Thank you for your recent letter.

I thought the enclosed might interest you. I know the word 'conspiracy' in the context I use it might seem a bit strong but every person I have talked to personally and on the net have felt the same.

The thought there might be a plot by the Republican Party and the media points out exactly the necessity for political reform and establishing controls over media personnel who try to push off on the public their own or their network's personal political biases.

I think Janet Reno suffered extreme political pressure to expand Starr's expansion to include anything dealing with other than Whitewater specifically. I will never believe a man lying about an affair or asking his partner to do so is indicative of anything more than wanting to keep it from other people, including his own spouse.

As for lying under oath, I have asked time and time again as to why Gingrich wasn't criminally investigated. He did, as far as real-world legalities go, commit what can only be defined as a felony.

He compounded this by lying to Congress and the American public for over two years.

Furthermore, he received oral sex from a young campaign worker, Anne Manning, in the 70's. He demanded oral sex so that if he were ever asked about it, he could say that he never slept with her. How many after that I can only conjecture.

Which brings me to the purpose of this letter. It is apparent there is great need for political reform. The system is corrupt.

You know this as well as I do. The negative connotations far too many in the public attach to 'politician', especially those in Washington, further attests to this.

What I believe, and have a tremendous amount of support for in quotes from various politicians, is whatever is politically expedient, or perceived to be, for the politician or his party at a given moment in time, is what the person or party professes to believe.

It should not be that way but listening to and reading politics closely the last two-and-a-half years has strengthened my belief rather than alleviating my worries.

I often feel shame when I think of what people in other countries must think of us because of the actions of our leaders in Washington.

At this time, I believe Democrats in Congress have stayed out of the fray primarily because they fear for their own positions. Many may have supported President Clinton throughout the mess created by anti-Clintonites, including those in the media, but have not publically stated so simply because it might reflect negatively on them.

The truth is every allegation in the last four years thrown at Mr. Clinton will be used against any campaigning Democrat in future elections. That is the way politics seems to work. And, it seems to be getting dirtier and dirtier due to the rapid transfer of information advanced electronics has allowed.

Aiding greatly in my shame is the manner in which anti-Clinton media people and major networks have fueled the fires of rumor and allegations that probably should have been settled quietly.

How often retractions had to occur because of false statements made by the media. How angry many of us have felt because of wanting facts but getting biased reporting.

I know you are busy so I will close. Please do not take any of this personally unless, of course, it is applicable. I don't know you as I just moved back here a year ago but I have not heard anything negative and, in these times of political maneuvering and questionable behaviors which go on, that is a very strong plus in your favor.

Sincerely,


Ed Lewis