Gov. Davis Champions His Own Cause

Re “Davis Pledges No Tax Hikes in State Speech,” Jan. 9: A great man would have given us a vision and objectively described where we are now and how we can achieve that vision. A great man would not, over and over again, have told us how “over the last three years” everything that he touched was good and successful and that “over the last three years” he had nothing to do with anything that didn’t work.

Disappointing. Embarrassing. Clearly a campaign speech first and foremost. Gov. Gray Davis should have the grace to resign and let someone committed to the governorship lead California.

Monroe Slavin

Encino

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“Davis to Ask for Broader Wiretaps” (Jan. 8) reminded me of a quote from Benjamin Franklin: “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” In the wake of the tragedy of Sept. 11, we must take pride in our liberties, for they are the very reason this great country was attacked. Hopefully the citizens of the U.S. will not be frightened into temporary solutions to terrorism that will strip them of their rights.

Ken Madson

Los Angeles