Readers React: Memo to Ben Carson: Scrutiny comes with running for president

To the editor: I would like to point out to Republican Ben Carson that he is running for what is arguably the most powerful position of authority in the world. And as a thoughtful voter, I want to know as much about how he would perform as president as possible. (“Ben Carson calls ‘special scrutiny’ from media unfair,” Nov. 8)

But Carson is a political neophyte, with no governing record to examine (which, ironically, also seems to be a significant reason for his popularity among certain segments of the electorate). So all that remains for me to judge him by, aside from his successful career in medicine, are the statements he has made since coming on the scene and whatever other scraps of information can be uncovered by investigating journalists.

Such vetting, which at times has seemed to focus on insignificant minutia, is a burden all office seekers must bear, and he would be well advised to be honest and patient with the process.

John Trask, Thousand Oaks

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To the editor: A pretty girl comes to Hollywood and meets a director. He tells her, “I can get you in the movies.” She says she is not interested because she is on track to become a doctor. Later, she writes in a book that she was offered a movie contract while in Hollywood.

Is that honest? No, of course not.

Someone, whose name he has forgotten, told Carson he could get him a nomination to attend West Point. He said he was not interested because he wanted to be a doctor.

Later, he writes in a book that he was offered a full scholarship to West Point. How is that different?

Lorraine Knopf, Santa Monica

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