STUCK ON NORTH

So, Patt Morrison finds her little heart fluttering at the sight of Lt. Col. Oliver North on the daily drama now being produced in Washington (“A Sucker for a Man in Uniform,” Dec. 14).

Oh, please. . . . At the very least, I would think that Morrison owes an apology to the great number of politically aware women who aren’t fooled by a “vulnerable-yet-strong Alan Alda type with the sensitive eyes of a cocker spaniel.”

What would the reaction have been if a male columnist had come out with an article stating “Rose Bird should remain in office because she has a glamorous air for mystery about her and, frankly, she’s gorgeous.” Sexism? No; just stupidity. Et tu , Patt Morrison.

I would like to think that Morrison is kidding, but unfortunately I’ve seen enough of life in this town (and under this Administration) to know that quite often complex decisions are made on looks over talent, appearance over substance.

Were it not so, Vanna White and Ronald Reagan would be unknowns.

JON BASTIAN

Los Angeles