Editor, Ceres Courier,

As a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Vietnam and a retired peace officer, I’ve spent a lifetime defending truth, accountability and constitutional integrity. These principles are not optional — they are the bedrock of public service.

Sen. Adam B. Schiff’s record exemplifies the kind of political misconduct that undermines public trust (“Schiff mortgage fraud probe could end in stiff fines, penalties for senator,” Web, July 16). His repeated falsehoods during the Russia investigation — claims of possessing evidence of collusion that never existed — helped launch a probe that ultimately cost the American taxpayers $32 million. 

This wasn’t a harmless misstep; it was a calculated abuse of power.

Now, Mr. Schiff faces documented mortgage fraud, not mere allegations. According to a criminal referral from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, he falsified bank documents and occupancy records across multiple Fannie Mae loans to secure favorable terms. These actions reflect a sustained pattern of deception — financial and political.

This is not about partisanship. It’s about integrity. When elected officials manipulate the system for personal gain, they betray the very people they’re sworn to serve.

Author Victor Lasky reminded us in “It Didn’t Start With Watergate” that political corruption predates Nixon. Today, we must ask: How long will the American people tolerate deception disguised as leadership?

Accountability is not vengeance — it’s justice. We must demand better.

Gary Darby,

U.S. Marine Corps (retired)