For the editor:
Concerning “The president injects fervent faith into his policies» (first page, October 29):
I’m glad to know that our new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, takes his Christian faith seriously. I look forward to his leadership in feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, freeing prisoners, welcoming strangers, loving our enemies, leading peace not war, and honoring the image of God in every person – of all faith, race, nationality and personal identity.
(Rev.) Sheldon W. Bennett
Quincy, mass.
For the editor:
The new speaker must be aware that the founding document of the United States is not the Bible, but the Constitution. He and others also seem to need to be reminded that the first settlers, for example the Puritans, came to these shores for religious freedom. They wanted to free themselves from the harassment of a state religion.
Ginger Lennon
Princeton, New Jersey
For the editor:
President Mike Johnson says he gets his worldview from the Bible. As Paul Krugman puts it (“The GOP is becoming totally extremist“, October 27 column), Mr. Johnson has promoted budget proposals that would dramatically cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, children’s health coverage and food stamps and result in the loss of health insurance for more than 23 million Americans.
Doesn’t the Bible say something about “whatever you did to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did to me”? I guess Mr. Johnson just hasn’t addressed this part yet in his reading of the Bible.
Bill Eiffert
San Diego
For the editor:
If Mike Johnson is motivated and guided by his Christian faith, then he will have a lot of explaining to do as he reveres and supports Donald J. Trump, an amoral narcissist who is the antithesis of Christian virtue and practice.
Thomas M. Ginn
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
For the editor:
Concerning “Welcome, Mr. President Johnson, to the worst job in politics», by Benjamin Domenech (guest essay, nytimes.com, October 27):
New House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a pivotal challenge in the history of our country and his party. Let’s come together and wish him the best, and call on him to demonstrate his “pro-family priorities” by passing family-friendly legislation, like the expanded child tax credit, which cut nearly in half child poverty, until it is not renewed.
With 40 percent of Americans near or below the poverty linethe speaker can lead the way with legislation that makes a difference so families have enough to eat, a roof over their heads, quality education, and health care regardless of zip code.
So, good luck, Mr. President. All of America depends on you.
Willie Dickerson
Snohomish, Washington.
For the editor:
Concerning “A right-wing fever dream comes to life», by Jamelle Bouie (chronicle of October 29):
Oh my God. After reading Mr. Bouie’s column on the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, I could only think: Where have we ended up?
He was a strong supporter of overturning the results of the 2020 election, based on frightening interpretations and opinions about state laws, the Electoral College, and outside influence and interference.
In other words, he favored a coup d’état that would have spelled the end of democracy in America. And it is the Republican who comes second after the presidency. He owes his power to the submission of his colleagues to the pressure of our former president.
I now fear for the future of my country like I never have before. I firmly believed that Donald Trump would gradually disappear from the political scene.
I was completely wrong, and the growing possibility that he will take back the White House is truly frightening.
Harvey Glassman
Boynton Beach, Florida.
