To the editor:

Donald Trump uses the word “retribution” to refer to his goal of indicting Jim Comey, Letitia James and Adam Schiff, and reporters are also using the word. However, “retribution” means “punishment for evil done” (Webster’s New World Dictionary) or “punishment for. . . a wrong or criminal act” (Oxford Languages accessed via Google).

Also, “retribution” implies proportionality as in the concept of an eye for an eye. Neither Comey, nor James, nor Schiff did anything wrong or criminal: They conducted investigations and acted on evidence: Comey’s investigation found that Russia conspired to help elect Trump. James proved that Trump’s company had cheated banks, but the fine imposed as a result of that lawsuit was later vacated. Schiff participated in Trump’s impeachment in the House of Representatives, but the Senate did not convict Trump. The main outcome each time has only been embarrassment for Trump.

What Trump wants is “revenge.” “Revenge” refers to “the personal and often vindictive act of inflicting harm or suffering on someone in return for a perceived wrong or injury, driven by a bitter desire for personal satisfaction…” (Oxford Languages, accessed via Google).

Words matter.

Maggie Childs,

Lawrence