The Verdict Is In

Would Johnnie Cochran have considered stepping into a courtroom without first attending law school? (“Making the Case for Court TV,” May 23) If Magic Johnson had never played basketball and didn’t even know the rules before he played in the NBA, what kind of career do you suppose he would have had?

For some reason they and others seem to think that just because they’re successful in another field, they can waltz in front of a camera or a microphone without an ounce of preparation and be brilliant. They, and the folks who produce their shows, should know better.

Everybody wants to start at the top, and the results speak for themselves.

Two words for you, Mr. Cochran: cable access! Spend a few years learning the TV trade from the ground up. Then maybe you’ll be able to muster more than 39,000 homes.

NEIL ROSS

Manhattan Beach

*

To most people, he stands for fueling racial division and lying, so is Court TV really confused as to why viewers seem to be turning to another channel when they see Johnnie Cochran’s face?

JOSEPH BRUTSMAN

Los Angeles

*

For your May 23 cover, you had your choice of featuring Diego Rivera; the charming comedian Paul Reiser; or Sumi Jo, a combination of beauty, talent and grace.

Instead, you chose a man whose main contribution to society was the slogan, “If it [the glove] doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

How disappointing.

HANA KIM

Los Angeles

*

Don’t you have anyone to put on the front of your section? There are surely some worthwhile people in this city. Poor taste for sure.

RON BLAUER

Marina del Rey

*

Couldn’t wait to tear the cover off the Calendar. Thank God it’s not connected to the crossword.

CHARLOTTE SAMPLES

Torrance