President Clinton

* Re “Ethics Panel Advises Clinton Be Disbarred,” May 23: The Arkansas committee made the correct decision as reflected in Monday’s recommendation to disbar Bill Clinton. Their recommendation was based on actions by Clinton that led to Judge Susan Webber Wright finding him in civil contempt of court for “false, misleading and evasive answers that were designed to obstruct the judicial process” in relation to his sworn deposition in the Paula Jones case.

Clinton had an opportunity to appeal Judge Wright’s decision and chose not to do so. By not appealing, Clinton accepted the judgment and subsequently paid a fine.

The House of Representatives impeached Clinton for his lies under oath and obstruction of justice; offenses which were included in Judge Wright’s decision. His supporters in the Senate condemned his impeachable behavior but argued that it was not sufficient to remove him from office; in fact, many argued that the proper course of action was to indict him for criminal conduct once he left office.

In spite of the spin being promulgated, I believe Clinton fears this disbarment because it solidifies his character and legacy to be that of a liar. In spite of likely attempts to spin disbarment as an act of Clinton-haters, it is simply a matter of minimal rules of conduct--rules that Clinton violated.

THOMAS R. DAMIANI

Newport Beach

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A more accurate headline would be: “Minority of Arkansas Ethics Panel Members Advise Clinton Be Disbarred.” Since eight of the 14 members had to recuse themselves because they had once worked with Clinton, this left only a minority to vote. Of those, “a majority” (meaning no more than four or five) voted for what the real majority were against. Score: 1 for the rigidly right Southeastern Legal Foundation; 0 for justice. Sound familiar?

BONNIE COMPTON HANSON

Santa Ana

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Clinton feels he’s not deserving of the punishment of disbarment. Has there ever been a time when Clinton thought he was deserving of punishment?

MIKE HANNIN

Newbury Park

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If nothing else good can be said of lawyers, let it at least be said that they would not have Clinton as one of them.

LEE L. BLACKMAN

Palos Verdes Estates