It’s just fiction, people! Get real!

FRED THOMPSON’S “Law & Order” television performances exist in a fictional world, and for a political challenger to be threatened by the airing of his work is alarming news indeed [“This Run Could Ruin the Reruns,” by Matea Gold and Jim Puzzanghera, May 4].

After all, one assumes that our politicians have a firm grasp of the difference between illusion and reality.

Should Thompson run for president and should his opponents demand equal time, one rule must apply in fairness to Thompson. All equal time programming must be a complete work of fiction.

Considering politicians, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

MICHAEL ROTHHAAR

Los Angeles