dillingham, Austin

'Disregard of justice': Grumet grasped

how Texans feel about Paxton's deal

Thank you, Bridget Grumet, for putting so eloquently into words exactly how Texans feel about the deal that was given to Attorney General Ken Paxton. I am disgusted by this disregard of justice.

Norma Hackler, Austin

Justice for just us Texans, like

in the movies about the old West

One of the great joys of living in Texas is enjoying our treasured history. I often wonder if the stories of the old West really happened like our old movies portrayed them. The recurring theme of the dishonest lawman taking advantage of the town's people. The myth has turned to fact! Thank you, Mr. Paxton for showing us that. Folks, grab your Texas dictionary and change the spelling of the word "justice" to "just us."

Art Klempner, Austin