The Lurking Past

I simply had to write in response to Hal Fishman’s reported threat to quit his KTLA television news position for what he feels are slanderous remarks purportedly about his past (“Fishman Threatens to Quit Over ‘KTLA Morning News’ ‘Slander,’ ” July 28).

“KTLA Morning News” entertainment reporter Sam Rubin is reported to have claimed Fishman once “wore a skirt for a co-anchor job in Spokane.” I can understand and share with Fishman in his feelings of outrage. This should rightly be considered a shameful and demeaning charge for a man who has earned his standing in the community through decades of the highest level of broadcast professionalism.

However, I do feel compelled to respond because of a part of my personal background that I thought I had “buried” but that now has been wrenched back by Rubin’s comments and Fishman’s reactions to them.

Psychological counselors are virtually unanimous in saying that the first step in conquering deeply held feelings of shame comes with admitting their realities. It is with that thought I send this letter.

So, I am thankful for Rubin’s charges and Fishman’s indignant denials. They have forced me to face this chapter once and for all and, in an effort of personal cleansing, to admit to it in this public forum. For, you see, it is a fact that I have been (and at the time was in fact a willing participant in) exactly what Rubin charges. From the years 1967-80, I was . . . a television co-anchor in Spokane.

There, I’ve said it, and I’m glad!

LEIGH HESS

Long Beach

Think of this, Hal. Before reading the article in the paper I had no idea Rubin had jokingly implied you were a “cross-dresser.” Now I do. Think of all the other people who would have remained ignorant had you just kept quiet.

WILLIAM EAKER

Los Angeles