Times Union Editorial Monday, April 9, 1990

According to his article, celebrities in general don't know what they're talking about and should stay out of "social issues". I assume then Mr. Martin would like me to give up my work for Save the Children, Childhope, Amnesty International, Restoring the Earth, American Foundation for Aids Research, American Cancer Society, the Library of Congress program to combat illiteracy, the National Endowment for the Arts, and a half a dozen other causes where I and my colleagues have been useful, in order to stick to acting. Then of course he would have the opportunity to blast me in print for failing to give anything back to society.

Mr. Martin is also apparently deeply concerned about my level of intelligence, stating that I wouldn't know the difference between a coal plant in Halfmoon and the film "Moonstruck." I respectfully submit that even a lowly actor can read nearly 400 pages of letters, articles, and testimony backed up by lenghty telephone conversations with both sides over a two-week period and come away with the essential facts. If Mr. Martin would castigate me for speaking out as a local citizen, perhaps he should live in another country.

Of course celebrities must be fair, rational, and informed. Most of us even try hard not to slander people we don't happen to admire. Wouldn't it be nice if reporters such as Mr. Martin felt the same way.

CHRISTOPHER REEVE
New York City