THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 2, 1996 TAG: 9602020010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
William Safire should have been cast in the movie ``Grumpy Old Men.'' He probably would have won an Academy Award, but not from his acting. His role would have been genuine.
For him to call first lady Hillary Clinton a congenital liar is just down-right mean-spirited. Since all of us are born with this innate disposition, he could have included me, Mother Teresa, the Rev. Billy Graham and himself, along with every person who has ever lived except Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean we must continue to lie as we learn the truth, because I can't believe that Mother Teresa or the Rev. Billy Graham have lied in many years. But, unfortunately, some of us still do in degrees at times. But he singled her out!
I wrote in Elizabeth Dole on my ballot for president of the United States last election, and I'll vote for Sen. Bob Dole this election if he gets the Republicans' nod. But putting aside politics, for Safire to make such a remark, without legal proof, is an insult and first-degree slander to the first lady. This mean man owes Mrs. Clinton a public apology - on his knees.
I would be lying if I said I wouldn't punch William Safire in between his running lights for such a statement on her behalf.
DEAN A. PATTERSON
Virginia Beach, Jan. 10, 1996 by CNB