Hey, they read the Constitution

Re “The GOP’s performative, demoralizing ‘patriotism,’ ” Opinion, Feb. 16

I disagree with Nicholas Goldberg. I think it was a good idea from House

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) to have the Constitution read before the House.

I often wondered whether those MAGA Republicans had ever read the Constitution before, because it appeared that they didn’t understand it.

I’m glad McCarthy found enough Republicans to read it, but I did have concerns whether the Constitution could sustain their interest for the 43 minutes it took them to read it. Was there any heckling?

Gilbert H. Skopp Calabasas

Goldberg mentions the resolution the House passed denouncing the “horrors of socialism,” and he paints it as 100% Republican nonsense.

While I agree it is nonsense and Republicandriven, Goldberg left out that the fact that 109 Democrats voted with all the Republicans. I realize this doesn’t support his point, but it seems an omission worth noting.

Todd Anderson

Simi Valley

Iconic 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson wasn’t one to abide showy displays of faux patriotism, such as those so unctuously staged by McCarthy.

No doubt McCarthy and fellow GOP book-banners will strive to shield public school students from Johnson’s astute take: “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.”

Just what we should expect from people who, as Goldberg noted, refused to accept the 2020 election results? It’s a party more concerned with staging theatrical performances than developing a coherent platform.

Christine Hagel

Orcutt, Calif.