Readers Write: Dec. 7

Media’s double standard still thrives

The New York Times reported Hillary Clinton’s campaign will join Jill Stein’s effort to seek a recount in Wisconsin and possibly two other states. Judging by the media’s outrage and excoriation of Trump when he suggested he may not accept the election results, you would think the media would now be doing the same to Clinton? I guess the Times and others learned nothing about fair and balanced reporting, and a double standard continues to be alive and well.

JOSEPH CANNON, COLLEGE PARK

We get the leader we deserve

One of my favorite verbs is roil. Just the sound of it makes me think of cats tumbling in wrangles. So when I saw that word in a recent headline in the AJC, I paid attention. I didn’t vote for Trump and I do not now think he will do well. But it gives me no “I-told-you-so” satisfaction to read that his unaccountable behavior post-election has his staff “roiling” from the problems he himself creates. That’s because someone must eventually pay for the mess. I fear it’s the American people who will foot the bills for what promises to be as yet unforeseen fiscal, social, and emotional deficits. Our reputation as a country is at stake. DeTocqueville famously observed (in 1835) that in a democracy, the people get the leader they deserve. What a depressing thought! Many think President Obama’s administration was stymied by partisan fighting, but at least we knew pretty well who was stonewalling whom. That will look like romper room squabbles over blocks in the block center compared to the chaotic in- and out-fighting we already see from Trump’s not-yet-formed administration. Now it’s Trump against anyone he perceives to be non-Trump, and unlike children, he never gives up, bears grudges, and won’t compromise and cooperate.

RICKS CARSON, ATLANTA