Today’s L.A. Times letters to the editor, because our voices matter:

Re “Tea party polices voter rolls,” Sept. 27

It is disturbing to learn of the Republicans’ plan to win by curtailing voting. In other words, they are depriving the poor and minorities of their voting rights.

What I find absolutely horrendous is the lack of outrage by Republican leaders as they allow a basic right to be jeopardized so they can win.

How hypocritical their brand of democracy must look to the rest of the world.

Fran Gale

Laguna Niguel

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Perhaps some independent Third World observers should come to the United States to ensure that a fair and open election takes place in November.

Maureen Cobas

Pomona

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Re “Shoddy care for veterans becomes campaign issue,” Column, Sept. 26

I’m not in Rep. Henry Waxman’s district, so I have no dog in his political fight over healthcare for veterans.

But I am a disabled Vietnam War veteran who has received treatment at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs hospital. Nurses and doctors there have saved my life. I have had my eyesight restored and a life-threatening condition caused by Agent Orange treated on an ongoing basis.

During this time, the repair and rehabilitation of old clinics has continued. Yes, there are more patients per doctor than I would hope for, but nobody eligible wants for care. I have been treated with courtesy and dignity at all times.

More must be done for my homeless comrades, but the West L.A. facility is at the mercy of a national budget crisis. And President Obama has given the VA a bigger budget than at any time since World War II.

Marvin J. Wolf

Mar Vista Heights