From: bab2@nestor.cc.bellcore.com (barter,elizabeth)
Subject: DOOL: The Save SSH Campaign
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 93 21:30:27 GMT

Well, I've faxed my banner sheets a few times
this week, but thought it was time for another
letter as well.  I've just sent it and another batch
of banners to Kenny dear.  I figured I'd post it, as it
did come out quite nice, if I do say so myself :-)

------------------------------------------------------------
January 7, 1993

Mr. Ken Corday
Days of Our Lives
c/o NBC-TV
3000 West Alameda Avenue
Burbank, CA  91523

Dear Mr. Corday:

I am writing to you to express my dismay and anger at the recent
firing of Susan Seaforth Hayes.  Days of Our Lives has been a family
institution at my house ever since I can remember.  The Horton Family
was OUR family and losing the character of Julie is like losing a
favorite sister/aunt/cousin/niece.  I can remember discussing a 
character's death at a restaurant and having another diner offer 
condolences on our loss. 

I understand that the writers and production staff of Days have said
the reason Ms. Hayes has been let go is that viewers want the show to
focus on the younger generation.  Supposedly Julie's story has been 
told and that there is no more to be written for her.  Not true, I say.

When I watch Days with my nieces (ages 12, 14, 17 and 20), they fight 
for the remote control to fast forward through the "teen" storyline.
It is their opinion (and mine) that you are trying to cash in on the
popularity of Beverly Hills 90210 and doing it quite poorly.  

I believe the character of Julie is a wonderful role model for 
young women today.  She is a consummate, experienced businesswoman.  
Her involvement in many different businesses shows young women that 
they too can have the confidence to try new and varied things 
and gain success.  Another important point is that Julie does not 
need to be ruthless to be successful, which is a common
misconception in the work force today.  She is a success where it really
counts, among her family and friends, and she does it with style, class
and elegance.

I feel that the Days I have seen lately is guilty of not only age
discrimination, but also racial and gender discrimination.  It seems
that one actress in particular is being highlighted 
over all others, making the show extremely one-dimensional.  We, 
the viewers, have suffered the loss of such favorites as Stephen 
Nichols, Mary Beth Evans, George Jenesky, Charlotte Ross, and 
Arleen Sorkin.  Richard Biggs is a fine actor and his talent has been 
reduced to that of a day player with next to no dialogue.  It is also
my understanding that several of these actors did not want to leave 
Days or made it known that they would like come back.  In all cases, they
were told "there is no storyline for you."  Now, really, Mr. Corday.
I am not a professional writer by any means, but I could think of
several stimulating and interesting stories for these characters.
I would welcome them back with open arms and I'm sure your ratings
would reflect that other viewers feel the same way.  To now find out
that we are to lose Susan Hayes as well is like having the final nail 
pounded into Days' coffin.  Perhaps you've missed your calling, Mr. 
Corday.  You should have been a carpenter. {ed. note - this is my
favorite part!}

In closing, I believe if you stand by your decision to let Susan Seaforth 
Hayes go, you will be losing the last vestige of style, class, grace, 
wit and charm that Days of Our Lives has.  And you will also be 
losing a devoted family of viewers, something that you cannot afford 
to do with the ratings the way they are. 

Sincerely,
--------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm crossing all my fingers, toes and everything hoping that this
works!  

Beth
              ___                           
             /\  \    
            /  \/ \                                               
       ___  \   O /  ___   It is better to be a fool than to be dead.
      /    \ \   / /    \            - Robert Louis Stevenson
     /   __ -    -  __   \                              
    /___/ | <>   <> | \___\   
    O  ___|    ^    |___  O
     /     \  -^-  /    \    Beth Barter
    /   /\  \_____/ /\   \    Bellcore
    \_ / /          \ \_ /   Livingston, NJ
    O   /   /\   /\  \  O   bab2@nestor.cc.bellcore.com
         \ /  \ /  \ /   
          O    O    O