From the heart

Re “Elon Musk’s gesture draws different views” (Jan. 25):

The New York Times, once the newspaper of record, is now the paper of partial information that leads to erroneous conclusions. Nowhere in this half-page article does it mention that Musk, early in his speech, said “My heart goes out to you” as he put his hand over his heart and then extended his arm as a gesture of giving his heart. He repeated this gesture several times. So what! If people want to interpret something as other than what it actually is, that is their choice. However, the author did not print what the gesture meant, leaving the readers to come to false conclusions. What you do not report is often more important than what you do report. This article is a prime example of that concept.

— Paul Lawendowski, Long Beach

U.S. EV manufacturing

Re “Michigan EV industry responds to the president’s policy changes” (Jan. 25):

American manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles should continue to be supported, not just for cleaner air but to keep the U.S. competitive in the automobile industry we founded.

The industrial centers of our country have been in decline for too long, and the government should seize every opportunity to rejuvenate Motor City and re-establish American-made vehicles as the best in the world in the 21st century. That doesn’t mean we have to stop building internal combustion cars, but the future is electric and we should not sit back to let China claim that new worldwide market for themselves.

— Patricia Maw, San Juan Capistrano

Hughes fire

Re “Aggressive firefight against Hughes blaze puts containment at 36%, with 10,396 acres burned” (Jan. 24):

As an evacuee in the Hughes fire, I would like to express my gratitude to all members of the fire department and all persons engaged in the acts of safely exiting the Castaic area evacuees and evacuated animals.

The swiftly moving fire, in the strong winds, was a menace!

With the expertise of the firemen and their fire science, the fire was kept away from structures as well! Their defense was admirable! And I might add, Fox11 provided exceptional news concerning the fire.

If there has to be a fire, all elements in the Hughes fire defense was outstanding!

— Janice Smalley, Castaic