Clinton Funds

* Re “Judgment Day: Gingrich Seems a Hypocrite, While Clinton Seems a Cynic,” by William Schneider, Opinion, Dec. 29: I am deeply concerned for the health of Schneider as he joins the rest of the media in bending over backward to equate the multitude of sins, lies and crimes of our president with the hideous clerical error of our House speaker. It seems that no mention of Whitewater, Filegate, the travel office, Vince Foster, the billing records, John Huang, the Riadys, Hillary’s cattle futures, etc., can be made without also calling up Watergate and/or GOPAC.

It gets very comical. When The Times first began reporting on the millions of dollars in “possibly” illegal DNC contributions [a story ran] to make the point that the single $1,000 ticket to a Dole dinner in 1987 purchased by the Riadys showed there was corruption on both sides. (You guys are fabulous!)

DEB McKAY

Hollywood

* Doris Matsui, wife of Rep. Robert Matsui (D-Sacramento) and deputy White House director for public liaison, is quoted as saying, “What we’re doing in the White House is obviously trying to sell the president” (Dec. 29). Since the president was so readily reelected, there may have been eager buyers of the presidency. Democracy?

MALIN B. SHAW

Covina

* While The Times has made the questionable campaign donations to the Democratic Party and Bill Clinton front-page news, we find buried inside “Gingrich Controversy Flares Up Over Reports of Early Legal Advice” (Dec. 28), with conclusive evidence that Newt Gingrich had been advised not to mix charitable or educational funding with his GOPAC political projects six years ago. Mr. Personal Responsibility is not only a hypocrite but a deceitful manipulator.

We are stupid to allow an “Ethics Committee” chaired by a Newt puppet like Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) to determine his guilt or innocence. This committee discharged half a dozen other violations for “lack of evidence.” Perhaps the evidence was lacking because Johnson allowed the word of Gingrich, a liar, to prevail. Perhaps the American people should insist that all the charges be turned over to an independent counsel for full investigation.

MARTA RUSSELL

Encino