Biden’s commutation of Leonard Peltier

Re “A step toward justice and healing” (Jan. 26):

James Ramos’s recent article “A step toward justice and healing” called former President Biden’s commutation of Leonard Peltier’s life sentence for murder of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ron Williams a “significant act of justice” vindicating Peltier’s murderous act because of ”emotional scars” Peltier experienced living on a reservation. As a young FBI agent, I was assigned for six weeks to the Wounded Knee, American Indian Movement (AIM) insurrection at Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

I witnessed firsthand the unjust and brutal life Native Americans suffered “in the face of federal neglect and abuse” and I sympathize with those living on reservations. I adamantly disagree with Ramos’s contention that Peltier’s commutation for the cowardly execution and desecration of the agents’ dead bodies is a significant step toward the struggle for fairness for Indigenous people.

I ask readers how President Biden’s commutation of this ruthless and dangerous killer was “A step toward justice and healing?”

— James T. Burns, Fountain Valley

President Trump’s help for California wildfires

Tell me how it is possible for President Trump to help with the wildfire damage in California when Governor “Nuisance” is Trump-proofing the state?

— Dave Spulecki, Torrance

Whose deep state is it?

Re “President Trump vs. the deep state” (Jan. 26):

The term “deep state” suggests a conspiracy network of federal employees actively working to undermine legislation and the executive agendas. I would like to offer a different perspective, one grounded in the fundamental workings of our democratic republic’s system of checks and balances.

The friction caused by our system of checks and balances is not a conspiracy.

Checks ensure continuity and stability by pushing back, testing, and blocking actions until they are properly reviewed.

When actions are checked it is an indication of the integrity and commitment to public service of the entire federal government.

This system is designed to serve the public interest and uphold the rule of law. It is not a conspiracy.

— Steve Doutt, Twentynine Palms