Thank you, Sun editorial writer

Bravo for The Baltimore Sun’s editorial (“Trump pledges ‘golden’ age but mostly offers defiance | EDITORIAL,” Jan. 22), which spoke to some of the trees in the dark Trump forest. But, above all, in the final sentence, the editorial spoke to the dark forest itself: “Perhaps in the coming days President Trump will reflect that whom the Gods would destroy, they first crown with great power and fill with hubris.” On Jan. 20, Trump told the world, “I was saved by God to make America great again,” (Hubris, per dictionaries, describes a quality of extreme or excessive pride). I applaud the Sun’s editorial writer for reminding us of the core character of the man American voters chose in November to lead the free world.

— Randy Barker, Baltimore

Thank you, Ravens

Football wouldn’t be much fun if there was no chance your team would ever lose. It’s that tension, that unpredictability that makes the games exciting to watch. So I personally want to thank all of the Ravens, including Mark Andrews, for putting themselves out there, at risk, week after week and giving us all so many enjoyable hours to share with family, with friends, all season. It’s a welcome break from the bad news, from politics, and also a break from any boring routine some may have to deal with. A joyful experience and something all of us in Baltimore can come together on. I’m grateful for it. Thank you, Ravens!

— Geoffery Moore, Baltimore

Pardons are weaponization of government

Trump pardoned the mastermind behind Silk Road, an illicit darknet marketplace, named Ross William Ulbricht. He was indicted in the U.S. District Court in Maryland on charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, attempted witness murder, and using intestate commerce in the commission of murder for hire in 2013. Silk Road was an illegal market place for buying drugs and other contraband estimated at $1.2 billion worth of business. Trump told us it was the illegal immigrants who did this. Trump pardoned anyone charged or convicted in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt. I am guessing Trump has not yet viewed the footage of the attack on the Capitol of the United States of America. These pardons are the ultimate weaponization of government by a president, also a convicted criminal.

— W. Rogers, Baltimore

Go Ravens!

Although I agree with much of what Mike Preston says, this loss to the Bills is not on Lamar’s shoulders alone. Derrick dropped a pass early that set the tone for the game. We all know what happened to Mark. No one beats the Ravens but the Ravens. Three turnovers in a playoff game will end in a loss almost every time. Just ask the Lions. Only one of those turnovers was caused by the Bills.

The only team that beat us all season was the Eagles. Every other time we beat ourselves. What’s so disappointing with this Bills loss is that this is such an incredible team. This version of the Ravens is the best one yet. From Bisciotti, DeCosta, Harbaugh, Orr & Monken to Lamar, Zay, Mark, Ronnie, Kyle (x2), Marlon, Roquan and STILL the NFL’s greatest kicker, Justin Tucker, we Ravens Roosters have much to cheer about and be thankful for. Watching Orr grow through the season (with a little help from Dean Peas) was heartening. Seeing Zay have a Pro Bowl year and Rashod come out of his shell in a big way was thrilling. Watching Isaiah adjust to Mark coming back and being such a factor down the stretch. How can you not get excited about the Ravens? These guys love and respect each other as we love and respect them.

Though next years’ team may be a little different, we know they will be contenders. We are fortunate to have the best franchise in the NFL in Baltimore. Even an “old” alumnus, Joe Flacco almost got the Colts into the playoffs. So though my heart is bruised, I’m still wearing purple until it’s time to put on the black and orange. Go Ravens! Go Bills! Beat those Swifties from KC!

— Richard Loeschke, Pasadena