Choreography for Clinton

According to Howard Rosenberg, political programs that have been “orchestrated,” “choreographed” or “scripted” should not be given free television exposure (“Networks Dole Out Free Coverage,” Aug. 14). If this were the criterion television stations were bound by, most of President Clinton’s appearances in the last 3 1/2 years should not have been aired.

It would be difficult to dispute the fact that many of Clinton’s appearances have been well-orchestrated, well-choreographed and well-scripted, from his very politically motivated anti-terrorism summit, which failed miserably in reelecting Shimon Peres, to his use of our young men and women in uniform as a backdrop in attempting to enhance his standing with the military.

If Rosenberg at any time had suggested that such appearances were made to “sell his audience a bill of goods,” then I would give more weight to his Johnny-come-lately suggestions as to what constitutes fairness in television broadcasting.

FREDRIC TOURNQUIST

Glendora