Fact Versus Fiction

Challenged to justify his dark and depressing plays, John Stripling--I mean Steppling--delivered this devastating riposte: “Just turn on the news, and see the carnage and suffering” (“All Bite, Wherever He Is,” by Don Shirley, Jan. 13).

“Just turn on the news”--why didn’t I think of that? A complete, reasoned, unbiased, accurate and penetrating analysis of world events from dedicated anchorpeople is right here in my living room--free--courtesy of innumerable generous, fair and open-minded corporate sponsors.

Gosh, I feel so stupid! Life is depressing, and I could have known it all along if only I’d had enough sense to watch TV. Steppling’s pithy, succinct “Just turn on the news” may well eclipse Nancy Reagan’s immortal “Just say no.”

JAMES ASHLEY SHEA

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