Recall Is a Test for California Democracy

Re “Davis Is Paying for a Big Transgression,” Commentary, Aug. 6: Calling himself a liberal, Julius Wachtel informs us that Gov. Gray Davis has “failed miserably at virtually everything.” The only two examples of failure he cites relate to the Enron debacle -- and he fails to mention dot-com failures, a war and a White House run by oil executives. The recall effort is more than just another thinly veiled coup d’etat by the right wing.

This election is like a big IQ test for our state. It is very possible that folks in California have the brain power to see what’s going on.

Jon Hartmann

Los Angeles

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Re “Schwarzenegger In, Feinstein Out,” Aug. 7:

Two things about Arnold Schwarzenegger: First, he deserves a chance if only because he managed to humble all the political “experts” (including yours) by deciding to run when all the “smart money” said he wouldn’t. Second is that given the present governor, could anyone possibly be worse?

Arden Acord

La Crescenta

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Two opposing headlines: “Just When Davis Thought It Couldn’t Get Worse, It Did” and “Schwarzenegger In, Feinstein Out.”

I was going to vote Davis out but for fear of what the movie buffs might do I now will have to change my vote, much as I miss the opportunity to express my distaste for the current regime.

Peter R. McGowan

Long Beach

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I don’t see any reason why an Austrian weightlifter should not occupy the governor’s chair; he probably could do no worse than a second-rate Hollywood actor did several years ago. California is a disgrace to the republic.

Gary Hearty

Los Angeles

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I was so excited to hear that Arnold was running for governor I ran immediately to my computer to find out his plan for California.

I pored through Web sites for an hour and couldn’t find a position statement on anything. For what does Schwarzenegger stand? I’m longing to know.

Chris Splendini

Los Angeles

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Gray Davis resigns. The people save $35 million. The Democrats retain the governorship. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) wastes his time and money. We turn our attention to the real issues facing California. And Davis becomes a martyr.

Sonia Nayle

Woodland Hills

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Re “A Successor to Davis Is Already in Place,” Commentary, Aug. 5:

Thank you, professor Joseph R. Grodin.

Finally someone has read the California Constitution and made an objective assessment of the recall provision, rather than all those self-serving pronouncements by opportunistic, power-hungry politicians.

Phil Wesley

Silver Lake

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One step toward cleaning up the recall process would be to prohibit cash payments to solicitors pressuring people to sign petitions outside of grocery stores.

We sign as the easiest way to get to our cars.

Charles H. Woodmansee

Los Angeles