Readers React: Dishonesty in politics explains the rise of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders

To the editor: It is true that most voters on both sides of the aisle are angry, but you completely omit the primary source of the anger. (“The year of the angry voter,” editorial, Jan. 31)

You conclude correctly that voters are angry about indecisive and incompetent government. You mention a “braggadocious” candidate and a candidate who wants to “carpet bomb” Islamic State. Alas, you miss the mark completely in identifying the root cause of the anger held by most Americans.

The editorial suggests that the source of the anger emanates from the candidates’ solutions. The Times is completely wrong.

The anger of voters is overwhelmingly provoked by dishonest politicians. There’s Benghazi, e-mail servers, breached security, cover-ups, unequal enforcement of the law, governance by fiat and outright mendacity — these are all the root causes of the anger voters are expressing now.

Not mentioning the name of the most culpable candidate is unbecoming of a great newspaper like The Times. It should re-examine this issue.

Rob Reisig, Yorba Linda

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To the editor: Please do not compare the reasons people support Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders with those who support the Republican fringe candidates, which you seem to do in your editorial.

Sanders is a deep thinker and wants humane, necessary changes. Government-provided health insurance for all is something many civilized countries have.

I’m terrified for the world should a Republican be elected. And if the time is right, and I believe it is, a president can undo social and economic changes, though it might be slower than a right-wing takeover.

Gail Gauldin Moore, Los Angeles

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