It’s Rosenberg’s Job

Howard Rosenberg is tired, more tired than he wants to admit.

In his rant “Before You Criticize, at Least Watch the Show” (May 14), he chastises Rep. Marge Roukema (R-N.J.) for introducing a resolution condemning “The Sopranos” at the behest of her constituents. Roukema (according to Rosenberg) lacks that authority because she admits to not having seen the show. She is relying solely on the ire of those she is paid to represent.

Truth is, she no more needs to view “The Sopranos” than a sitting president needs view a disaster to send federal aid; it’s part of the job description.

Darn right Joe Lieberman was “miffed” at Rosenberg’s suggestion that the senator view all the shows he condemns. He’s too busy, as are most of us. That’s why qualified folks like Rosenberg are paid to watch and report. In part, to save us time. Otherwise, what is the primary rationale for the critic’s job?

That’s why I think Rosenberg may be tired. He apparently wishes to cede his work to us.

STUART WEISS

Beverly Hills

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I am a 78-year-old woman and I hate gratuitous nudity, gunplay and violence, and I think “The Sopranos” is the greatest American television series ever, ranking with the best of “Masterpiece Theatre” from its inception.

The brilliantly insidious writing, casting and direction is on a par with two of the best American movies of all time, “Godfather” I and II. All are perfect cautionary tales of greed, corruption and consequences, as American as apple pie and as universal as hunger.

This umbrage in the name of any nationalistic or ethnic group is ridiculous. Let’s grow up . . . we’re all only humanity!

GLORIA ELLWOOD

Los Angeles