Pardons: Venality, Self-Interest?

* There’s a crucial distinction that has not been made about the Clinton pardons. While everyone will concede the appearance (if not the legal fact) that former President Clinton received cash or other personal gain for pardons, apologists then cite prior presidential pardons as defense. The prior cases cited (Bush and Caspar Weinberger; Carter and draft dodgers; Ford and Nixon; and even Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion) dealt with political issues that divided the nation. Even the Weinberger case, which has been suggested represented an attempt by former President Bush to protect himself, should be seen as putting closure to divisive litigation that had already seen Oliver North’s conviction overturned by the courts.

Clinton’s pardons had nothing to do with bringing the country back together. Marc Rich may be the closest case, but not even Clinton has claimed that there was a national rift to heal. So, we are left only with the appearance of presidential venality.

R.L. PROMBOIN

Westlake Village

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It is fortunate for the citizens of this country that so many members of the media have adequate free time to research every phone call made and every discussion held about every Clinton presidential pardon. I look forward to the in-depth comparisons that undoubtedly will soon be forthcoming, in which all presidential pardons, going back to at least Nixon’s first term in office, shall be listed, with comparable insights into all phone calls, connections, musings on the parts of relatives, past and future positions held by anyone who represented the petitioner, etc.

Surely we could start with a teaser--an article on all of the people who spoke with former President Bush about Weinberger’s pardon, just prior to his trial. A discussion of what government positions are currently held--or lobbyist positions, for that matter--by those who advocated for the pardon might prove enlightening.

KATHY CRANDALL

Granada Hills

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Now let’s see, Bush Sr. pardoned his Iran-Contra buddies as well as giving clemency to a Pakistani, Aslam Adam, who was convicted of smuggling $1.5 million worth of heroin into this country, at a time when Pakistan was using its illegal drug money to fund its nuclear weapons buildup. After some questions were raised, there was a major hush-up. The hypocrisy of the Republicans is disgusting.

SARAH B. HEARON

Santa Barbara

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Re “Fund-Raiser to Stay Silent on Role in Rich’s Pardon,� Feb. 27: Deny everything and bad-mouth the accusers. It worked for the Clintons; why shouldn’t it work for Beth Dozoretz and Denise Rich?

BEA FORBES

Palos Verdes Estates

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Could somebody please tell me why the presumption of innocence is always thrown out the window where the Clintons are concerned?

TAM McPARTLAND

Marina del Rey

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The time has come to turn from investigation to action. Unlimited contributions to both political parties have created a cesspool in Washington. Our democracy cannot survive unless we have real campaign finance reform.

DOROTHY CHAPMAN

San Clemente