Newt Gingrich

Within the article “Gingrich Backs Denial of Medicare to Wealthy” (Dec. 9), Rep. Newt Gingrich expressed regret for suggesting that a quarter of the White House staff had used drugs, and for having called President and Mrs. Clinton one-time members of the counterculture. He excused his lapses by saying, “I’m trying to learn a new job.”

Granted, it is difficult to speak intelligibly when your foot is in your mouth, but I would think that common sense is a prerequisite for the Speaker of the House, not part of the on-the-job training.

RICHARD CAMP, Studio City

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Can you picture our Founding Fathers placing a Newt Gingrich into a high political position?

PAUL DUCHON, Laguna Hills

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The Democratic whip, Rep. David E. Bonior (D-Mich.), is calling for an outside counsel to investigate Gingrich for a violation of ethics for teaching a class that professes a goal of training citizens “into a model for replacing the welfare state and reforming our government” (Dec. 9).

I realize, to a Democrat, these thoughts are subversive, but are they unethical?

GARY A. ROBB, Los Angeles

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Together, Sen. Bob Dole, Gingrich and the rest of the GOP have appeared to prove one thing this holiday season: While the meek shall inherit the Earth, the mean have inherited Congress. God bless America.

JAY RUBIN, Tarzana