Two Who Are Deserving

Steve Metcalf’s commentary regarding the Kennedy Center Honors trying too hard to be a network product and not hard enough to measure achievements of its awardees couldn’t be more on target (“Underachieving ‘Honors’ Needs to Rethink Approach,” Dec. 29)!

In 1986, I began writing the center to inquire about how it determines honorees, asking who are the judges, and to encourage consideration of Jerry Lewis--a world-class comic genius-humanitarian of virtually unparalleled stature. A stack of letters and two center presidents later, I’ve been left with no insights whatsoever into what makes an awardee worthy.

Why do they overlook one of the most successful performers in the history of show business (stage, television and film)--especially when he’s the only performer ever to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, having been honored worldwide with accolades including the French Legion of Honor? How can they ignore the man who, for nearly 50 years, has tirelessly led the volunteer battle to spare millions from the scourge of neuromuscular disease?

ROBERT ROSS

Senior Vice President

and Executive Director,

Muscular Dystrophy Assn., Tucson

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Bella Lewitzky is an obvious choice. She changed the landscape of her chosen field, dance, for more than 50 years as a dancer, choreographer and teacher.

RUTH L. ELIEL

Los Angeles