Glen Guyton and Paul Schrag deplore the idolatrous embrace of Trump-cult Christians during the Capitol insurrection (Opinion and Editorial, Jan. 22). In response, Bob Wilkey asks (Letters, Feb. 12): “Did the riots of 2020 advance the privilege and moral authority of the United States?” Of course not; however, they were unrelated to the hostility and lies that orchestrated the storming of the Capitol and the attempt to deny a civilized transfer of the presidency. Since Jan. 6 it appears that sanity, science, truth and justice are again acceptable. Our new president values the authority of experts, as is evident in dealing with the pandemic. Environmental protection is back in business. There is hope for the future. Let’s pray and act.

John Wiebe, Trinidad, Calif.