Only Wealthy Can Afford the Fares at John Wayne Airport

Would somebody please enlighten me? I’ve lived in Orange County for more than 14 years, and I’m still trying to figure out what it is that justifies the county’s almost mystical hero worship of John Wayne. Indeed, it seems that among older Orange Countians, part of one’s net worth was measured by the degree of one’s social consanguinity with “The Duke.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Wayne’s real life “achievements” were these: While he was still known as Marion Morrison, he played football for USC. As far as I’m aware, he established no gridiron records of any lasting note.

Over a screen career that spanned six decades, he made numerous pictures, most of which were of average quality at best (“The Shootist” is an exception) and some of which (most notably, “The Green Berets”) were simply awful exercises in jingoistic excess.

Unlike Jimmy Stewart or Audie Murphy, Wayne was not a war hero. Indeed, I don’t believe he ever even served in the military. If Wayne was possessed of genuine courage, it certainly never manifested itself in public support for righteous but one-time unpopular causes, such as opposition to black listing, or early support for civil rights.

They tell me that Wayne was not a pilot, and indeed, was only an indifferent flier. Yet Orange County named its airport after him and, in so doing, slighted Orange County’s one true aviation pioneer, Eddie Martin.

What then accounts for Wayne’s mystique? Perhaps it is that Orange Countians see in him the essence of their county--a masterful illusion, but one devoid of true courage, compassion, moral fiber, or even substance.

RONALD D. HALPERN

Laguna Niguel