The governor and the tabloid deal

Re “Tabloid’s Deal With Woman

Shielded Schwarzenegger,” Aug. 12

Since the out-of-town lefties took over The Times, the editorial page has featured an almost daily assault on every Republican or conservative in sight. Friday, however, that editorial policy moved to the front page in the form of a gossip column item about some alleged dalliance of Arnold Schwarzenegger years before he became governor. Who cares? This is of import only if it happens in a taxpayer-supported office or official residence -- as in the case of President Clinton -- and it has no place on the front page of what purports to be a major national newspaper.

THOMAS HUNTER RUSSELL

Hollywood

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A worrisome issue associated with Schwarzenegger’s alleged sexual dalliance with a Malibu woman is not whether hush money was paid through American Media Inc., but that a contract was signed to keep quiet in perpetuity. That is an egregious abrogation of the spirit of the 1st Amendment. Hush-money contracts should be illegal and the parties to the contract held accountable in a court of law!

DON CROLEY

Hermosa Beach

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“Thank Heaven for Arnold’s Little

Gigi,” Steve Lopez column, Aug. 12

Outercourse, girlie-men, muscle mags ... That hissing sound -- is it the real estate bubble leaking or have we finally decided to flush the toilet?

TOM IMPELLUSO

San Diego