Letters for October 6, 2016

Snake oil

Re “¡Fuera, Trump!” by Bert Johnson (SN&R Feature Story, September 29):

It appears Donald Trump has manipulated tax laws and paid little to no tax for close to 20 years. For this, his sycophants Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani have declared him a genius. What kind of swill are Trump supporters drinking? How can this demagogue billionaire charlatan claim himself the champion of average men and women who go to work everyday and pay their taxes? How can such a crass, vapid, vulgar man be in contention for the presidency? Wake up, America! This snake-oil salesman doesn’t care about you or your country.

Maggie Williams

Sacramento

Pie payback

Re “On pie and protest” by Rachel Leibrock (SN&R Editor’s Note, September 29):

I agree wholeheartedly, as anyone who respects the law would, that [Sean] Thompson deserves the appropriate statutory penalty for his assault on Mayor Johnson. Thank you for giving voice to the reality that Johnson’s repeated punching of Thompson was improper, if not, in fact, criminal assault. The claim of self-defense that has been lodged is invalid because, as published photos of the incident demonstrate, Thompson had his back to Mayor Johnson when Mayor Johnson attacked him. Accordingly, I most appreciate the voice you gave to the fact that revenge is not a legal right.

I have posted many comments in The Sacramento Bee criticizing Thompson for his assault on Johnson and criticizing Johnson for the inappropriateness of his repeated punching of Thompson. I have been appalled at the overwhelming number of commenters that have sided with Johnson’s thug-like behavior, citing their belief that we have a right to administer payback. It has been disappointing to realize how prevalent the thug mentality seems to be in our culture, based on those comments.

Ted Ternes

Sacramento

Political tragedy

Re “¡Fuera, Trump!” by Bert Johnson (SN&R Feature Story, September 29):

Rather early on in the first presidential “debate” I thought I was watching theater. I couldn’t decide if it was a comedy or a drama, but ultimately I concluded it was a tragedy, a circus.

Both candidates for president have exploited the law for personal gain. Shall we, the people, choose the loudmouth liar or the slick smooth talker in this circus?

Tom McGuire

Sacramento

Correction

In “Pregnant pause” (SN&R News, September 15, 2016), it was mistakenly reported that Susan Fischer Wilhelm, Ph.D. testified on behalf of midwife Ruth Cummings.