Sen. Jesse Helms

Sen. Jesse Helms’ stubborn refusal to consider hearings for appointing former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld as U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott’s full support of Helms’ decision (Sept. 16) are reinforcing the belief by mainstream Americans that the Republican Party is far too radical for their tastes. Keep up the good work, gentlemen, and the Democrats will easily win the presidency and Congress in 2000!

KATHY KEANE

Long Beach

After watching his performance, I decided Weld is an outstanding example of what a diplomat should not be. We need a grown man for the job.

BOB WHITNEY

Monterey Park

After reading about the latest Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting, I’d like to thank you (Sept. 13). Not for the account of Helms vs. Weld et al.; that’s an update of lions vs. Christians. More importantly, thanks for the lucid account of how a supposedly constitutional process has degenerated into something neither the Constitution nor we voters expect.

Traditionally, a committee chairman is responsible for the orderly conduct of the committee’s business. We have been exposed to the spectacle of a chairman implementing his personal agenda to the exclusion of anyone else because Senate rules empower him.

Tell us more about this Congress, where certain elected officials can become petty tyrants. Perhaps as we learn more, we’ll do something about it.

HOWARD BENSEN

Woodland Hills

Re Helms vs. Weld, the government is certainly being simplified: The committee chairmen of the Senate shall do the advising and shall permit the Senate to consent.

ARTHUR H. LEVIN

Los Angeles

Upon the birth of our nation, those who scoffed at democracy while advocating a monarchy must now be reveling as King Jesse takes the helm.

BOB STROH

Fillmore