GOP Ascendance, Gingrich Book

I found it hard to believe William Schneider’s “In Congress: Year 1 of the Experiment” (Opinion, Jan. 1). His tasteless and yes, “mean-spirited” comparison of the Republican takeover of Congress to the Communist Revolution (“the people’s army,” “Chairman Newt,” “Little Red Contract,” “Karl Marx”) was not only inflammatory but illogical. Communism and liberalism (an oxymoron) are all about big, central government; the Republican contract with America is about less/localized government.

However, even more incredible were Schneider’s comments, “ . . . let’s remember why professional politicians ended up in such disrepute. It wasn’t because they were indifferent to public opinion. It was because they were too responsive to what the voters wanted.” Oh, really? Is that why Tom Foley sued his constituency to overturn term limits? Is that why the Democratic Congress bottled up floor votes on the line-item veto, balanced budget initiative, tort reform, capital gains tax relief and the A to Z spending-cut initiative? Did the politicians get control of our borders, pass meaningful and limited welfare and health reforms, or rein in endless governmental regulation? Too responsive? Do you get out of the Beltway much, Mr. Schneider?

TERRY CAMERON

Valencia

* Those darn conservatives. While Neal Gabler may deplore the rising tide of meanness he sees in America (Opinion, Jan. 1), he fails to observe that meanness is a two-way street. Gabler sees meanness only in disgruntled white, male conservatives, hellbent on dismantling “60 years of” (presumably good, liberal, New Deal) “history.” He criticizes gay-bashing, black-bashing, welfare-bashing, and even Chelsea Clinton-bashing. Yet never does he decry the opprobrium displayed in public discourse for the right, particularly the Christian right. The dirty little secret of the American left today is that hatred, loathing and persecution are welcome, so long as they are directed against the approved enemies list.

The rising tide of “anti-” sentiment today stems directly from the cult of victimization created by liberal interest groups in the past. The myriad of hyphenated-Americans who claim special “victim” status due to injustices of the past (real and imagined) have created an environment in which meanness is acceptable, so long as it is directed toward the right. If Gabler were honest instead of merely clever, he would recognize that the Frankenstein he fears today is a monster of the liberals’ own creation.

RUSSELL A. BURGOS

Beverly Hills

* Re “Gingrich Gives Up Book Advance to Defuse Furor,” Dec. 31:

Newt Gingrich’s modification of his book deal, reducing the advance payment to $1 and taking profits from sale of his books, still does not cure the inherent flagrant violation of the public trust.

Being Speaker of the House is a full-time job. Being an author is a full-time job. Newt has to make up his mind which job he wants. He cannot have both. If he accepts both jobs, public funds will be spent to research, write, edit and publish his books. His federally paid staff will be involved in research, transcribing notes and rough drafts of the books on government time. Time which should be devoted to the job of Speaker of the House will be devoted to the books.

ALAN WEBER

West Hollywood