Mr. Allen, Mr. Starr was empowered as a Federal Prosecutor in his capacity as Counsel to Congress concerning Impeachment and Removal. He was not, and is not, a Judge empowered within the Judicial System to try or convict any criminal. His role as prosecutor allows him to bring before a [real] Judge, accuse him of a crime, and participate in trying the criminal.
He has not taken the President before any lawful Judge in any Criminal Court with the charge of lying [etc.]. Until he does that, or declines to do that, Mr. Clinton is an indicted man, in jeopardy before the criminal law.
As a citizen in jeopardy, he has the right to not have his case prejudiced by himself or by any of his accusers [such as Starr]. He has a right not be forced to give up that right, by the threat upon another priviledge. These are basic reasons why his Congressional Hearings could not serve as a defense in a criminal Judicial trial.
Finally, not being charged by a Judge, for a crime he is indicted for, he has been given no opportunity to state his defense of that crime before the court that will render verdict. I can think of no more basic ideal of American Justice than being allowed a defense. Yet, around the country and the net, good people consider him guilty. Not even good as guilty, but condemned. Then I wonder, how much is America willing to hate itself to get this man? |
