‘Reality’ versus reality
Regarding “Unreality TV Is Born” [Jan. 23]. Thanks so much for Lorraine Ali’s well-written and thought-provoking article. Many of us are very afraid that the real news will be silenced and that we will be left in the dark. Marianne McNabb Spring Valley, Calif.
Why must Times staff writers bash what the Trump administration does, such as the “Make America Great Again” concert that Ali refers to as a “dud”? Get over it, as you have four years to go. Donald Yvaska Anaheim Shores
Regarding “Obama Years Saw a Nation Split” [Jan. 18]. Meredith Blake’s television review of “Divided States of America” concluded that the two-part “Frontline” program provided “a detailed breakdown of how we got here, but not necessarily why.” I believe that part of the answer is explained by Jane Mayer’s book “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right.” Mayer describes how since the 1970s, exceedingly wealthy people’s hatred of big government and taxes has “bankrolled a systematic, step-by-step plan to fundamentally alter” our education, economic and political institutions. Victoria Shere Marina del Rey
Regarding the L.A. Chargers and Donald Trump. It will be interesting to follow The Times and see which section continues to show the most bias — Sports against the Chargers, or News or Calendar against Trump. Keep up the “fair” reporting. Peter Lynch Culver City
I got a charge out of Randall Roberts’ cheeky piece on the laughably thin musical lineup for the inauguration festivities [“Key of Trump: Inaugural Players and Their Obama Counterparts,” Jan. 19]. However, I differ with his comment about Jon Voight being “repeatedly ignored” in the awards derby. The talented actor won an Oscar for “Coming Home” and Golden Globes for “Coming Home,” “Ray Donovan,” “Runaway Train” and “Midnight Cowboy,” which happens to be my favorite movie ever. Eric Lindbom Silver Lake
Regarding “Narrow View of Nation Onstage” [Jan. 21]. It is perhaps a telling example of Mikael Wood’s anti-Trump prejudice that Wood decries Tom Barrack’s “It’s not the venue” response as to why Kanye West was not invited to perform during inauguration festivities but fails to mention the pressure put on black entertainers not to perform at the events. Spike Lee’s announcement that he would no longer consider using the music of Chrisette Michele in an upcoming television project because of her decision to perform at an inaugural ball [“Quick Takes,” Jan. 20] and the backlash Jennifer Holliday received before backing out of performing [“Quick Takes,” Jan. 18]. Michael Dragotto Los Angeles
In regards to “Ambition Made in America” [Jan. 22], that’s a very apt comparison between Ray Kroc in “The Founder” and the new president. Through relentless drive and ambition, they have both effectively poisoned a nation. R.C. Price San Clemente