Haley Barbour vs. Clinton

* Re “Democrats’ Ill Wind Blows in GOP Favor,” op-ed column by Kenneth L. Khachigian, Aug. 3:

Interesting that in his column Khachigian calls President Clinton a liar while at the same time praising that good ol’ boy, Republican Haley Barbour.

Khachigian clasps Barbour to his breast and congratulates him on his blustery offense at the congressional fund-raising investigation committee hearings.

Barbour was shown to have lied to the committee--and also lied to the American public about his knowledge of illegal contributions to the GOP on his recent appearance on “Meet the Press.” A witness has testified that Barbour himself solicited such illegal donations.

Khachigian is typical of those extremist Orange County Republicans who are blind to misdeeds of other Republicans who lie or commit election fraud as long as it furthers the Republican cause.

JAMES R. GALLAGHER

Huntington Beach

* If it’s scandal Khachigian wishes to smell out, there’s no reason to go to Washington.

With a nose for “malodorous causes” Khachigian might comment on the plight and future of Rep. Jay Kim right here in Orange County. Unfortunately, the air in Orange County is so ripe with the aroma of mendacity that Khachigian’s talented nostrils will fail to catch the “stench.”

MARK P. PETRACCA

Irvine

* Kenneth L. Khachigian’s piece is a song and dance. What makes it appear valid is that there is a great deal of truth contained in it. Most good deceptions have that characteristic.

Khachigian suggests that the Republicans “corner Clinton at every turn.” Clinton is an “unusually good liar.” Absolutely true. The problem? Almost all politicians are. Clinton is simply even better at it than most. The Republicans have no shortage of pathological liars in their midst. Khachigian is well aware of this.

Khachigian suggests “putting the mirror of shame in front of John Glenn.” For what? Is he trying to shield the president and a lot of other Democrats? Certainly.

The Republicans have no shortage of mudslingers and attack dogs of their own. Politics has become a vile and dirty business, which is one of the primary reasons that voter participation in recent years has sunk to such miserable levels.

CHUCK SHARP

Laguna Niguel