And the founded attacks?

“But her emails”? A defense of “whataboutism” | Column, Aug. 16

Attorney General Merrick Garland will not tolerate the “unfounded attacks” on the FBI generated by his action at Mar-a-Lago. That’s certainly fair. But of course, his statement fails to address the many well-founded attacks on the FBI and its current and recent leadership.

Michael Giacalone, Lutz

The popular vote

Got the most votes? You win | Letter, Aug. 15

This letter writer is correct: We need legislation to guarantee the presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in the entire U.S. Fortunately, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact will do this. It has already been adopted by 14 states and the District of Columbia with a total of 195 electoral votes. It needs 270 electoral votes (enough to elect a president) before it activates. Florida has 30 electoral votes. Tell your state legislators to pass the compact, and also vote for those who will promise to do so.

Shirley Arcuri, Tampa

No one is above the law

GOP field dotted with 2020 doubters and deniers | Aug. 13

This front-page article exposes the depth of election denial among GOP candidates in our local races. Even those pretending to be moderate are still hedging their language to appeal to the most extreme elements of the GOP base. This pandering to that base is just one aspect of the danger our democracy faces from the enemy within. Far-right politicians in Florida, including our two senators, our governor and many members of our congressional delegation, have embraced the authoritarian mainstream of Republican politics. I hope the voters realize that these people are a direct, existential threat to the principle that we have one law for everyone and that no one is above it.

Gregg Niemi, Tampa

Want to buy a bridge?

Biden signs massive climate and health care legislation | Aug. 17

So the massive climate change and health care bill will be paid for by corporate taxes and more taxes on the rich? This legislation will also reduce the deficit. Is that Brooklyn Bridge still for sale?

Kenn Sidorewich, Oldsmar

The will of the people

Listen to GOP voters on smart gun control | Editorial, Aug. 17

I wholeheartedly agree with this editorial regarding the statewide survey showing that large majorities of voters support sensible gun control measures, although I’d like to suggest an easy solution for those elected officials who do not have the political courage to take action: Vote them out. There are plenty of candidates who are listening to voters and take sensible gun control legislation seriously. Primary day is Aug. 23.

Bobbie Harris, Riverview