Laughter can be cruel

Re “The joke’s on them,” editorial, Feb. 26

Yes, celebrities are fodder for news, commentary and especially comedy, but not all celebrities are created equal. The Times seems to be advocating mocking celebrities equally all the time. Free speech shouldn’t be a license for cruelty. Anything does not go, nor should it. Mocking a 25-year-old woman, a new mother at that, going through a divorce and a custody battle and a breakdown involving self-destructive, exhibitionistic episodes is one option. Stepping back and considering the human being on the other side of celebrity barbs, which are often the easiest of easy laughs, is another. Good for Craig Ferguson. Judging by the response to Ferguson’s monologue, I do not think the joke will ever be on him.

BARBARA BENHAM

Washington