Doris Allen

Re “A Fight Over Forgiveness for a Dying Legislator,” Sept. 15:

If some GOP lawmakers believe that Doris Allen’s actions as Assembly speaker are responsible for the party’s dilapidated condition at the present time, I suggest that they look in the mirror. For Republican Assembly members to waste their energies on a spiteful effort to deny Allen and her family some comfort at this time is disgraceful. With an agenda like this, it will not be too far in the future before GOP representation in Sacramento will be down to such a small number that they can caucus in a telephone booth.

CARL BRICK

Fullerton

* I did not know Allen was suffering from terminal colon cancer. I’d like to extend my sympathies to her family. As a matter of Christian charity, I’m even willing to extend those sympathies to her personally.

That said, I must strongly object to the resolution by Assembly Democrats and a few renegade Republicans to commend her for her service in that body. Allen’s most “indelible mark” on California politics is her share in the most prominent act of political treachery in recent times. If Assembly Democrats consider such a person to be a “dynamic role model,” that is their right. That any Republican would agree with them is outrageous. The supporters of the Allen commendation did not even have the courage to have an open debate and a roll-call vote.

I wish Allen and her family the best, but I cannot forget her arrogant, self-serving behavior. Her betrayal did real harm both to her party and to the body she professed to serve.

RICHARD A. DeCAMP

Laguna Beach

*

Re ex-Speaker Allen: Does the term “mean-spirited Republican” come to mind, again?

JOHN GARDINER

Costa Mesa