THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 9, 1996 TAG: 9610090009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
What has happened to common decency and humility in our public servants?
Consider the case of two Virginia Beach School Board members, accused and prosecuted wrongfully by the Commonwealth's Attorney. Ultimately, after extensive legal and verbal flagellation, they were found not guilty.
Another example: A man who performed heroically, in that his actions reduced the potential for death and injury from the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics, accused apparently wrongfully by the FBI.
And yet another case: A man who served four successive White House administrations, ensuring safe and efficient travel arrangements for the White House and a multitude of strap-hangers, accused and prosecuted wrongfully by the Clinton administration.
Not one of these cases elicited an apology from those who besmirched the character of these individuals.
Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend. The fact that we, as a nation, don't hold our politicians accountable for a vast number of indiscretions and blatant illegalities has bred an attitude of arrogance and ego amongst our elected officials.
CRAIG M. HUDGINS
Virginia Beach, Sept. 24, 1996 by CNB