Inbox

When Clooney Came to Dinner Thank you, Joel Stein, for the wonderful story about George Clooney's visit [March 3]. You totally reaffirmed what I thought to be true: Clooney seems like just a cool, down-to-earth dude you would love to have a beer with. If there were more people like Clooney in Hollywood (people who don't mind laughing at themselves rather than dying for attention), young actors wouldn't be living such chaotic lives. Next time you have Clooney over for dinner, let me know--I'll bring the wine! Marc Falco, NORRISTOWN, PA.

I have been in love with Clooney since I first saw him on ER. How can I get him to come to my house and check my carbon monoxide alarm? Nancy Harris, NEW YORK CITY

Last year I was having dinner with friends at a restaurant when Clooney walked in with a small party and took a table near the door. On my way out, I caught his eye, told him I hoped he would win the Oscar and then moved toward the exit. What happened next surprised my friends, who had urged me not to invade his privacy. Clooney called me back to his table, stuck out his hand and asked my name. Then he said he greatly appreciated my coming over. He really is as Stein portrayed him. Bob Wechsler, NEW YORK CITY

Papers and Pols I have waited five decades for someone to write about the foolishness of political endorsements by newspapers, and now managing editor Richard Stengel finally has [March 3]. For many years, I have owned and published three weekly newspapers, and we have never endorsed a political candidate at any level and never will. That's not to say we haven't published news stories that helped get some of them defeated. Don Tabor, CLYDE, TEXAS

I don't understand endorsements either. They undermine objectivity to the detriment of our democracy. Editorials are fine; endorsements are not. Saul P. Heller, JUPITER, FLA.

The assumption is that the collective wisdom of journalists and researchers can provide guidance as to who will make the best leader. Clearly it is a subjective call, but most readers can distinguish between editorial content and general reporting. No one is being told how to vote. Readers have the choice to make up their own mind. Steven A. Ludsin, EAST HAMPTON, N.Y.

I'm a newspaper reader under 30 who gets why newspapers endorse presidential candidates. First, what makes endorsements different from editorials? Second, I'm interested in whom my local paper endorses because I feel its staffers have been around the candidates, digging into the facts. Stengel's question speaks volumes about how far our expectations have fallen when it comes to newspapers. Ryan Hagen, NEW YORK CITY

Who's Got the Remote Control? James Poniewozik's premise that the Parents Television Council is opposed to the communication of "ideas" is grossly inaccurate and missed the substance of the debate about Dexter [Feb. 25]. Broadcasters use the public airwaves for free, and they must do so to serve the public interest. The requirement is not just an intriguing concept; it is the law. When broadcasters air an intensely violent premium-cable program like Dexter, in which the protagonist is a sociopathic serial killer, the public interest is not served; it is assaulted. Tim Winter, President, Parents Television Council, LOS ANGELES

As a stay-at-home mom of three young children, I would never think of letting them view Dexter. I certainly do not need watchdog groups or the government prescribing what is viewed in my home. My advice for lovers of fun, intriguing, gruesome forensics programs: get real, be good parents and enjoy the shows while your kids are in bed. Amy Croan, MAPLE VALLEY, WASH.

TIME.COM ON THE GO On TIME Mobile, you can now read more from time.com on the Web browser of your cell phone. Go to mobile.time.com

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