The papal election took a page out of Hollywood

Well, you guessed it right, nobody had their guesses right on the new pope. I sensed the cardinals would pull a rabbit out of the hat. After all the last pope was from South America; why not North America? In picking Cardinal Robert Prevost they got the support of two countries, the U.S. and Peru, and the delight of Hispanics throughout the world since Spanish is the language of Peru. Yes, the cardinals even surpassed Hollywood on this one. Thank God, there is no act two.

— Joseph Saraceno, Gardena

More noise from President Trump

Re “The Birdman of Alcatraz is back with a bad idea” (May 9):

Hallelujah! Some scribes have finally come to recognize Trump’s grand gestures for more than just mere swagger or wild impractical ideas. All the noise — Canada to be admitted to the union, Panama and Greenland to be annexed, tariffs, DOGE — that’s how he introduces the subject to get the media’s attention. Noise! Headlines! Alcatraz is noise. The subject actually is crime and punishment. The recidivism rate approaches 80%, an abject failure. Wait until justice’s latest proposals come down the line.

Considering how future parole programs will be administered, the ACLU’s hair will be on fire.

But like everything else he pursues it will succeed. Crime rates will fall and recidivism rates will plunge. You do understand why he mentioned Alcatraz, don’t you?

— John R. Waters, Lake Forest

L.A. Metro

Re “Transit expo aims to get older adults on rail, buses safely and with confidence” (May 11):

This story inadvertently highlights the serious safety problems that make public transit a last-resort option for seniors and anyone who wishes to avoid violence.

By all accounts, buses and trains seem to be well-stocked with people ready to randomly commit crimes and assaults on defenseless passengers. Transit authorities seem to be unwilling to deal with the substance addicts, mentally disabled and common criminals who can turn a bus ride into a lethal situation. Carrying a whistle and “staying alert” are inadequate remedies! People avoid public transit to preserve their own lives, and until these vehicles can be made truly safe for riders, people will continue to choose better options whenever possible.

— David Gee, Palmdale