Letter: Smear campaign against Ensign turns off the voters

Thursday, March 13, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Legere attacks our COngressman John Ensign, who I maintain is doing a good job. She cleverly takes Ensign's statements at the state Legislature out of context. Congressman Ensign's concern is American family values and saving our children. That was his point.

Legere states: "This guy (Ensign) wants all women to stay home and raise children. ..." Her statement is a falsehood. Ensign never said this. Another glaring, false statement is Legere saying, "... this guy is no different than the rest of these right-wingers." First, mature adults and professionals practice common courtesy. They do not call a congressman of the United States "this guy." I suggest this is very revealing about the character of the character assassin Legere. Second, Ensign is not a right-winer. This outrageous statement compels the forgoing of the more genteel word falsehood and the calling of Legere's statement for what it is: an outright lie.

Legere goes from disinformation, falsehoods and lies to snide rudeness when she states, "... not every woman can be a veterinarian's wife." Bad taste, Legere, bringing Ensign's wife into the picture. THe American people condemn mud-slinging.

Legere ends her pernicious, paltry pedantry with a veiled threat, saying, "Ensign needs a reality check and, if he doesn't watch out, the voters of this state will give him one in twoyears."

I suggest that the voters re-read Legere's letter. It has the earmarks of a partisan smear-campaign origin, orchestrated by the political enemies of Congressman Ensign. Such negative smear campaigns the American people condemn.

Therefore, let Legere and all other character assassins and political enemies realize they've vulnerable. Then understand the Machiavellian maxim: If you play the game -- you're in the game.

Clyde "Lenny" Dinkins