Polanski polemic

PATRICK Goldstein would like us to measure Roman Polanski’s worth by his talent, not his personal failings (“Judge ‘The Pianist,’ Not Roman Polanski,” March 4).

But I say when there’s a child victim and a perpetrator who admits to the crime, as Polanski did, there ought to be a one-strike law.

Shame on the star-struck sycophants who crave Hollywood heat so much they’re unwilling to demand accountability from the individuals who entertain us.

Isn’t there anyone who will properly identity Polanski as an unremitting predator, and garner support to boycott him until he makes amends to society?

Dawna Kaufmann

Los Angeles

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FOR the life of me, I cannot understand how Goldstein can champion a child rapist.

Is no behavior too low in Hollywood that someone shouldn’t be forgiven?

That the victim has chosen to forgive Polanski is no doubt good for her. What her forgiveness does not do is absolve the transgressor. He owes a debt to both her and to society.

What Goldstein is doing is choosing to ignore felonious and immoral behavior by a man because he also happens to make a good film.

I’ll have to take his word for that, because there is no way that I would see Polanski’s film and, by doing so, contribute to his wealth, prestige or legitimacy.

Talent does not override decency

Kimberly Eldred

Claremont