Clinton Critics

In Jacob Heilbrunn’s article (Opinion, Feb. 28), he quotes William J. Bennett as saying “I will not defend the public” because Bennett claims that Americans “are complicit” in President Clinton’s “corruption.” I’m afraid Bennett has it wrong again. The American people do not need him to defend them. If anything, the American people may one day have to defend themselves against the moral absolutism and intolerant Christian piety he espouses.

Clinton may not be anyone’s idea of a moral paragon, but Clinton doesn’t claim that those who are not like him are corrupt. Instead, he extends a hand of conciliation, even to so mean and narrow a spirit as Bennett.

PRESTON ROSE

South Pasadena

I just finished reading your fine interview (Opinion, Feb. 28) of Paul Weyrich waxing eloquently on old-favorite fascistic topics such as “degenerate art.” I nearly fell to my knees to thank God that we live in a pluralistic society where people like Weyrich must conclude themselves that they cannot gain control over everyone with their narrow morality in this great country.

Weyrich would have been much happier as an ayatollah in Iran, except that even there his type of absolute social control is falling out of favor with the people.

DOUG WEISKOPF

Cincinnati

The comment of Bill Press (Commentary, Feb. 19) that the religious right is dead is far from being true. The religious right is a small part of conservatives who believe in honesty, morality, love and concern for mankind and country.

Clinton was not hounded into the situation he finds himself in--he did it to himself.

I doubt if there is a desert canyon in Utah large enough to accommodate the vast number of sincere, honorable Americans who still believe there is a difference between right and wrong.

LEATHA PERKINS DAHLGREN

Hemet