CBS Suspends Andy Rooney

CBS should not have suspended commentator Andy Rooney for his alleged remarks about gays and blacks (Part A, Feb. 9).

His fundamental right under the Constitution was abridged by panic-stricken executives. It is a chilling analogy to last year’s boycott by selected bookstores of Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses,” after outraged Muslims vehemently denounced his work as blasphemous.

The whole issue of Rooney’s remarks (what he said or did not say) has been debated instead of his constitutional right to say it. CBS obviously knew this.

The bottom line is: No matter how offensive remarks may be to individuals or groups in this country, they are and must be safeguarded.

FRANK L. BETTGER

Los Angeles