Rep. Rohrabacher

Jodi Wilgoren and The Times should count themselves lucky, (“All Quiet on the Rohrabacher Front,” Washington Connection, Jan. 20). I remember when Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach), freshly unemployed as a Reagan speech writer, blew into our town. With his carpetbag in hand he put down shallow roots and claimed the shaky seat of our congressional district. The fact that he was quickly replaced by a Democrat [when he changed districts] attests to the fact that we could see him for what he was.

Now he has found a rock to hide under behind the orange curtain. So you can’t get a quote? Good! May The Times forever save us from his blather.

STANTON BAILEY

Lomita

* Wilgoren’s column proves that it is tough to reach the top, but even more difficult to stay there. It is one thing to shun a reporter’s question about the weather, but comments about issues affecting our lives demand response.

Petty disputes must be overlooked when questions originating from a large-circulation newspaper (read by constituents in Rohrabacher’s district) request him to go on record--unless his perspective would affirm his ignorance. By brashly scorning The Times since 1995, Rohrabacher’s muzzled voice loudly shouts volumes about his proficiency to communicate and thus lead. If his lofty ego was checked, he would remember how easy it is.

Dana, if you want your opinions published, keep it simple and follow the rules. See how easy it is. After all, you are now reading my words.

MITCHELL GOLDSTONE

Irvine