Newt Gingrich

Times staff writer Janet Hook opened her Nov. 21 story about Newt Gingrich saying, “Humbled by the political pounding he’s taken during the last two years. . . .” She then relates how this man--who won a resounding reelection this year in his home district, engineered the Republican landslide congressional victory in 1994, the party’s retention of the House this year, and accomplished nine of his 10 “contract with America” objectives despite a Democrat-controlled White House--was just chosen for his second term as speaker of the House. I suppose when Speaker Gingrich becomes President Gingrich after the 2000 elections, she will say he was “pounded” and “humbled” because he is no longer speaker!

KIP ALLEN

Palm Springs

* On Nov. 15 James Pinkerton (Commentary) wrote an admiring opinion of Gingrich. He quoted Gingrich as saying: “If 90% of the country wants a balanced budget, where is the center?”

The fact is, Gingrich has learned nothing, and this combative quote is prime evidence of that fact. Sure, the public wants a balanced budget, but they haven’t the slightest interest in giving up anything in order to get it!

The public was horrified at the attempts Gingrich made to cut Medicare and Aid to Families with Dependent Children. The public, as always, wants their cake and wants to eat it as well. A genuine statesman realizes this fact and speaks softly in order to accomplish some small steps in the right direction.

DON WEINMAN

Culver City