Senate Rejects Bork Nomination
Now that the debate over the Bork nomination has ended there is a very major point that should be remembered.
Throughout the debate Bork’s supporters have accused his opponents of lies, distortions and disinformation. However, not once during the Senate debate were any of these brought out. No pro-Bork senator quoted any anti-Bork witness’ “lies” and provided the evidence to prove it. None of the famed Washington Post full page ads were held up with the distortions underlined and the correct information placed in the record. One would expect senators such as Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), etc. to be quite deft at proving their case. They didn’t even try.
Calling the Grenada invasion a “liberation” doesn’t make it so. Calling Ollie North a “hero” doesn’t make it so. Calling “Star Wars” the “peace shield” doesn’t make it so. And calling reasoned opposition to the Bork nomination “lies, distortion and disinformation” doesn’t make it so either.
President Reagan and his supporters should keep in mind that popularity and charisma (albeit rapidly fading) are not a license to employ the “big lie.” Some of us are paying attention.
MICHAEL DAVIDSON
Studio City
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