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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Perhaps A No-Jury Trial

Doug Floyd Interactive Editor

If Charles McCollim of Spokane is typical, President Clinton’s lawyers should try to keep military veterans off the jury when and if Paula Jones’ lawsuit goes to trial.

“No one seems to mention that his first line of defense (in arguing to delay the case) was that the draft dodger was commander-in-chief of the armed forces. To all of us who did not shirk our duty, served in two wars, were awarded the Purple Heart, it was a painful slam,” McCollim said.

Clinton is not on an even plane with the public at large, says Wayne Lythgoe of Colbert. Most people have more morals; he has more arrogance.

“This president seems to have ample time to have 900-plus visitors - donors - stay in the Lincoln bedroom and claim that 90 percent are personal friends; have several-hundred kaffeeklatsches of 20-plus people each - more donors - and attend several-hundred fund raisers for the Democrat Party and his campaign, all in just under three years.

“One must wonder when he has time to conduct the country’s business.

“President Nixon thought he was above the masses and had a disastrous fall. This president is headed the same route.

“Should the president be subject to frivolous civil suits? Of course not. Should he be subject to civil suits that arise during office? Maybe. Should he be subject to civil suits that arise prior to office and after office? Yes.

Clinton is a target because he’s president, says James A. Nelson of Spokane.

“Partisan politics are behind Whitewater and an opportunistic attorney is undoubtedly behind Paula Jones.”

Cycling and recycling

One more reader comment on last month’s Critical Mass ride comes from Barbara Morrissey of Spokane.

“I remember watching office workers in the ‘60s in the streets of Amsterdam fill the streets with their bicycles. They were seated straight up, their heads were looking forward, they were wearing dresses and suits and carrying briefcases.

“I think the problem is the cycling world today looks like a bunch of racers, and the attitudes they spout in favor of the environment are thoroughly contaminated by their competitiveness.

“They are wearing helmets that are ugly as sin. They are wearing Spandex. Their position is incredibly uncomfortable and the cycles are really, really hard to manage.”

, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.

“Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.