Wednesday, October 7, 1998

The consequences

Do you have to accept the consequences of your actions? One of the most disturbing things heard concerning the self-made Clinton mess is: "It was just a sex thing, he's admitted it, asked for forgiveness, let's forgive and get on; there's nothing else to be done." Or words to that effect.

For one thing, that doesn't take into consideration the distinct possibility there might be other charges to come.

Second, it seems to overlook the consequences of lying, immorality, etc., especially since some of these actions took place under oath before a federal judge or a grand jury.

We are a nation of laws, with a great Constitution, not a nation of questionable polls. Surely "they" won't extend this privilege they advocate for the president to all. Just say you're sorry, and embezzlement, theft, murder, rape, etc., don't count. We all know these crimes have consequences, even if the perpetrator does genuinely repent.

We all do wrong, but it's not a question of "can we forgive?" We must forgive if a person repents and changes. It's a question of consequences.

Congress has the responsibility of following the Constitution and the laws they promised to uphold, not the polls that can be manipulated. Do you want your children and grandchildren to grow up in a nation where each person is a law unto themselves? We're quickly heading that way. Let's don't.

BILL KIRKPATRICK

Abilene

Stop the arrogance

President Clinton made some bad mistakes and is being blasted by Clinton bashers who hate him and did not vote for him. However, to be fair, we should give him credit for some good things, supported by polls of people who elected him and think he is doing a good job.

The deficit is in better shape, more people are working, the economy and foreign relations are good. Clinton should not be impeached or resign.

This independent counsel has worked for more than four years and spent more than $40 million of taxpayer money, abused witnesses by threatening and investigating other charges if they do not cooperate and testify to what he wants them to say.

I would question an independent counsel being assigned a subject and pursuing any charges that can be found. His report used more pornographic language than necessary to describe legal charges. Starr's history shows he is under control of right-wing hate groups that want only to destroy a president elected by the people of this country. Starr was elected by no one.

Republicans are now threatening Attorney General Janet Reno with contempt of court and impeachment if she fails to appoint two more independent counsels to investigate Clinton and Gore's campaign violations. How many of these independent counsels can we stand and pay for?

This Gestapo-styled prosecution has gone too far, and this partisan bickering can lead to another government shutdown. The voters need to go to the ballot box on Nov. 3 and stop this arrogance.

WARREN MARTINDALE

Sweetwater

What they deserve

U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm says he is going to vote for an impeachment inquiry and try to get the truth out about the president's actions.

I want to congratulate Stenholm for his action. If the whole truth is brought out about Clinton and Gore and how they let China have our missile guidance system and every other felony action that violates the spirit and letter of the law, then people should shut up and give them what they deserve.

CHARLES HOLDEN

Clyde