Sam Dash

* Re “Starr Testimony Spurs Ethics Advisor to Quit,” Nov. 21:

From Sam Dash’s letter to Ken Starr: “Frequently you have publicly stated that you have sought my advice in major decisions and had my approval. I cannot allow that inference to continue regarding your present abuse of your office and have no other choice but to resign.”

There were a dozen different ways Dash could have said that he disagreed with Starr’s decision to testify before the impeachment hearing. “Abuse of your office” was not only the harshest term he could have used, but it is also wildly inappropriate. Why then did he use it? He used it because those are precisely the words the Democrats have been using in their attacks on Starr. Almost makes you think the letter was dictated by Clinton’s lawyers, doesn’t it? But that’s what happens when the Republicans feel they have to bring in a Democrat to give them cover.

EDWARD LINN

San Diego

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* Against the advice of Dash, Starr sat down before the House Judiciary Committee and became an advocate. He was applauded for his advocacy by the Republican members, including chairperson Henry Hyde, and those impeachment zealots in the audience. Starr and Dash must have at least remotely understood the consequences of his appearance. The public’s rejection of a pending impeachment not only concerned moderate Republicans, but must have concerned those who lean right. The impeachment process, if continued in the face of public opinion, could be an election day detriment. Starr and Hyde very well knew the independent counsel’s charter precludes advocacy, so why at the last moment wipe out years of work?

In an era where party seems to be more important than country, I infer that the party made him do it.

KEN JOHNSON

Pinon Hills