Points on Pinter

JEAN BETTS of Wellington, New Zealand, wrote of Harold Pinter’s Nobel lecture, “Hearing the truth, especially about the USA, is so rare these days” [Letters, “Truth Be Told,” Jan. 1].

Well, Jean, I have one thing to say: Harold Pinter is no harbinger of the truth. He has expressed his opinion, and he is entitled to it. The fact that your opinion and his opinion are similar does not make either the truth. I too have an opinion.

While the USA is not perfect, I’ll take it over anywhere else in the world. Feel free to stay away. Pinter can do likewise.

But if either of you should decide to visit, just know that you can come here, stand on the soil of the USA and express your opinion as loudly as you like, without fear of government censure.

LARS OLDEWAGE

Chino Hills

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JAMES C. TAYLOR came to bury Pinter -- not to praise him. And Mr. Taylor is an honorable man. Thankfully Pinter is in no need of his praise. His body of work will outlive the petty tyrants against whom he rails, and there’s not a Caesar among the whole rotten lot of them.

Like Bertrand Russell early in the 20th century, and another celebrated playwright of the 16th century, Pinter offers “Sweet, sweet poison to the age’s tooth,” here in the 21st. The American and British people would do well to down a draught. The Los Angeles Times and Mr. Taylor are beyond the redemption that Pinter proffers.

MICHAEL GARDNER

Los Angeles