Pitney on Hollywood

* “Hollywood Sneers at the People” by associate professor John J. Pitney Jr. (Commentary, Nov. 26) proves that reasoned argument has fallen so far from fashion that it is no longer used even by academics. He says that the ACLU’s positions are unpopular. He fails to mention that the sole function of the ACLU is the vigorous defense of the Bill of Rights in our Constitution.

He sets up the straw man that Hollywood is the incarnation of the liberal position. Hollywood, it is well-known, believes in nothing except the bottom line. It does not have an ideological position, and to believe so is pure folly. Actually, nobody does believe it except rabid right-wingers. He quotes, “Voters are not fools,” and he may very well be right. But it is not proven yet. H. L. Mencken said that no one has lost money yet underestimating the intelligence of the American public, and that statement may very well be right also.

WALTER MAYA

Professor Emeritus, Chemistry

Cal Poly Pomona