Product Liability Laws

* I was dismayed to read that President Clinton had vetoed proposed changes in product liability laws that would have made it more difficult and less profitable to sue companies over so-called dangerous products (May 3). There is far too much frivolous and costly litigation in this country. This measure had passed both houses and was supported by many “liberal” Democrats.

Clinton, of all people, should be aware of the hazards of out-of-control lawsuits. He had to set up a fund to help pay his own legal bills. How many ordinary businesses have this kind of recourse?

I am not a “Clinton basher”; I believe that the whole Whitewater thing and the sexual harassment suits are largely witch hunts.

The president once again put all principle and even common sense aside to placate his wealthy political contributors, the trial lawyers.

PATRICK GRIFFIN

Marina del Rey

* I cannot believe that President Clinton vetoed yet another bill that passed Congress by large bipartisan majorities. And he has the gall to use propaganda-like tactics--having three women who benefited from lawsuits against manufacturers at his side during the signing of the veto--to get the public to agree with him.

As a Republican, I think this issue could not have come at a better time, since it is an election year. By vetoing this measure President Clinton did a very nice job of confirming that his loyalties lie with his campaign contributors, and what profits him personally the most rather than what the American public wants.

TARA BEATTIE

Anaheim Hills