Dole on Movies

Re “Dole on Research Mission to the Movies,” July 30:

It ought to be alarming to any half-thoughtful American that a presidential hopeful like Bob Dole regards “Independence Day” as a valuable vehicle in articulating “patriotism,” unity and triumph over “evil.” Such a simplified message and response continue to consciously reinforce black-and-white thinking that ignores a much more complex world than this “cartoon” trumpets, while simultaneously constructing new fictitious “enemies” to defeat. Rather like a presidency, now that I think about it.

Perhaps, like his delinquent viewing of “Schindler’s List,” Dole will rent “The Wizard of Oz” so he can sing along with the scarecrow, “If I only had a brain.”

JEFFERY PLANSKER

Los Angeles

* I can’t help but find irony in Dole’s recent comments on the Hollywood film industry. Aren’t Republicans supposed to believe in free markets and free choices? If there were no public demand for the films Dole dislikes, the studios wouldn’t make them. It’s easier to take a cheap shot at the studios than to criticize the values of people who pay to see the films that Dole dislikes.

One would expect Dole, as a Republican, to direct his attention to the limited goals of a frugal government that protects its citizens’ safety and avoids interfering with their personal choices. Have Dole and his fellow politicians sufficiently fine-tuned the government that they may now devote their energies to competing with Siskel and Ebert? Two thumbs down for candidate Dole!

DANIEL J. STONE

Los Angeles

* Dole cites “Independence Day” as an example of a good movie and “Striptease” as an example of a bad one (July 31). Apparently gross violence is acceptable to him ... as long as you do it with your clothes on.

MICHAEL LEVITON

Encino

* Dole has it backward. The sex and violence are necessary; it’s the acting that’s gratuitous.

RUSTY AUSTIN

Culver City

* On July 30 Dole visited his favorite movie studio--18th Century Fox.

RAY ANTON

Laguna Hills