To the editor: I was a Times editor for 16 years. Through many ups and downs at the newspaper, I remain a loyal and devoted reader. I was disheartened to learn that owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong ordered the Times editorial board to withhold his endorsement in the presidential race.
The fact that one of the candidates lives here and has long represented this state meant that withholding an endorsement would be seen as a boon to former President Trump's campaign. The owner had to have known, and of course, that's exactly what happened, as Trump was quick to call the decision a “humiliating blow” to Vice President Kamala Harris.
I won't cancel my subscription just because I love journalism and my local newspaper, and because I will never stop supporting The Times' outstanding journalists.
But this was a reckless and foolish decision. The owner is now making the news, putting his thumb on the scale of this election and damaging the State that depends on this institution and its integrity.
Scott Gold, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Kudos to your newspaper for not endorsing either candidate. Newspapers and other media outlets are supposed to be impartial, report facts, and allow readers and viewers to make their own informed decisions.
All these unsubscribes and tantrums are pathetic and funny at the same time. Do they really need you to tell them who to vote for?
It's like leaving a social media site that has somehow offended you. No need to stream it, just go!
Lee Frostad, Spokane, Washington.
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To the editor: In the tense political environment our country now finds itself in, facing the most serious threat to democracy and civil rights since the Civil War, we need the free press to fight bravely to save our democracy and our constitutional rights.
And yet, at a time like this, the owner of the LA Times has decided to essentially sit out and give the only sensible endorsement possible to the president of the United States.
With Trump threatening to become a “dictator on day one,” carry out mass deportations, use the U.S. military against people he disagrees with, and so on, this is not the time for a supposedly major newspaper to stay on the sidelines.
After giving up subscriptions to other newspapers that I felt had not lived up to this moment, I turned to the Times as a possible alternative. As a Californian, I found it nice to have more coverage of state and local news and politics.
But nothing more. I will cancel my subscription. I can hardly express how disappointed and betrayed I feel by the American corporate media. You let us down when we needed you most.
Bob Green, Cupertino, California.
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To the editor: It is difficult to believe that the president could not be elected, when a candidate has been convicted of 34 felonies, was found civilly responsible for sexual abuse, and has many more charges pending.
Her immature insults and disgusting lies in front of a woman of stature who respects other humans make the decision a no-brainer for me, and I'm surprised it isn't for The Times.
Sue Robin, Los Angeles
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To the editor: I have been a subscriber to The Times for 30 years, and the cowardly decision not to back Harris means I won't make it to 31. I will cancel my subscription unless you change course.
How can you spend nearly 10 years explaining to readers how and why Trump is an existential threat to our democracy, and now refuse to give an enthusiastic and enthusiastic endorsement of the candidate who stands as a bulwark against fascism?
Harris may not be all things to all people, but she is an excellent candidate who will truly protect our Constitution and work to unite us.
Do the right thing. Support Harris or face the wrath of your readers.
Mike Blum, Sherman Oaks
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To the editor: It is completely unacceptable that The Times has not endorsed Harris for president.
Trump is a convicted felon who orchestrated a coup to overturn a free and fair election. Harris is a native Californian who has worked tirelessly and honorably for this state and country for more than 30 years, and deserves your endorsement.
You made an embarrassing decision that is forcing this longtime subscriber and daughter of a former reporter to leave The Times.
Jill Sanford, Los Angeles
