JFK JR.
I disagree with Nina J. Easton’s portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. (“Is John Kennedy Jr.’s ‘George’ Making American Politics Sexy?” Aug. 11). She says he’s “smart but not brilliant; earnest but not kinetic; interested but not charged.”
A man with Kennedy’s background could aptly while away his time on the French Riviera and contribute nothing to the world. Instead, with his magazine, he’s offering the promise of breaking new ground in the area of political reporting, where plenty of overhauling is needed. His courageous effort should receive credit and praise, not unwarranted criticism.
Mark T. Risner
Laguna Niguel
*
The Page 14 caption above a photograph of John Kennedy Jr. apparently on his way to exercise says: “For a private man, Kennedy provides photographers many public photo opportunities.” Obviously, the only way for such a celebrity to not provide such opportunities would be to never leave home.
An individual should be able to maintain his or her privacy and still participate in society. Those who elevate society through artistic achievement, for example, deserve to live their lives on their own terms, according to their values and dignity. They have signed no waivers giving up their privacy and freedom.
Actors and artists in every field, though at times not averse to publicity, are not wholly responsible for the systematic invasion of their lives. Our society would do well to examine our treatment of these individuals, who contribute so much to our culture.
Everyone deserves to lead a dignified life.
H. Hancock
Los Angeles
*