A Detour on Playboy’s Sex Revolution Tour

I found the piece by Roy Rivenburg regarding Playboy’s “History of the Sexual Revolution” tour (Life & Style, Sept. 14) to be one of the worst pieces ever to have appeared in your newspaper! The author, while making some valid criticisms, seemed to have some hidden agenda--much like one of Ed Meese’s inquisitors of the 1980s. Playboy may seem to some rather anachronistic in the ‘90s, yet it still proffers a valid viewpoint--especially in this era of Kenneth Starr self-righteousness.

I particularly found the conclusion of the article to be inappropriate in regard to the way the writer portrayed Mr. Hefner. Having worked for Playboy for nearly 20 years and having been an avid reader and follower of what the magazine has accomplished, I feel that Mr. Rivenburg should have realized that this company and its founder have done far more than merely exploit the female form. Playboy pioneered the sexual libertarian ethics of the 1960s and defended 1st Amendment rights which have benefited all journalists--including Roy Rivenburg. In addition, Playboy steadfastly questioned U.S. policy in Vietnam and this country’s policy toward victimless crimes.

I particularly found Mr. Rivenburg’s reference to Mr. Hefner as “pajama boy” reprehensible, and I wonder why he would use such an irreverent characterization. Is Mr. Rivenburg some pissed-off, Rush Limbaugh-inspired iconoclast? In the future, please restrict this immature journalist to assignments that reflect his political and social proclivities so that his writings don’t embarrass your fine newspaper.

STEVE MAJOR

Lake Elsinore