Editorial

Here are some of the things we like about L.A. County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley: his principled prosecution of fugitive filmmaker Roman Polanski, his tough stance on politicians who violate the Brown Act and his restraint in charging nonviolent offenders with third-strike violations -- in an editorial last year, we put Cooley at the top of a list of "admirable officials" for his three-strikes stance. If you're hearing a popping sound about now, it may be Cooley's campaign manager's head exploding.

Kay Mills, a widely respected journalist and award-winning author whose books reflected her deep interest in women's issues and the civil rights movement, died Thursday at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica. She was 69. The cause was a heart attack, said a close friend, Geraldine Kennedy. Mills was the author of five books, including "A Place in the News: From the Women's Pages to the Front Page" (1988) and "This Little Light of Mine: The Life of Fannie Lou Hamer" (1993)

Re "Making Movie Love," editorial, June 2: Did you really mean to put this fluff on the editorial page? This junk belongs in the tabloids, not on the editorial page of a major newspaper. How about talking more about the Downing Street memo of July 2002? This document has world-shattering implications. But maybe that is exactly why the fluff appeared on your editorial page. Another red herring to distract us. Christina Waldeck Torrance

Criticizing the use of a racial epithet, The Times editorial ("A Slur Is a Slur," Aug. 30) said, " . . . regardless of the context, the slur is absolutely inappropriate in any situation." Then the editorial used the offensive word four times, which proves the point Calabro is trying to explain. ART BELL Woodland Hills

In response to "A Cultural Task, Not a Court Duty," editorial, Nov. 28: Television and radio programming--that's what's wrong with our society? It isn't drugs, or disease, or overpopulation, just Beavis and Butt-head? The editorial discussed forcing programming deemed "indecent" to the wee hours of the morning. I fail to see how this protects our young people and helps our ailing society back to the road of "decent " behavior. Who exactly would decide what is improper for my eyes?

Regarding your editorial: The $100 billion question is . . . where did the money go? STEVE WEATHERWAX Los Angeles

Applause to you on the editorial side for timely, thoughtful and insightful analysis and commentary. Your special editorial, "And Now, What Will Be the Verdict on Los Angeles Itself?" (April 18), together with Monday's editorial ("A Weekend to Remember"),set a calming tone. Yet, the words capture the message of our Angst and our hopes. Tough love is what you've achieved. Kudos to all at The Times, especially on the editorial page, for being so resolute, balanced and professional.

The 13 names of congressmen listed in your editorial should be nominated for "Outstanding Legislators of 1988!" Bravo! FRANK THOMAS MURPHY Glendale