Did police have legal cause to stop and search Mangione?

I hope that the stop-and-frisk of Luigi Magione, which apparently is what it was, meets the U.S. Supreme Court’s criteria of reasonable suspicion and articulable justification for confronting an American citizen, searching same for possible weapons, and arresting that individual for illegally carrying a firearm (“Luigi Mangione faces tough legal challenges, says Baltimore lawyer with ties to family,” Dec. 11). In Magione’s case, he was charged not only with illegal carrying but also possession of an illegal gun — what is known as a “ghost gun.”

I also hope the police report documenting the stop-and-frisk is based on more than a tip or that it “looks like him.” It will be up to a judge to entertain a possible argument by a defense lawyer that Magione’s arrest was illegal by not meeting the stop-and-frisk criteria promulgated in Terry v. Ohio. If not, any so-called evidence seized or charges filled will be null and void.

Whether a challenge to the arrest will be made, time will tell. The extradition question may not be even be the offing. It goes without saying (but I will say it anyway) that it is tough being a cop in a free society and high-profile cases like this one can prove it.

— Jim Giza, Baltimore

Councilman Marks: Interim county executive should not be a partisan

I am responding to Witold Skwierczynski’s recent letter to the editor in which he argues that certain candidates for the position of interim Baltimore County executive should be disqualified because they are not “true Democrats” (“Olszewski’s successor should be a true Democrat (which disqualifies Klausmeier and Brochin),” Dec. 10).

The county charter requires that Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr.’s successor be from the same political party. Still, it is stupefying that Skwierczynski would think that the three Republicans on the Baltimore County Council would support a partisan ideologue for this position.

For years, Baltimore County has favored moderation over extremism. The voters want a consensus-builder as county executive. Indeed, of the more than 70 people who testified at our public input session on Dec. 10, only Skwierczynski argued for a partisan Democrat to fill this position.

As the County Council nears its decision, I proudly state that I will do the exact opposite of what the letter writer wants: I will support someone who eschews rabid partisanship to build bridges with all parties and communities.

— David Marks, Towson

The writer, a Republican, represents District 5 (Perry Hall) on the Baltimore County Council.

On immigration, Williams hits the disastrous nail on the head

I want to thank Armstrong Williams and commend him for his incisive column concerning Immigration and the value of immigrants to our nation’s growth and welfare (“Armstrong Williams: Immigration — it’s complicated,” Dec. 8).

It should be required reading for anyone who thinks Donald Trump’s promised “mass deportation” policy is anything but an unmitigated disaster for all of us.

— Deborah Couzantino, Glen Burnie

Trump gyrating on stage: That’s not dancing

I’ve always loved to dance. As a dancer, my old behind over the years has gone through the jitterbug, Philly Bop, the hucklebuck, twist, the Madison, mambo, mash potato, birdland, boogaloo, cha-cha, hully-gully, electric slide, Arch Social Strut, wobble, cupid shuffle, Jerusalema and tap.

Trust me, coordinating leg and body movement is essential in all of them. So excuse me if I don’t get excited about President-elect Donald Trump’s so-called “dance” to the song “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People (“Village People would ‘seriously consider’ playing ‘Y.M.C.A.’ for Trump, lead singer says,” Dec. 7). Google Stephen Colbert for a clearer and more accurate description of what you’re witnessing. I think you’ll agree with Colbert.

— Walt Carr, Columbia

Tell you senators to scrutinize Cabinet picks

The recent letter to the editor from Irwin E. Weiss (“Cabinet appointments deserve closer scrutiny,” Dec. 5) is spot on. However, since the general public does not have the ability to conduct the necessary background, experience and fitness checks, nor approve or reject a candidate, it is left up to the U.S. Senate to do so.

So, the general public must write to senators. These can be from their own state or even from outside their state if it is felt they may bring some objectivity to bear.

— Stephen R Judson, Gambrills