CBS called the decision to cancel its mini-series “The Reagans” a “moral call.”

Whether it was an act of political expedience or cowardice, we can’t say. But it was certainly not “moral.”

The decision to transfer the movie to pay cable channel Showtime was forced by enormous pressure brought to bear by Republicans and other conservative groups. Upset over fears that a conservative icon was falling victim to a slanted, liberal media machine, the right let its outrage be known. We do not quibble with the protest or the outrage, while we think it’s much to do about nothing.

Our problem is with CBS. Viacom, a large media conglomerate, owns both CBS and Showtime and often finds itself at the mercy of laws and regulations stemming from a Republican controlled Congress. CBS executives told the New York Times that they were not affected by the political pressure, but made the decision to eliminate a major piece of their ratings-attracting lineup because the movie carried a liberal political agenda and treated the Reagans unfairly.

If that’s the true logic behind the decision, why allow the movie to be shown at all? If it’s unfair, is it not just as unfair to expose the smaller Showtime audience to the fabrications? And what does fair have to do with a television program anyway? This isn’t news, it’s entertainment, or at least hopes to be.

There are about 14 million subscribers to Showtime, while CBS can be seen in more than 108 million homes.

Ed Gillespie, chairman of the Republican National Committee, summed up the issue in a statement on the groups Web site: “Misleading a smaller audience of viewers is not a noble response to the legitimate concerns raised about this program.”

CBS tried to stir the public relations pot by releasing controversial parts of the script, hoping to attract more viewers. The plan blew up in the network’s face, and now the its credibility has been called into question.

Fans of the former president shouldn’t be too concerned about how he is portrayed in a made-for-TV movie, regardless of where it is shown. Reagan’s legacy will not be determined by CBS, Showtime or by legions of fans seeking his political beatification. That task falls to history.


Benefits overdue


A move this week to increase the compensation for the families of soldiers killed in combat is overdue.

The current $6,000 benefit would be doubled to $12,000 and be tax-free. Other benefits would also be granted, including new tax breaks on home sales, travel expenses and money for child care.

The cash gratuity is meant to help cover the immediate costs of a funeral and other expenses.

The new benefits are in addition to the $250,000 in life insurance most service members carry, and Social Security death and survivors’ benefits their family receives.

Our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen answered the call to service for their country. It is only right that the country answer the call when their grieving families need assistance.
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