Rupert Murdoch

Re “O’Malley and Murdoch Close to a Deal,” May 13: Congress was bought by Rupert Murdoch so the law could be changed allowing more foreign ownership of U.S. media outlets. Newt Gingrich was bought by Murdoch with a $4.5-million advance on Newt’s book.

Now, the heart and soul of Los Angeles have been bought by Murdoch, owning rights to broadcast UCLA and USC athletics and rights to broadcast games of the Clippers, Ducks, Kings, Lakers and Dodgers among others. Now, he is buying the Dodgers, trying to buy part of the Lakers and talking of buying an NFL team for L.A.

I advise L.A. to look beyond the money to who this guy is. His politics are no secret; he supported preacher Pat Robertson for president. His newspaper editorial policy is no secret; he publishes right-wing-supporting papers that are comparable in content to the tabloids.

Why is this man buying Los Angeles? Ask the cable industry about the arrogance of this man and his ambitions. Ask, before it is too late, because this man is buying your children’s dreams and you won’t be able to buy them back.

DAVID BRUNK

Gardena

If Peter O’Malley wishes to stay with the Dodgers in some capacity after the sale, perhaps he might consider the position of martyr. He appears to possess all of the qualifications.

DAVID M. HIOVICH

Los Angeles

Re Bill Boyarsky’s column, “A Dodger of Politics and Controversy Leaves the Scene,” May 14:

O’Malley may not be the most charismatic man, nor in demeanor the most sensitive. But for almost as long as I’ve been alive, the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium have been the O’Malleys. A great stadium to watch a game, prices kept as low as possible given the outrageous financial condition of sports today. So he’s not a politico willing to put up with what he saw as the incessant pettiness and bickering that so often plague City Hall.

It’s a shame that being “too much of a gentlemen” no longer counts in today’s society. Murdoch may have the money and the power but the people downtown better not forget that old adage--be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!

RODNEY K. BOSWELL

Los Angeles