To the Editor:

One of the most corrosive truths of our time is that the rich and powerful too often live as if they are above the law. Ordinary people face consequences for even small mistakes, while the elite cloak themselves in money, secrecy, and influence, escaping accountability again and again.

The Epstein files remind us of this with chilling clarity.

Recently, Congress pressed for release of calendars, call logs, and ledgers from Epstein’s estate. The Department of Justice insists there was “no credible evidence” of a so-called client list, but many of the most sensitive documents remain sealed.

And yet, back in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News that the “Epstein client list” was “sitting on my desk right now to review” — a statement she said was made under a directive from President Trump.

Now, months later, the DOJ claims such a list does not exist. Which is it? The shifting story only deepens public mistrust.

Meanwhile, the public sees just enough to know Epstein’s world was filled with billionaires, politicians, tech moguls, and power brokers — including people close to Trump’s orbit. A “birthday book” even surfaced with a letter allegedly signed by Trump, complete with sketches and private notes.

He denies it, but the mere existence of such files should demand full sunlight. Instead, we see delay, redactions, and denials. Transparency is replaced with secrecy. Justice is replaced with privilege. Accountability is replaced with silence.

And then there is Trump himself — a man facing 91 felony counts for falsifying records, hoarding classified documents, obstructing justice, and attempting to overturn an election. Yet he continues to hold rallies, threaten opponents, and position himself as a victim rather than a defendant.

Any ordinary American — a farmer, a nurse, a mechanic — would already have faced trial and likely prison. But the rich, it seems, live by different rules.

This double standard is dangerous. It tells people that laws — and taxes — are only for the powerless, while the rich buy their way out of accountability. It tells us that truth can be redacted, and that freedom itself can be traded for influence. If we accept that as “normal,” then democracy becomes a shell — the appearance of fairness masking the reality of corruption.

We must demand better. We must insist on transparency, accountability, and a justice system that does not bow to wealth and power. Because if the rich can forever stand above the law, then the very idea of equality under the law collapses — and with it, the promise of America.

If the powerful can lie with impunity, then why should small towns like Berne believe our voices (Blue, Red, or Green) will ever matter?

Emily Vincent, RN

Berne

Editor’s note: Emily Vincent is a sheep farmer who owns Two Rock Ranch in Berne.