GATT Settlement and Hollywood

* I read with interest Jack Valenti’s Dec. 18 commentary, “Trade Bomb Scores a Direct Hit on Hollywood.”

I reside in Europe and with much chagrin, I see our American culture slowly eroding what were once quaint European townships. Sadly, only the very worst of our American culture (known over there as the “junk culture”) is allowed to invade. Fast-food chains, billboards, shopping malls with plastic roofs, etc. abound among picturesque centuries-old structures. The displaced and failing EuroDisney is a prime example of this and appears to be resented by most Europeans, particularly the French.

Therefore, is it any wonder that the Europeans wish to keep our film and television imports at a safe distance? Valenti says that the Europeans “will be deprived of a multiplicity of choices.” During my visit to the Los Angeles area, I have been very surprised to learn that there are over 60 channels on TV, but few if any offering anything that would enrich the mind and spirit. Most shows consist of inane or violent story content. I think the Europeans should be applauded for not allowing these types of mind-numbing shows to invade their psyches.

Finally, the question that needs to be asked is to what extent is European television allowed to invade the U.S.? Perhaps if we imported more from the European film and television industry, we would have much more culturally advanced programs from which to choose and as a result, less negative influence imposed upon our people.

LISA MOUNTEER

Brussels

* We should not underestimate the inequity of the latest fiasco involving GATT and its detrimental effect on the U.S. entertainment industry.

The public should be made aware that U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, who are skilled artisans, such as hair stylists, makeup artists, lighting technicians and many more, are suffering from unemployment in vast numbers. Notwithstanding, some Europeans are being granted temporary permits (which often become limitless), enabling them to work in the industry in this country, on the incorrect premise that they have special skills. As a result, longstanding, extremely capable members of our craft unions are being deprived of much-needed employment.

Pressure should be exerted upon the immigration authorities to cease giving preference to foreigners, resulting in punitive treatment of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Further, by succumbing to the European terms relating to the entertainment industry, our government representatives have added insult to injury.

MICHAEL BLOOM

Agoura Hills

* Perhaps the French GATT negotiators would have been more receptive to U.S. film industry proposals if we had offered to throw in a Jerry Lewis film every year or so.

GERRY BORTS

Altadena

* The conclusion of the GATT agreement again illustrates the tendency of President Clinton to wait until the last minute to go all out to resolve a problem. As the Dec. 15 article suggests, the American negotiators let themselves be boxed in by the Europeans who wanted to leave the items they did not want resolved until last so they could be dropped, such as the Hollywood agreement.

Although it was very important for the U.S. and the world to get a GATT agreement, it is not clear that the United States got the best deal it could have secured. If Clinton plays his last-minute game on the health bill, Congress is going to tear it apart.

JOSEPH FAVATELLA

Los Angeles