Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Legal Fairness

Dear Editor:

Donald Trump is now in court charged with among other things, defrauding banks and insurance companies by over-valuing his assets (properties).

I ask the question:  As a farmer, I required operating capital from my agriculture Bank loan officer.  I had to value my assets as well as my liabilities.  I had equity, but not fully owned the farmland I now have.  So, did I commit fraud when I valued the land at $8.000 an acre rather than a neighbor’s land that sold for less or another neighbor's land that sold for more?   

I sign my name at the bottom indicating that to the best of my belief, this was the total of all my assets.  I usually got the loan until the debacle of the “80’s”. At that time I had to switch banks to continue without selling assets.  

Anyway, the question is did I commit fraud?; The debts were satisfied – no default occurred.  The same as is happening with this court case against Mr. Trump – all got paid no default occurred so what’s the rub?  Now his New York companies are in receivership because the legal system charged him among other things with fraud.  Is it???  

Is this a two-tier legal system???  I think you should know the answer, but what say you?? Don't be too quick to criticize.  The elite is so afraid of "the Donald" that they will do anything to imprison him for life.  

Fairness is a lost cause.

Regards, and blessings

John Stiegelmeyer