Readers React: On the memo, how far will Trump take supporters down his rabbit hole?

To the editor: President Trump claims vindication after the release of the memo written by the staff of House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), yet the document states the Trump campaign investigation began after an earlier incident involving George Papadopoulos, not because of the infamous Steele dossier or the FBI’s purported abuse of its surveillance powers. (“Some GOP lawmakers question Trump’s claim of vindication from memo,” Feb. 4)

For the sake of saving his own hide, Trump is willing to destroy public trust in vital American institutions.

We’ve long known the president is happy to lie to serve himself; what his base apparently does not understand is his willingness to drag his supporters to hell with him. Let’s hope enough of his supporters catch on in time to help the rest of us stop this slow-rolling tragedy.

Spike Tucker, Lompoc

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To the editor: Kudos to the Los Angeles Times for the startling revelation that the memo doesn’t prove FBI abuse. Keep in mind that the memo was not presented as proof at this stage, but rather as a summary of findings about surveillance abuse based on sworn witness testimony, official documents, emails and text messages.

The proof comes later. Stay tuned.

Ronald Masson, Topanga

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To the editor: As I read of Trump’s attacks on the FBI and the Department of Justice, and of his supporters’ positive responses to it, I become more concerned about what is happening to our country.

It appears to me that Trump fancies himself a dictator, as he tries to discredit the press and the federal agencies we respect. When will the people wake up and realize the harm this man is doing to our country?

We need to be aware of the dangers facing us all and put a stop to it before he succeeds.

Zita Kass, Woodland Hills

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To the editor: I served in the CIA for nearly 19 years. In my positions I was responsible for what was, at the time, some of the most sensitive “sources and methods” the intelligence community had in our arsenal.

To claim that the recently released House Intelligence Committee memo contained information on sources and methods is absurd. There is nothing in there that is secret or sensitive from a national security standpoint.

What the memo shows is that classification is often used to protect the agency involved and not national security. I have seen classification misused many times in government.

What the Democrats are hoping is that most citizens will not understand this and buy their frankly stupid argument.

Robert Kohler, La Quinta

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