to the editor: I am truly horrified and shaking in my slippers as I read this article this morning (“The Justice Department is drafting a list of 'domestic terrorists'” December 11). Every day I say it can't get any worse and every day I get another shock.
Now President Trump wants neighbors to snitch on neighbors (oh yeah, like in cuba) – and get paid for it. Excellent. How will this be? Will my neighbor (or my child) be able to make a few dollars by suing me for supporting the transgender kid next door or the Muslim kid in my neighborhood, or for attending a protest in defense of immigrants? As long as I express my support for Christianity (according to the memo coverage, Jews are not protected), can't my neighbor make money from me?
I could have sworn this is exactly the kind of authoritarianism we oppose around the world. Isn't this what happens in those countries from which our immigrants fled and to which we cruelly tried to send them back? Isn't this the kind of government we oppose in Venezuela (of course, it's not about oil)?
Remembering the McCarthy hearings, I must ask our Republican representatives: “Do you have no decency?” When, dear God, will you stand up and say “enough is enough”? I cry.
Barbara Rosen, Fullerton
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to the editor: It was not enough for Trump to reveal a US national security strategy that aligns with Russia's vision and turn our backs on our former allies in Europe. No, you will now tell our citizens to hand over anyone they suspect of being a domestic terrorist in exchange for a financial reward.
This reflects what happened in Joseph Stalin's Russia, where “mutual surveillance” was practiced and thousands of innocent people were reported to the authorities by fellow citizens. Is this really what we want to happen in America? And will the Proud Boys and other far-right groups that support Trump be included in this summary?
Steve Fisher, Studio City
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to the editor: I am not of any particular religion or unconditional politics. I live in a pleasant environment and have traveled abroad a lot. I received two parking tickets and was never arrested. I'm basically pretty dull, but I've gradually become more and more upset over the last few months by what's happening within our country and internationally.
Now I'm really scared. I fear for myself, perhaps, because I have opinions, I probably read frowned upon books, I have a variety of friends, I seek information online on many topics, and I have joined a peaceful protest. And I fear for all the diverse people, of many backgrounds and opinions, who are hard workers, for all of us who have truly made this country great.
Where has the respect and understanding of our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, constitutional law and its history gone? Where has simple respect and acceptance of differences gone? I may not agree with everyone, but I'm not going to sue anyone and I hope no one sues me.
Deborah Regan, Palos Verdes Peninsula
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to the editor: So we're supposed to report other Americans who may pose a threat? How about a guy whose broad forgiveness released hundreds January 6, 2021, Capitol rioters released from prison? Or a guy who just freed a drug lord convicted of conspiring to bring in more than 400 tons of cocaine To America?
FBI Director Kash Patel is named Donald J. Trump. Please send me my reward.
Jimmie Robertson, Dana Point
