The Fall Campaign: How Low Will It Go?

Defending Richard Nixon
I have never been a Richard Nixon fan, but the visceral hatred that journalists seem to feel, even all these years after his death, moves me to defend his battered reputation ("Divide and Conquer," May 19). Yes, he did all the bad things that Evan Thomas describes when discussing Rick Perlstein's new book "Nixonland." And, yes, many hated him, and, yes, he was crooked, and he was often wrong, no more so than when he said, "You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore." But then Thomas mentions "Nixon's overwhelming re-election in 1972." If Nixon was re-elected by so many, did some Americans actually like him? Could that be because he opened up China, established affirmative action, ended the war in Vietnam? (It actually ended during his tenure.) Evan Thomas was right. Nixon was a bad guy. I didn't like him. I campaigned for JFK. But it seems only fair to recognize that something real led to "Nixon's overwhelming re-election in 1972."
Edward C. Stephens, Professor Emeritus
Syracuse University
Syracuse, N.Y.

A Father Has His Say
"O Father, Where Art Thou?" (May 19) raised important points about the crisis of absentee African-American fathers. Joshua Alston makes a misleading reference to my memoir, "The Pursuit of Happyness," and argues that my struggle was to provide my son with financial security. He missed the point of the film and my book in which I describe growing up fatherless, how at age 6 I committed to breaking the cycle of fathers who abandon their children and to being an active, protective parent someday. As a struggling single dad in the early 1980s, at no time was my value as a father based on my ability to earn money. Sure, a promising career ended our year of homelessness, but being constant and loving, and establishing normalcy, even in crisis, is what made me a father. I've asked Christopher Jr. what he remembers most from that time and he says, "Whenever I looked up, you were there." His answer shows that being his dad has nothing to do with the size of my bank account.
Chris Gardner
Chicago, Ill.

All About Playboy ' s Empire
I was surprised to read "Penthouse Gets Pious" (May 19), which treated Penthouse as comparable to Playboy Enterprises. Playboy is a globally recognized consumer brand. From our early years, the company has extended Playboy's idea of "the good life" into other profitable businesses. Last year alone, Playboy generated more than $800 million in global retail sales of fashion, accessories and home furnishings. In Las Vegas, a 30-foot rabbit head adorns the Palms Tower—home to the highly successful Playboy casino/club. Playboy TV, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is seen around the world. "The Girls Next Door," a reality show set at the Playboy mansion, is the highest-rated series on the E! channel. We have a very profitable digital business anchored by Playboy.com—launched in 1994. And of course, "Playboy" remains the most popular men's magazine in the world. By contrast, Penthouse today has gone through bankruptcy and is now attempting to relaunch the magazine and develop a multi-media strategy. We welcome news coverage of our company, our strategies and our prospects. However, given the facts, it's hard to see why you would relate Penthouse to us.
Christie Hefner, Chairman/CEO
Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
Chicago, Ill.

Can ' t Get Enough of ' Seinfeld '
I am a 70-year-old "Seinfeld" junkie whose evenings would not be complete without a dose of "Seinfeld" reruns, some of which I have probably viewed a half-dozen times ("Legend or Loser: Does 'Seinfeld' Still Hold Up After 10 Years?" May 12). They still make me laugh out loud. Only recently did it sink in that "Seinfeld" was intended to be about four reprobates with little social redemption. The show's well-drawn characters made common human foibles somehow endearing. I don't think there will ever be a sitcom with the built-in endurance of "Seinfeld." Oddly enough, I have seen Jerry Seinfeld do stand-up and had always considered his act boring. But as a comedic actor there was a stroke of genius. Of course, the real genius behind it all is Larry David, who's proved, once again, with "Curb Your Enthusiasm" that everyday events are the funniest.
Mel Novit
Morton Grove, Ill.

Corrections
Periscope's May 19 "Dignity Index" incorrectly stated that Rep. Vito Fossella had resigned from Congress following his arrest on drunken-driving charges and revelations of marital infidelity. In fact, Fossella remains in office.

In "A Summer Camp for Losers" (Tip Sheet, May 19), we incorrectly listed the cost of the Wellspring Family Camp weight-loss program. The correct cost is $3,950 per week for two family members, not one. NEWSWEEK regrets the errors.

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