Sonny Bono

Re “Sonny Bono Dies in Ski Accident,” Jan. 7: I haven’t cried over the death of a celebrity since John Lennon and I didn’t expect I would this time either. As I read of all the accomplishments this wonderful man managed to achieve, I suddenly realized: Hey, I know this guy! That’s when the dam broke.

He was our real-life Forrest Gump, and somehow life will be a little less fun without Sonny Bono to kick around.

FREDERICK CLEVELAND

Hollywood

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Bono personified the ultimate in the determination to prove oneself. His academic limitations notwithstanding, he struggled on relentlessly and, with vigor and sincerity, he finally found himself on higher grounds. He is an inspiration to many.

LEONIDES N. AUREA

Los Angeles

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In the early 1960s, before they became famous, Salvatore Bono and his wife rented my one-bedroom house on Sycamore Trail in the Hollywood Hills. He was a struggling songwriter and wife Cher struggled with acting. His songs sold poorly and he couldn’t handle the rent. So both moved out, owing me for one month, $200. A few years later, Sonny and Cher are singing on TV in fluffy animal costumes with strings, raking in money. I delicately called their lawyer about my $200--and he promptly sent it.

Sonny, the skiing shortcut you took wasn’t worth the price you paid. Rest in peace.

JULIAN “BUD” LESSER

Los Angeles

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Re “From Palm Springs to Washington: Requiem for a Citizen Politician,” by James Pinkerton, Commentary, Jan. 7:

If Bono was the incarnation of the Founding Fathers, did he stump for reducing campaign financing and congressional perks? Bono was simply another fat-cat Republican. By his own admission, he voted in lock-step with Newt Gingrich. Gingrich’s goal seems to be building warplanes the Pentagon doesn’t want. So much for the wisdom of the “citizen-politician.”

Both Gingrich and Bono are somewhat lacking in “family values.” Neither bears any resemblance to Jefferson et al. The comparison of Bono to a befuddled Reagan is more appropriate.

ROBERT SCHMIDT

Culver City