Tuesday, April 14, 1998

Attacks on Eidson

Regarding "District attorney dismisses Beck" (April 4): I too believe there should be a recall, and I think it is Abilene Reporter-News Editor James H. Denley who should be recalled and impeached.

Why staff writer Anthony Wilson is allowed to continue with his biased yellow journalism should be a concern to us all. Denley continues to offer Wilson a job despite the fact that Wilson does not research, verify or otherwise try to give credibility to his opinions that are offered as front-page news. As an editor, it is Denley's job to see that his reporters verify their information and report with accuracy the facts, not their personal opinions.

If Denley and Wilson were worth a pound of salt as reporters, they would go to the county commissioners and use the open records act to secure the reasons for Eidson's decision for dismissal of Laurie Beck. This record is public and available to anyone who requests it.

Wilson's rabid disposition regarding the DA office is offensive. Denley's support of Wilson's reporting is a shame and not up to the standards one would expect of an editor.

I hope anyone who is as sick of Wilson's opinions as I am will call the paper and complain.

JOAN JACKSON

Abilene

For public health

In writing a few months ago I suggested we do not need a "comprehensive tobacco bill." My position has not changed, even with the machinations some politicians have been going through the last few weeks.

However, if Congress feels it must do something, I suggest many of us would be quite happy if it would simply pass a substantial ($2 per pack) tax increase, to go into effect immediately, in one bill, give the Food and Drug Administration full authority to control tobacco in another bill and provide smoke-free workplaces in a third bill and go home.

This then would leave the attorney general suits plus all other actions in place, which is the way the judicial system in America works. There should be no immunity nor caps granted to Big Tobacco, a rogue industry. No industry in America has such protection.

What we need in Washington is leadership that can't be bought and paid for by tobacco lobbyists.

By checking the voting records of those in Washington, you can readily see who supports public health and who supports tobacco.

CHARLES GIBSON

Abilene

Tobacco shenanigans

Last week, the tobacco companies announced they won't give Congress their permission to pass tobacco legislation.

There can no longer be any excuse for Congress to grant the rogue industry the sweeping legal immunity that was included in Sen. McCain's bill.

This is a tremendous opportunity for our elected officials to show their leadership and independence from the tobacco industry.

JERRY COLLIER

Abilene

Sorry for Clinton

I can't help it - I actually found myself feeling sorry for President Clinton today.

It happened like this. I was giving a test in modern European history, and a student came up and asked me the meaning of the word "sordid," which was used in one of the questions.

I gave some synonyms of the word and said it was used to describe behavior that is unseemly. Then I added, without thinking, "You know, like Clinton!"

The student was returning to his seat, but he turned around and flashed a smile at me and nodded in agreement.

Poor Clinton is worried about his legacy. I'm afraid his name will become the favorite illustration of certain negative terms.

ARLIE J. HOOVER

Abilene

Via e-mail