Reagan’s Speech on Iran-Contra Issue

Well, the ol’ Gipper proved one thing. He still knows how to read a script. And a boffo performance it was, too. It contained just the right amount of self-deprecatory asides and enough nibbling of humble pie to give the illusion that he was sort of admitting to having made a mistake in approving the selling of arms to Iran.

However well the Gip does in wheedling his way back into the good graces of the American public during the next two years, he has already earned one award--a “special” Oscar for his body of work in impersonating a President of the United States.

MARCIA SIMONSON

Los Angeles