The Masked Man Still Has Plenty of Fans

Re “Silver Memories and Bullets,” Editorial, Sept. 18: As a matter of fairness, it should be pointed out that the “Lone Ranger” TV series featuring Clayton Moore was not the creative media event that established the Lone Ranger as a cultural icon. It was the radio version of the 1930s and 1940s featuring Brace Beemer and John Todd, the longest-running Lone Ranger and Tonto.

These radio actors with their distinct and easily identifiable voices deserve most of the credit for creating the roles. Moore never had Beemer’s beautiful bass voice. After all, it was the voices of radio actors that inspired the imagination.

Don Croley

Hermosa Beach

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You omitted an important and telling part of Clayton Moore’s life. For decades after the show ended, he continued to make appearances in the signature mask and hat, continuing to spread the good-guy message of the Lone Ranger. Unfortunately, corporate Hollywood felt threatened by this, and Moore was forced to give up the mask. But true to the Lone Ranger’s, and Moore’s, sense of right, the corporate bad guys couldn’t stop him. Moore simply replaced the mask with sunglasses and went right on spreading the Lone Ranger’s creed and, in doing so, became a hero to me again.

We know that life and the world are much more complex, but he reminds us that there are still some fundamental verities that are immutable. All it really takes to be a good guy is to just do the right thing.

Kurt I. Muller

Rancho Palos Verdes

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Southern California is being overrun with illegal immigration, gang violence and corruption. The folks naturally look to their leaders for help. Of course, it’s politics as usual. They care more about the special interests than they do for the folks. We sure need a leader who will stand up for the people. Where have you gone, Lone Ranger? We need that masked man back and in a hurry. Can you make it back before nightfall?

Thomas Marchetti

Glendora