Linda Tripp

We all seem to be missing the real story. Linda Tripp seems to be a true believer in the Reagan Revolution. She is employed by the Pentagon. Her job is the essential defense activity of arranging for tours of military bases. A comparable job in the private sector, and in most public and private university systems, would be carried out by an administrative assistant or clerical worker at about $30,000 to $35,000 per year. Tripp is paid almost $90,000 per year for her service to the country.

Where are the Republicans, where is Newt? This is a prime example of the waste in government they so passionately attack. Tripp, with her literary agent and hours of casual conversation with her friend, Monica, must have a lot of time on her hands. Does she phone in her job? Let’s end this kind of governmental waste!

MARTIN COHEN

West Hills

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* I keep reading about Monica Lewinsky’s “friend, Linda Tripp.” If Tripp was a friend, may I live and die friendless.

DONALD SCHWARTZ

Santa Ana

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* As the Clinton mouthpieces continue to sound more and more like the O.J. Simpson defense team with their claims of “Gestapo tactics” regarding Kenneth Starr, I get more and more heartened by the intestinal fortitude shown by the independent counsel. Starr, as well as Atty. Gen. Janet Reno, who authorizes the expansions of all the inquiries, knows he’s on solid legal ground and it’s refreshing to see him stand firm.

BARRY COOK

Newhall

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* If the legacy of Starr’s pursuit of Clinton--which resembles that of Javert after Jean Valjean--brings about the following three results, it will not have been in vain.

First, that the office of independent counsel be non-renewed or severely restricted when it comes up for a vote next year.

Second, that an inter-family privilege be enacted for legal proceedings so that no mother will ever have to face what Marcia Lewis was subjected to in being forced to reveal the confidences of a daughter.

Third, that Congress will do what the Supreme Court failed to do--enact a law that prohibits dragging a president into a civil suit during the term of his or her presidency.

KAREN CUTTS

Pasadena