Is Prop. 50 an obvious response to GOP power play or a dirty trick?

Re “No on 50: Seven redistricting commissioners agree on its unfairness” (Oct. 28): The recent attempts at gerrymandering endorsed by the current administration are what was expected. Sensing the pending (and warranted) political penalty of their inept and misguided policies, Republicans are now “circling their wagons.”

Serving in the role of major domo in this misguided parade is none other than our chief executive. Having committed the sin of reading his own press releases, he truly believes he is above any notion of accountability. Redistricting to ensure insulation, insidious to the core, would carry the appearance of legality while he tilts the scales in his favor. Such behavior reinforces the notion that the theoretical “bottom” has been broken through.

Executive orders that are constitutionally infirm; unwarranted attacks on public sector employees; taxation policy favoring the ultra-wealthy. We have endured this charade for far too long.

Yes on 50!

— Donald J. Thomas, San Carlos

Re “Yes on 50: Existing gerrymandering already gives Republicans big advantage in House” (Oct. 28): In his defense of Proposition 50, Marc Lampe asserts that “fairness dictates that blue states take action to gerrymander to the greatest extent allowed under federal law to correct the unfair advantage taken by Republicans.”

However, Lampe’s sentiments have been rebutted by Charlie Cook, who is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends. In his assessment, while it is impossible to say exactly how all the current redistricting efforts will play out in the House, he is “skeptical that Republicans can redraw enough districts to insulate them from what looks like a pretty tough midterm election in 2026.”

Considering that both major political parties are now engaged in an expedited race to the bottom, in which the pursuit of political power, by any means necessary, is all that matters, California voters should reject this farcical exercise by voting a resounding no on Proposition 50!

— Jim Redhead, Clairemont