Responses to Mel

HOLLYWOOD’S relative silence over the Mel Gibson affair doesn’t surprise me as it does many others [“The Shame Is That So Few Say ‘Shame,’ ” by Patrick Goldstein, Aug. 2]. What astonishes me is the naivete of the public when it regards the ethics and morality of the entertainment business as a whole.

Greed in this industry of self-aggrandizement and self-absorption will always defeat honor, and the cowardice of Hollywood has simply been underscored once again. Where Gibson’s remarks have defined his character, Hollywood’s silence and implied acceptance have certainly defined its own. It takes courage to step up and speak out, and the very industry that brings us films depicting such courage is obviously lacking it. How sad life must be for its insecure and frightened members, Mel Gibson included.

MELISSA USREY

Lake Arrowhead

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WE are all accountable for our words and actions, sober or drunk, but I think the righteous have more than done their job at beating a dead horse. Mel Gibson and his family have a long, hard road to follow in the months to come, and I can only wish them well.

Our children are learning terrible lessons from this very sad situation. That it is better not to admit to our transgressions and apologize, for no one is going to believe us. Do not depend on friends for emotional support. Forgiveness should not be granted no matter how many times we ourselves have failed.

Who of us have not done or said something that is shameful and regretful?

ARDELLE VAUGHN JARVIS

Santa Monica