Opinion: Why do Trump’s exact words matter? Because people hear them.

To the editor: Following adverse reactions to some of Donald Trump’s comments during the presidential election, the public was advised by his supporters to take him seriously but not literally. Jonah Goldberg reminds us that words matter, as do several other articles in the same edition of the Times. (“Take Trump seriously but not literally? How, exactly?” Opinion, Dec. 6)

One article reported on a man believing what he read online in a completely fake news story. He stormed a Washington pizzeria with an AR-15 to rescue fictional children. Another piece was about California legislators resisting some of Trump’s stated objectives regarding deportations.

The two stories provide examples of the raw power of words. In the first case, the words were false and uttered by a conspiracy promoter. Nevertheless, someone acted on them. In the second case, Trump’s words carry the authority of the soon-to-be president and his ability to implement his stated policy objectives. Thus, his words were taken seriously by California lawmakers.

Words matter because people respond to them.

Todd Collart, Ventura

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To the editor: Language matters. It’s the way we communicate our thoughts. All of us, including the next president, must be accountable for the words we speak.

Unfortunately we are never quite sure what Trump truly believes because he seldom stands by what he says. One day he excoriates someone, the next day he embraces that same person. Just how did this incoherent man become president-elect?

I have a theory. Somehow, during the last couple of decades, Americans have just stopped listening to words. We are attracted to emotions but not what people are actually saying.

The first time I was able to vote was in 1964. I listened very carefully, as did everyone, to what each candidate was saying. I will never forget when Barry Goldwater stood before the Republican convention and said, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.”

Goldwater was defeated in a landslide because voters were listening and took his words literally.

Richard A. Steel, Los Angeles

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