Letters to the editor >>

Steve Horwitz

Re “Horwitz’s legacy of a humane liberty” (June 30):

To paraphrase Horwitz, “If people are not smart enough to govern themselves, why should we think they are smart enough to govern others?” The premise, and therefore the conclusion, are only partly true. Stated more accurately: Some people are smart enough to govern themselves and some are smart enough to govern others. I, and I think Horwitz, would argue that those smart enough to govern others are also smart enough to know the value of a governance that assigns to others the greater responsibility to govern themselves.

— Don Spencer, Manhattan Beach

Trumped-up charges

Re “Trump’s company, top exec indicted” (July 1):

Trumped-up charges against Trump’s company and his chief financial officer?

The Democrats are relentless to find any irregularities related to the former president while possible crimes committed by Hillary Clinton go without any investigation and prosecution. How about Hunter Biden and his illegal dealings with foreign countries that netted him millions of dollars? His laptop is in the possession of the FBI that tells the story and he remains untouched because he is Joe Biden’s son.

The hypocrisy by the Democratic politicians and the media they control is astounding. — Kenneth M. Bezich,

San Pedro

Sheriff Villanueva’s county jail-tohomelessness pipeline

Re “Group tells sheriff to halt Venice initiatives” (June 29):

L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva claims he wants to help people experiencing homelessness, and if they do not accept whatever far-away shelter he has in mind, they will be arrested and taken to county jail. Those same people would soon be released to the streets of downtown. His plan in nothing new. Los Angeles has done this for years, as evidenced by the thirdworld conditions in the City of Angels. Wealthy, housed Venice NIMBYs will be relieved they do not have to see our human tragedy unfold. But the suffering will continue. Downtown residents and businesses should be appalled and taking action to oppose this mass transfer of more desperate people to the downtown area. The solution is to leave the rehousing of houseless Venice folks to experts. Playing political games with these vulnerable people’s lives is unacceptable.

— Paul Dumont, North Hollywood

Wearing masks in doors

Re “Variant prompts plea to mask up” (June 29):

The news programs reported that the Los Angeles County Department of Health are recommending that people return to wearing masks indoors. In the same newscast, it was also reported that the Moderna, Pfizer and J&J vaccines are effective against the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. I don’t understand the basis for the Los Angeles County Department of Health’s recommendation. Don’t they pay any attention to the science behind the vaccines? If I did the responsible thing and got vaccinated, why should I have to wear a mask now? Maybe the powers that be should fire the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health and anyone associated with making this ridiculous recommendation.

— David L. Lacey, Redondo Beach

Tyler Skaggs

Re “Skaggs family sues Angels” (June 30): Our hearts go out to the family and friends. That being said, it was a tragic loss of a life that was full of promise, but the death of Tyler Skaggs rests solely on the shoulders of Tyler Skaggs. For such a long time in our country, individuals who make and family members of individuals who make poor life decisions seem to want to blame the tragic outcome on someone else, instead of where the true blame lies, on the individuals making those choices. Our country would be in a lot better place if government members, civil servants and the population in general would take responsibility for their own actions instead of always trying to shift the blame onto someone else. Unfortunately in our society, individuals who take drugs will always be able to find a new supplier when their need arises.

— Richard Gillette,

Simi Valley