Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Here.

To the Editor:

“Flawed Choices for the State Dept.” (editorial, Dec. 13) criticizes the nomination of Rex Tillerson as secretary of state because he “has no background in diplomacy” and his apparent closeness with Vladimir Putin in light of the fact that “American-Russian relations are at their worst since the Cold War, a result of Mr. Putin’s annexation of Crimea, the war in eastern Ukraine, his attempts to destabilize countries in Europe, and bombings of civilians in Syria.”

But each of these events occurred under President Obama’s watch without any effective American response. As to Mr. Tillerson’s experience, how much diplomatic experience did Hillary Clinton have?

JACK GUMPERT WASSERMAN

New York

Note from KBJ: After eight years of incompetence and thuggery, it's refreshing to have intelligent, knowledgeable, talented people in the cabinet.

Here is Pat Buchanan's latest column. Pat has been right from the beginning.

Boston (1976).

Here.

Here.

To the Editor:

Re “Trump as Cyberbully in Chief? Twitter Attack on Union Boss Draws Fire” (front page, Dec. 9):

Reporters are debating how to handle Donald Trump’s tweets. Surely this is the first time in history that the press has been forced to consider whether to take seriously the statements of any current or future president. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t understand the consequences.

There will come a time when he will have to deliver a serious message to the American people from the Oval Office. It may be about a horrible tragedy, a natural disaster, an armed conflict, a terrorist attack, a change in policy or some national emergency.

At that time, we won’t know if he is telling the truth, if he knows the truth, if he understands what he is talking about, or if he is trying to manipulate us or bully someone. We will have to wait for people whom we can trust and believe to vet and confirm or correct anything he says.

How can he lead us or protect us if we can’t believe him or trust his judgment? This cyberbullying just erodes what little credibility he has left.

TOM STEWART

Denver

Note from KBJ: If Barack Obama were tweeting, Tom Stewart would hail him as an innovative, courageous communicator.

This takes music to a new level.

Ted Cruz calls for term limits. I propose 12 years for both House members and senators.

Here.