Rep. Dan Burton

Your article about Rep. Dan Burton, (R-Ind.), “Vocal Critic of Clinton Says He Too Has Strayed” (Sept. 2), deserves more play. I’m more than interested in knowing how Burton has strayed, I’d like to know about every member of Congress who has strayed. In fact, I’d like to know about all officials who have committed adultery, lied to their families as well as the public. Let’s hear it all, every torrid bit of it! Then, maybe, we can tolerate a conversation about honesty by elected political leaders in Congress without the hint of hypocrisy running so rancid that it makes our stomachs turn. Let those who want to sow the seeds reap the whirlwind!

Here’s an idea, why not have a permanent independent counsel to investigate the outcome of all political campaign promises as well as the personal peccadilloes of all political leaders. Talk about keeping them honest!

KEN WILLIS

Upland

* Poor Dan; takes a “scumbag” to know one.

RITAS SMITH

Torrance

* As much as I despise Burton for his obsessive hatred of all things Clinton, I’d like to respond regarding his admission that he and his wife have been separated three times during their marriage. I don’t care. Just as I don’t care what occurs in the private moments of the president’s life. The American people don’t give a damn about your personal lives! Just represent the people who elected you and spend our money wisely and run the damn country.

BRYAN HAYS

Saugus

* I couldn’t help noticing that your article on Burton’s admission of marital infidelity was buried on Page 13. I wonder if the fear of an impending “orgy of accusations and mea culpas” wouldn’t even exist if the Clinton-Lewinsky stories had been given the same low profile.

JONATHAN EMERY

Los Angeles

* If being hounded for five years by Ken Starr, the media and the Republicans isn’t punishment enough for a little lie about a little sex, then there is no such thing as justice. I would bet my life not one member of the House or Senate could stand up under such scrutiny. Or anyone else in this country for that matter. And we all know it. That’s why most of us who have sinned and/or lied say, stop it!

DAVID FELIX

Los Angeles

* A sad day. The president of the U.S. is on foreign soil in rare official dialogue with President Boris Yeltsin (Sept. 3). The Russian political ground is wobbly, Yeltsin’s position delicate. This major power is collapsing financially, with grave implications for the entire world economy. And thousands of nuclear armed missiles still point in every direction, their fate a critical agenda issue in this meeting. The discussions go productively, considering the circumstances. Several agreements are reached.

At the conclusion, Presidents Clinton and Yeltsin host the world press. Then it happens. Not one but three of the U.S. media representatives invest their questions in “the Lewinsky matter.” Shocking, just shocking. And irresponsible.

Earth calling the U.S. media. Can we please have our country back?

DONALD FUNK

Redondo Beach