Controversial Clinton Pardons

The eleventh-hour pardons coupled with gifts showered on the Clintons by the Hollywood faithful are a reminder of the arrogance and sleaze associated with his administration. Bill Clinton has ensured his legacy as a role model for future generations and single-handedly done more for campaign finance reform than all Sen. John McCain’s supporters combined.

Even Clinton apologists and loyalists are having difficulty attempting to justify the pardon of Marc Rich, who had been living in luxury in Switzerland until his ex, Democratic supporter Denise Rich, secured Clinton’s support.

The gifts supplied by the Hollywood and party faithful for the departing first couple under the guise of a bridal registry and family furniture fund would make Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos blush. It has been said the Clintons could drive a U-Haul through a loophole, and this latest escapade proves it. Why should anyone be surprised? Hopefully history will not overlook what the media and public have come to expect from this sordid spectacle and failed presidency.

E. LEON SPAUGY

Riverside

* I rarely agree with your editorial positions, but you had it 100% correct Jan. 26 in “Clemency for Sale.� The unbelievable cynicism of Clinton’s pardons of Rich and the four Hasidic men who stole $40 million from us, the taxpayers, is a sadly appropriate end to Clinton’s presidency. In the end, after all his towering speeches about equality and justice, he made it clear that the only thing that counted was money.

PETER BROUSSINOS

Hermosa Beach

* Re “What was found missing from the White House . . . ,� Commentary, Jan. 28: Keys obviously missing from cartoonist Michael Ramirez’s keyboard: “Wit,� “Imagination.�

JOHN R. SINGLETON

Los Angeles

* The Republicans’ vicious, hateful and vindictive diatribes against Clinton are far worse than any of his transgressions. In order to heal its wounds and bridge its divisions our country now needs empathy, not enmity.

KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN

Huntington Beach