THE ISSUE: Charges that the story of the boy trapped in the hot-air balloon was a hoax.
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A publicity stunt by Richard Heene? You bet (” ‘Loony Pop’s Bubble Is Burst,” Oct. 20).
The balloony scam-wich was so hot and appetizing, the media scrambled to buy it.
Like The Post’s Cindy Adams would say, “Only in America.”
Ukachi Uwadinobi
The Bronx
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Heene and his wife need to spend years in prison for endangering the lives of countless people.
Any money made from media deals should be confiscated and given to police and firefighter-widow and -orphan funds in the counties that responded.
Finally, a gag order should be placed on these criminals to minimize any publicity that might accrue.
Gerard Nadal
Staten Island
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What stands out here is that Heene was aware of what could make him famous — a dumb stunt that would get the oohs and aahs from the brain-mushed average TV viewer.
Given the times we live in, I have to excuse Heene for his shot at fame. I do not, however, excuse the exploitation of his children.
Jeffrey Rickey
Manalapan, NJ