Bill Thomas

Re “Rep. Thomas Brings Edgy Intellect to Medicare Debate,” Oct. 24:

Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Bakersfield) may have his critics inside that damned D.C. Beltway, but “back home”--here in the district--they’re few and far between.

I’m proud as punch at his role of “inspector general” of the United States! As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Bill is doing more good than even The Times can imagine! His eventual book will be pure grist for political scientists, and a text for college undergraduates and graduate students on how government ought to function--constitutionally.

DAVID C. PHILLIPS

Bakersfield

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Thomas does not “suffer fools lightly,” by his own admission. “People say I’m not as touchy-feely as I should be.” Perhaps not, but a little humility would become you, Congressman. The self-righteousness you project may come back to haunt you.

“My stock in trade always has been knowledge,” Thomas boasts. If he would suffer me for a moment, I would ask the congressman to consider tempering that knowledge with a little compassion. I suggest it may serve him and all of us better in the long run.

CHARLES R. BARR

Upland