Letter: Wrong time to punish Clinton

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 | 4:30 a.m.

When I picked up a recent paper I was angry, or maybe incensed is a better word.

Let me say first that in this time of national crisis I have been attempting to withhold any public criticism of President Bush. I have done this out of respect for the nation, and not because I agree with all of his policies.

I listened when all living former presidents came to the public front requesting that for the good of the nation we unify behind all of our nation's leaders. But now one of those former presidents, Bill Clinton, once again comes under attack by the conservative establishment in Washington, D.C. This time it is the Supreme Court that passes judgment on this self-sacrificing and courageous leader. Last week they forbade him entrance into their courtroom.

It seems to me that it is time for the vast right wing in Washington to pay respect to all of our leaders, not just the ones that they support. It is not the time for conservatives to once again set in condemnation of this great American president. This conservative court appointed George Bush to office by halting the vote count in Florida and pronouncing him president. They should not now pour salt into the wound that they inflicted on the nation by giving the finger to President Clinton.

TED HALL