President Reagan

Re “Freedom and the election” (Nov. 3):

Like Mr. Greenhut, I reacted the same way to Larry Wilson’s column (Oct. 20) slamming President Reagan. Reagan was one of the best presidents at clearly articulating his ideas for America. Certainly Reagan was better at communicating than either Trump or Harris.

We have no idea what the evasive Kamala Harris supports or would implement. Trump makes so many outrageous statements that we question whether he is serious or trying to get attention. I asked myself what was on Wilson’s mind.

Was he attacking a successful Republican president to put a negative spin on Republicans in general?

Wilson’s opinions generally are on the left, and I expect he is supporting the Democrats in congressional races. Regardless, I appreciate Mr. Greenhut’s setting the record straight on President Reagan.

— Oliver Watson, Orange

VW’s Germany plant

Re “VW eyes 3 plant closures and job cuts” (Oct. 29):

“Electricity prices for large industrial users in Germany are well above the European Union average, let alone the U.S., China or Japan. This is largely the result of Berlin‘s decision to eschew coal and nuclear power in favor of renewables that are more expensive and less reliable.” The same thing is happening in California. Average retail electricity prices nationwide is $0.19 per kilowatt hour, but in Texas and Florida it’s $0.14 per kilowatt hour, and in California it’s $0.30 to $0.60 per kilowatt hour. California’s renewable energy is too expensive compared to the competitors. This will drive even more industry out of California just like what is happening in Germany.

— Stephen Waddell, Palos Verdes Estates

California’s long-term debt

Re “State and local debt is over half a trillion dollars” (Nov. 5):

It’s important to understand that this debt is currently unfunded and is largely because of promised health care and pension benefits at a state and local level. It is also important to tabulate that the figures your columnist uses are for 2022, even though the final audit report for 2023 and 2024 are still not published. We really don’t know how far in debt we are and how long it will take without another tax increase to balance it. Read the article and really absorb the information before you ever vote again.

— Hayden Lening, Claremont