Readers React: The FBI’s investigation seemed set up to clear Brett Kavanaugh. This is what corrupt nations do

To the editor: We are, at last, a Third World nation. As the FBI’s work on Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh shows, we pick and choose how justice will be served; we investigate selectively; we make decisions based on what will help the plutocrats and oligarchs; we’re blind to injustice.

Congress passes laws that harm the public while asserting that the “little guy” will benefit. Lawmakers cherry-pick facts and pretend that they’re telling the truth and then blame the opposition for omissions.

We are Turkey, we are Egypt, and the White House and the congressional majority find that acceptable.

We are a country in desperate need of a 21st century Joseph Welch — someone who will face off against abusive officials and ask them, in front of the nation, “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”

In the 1950s, the country applauded. Now, the answer to Welch would be, “No, but that’s OK.”

Peter Altschuler, Santa Monica

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To the editor: Democrats believe the FBI should have questioned Kavanaugh and his sexual assault accuser Christine Blasey Ford, but that would not have presented any additional facts on the case. Their respective views are already known.

The obvious question now is whether senators will be influenced by the FBI’s report or whether their minds have already been made up. With a handful of senators believed to be sitting on the fence, the FBI’s investigation may be the decisive factor.

The few senators who will decide Kavanaugh’s fate are torn by party loyalty, their own conscience and the wishes of their electorate. These people are between a rock and a hard place.

Americans relish a close contest. Certainly in this instance, and with substantial consequences, their wish will be fulfilled.

Nelson Marans, New York

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To the editor: It is interesting how primarily conservatives have questioned Ford’s account by asking why she didn’t report the alleged assault shortly after it happened 36 years ago.

We are all aware of the now-adult men who were sexually assaulted by priests and didn’t report their abuse for decades. It’s interesting how the men weren’t mocked, vilified or dismissed as they recounted their abuse.

Furthermore, there is a major difference between stupid adolescent behavior and someone turning up the volume on the radio and putting his hands over the victim’s mouth to prevent anyone from hearing her screams for help.

I am appalled and disgusted that anyone could dismiss Ford’s account and confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Judith A. Beay, Ventura

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To the editor: If only Kavanaugh had decided not to give dissembling responses to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 27.

It seems clear, based on the statements of his contemporaries, that Kavanaugh vastly understated his propensity for drinking to excess. I find it credible that he truly believes any incident with Ford never happened. What with her compelling and wholly believable sworn testimony, Kavanaugh should have considered the seemingly obvious fact that she’s telling the truth, and he’s really not certain that he can recall his own actions.

He should have said: “Though I have no recollection of Dr. Ford’s allegations, I also see no reason to disbelieve her. If I did do what she claims, I am extremely sorry and sincerely apologize to Dr. Ford and to everyone else who has been hurt by this story coming to light. That teenager is clearly not the man who stands before you now.”

If only.

R.F. Roswell, Burbank

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