I appreciate the non-endorsement

SOME OF US appreciate the Journal’s decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in this election. No one I know is undecided. I am sure you recognized the enormous criticism, to say nothing of the canceled subscriptions, you would have endured should you have endorsed President Trump. Inconceivable any self-respecting newspaper would do that, some friends tell me.

The media has caused much of the division in our country. We hear so much from (Rachel) Maddow and (Sean) Hannity. We don’t need the Albuquerque Journal to add to the far edges of the chorus. President Trump, as narcissistic and unable to shut up as he is, could have supported masks, social distancing and lockdowns, which the people support. He did not. By his speech and conduct he has undoubtedly stained the office of president.

Nevertheless, he does have some very good things to be proud of. The Middle East is moving in the right direction, as now (is) the economy. With 11 active carrier battle groups and troops in 150 countries we have gone far beyond our questionable “need to lead.” Reduction in our military size is overdue. With over 200 million more people in the United States than when I was born — an increase of over 250% — we need to control our population. ... And the wall should be the subject of a serious conversation. We need to continue to discuss Black lives and correct residual racism. However, we should give equal time to how Black lives don’t seem to matter to the Blacks who kill each other.

RICHARD RIEDER

Corrales