Newsom’s sin was hypocrisy

Re “Gov. Newsom deserved a sharp rebuke. He got it,” column, Nov. 20

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ostentatious failure to follow his own pandemic guidelines reminds us of a former governor, Jerry Brown, who was ridiculed by some for his frugality because he slept on a mattress on the f loor of a Sacramento apartment rather than live in the governor’s mansion.

Voters don’t expect politicians to live as if they were impoverished, but we do expect some humility and consistency between what they say and what they do.

If you campaign on “family values,” then don’t cheat on your spouse. And, if you advocate shared sacrifice, then just do your own share. Richard W. Merel

Hermosa Beach

Steve Lopez thinks that people who refuse to wear masks are going to be emboldened by Newsom attending a dinner party at an expensive Napa Valley restaurant.

Since the start of this pandemic, Newsom has been conscientiously reminding Californians of the gravity of the situation and trying his very best to support the needs of our hospitals. If these no-maskers gave a darn about what Newsom said, they would be wearing masks right now.

But these people do not care what Newsom says or does. They care only about what they want, so let’s get off Newsom’s back because he has no effect on these people whatsoever.

Newsom’s lapse in judgment bothers only those who want to take him to task for just being human.

Linda Bradshaw

Carpenter Los Angeles