TV Violence

While I think that TV is operating at about 25% of its intellectual potential, the so-called violent programming is not the problem (“Producers Defend Violence as ‘Honest,’ ” July 31).

I contend that a person who has been reared by parents who have lots of contact with their children and one who is educated by a school system where a well-rounded education is the primary concern can watch as many hours as possible of the most violent TV and not manifest that violence himself. Actually, I don’t think such children would even want to watch such shows.

If our lawmakers want to begin solving some real problems, a couple are:

* How to improve formal education and restore its dignity.

* How to ensure that parents are more responsible for the upbringing of their children.

R. LEE LAWRENCE

Los Angeles

As early as 1954, I was moved to preach a sermon on “TV Food and TV Violence” and reported the hundreds of times daily--with the impact of a trip-hammer on suggestible minds--murder, mayhem and lust were watched with equanimity by viewers of all ages.

For too long the industry has hidden behind the laudable principle of freedom of speech. Former CBS Entertainment President Kim LeMasters put it honestly when he said the industry is made up of people in the business of making money.

I maintain that if it is impossible to make money without exploiting the basest instincts of man, then the money is not worth it.

RABBI JACOB PRESSMAN

Beverly Hills