Aldrich Book

Re “Sgt. Manners Meets the ‘Girlie Men’ and Is Shocked!” Commentary, July 5: I had no intention of reading Gary Aldrich’s book, “Unlimited Access,” and I wish I hadn’t read Bill Press’ snide and flippant comments on it. If, as Aldrich implies, there has been a decline in manners, decorum and tidiness in the White House, it doesn’t seem to bother Press a bit. Indeed, it appears to amuse him.

I gather from Press that anyone who regrets the general American decline in civility is both a fuddy-duddy and an old fart. Incidentally, is fart now acceptable usage in a family newspaper?

TONY THOMAS

Burbank

* Press still hasn’t changed his style: If you don’t like the message, attack the messenger. His argument that Aldrich has initiated a “culture war” is as fatuous as his knee-jerk defense of Bill Clinton.

RICHARD KECK

Monrovia

* Press’ column was a gem. His sardonic humor was a most refreshing point of view.

R.J. LUBIN

Van Nuys