TV critic enjoys public television

To the editor:

I am one of the worst critics of television - its absorption with near-nudity and sex, as well as extreme violence toward mankind.

However, watching PBS within the last few days, I have also been privy to hilarious Victor Borge piano routines, Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball contests, the poignant stories of the American 'Candy Bomber” who dropped candy to needy children of Germany in 1946, the Orphan Train and more.

On Public Access TV, I found the televised service of my own church (after the station informed us they did not necessarily approve the message). Our minister, addressing eight or nine small youngsters during children's time, asked what they liked best about Christmas. Naturally, several answered 'PRESENTS”.

That was his cause to note the heart of his sermon, 'The Presents we receive from God”. He named them: hope, peace, joy, love. I pondered these while listening to a beautiful organ recital concluding the service.

Following, a program showed a group of all ages receiving head-shavings in sympathy with cancer-stricken friends or relatives.

Next was an interview with an impressive young man who described his experience of volunteering for the Ronald McDonald's House as a college student and then receiving a permanent job as their fundraiser. The thought occurred to me that the Ronald McDonald House actually demonstrates the four gifts previously named above.

If one wishes, it is possible to find worthwhile programs, so I should be able to back off my bashing of TV and be selective and grateful.

Joan Overholser Houghton

Iowa City