Radio’s No. 1 meddler

Thank you for your May 19 reprint of the editorial regarding “Dr. Laura” Schlessinger. Dr. Laura has said a lot of hurtful and irresponsible things during her years as a right-wing radio “therapist.” She is a poor listener who mocks and humiliates her callers. She never misses a chance to bash feminists, working mothers, unmarried or divorced parents, or women who have abortions. While she’s not entirely a fraud — she does have a doctorate in an irrelevant field — when she pretends to be a therapist she’s an ignorant meddler.

Schlessinger’s prejudice against gays has long been one of her staples. Her opinions about homosexuality are contrary to scientific evidence, and to the positions taken by professional psychological and psychiatric organizations. She misinterprets the Bible on this and other subjects. She has been criticized by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council for her bigotry. Although she is occasionally right, Schlessinger is not a therapist, and her opinions are no more valuable than those of an articulate, rude and prejudiced neighbor.

In spite of her lack of professional qualifications, she is the most successful woman in radio history. Unfortunately, Paramount is preparing a “Dr. Laura” daytime TV show for September. As P.T. Barnum said, “No one ever went broke by underestimating the taste of the American public.” Rev. Mark Worth Ellsworth