Readers React: Now the Republicans clamor for compromise?

To the editor: When President Obama was first elected and Democrats also had control of Congress, Republicans were complimented for “standing on principle� when they opposed the economic stimulus and healthcare reform. Now that Republicans have control of Congress, Jonah Goldberg accuses Obama of having an “absurd disconnect� because the president is standing on principle. (“Obama, ignoring realities, sticks to his comfort zone,� Op-Ed, Jan. 26)

Why are the Democrats the only ones who have to “acknowledge that people who disagree with you have a legitimate point of view�? Why must they compromise when Republicans have refused to do likewise?

Bob Gould, Palm Desert

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To the editor: Goldberg writes that Obama has ignored the Republicans’ election mandate.

Given that the Republican-led Congress’ approval rating is around 15%, what does that “mandate� say? And does that rating trump the results of the midterm election?

And what about Obama’s latest approval ratings, which hover around 50%? Sounds to me like the president is winning that popularity contest.

Ted Stulz, Anaheim Hills

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