Letters to the Editor |

Donald Trump is now the de facto speaker of the House of Representatives: Letters

Donald Trump is now the de facto speaker of the House of Representatives

Re “GOP elects Louisiana’s Mike Johnson speaker” (Oct. 26):

I am continually appalled by the lack of courage demonstrated by Republican legislators. While it’s to be expected that the Freedom Caucus will continue to push representative government off the cliff, what isn’t expected is a complete surrender by the majority of House Republicans to Donald Trump. Elevating Rep. Mike Johnson to House speaker demonstrates nothing less than capitulation to the minority.

Despite what these Republican “moderates” believe personally, fealty and self-preservation are the choices of the day. History provides many disastrous examples of leaders taking the easy way versus doing the right thing in service of something larger than themselves. In the coming weeks we should expect the U.S. turning our back on Ukraine, flushing billions invested there and a government shutdown. The people’s house no longer belongs to the people.

— Larry Davis, Fountain Valley

Gaza Strip

Re “UN warns of curtailing Gaza relief as fuel runs out” (Oct. 26):

Since the Oslo Accords signed by the PLO and Israel more than 25 years ago, Jewish settlers left the Gaza Strip leaving behind various possessions including numerous greenhouses used for fruit and vegetables which were destroyed by Palestinians. Since that time, there have been almost daily terrorist acts including murder of innocents committed by Palestinians more recently under the influence of the Hamas government sponsored by Iran. Three weeks ago a Pearl Harbor-like attack has now provoked an “enough is enough” retaliation by Israel long overdue. What other country would have delayed such a situation in which many persons ignorant of the related history (including the UN chief) blame Israel for aggression.  Where have these critics been for almost two generations? Elimination of Hamas would hopefully end the killing and allow the Palestinians to recover their economic status and political freedom.  It should be noted as well that for many decades, Israel has provided energy, food, potable water, medical care, jobs, etc. to Palestinians in spite of the terrorist activities.

It is long overdue for persons around the world including outright anti-semites to acknowledge these historic facts.

— Harris S. Goldman, Tarzana

Mass shooting in Lexington and gun rights

So, I am watching the reporting on the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. The shooter used an assault rifle and killed 18 and injured 13 innocents.

And I’m reminded of today’s (Oct. 26) editorial in the newspaper that chastised us Californians who supported a ban on assault weapons “which are just mean-looking rifles that scare politicians who don’t know anything about guns.”

Really?

I am pretty sure that the families of those who were injured or died in yet another mass shooting would think differently.

It is easy to support the extremes of gun ownership until your loved one is killed.

— Judith Wood, Riverside

OC freeway project

Re “New 405 freeway lanes to open Dec. 1 as part of $2B project” (Oct. 24):

Woo hoo, new freeway lanes in Orange County.

While the article didn’t totally cheer the new “improvements” you also didn’t tell the whole story. What’s the advantage for the average citizen taxpayer?

After years of chaotic traffic and multi-multi millions of taxpayer money, what will the average person gain?

No more free carpool lanes through Orange County? Really? Don’t these lanes really help with congestion and encourage travelers to save resources? Didn’t the taxpayers pay for the carpool lanes in times past?

And, will the average Joe be able to pay the almost $10 per trip fee to go through OC in rush hour?

Sounds to me like a poorly conceived plan that cost all the taxpayers a lot of money to mostly benefit a few well-off travelers.

— Glenn Kovanda, Rossmoor