Public Ignored in Impeachment

While I agree with many of Ronald Brownstein’s conclusions about the lessons to be learned from the impeachment (Feb. 15), I take exception to his belief that no one is listening--or, I should say, to who it is that he claims is not listening. The American public has been besieged by a cacophony of news stories, headlines, Internet sites, e-mail jokes and even whole cable networks devoted to this subject. We had no choice but to listen.

Instead, I submit that it was the politicians, Washington insiders and, yes, the news media who have not been listening. The public expressed its views on this matter early and consistently, but to no avail. It is the American people who have suffered the most, while nothing of substance has been accomplished by our government during the last year.

Why did this happen? Because we were the ones not being listened to.

STEPHEN M. BALCOMB

Redondo Beach

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Re “Reconciliation and Work,” editorial, Feb. 14: What is The Times thinking of? You pay tribute to Democratic senators, who pandered to the lowest elements of their party, while oblivious to the statesmanship and self-sacrifice of the House Republicans. And at a time when dozens of White House aides face clear and direct evidence of perjury and obstruction of justice, and yet the so-called Justice Department refuses to investigate or bring charges, The Time meows about how the Constitution has won. The country is facing its greatest danger since the ‘40s.

ANDREW ROBINSON

Sun Valley

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I feel cheated; $50 million for the trial and 13 months of salary paid to representatives and senators who did not fulfill the duties of the job they were elected to do. I want my money back.

However, writing checks to 200 million of us would be rather time-consuming. Better scratch that idea. We could garnish their wages for time lost. Nah, they’d probably just vote themselves another raise.

There must be another way to get a refund, but I can’t do much about it this year. I can do something next year, though. In November.

SUE WILLIAMS

La Palma