Just a Goody Basket, or Vulgar Use of Wealth?

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has misplaced a number of things lately: the ballots, the statuettes and now its values.

In the same week we learn that one in five children lives in poverty, The Times reports that Oscar presenters and other participants in the Academy Awards show received baskets stuffed with thousands of dollars’ worth of charm bracelets, spa getaways and pashminas (“A Tisket, a Tasket, a Fabulous Oscar Basket,” March 24). Vulgar is too mild a word. One hopes that the Academy membership will put a stop to this revolting “tradition.” To those who received these goody baskets: Insist they be redeemed for their cash value and the money be advanced to a cause benefiting those a bit more needy. Or consider yourselves lost.

--SUSAN KOPPEL KAYDEN

West Hollywood