About the publisher: Suspended Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas enjoys widespread support despite being found guilty of ethical misconduct. The same goes for ex-President Trump. (“In a corruption-ridden city, Ridley-Thomas conviction brings public honor, not contempt,” April 2)

Both may be politicians, but the two differ vastly in the degree and extent of their ethical decay, their political leanings, their base and radicalization of support, and their place on the national scene.

So what does it say about us, the voters, that as long as we like their policies, many are willing to overlook the ethical flaws of our leaders? Have we become so tribal that nothing matters anymore except “I don’t care about ethical right or wrong as long as I understand my version of ideological right or wrong”?

Brad Golstein, Woodland Hills

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About the publisher: me completely

agree

with praise for Ridley-Thomas. I am thankful for all he has done for his fellow Angelenos and especially the Black Angelenos.

Thank you, Mr. Ridley-Thomas.

Lynn Thompson, Redondo Beach

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About the publisher: I was baffled by the hypocrisy that Ridley-Thomas supported over his corruption conviction, compared to the near-unanimous condemnation of his fellow council member, Kevin de Len, for his racially hateful comments at a secret meeting.

Ridley-Thomas’ past achievements and wide network of political allies have been cited as reasons why he overlooked a jury’s finding that he had committed numerous crimes while in office. But it can be argued that De Len was also a passionate advocate for his constituents and achieved much for them.

But de Len was far from tarred and feathered for his verbal indiscretions, while Ridley-Thomas seems to have suffered little from his reputation.

Augustine Medina, South Pasadena

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About the publisher: A letter writer sees partiality in this

The

The Times referenced Trump’s party in reporting his indictment, but did not do so for Ridley-Thomas following his conviction in a federal corruption case.

This is not a prejudice, but simply the reflection of some facts.

First, LA City Council seats are nonpartisan offices; not the presidency.

Second, Trump claims to be the leader of the Republican Party, and he is the de facto leader of that party whether he likes it or not. The same cannot be said of Ridley-Thomas with regard to the Democratic Party.

June Ailin Sewell, Marina del Rey