Michael Moriarty on TV Violence

* Michael Moriarty presented a dramatic, if not logical, argument against censorship of television violence (interview, Opinion, March 6). In the same edition, Cal State researchers reported that “children who watch ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ can be dangerous to other children’s health.”

He presents an emotionally charged argument defending television violence. He says those in the government who want to censor violence have “sick attitudes” and are “liberal fascists.”

Moriarty asks if we want a government that treats the nation as if we were children. No, but I appreciate the government looking to protect children from an excess of violence being modeled for them on TV. Children lack the skills to mediate the violence they see on TV against the real world.

Young people being killed by guns is on the rise in this country. This increase in aggressive behavior is not happening by accident. Moriarty needs to stop acting and start thinking.

WILLIAM MALE

Encinitas

* The interview with Moriarty should be required reading for finger-pointing, whining religious groups attacking TV programs, framed and sent to all transient politicians in Washington and reprinted in enough quantity to wallpaper Atty. Gen. Janet Reno’s home. I am angered and disgusted that we have become a country allowing this or that bleeding-heart group to continue to blame “outside forces” for all the social problems that suffocate our nation currently. One wonders if Reno and her gang offended anyone with their deadly assault in Waco, wherein dozens of people were slaughtered? And, that production was without any special effects. Unlike an action show of violence seen sometimes on TV, the attacked did not walk away--and never will.

The tsunami of censorship mentality prevailing now in America--if carried to its fullest potential--could (and can) do away with just about everything. Along with banning smoking, firearms, ethnic jokes, helmet-free bicycle or motorcycle riding, fluid-less outdoor barbecue cooking, firecrackers on the 4th of July, curfew-free beaches at night and all the other insanities of lost freedoms shoved in our faces, it is time to stop the madness.

MAX ST. YVES

Newport Beach

* So Moriarty has had enough of being a liberal! One issue and he throws in the towel. What conviction!

Where was the righteous Moriarty when the visual arts were taking a pasting by members of Congress who wanted to censor the artists’ right to freedom of expression? Or is it a case of whose ox is gored?

Of course we have always had violence in drama. But the Greeks and Shakespeare did it with more class than “Law and Order.”

Moriarty is a superb actor. He should get off his personal soapbox defending violence on television and worrying about censorship of said violence and stay on the stage and screen where his talents are fully appreciated. Please, Mr. Moriarty, don’t make Janet Reno a personal vendetta.

SHIRLEY PORTER

Sunland