Finally, the issues get a good airing

I am so tired of the lopsided news we have been receiving in this country. I have nothing against Elisabeth Hasselbeck on “The View” as a person, but she represents the ignorant, self-centered people who elected the sorry lot that now runs our country. Glorifying Hasselbeck for her entertainment value makes the situation even sadder. With Rosie O’Donnell, we are finally hearing “the other side” on national network TV! Hooray!

Phil Donahue used to talk about issues that mattered on his TV program. But Oprah came along and now it is all about “my favorite things” and other such foolishness. One gets the sense that journalists are afraid to question the current administration for fear of offending the sponsors and losing their jobs. Brava, Rosie!

CAROLYN GOODART

Westchester

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IT’S obvious to me, more so than all the naysayers looking for discord between Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, maybe even Joy Behar and Hasselbeck, that O’Donnell and Hasselbeck are good friends off-camera and actually like each other.

They don’t see eye to eye on religion or politics, and I don’t agree with Hasselbeck’s opinions on the majority of social issues, especially the recent federal ban on an abortion method that will virtually take away a woman’s total autonomy over her body. If Hasselbeck chose to keep a baby regardless of her health circumstances, then that’s her choice, but I’d say to Hasselbeck, you cannot impose your right-to-life beliefs, however fervent, on all women.

Regarding O’Donnell’s, Behar’s and Hasselbeck’s differing opinions: Moral and religious conservatism is motivated by faith, while liberalism is motivated by freedom. Moral and religious beliefs maintain the social status quo while liberalism reflects social change, and many people are afraid of social change, especially when they’re not necessarily personally affected by progressive laws.

CAROL HARRISON

Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada