To the editor:
Matt Welch argues passionately and persuasively that Republican legislators ought not to cede authority to the president. But he doesn’t touch on why they have lost their spines.
Polls consistently show strong support for the president among the one-third of the national electorate who vote Republican. So, to “poke the bear” raises the ire of their political constituency. If Republican legislators lose their support, they will certainly lose their seats.
The reasons people give for supporting President Trump vary, but at bottom, it seems that authoritarian government suits them. The GOP stresses obedience to authority and party loyalty. That approach gets Republican voters to the polls and, together with gerrymandering, wins elections despite a minority position.
If Welch wants Republican legislators to stand up to the president, he should try persuading Republican voters to shift their support away from Trump and his authoritarian rule.
Eleanor Egan, Costa Mesa
