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sex, lies and videotape
The decision by the so-called "bipartisan" Judiciary Committee to release the videotape of the President's deposition to the Grand Jury is nothing less than a crude smear campaign. The rules governing Grand Juries represent a peculiar departure from American notions of "fair play". In a nutshell, Grand Juries exist solely to make a decision regarding the existence (or not) of prime facie evidence sufficient for a District Attorney to file civil or criminal charges. As such, the only "evidence" presented is that which bolsters the plaintiff's - or prosecution's - case. It is inherently one-sided. It allows the defendant no opportunity of rebuttal. This week, we have been treated to an indescribably tawdry washing of dirty linen in public. We need no more of this. The descision to release the tapes serves no public purpose.
The Committee had the opportunity to issue a one paragraph statement along the lines of:
"We have reviewed the videotapes. No discernible public purpose would be served by their release." But no.
Barney Frank (D Mass) expressed it best:
"To describe this committee as bipartisan," he said, "is like awarding the medal for religious tolerance to the Taleban." The purpose of the release is to provide the Republican Party's videotape editors the opportunity to wield their scissors in order to reap maximum embarrassment for the President and the Democratic Party. The President will be made to look a fool - despite his doing quite enough in this respect already. US readers should watch their TV screens during election season. Watch for the Republican ads which feature the "Clinton Tape" - they'll be difficult to miss. Remember which party opposes healthcare reform, "late-term" abortions, Social Security reform, campaign-finance reform, and supports big tobacco and tax cuts for the rich. Remember the lies told about Iran-Contra, Grenada and Panama. And then recall the broker of peace in Northern Ireland, the Middle East; the President who has presided over an unprecedented period of peace this century. The Republicans are overplaying their hand. A dignified silence would have served their cause better. Instead, they choose to pursue a route which will backfire on them. Their smear tactic is short-term and short-sighted. They will ultimately be judged on their hypocrisy. The President has been ill-advised by his legal team. What's done is done.
Politicians lie. To deny this essential truth is to deny the reality of politics.
To err is human - to forgive, divine. Tell that to Pat Robertson and the "Christian" Coalition... John Blower September 19, 1998
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