Where does it end?

Readers speak out on the Russia investigation, the impact of the tax cut and what the new year holds

Criticism of FBI, Justice alarming

AS REPUBLICANS and their loyal media rush to try to discredit federal law enforcement agencies and most especially Special Counsel Robert Mueller, one is left wondering if Republicans have any core values left. A Republican congressman, Francis Rooney, R-La., proposing a purge of the FBI and Department of Justice of persons he suggests are disloyal to the current president is very alarming. The very suggestion that the FBI and Department of Justice be purged of any elements that do not politically agree with the current president, is evocative of an authoritarian state rather than a democracy.

It is very dangerous when the ruling political party is willing to politicize federal law enforcement by purging those who do not agree with its political views. All of us should worry at this point what the new year may bring. GRETCHEN A. BYRNE Albuquerque

Remember, Mueller’s a Republican

A RECENT POLL shows that Republicans mostly disapprove of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Here in the reality-based community, outside of the safe space and echo chamber of “Fox News,” “InfoWars,” “The Scott Stiegler Show” on 77KKOB AM Talk Radio, and Drudge: Mueller is a Republican!

So was fired FBI Director James Comey. Haven’t these guys been Republicans longer than Trump?

Bob Mueller served as a Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for heroism and the Purple Heart Medal, while President Trump boasted of avoiding STDs while dating in the 90’s, calling women’s vaginas (potential) “landmines” . .... BRIAN FEJER Albuquerque

Trump shenanigans tough start to year

I JUST WATCHED an assortment of the Sunday morning news. On “Face the Nation” two Republicans pushed the Trump agenda, two Democrats pushed back. Sad there are no independents to go down the middle! Lying Trump! Lying to the public about DACA, about the

wall, and several other issues got twisted by the Republicans. On top of all this while the Democrat from New York was speaking he was constantly cut off by the Republicans! And it was allowed by the “moderator.”

First of all, Trump promised during his campaign that he “loved” DACA students and they were not going anywhere, sure. Then he lied about the wall, when the conversation with the Mexican president came out about the fact that the American public would pay for the wall! All the while the Republican senators defended Trump and the need for the wall and moving DACA students.

Perhaps Democrats, Republicans and independents should push back on Trump and hire more Border Patrol women and men. This would put money into the economy of the U.S., more homes, clothes, vehicles. Instead of a communist style wall!

The DACA students defend this country by serving in the military, using their education for the betterment of this country, investing into our economy. Something Trump has never done — serve in the military, taking four deferments to hide behind his parents’ money. Six bankruptcies, not paying his contractors, and his women!

I believe the Russians don’t need spies. They have the Trump family. They are saving money. While the American public pays to have Trump fly to Florida! Sad way to continue the New Year. All Vietnam veterans I know would not serve under this president. Oh, Mr. Ryan, do not touch our Social Security, you will have many veterans against you. Give up your $409 million farm subsidies — every 10 years — if you take away Social Security. JAMES PADILLA San Antonio

Pearce not fit to become governor

IN ITS LETTERS to the editor section on Steve Pearce, the Journal presented a lopsided array of letters: (four) proPearce missives and one against. In the spirit of balance, consider the following. Since 1999 Steve Pearce has taken over two million dollars in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry. During that time he has taken over 300,000 dollars from Club for Growth, the conservative pro-fossil fuel energy PAC run by the Koch Brothers.

Pearce also voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and he voted for the new tax bill, which will slant benefits to big corporations, and rich people like himself.

Pearce wants to be governor. If you’re interested in moving alternative energy forward, if you’re interested in quality health care for all New Mexicans, if you’re concerned about preserving our public lands, Pearce is not for you. His voting record proves it. Pay attention to what he does, not what he says. JEFFERY HANSON Albuquerque

Time to move on from investigations

THE (HILLARY) CLINTON handling of emails and donations to the Clinton Foundation was certainly unethical but not illegal.

We have investigated allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians. So far, no concrete evidence. While such collusion may have been unethical, it wouldn’t be illegal. Those of you who disagree, please cite the federal statute.

Isn’t it time to drop both subjects and move on? What possible good do keeping both subjects alive accomplish? JACK HERTZ Albuquerque

Is fake president doing Putin’s bidding?

I HAVE BEEN wracking my brain to determine why Donald Trump is tearing down everything that makes America great. This is not just a matter of trying to obliterate President Barack Obama’s legacy. He is attempting to eradicate 100 years of environmental, social and economic progress. He is on a path to destroy the United States of America.

Dismantling our environment; denying health care to millions; degrading our public education system; refusing to acknowledge our contribution to climate change; reversing hard-won civil rights for LGBTs; interfering with the free flow of information in the media and on the Internet; suppressing voter rights; waging war on science; sowing hatred for people of color; and attempting to return American women to their 19th century status are some of his more odious initiatives.

Why? What has America ever done to him but welcome his immigrant grandfather, mother and third wife with open arms? What does he have against the country that allowed him to build a billion dollar real estate empire?

Who would most benefit by the degradation of the United States from sole superpower to secondary status? With whom did Mr. Trump meet with no other Americans present? Who may have damning evidence against the man in the Oval Office? Who does our fake president believe rather than all of his intelligence and security advisors? Whose name comes up in all of the Robert Mueller investigation’s convoluted branches? Who, in Donald Trump’s eyes, can do no wrong?

Is Donald Trump doing the bidding of Vladimir Putin by bringing down the United States of America? If so, is he a pawn or a willing participant? ADELE E. ZIMMERMANN Embudo

Stop whining about the tax bill

DEMOCRATS AND their friends in the media, now that the tax plan has passed, are telling us that their polling shows that the American public is against this bill. I have to ask myself why.

Maybe it’s because the Democrats are on TV all day every day telling us what a bad deal this is. Their friends in the mainstream media repeat their talking points in papers and on TV. Let’s be more specific and look at what they’ve been telling us for months.

They’re concerned about our national debt going up 1½ trillion dollars over 10 years. Where was this concern for the eight years of the Obama administration when the debt went up $10 trillion? Maybe the lack of concern comes from the lack of coverage by our friends in the media.

The same people are worried that taxes may go back up after 10 years. Are these the same people that have to have the latest Apple phone, the largest TVs, and the newest cars that they now may finance over five, six or even seven years?

Finally, people don’t like the fact that some at the top of the income ladder are getting big tax breaks. Many of these same people pay little or no taxes. Envy is a terrible thing. How about working to better yourself as opposed to being envious of those who are doing well? Let’s give this new tax structure a chance and see what we want to do and want to buy with the extra money that will show up in our paychecks. STEVE STILLMAN Albuquerque