Independent Counsels

While “Lewinsky’s Legacy May Be End of Independent Counsel Office” (Feb. 2) is certainly well taken, it is important to note that without the efforts of former independent counsel Lawrence Walsh, we would know much less about the Iran-Contra scandal than we do. Frustrated and thwarted at every turn, he nevertheless reported to the Congress and to the American people the illegal and brazen activities which, in the opinion of Rep. Henry Gonzalez (D-Texas), constituted the greatest constitutional crisis since the Civil War. President Reagan had every reason to fear impeachment and of course President Bush, who pardoned everyone involved, was a major player from the start, despite his protestations to the contrary.

History will not judge Bush kindly, nor will it forgive the dishonorable behavior of the zealots who illegally helped him. In simple terms, they trashed our Constitution and Walsh exposed them. Wasting independent counsels on minor sleazy land deals and sexual peccadilloes makes the office seem trivial. Reserving them for major crimes by officials at the highest levels of government appears useful. Walsh’s book, “Firewall,” should be required reading for anyone seriously interested in constitutional government.

HASKEL SIMONOWITZ

Van Nuys

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When Democrats complain about all the money Kenneth Starr is spending, you can be sure it isn’t the money they are complaining about.

And when newsmen complain about all the leaks that are coming to them, you can be sure that it is not the leaks they are objecting to.

EDWARD LINN

San Diego