Bill Clinton

* Only one sentence in John J. Pitney Jr.’s Column Right (Sept. 15) has any substance to it whatsoever: “One might dismiss this criticism as partisan nit-picking.” He was absolutely correct. Only an associate professor of government, with a very partisan nature, could even think of this type of criticism against anyone, let alone the president of the United States.

He was, indeed, trying to do what he accused President Clinton of doing--trying to “convince people that he’s intelligent and well-read.” Of the several million who may have seen the video introducing his acceptance speech, perhaps Pitney and a half dozen others would have any idea who Alexis de Tocqueville was, let alone know that he was being attributed something that he had never said.

One of the most important aspects of the presidency is the “image” he sets forth for the American people. A slight bit of false attribution to an author of 160 years ago seems a small price to pay to convey to the American people that they are a “good people,” whether it is true or not.

Pitney’s article is a classic example of “form over substance” (author unknown). I am increasingly distrustful of the so-called intellectuals of this country who merely regurgitate meaningless pap of past years.

CLAUDE R. MARSTON

Nuevo, Calif.

* White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry is quoted as saying that he did not want to release photographs of Clinton’s inflamed vocal cords (Sept. 14): “That’s the kind of thing, preserving the dignity of the office, we elect not to provide.” Puleeze!!! This from Bill boxers versus jockey shorts Clinton.

NANCY THOMPSON

Irvine