Partisan Politics

I must take exception to your Feb. 23 editorial, “Hard Test for New Speaker,” in general and specifically with the statement “any hope for [legislative] progress requires that (Rep. Dennis) Hastert keep under control . . . the Clinton-haters in his party.” That statement is nothing more than a continuation of the demonization of conservative politics. My hopes are for partisan politics and a continuation of the strong stand for principle as shown by many Republican members of the House in recent months. Anything less and we may as well revert to a one-party system, which is in essence fascism.

Your call is for Hastert to become a quasi-Democrat in the name of reconciliation. Should Republicans apologize for taking a stand on principle? In your view, bipartisanship is only achieved when the president’s agenda is advanced. I would much prefer that nothing be accomplished in this session of Congress rather than see Republicans continue to kneel before those who demonize them.

R.L. ROOT

Westminster

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The cultural war fought out between the president and the Republicans was not the counterculture of the ‘60s versus family values. It was about who is an American. The United States was created by those who were white, Christian and male. As we move to the close of the 20th century, to think, feel and believe as an American one doesn’t necessarily have to be white, Christian or male.

God bless America.

LEV MAILER

Studio City

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Your national editor’s explanation for The Times’ decision to not cover Juanita Broaddrick’s allegation that Bill Clinton raped her is ridiculous (Feb. 25). Scott Kraft explained that the rape allegation was “never brought to the attention of the authorities and almost certainly cannot be proved or disproved today.” As Arkansas attorney general and soon to be governor, Clinton was the boss of the “authorities.” Broaddrick’s allegations are newsworthy and should be made available to readers. Your censorship is shameful.

PETER BOZANICH

Long Beach

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Gennifer, Paula, Monica, Dolly, and now Juanita--the lineup continues. We still have a year and a half of this daily soap opera. By the time Clinton leaves office on the last day of his term, his political career, along with his credibility, will be nil. The Democrats will wish they had ousted him when they had the chance.

CAROL LINDSEY

Ventura

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Re “Independent Counsel Law Faces Reform--or Demise,” Feb. 24: Let me see if I understand correctly: For about 35 cents per taxpayer, independent counsel Kenneth Starr was hired to investigate unlawfulness. He indicted 14, with perhaps more to come, doing precisely that for which he was hired. Coincidentally, he exposed the lying, adulterous, lawbreaking (impeached) president.

Starr’s reward? A ubiquitous, conspiratorial outpouring by the media of hate, ridicule and denigration; an influence campaign toward nonthinkers of feigned weariness of the exposure of transgressions in high/low places--for Starr’s doing his job! No wonder there are organizations like Accuracy in Media. No wonder there’s a competing Internet where people can get a variety of information.

AL BAXTER

Rancho Palos Verdes