O.J. Clinton – A Travesty of justice (February 25, 1999)

February 25, 1999

The Community Journal

Dear Editor:

Michael Brill penned a great letter: “Wrong Message Sent” (February 24, 1999). He correctly pointed out the travesty of justice committed by the U.S. Senate regarding the Clinton impeachment.

Travesties of justice seem to be catching on. Remember O.J. Simpson? It appears that he and Bill Clinton have a lot in common. Both were:

·       Confronted with DNA evidence of their crimes
·       Clearly guilty as charged
·       Acquitted via jury nullification

Humm. Now that I think about it; maybe the nickname of “O.J. Clinton” would be fitting for our president.

However, I can think of one difference: Sam Donaldson asked Bill Clinton if he could “forgive and forget,” of course referring to the House Republicans. I don’t recall O.J. Simpson ever being asked if he could forgive the Goldbergs or the L.A. prosecutors.

Additionally, It is unfortunate that Mr. Brill, like most Americans, think that Bill Clinton has been doing a good job. The economy has done well. But who should get the credit? Should it be the first Republican Congress that we’ve had in 40 years? Should it be the Federal Reserve for managing the money supply? Should it be the state governments, which have been overwhelmingly Republican since 1994? Or should it be Bill Clinton who initiated the biggest tax increase in the history of the world. (This occurred during his first two years in office while the Democrats still controlled Congress.)

It is clear that Republican initiatives have been the driving force behind this successful economy. They have held the line on spending increases and have provided some tax relief. Unfortunately, Clinton has vetoed many good reforms. He then has the audacity to take credit for the ones that eventually passed and that he fought against. But we all know that he has no shame.

With another great leader like Ronald Reagan in the White House and a strong Republican Congress, we will then have the best possible combination: Lower taxes, controlled spending, smart foreign policy, and (perhaps above all) integrity.

John E. Becker