From: 15942@brahms.udel.edu (Stephen Barr)
Subject: Re: Myth exposed!!!
Organization: University of Delaware
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1992 17:30:39 GMT

       Dear JJ. Stories that make the Papacy the object of
ridicule are not funny, and are worth exposing. I don't 
know why you regard religion as not a subject to be 
discussed seriously. As Chesterton observed, one does not have
to be solemn to be serious. One can make a serious point
in a humorous way. But frankly I do see what is admirable
about treating the most serious questions with frivolity.
       As for my brother, he has been the subject of rather 
vicious attacks from some quarters, for instance William Safire,
The New York Times, Rep. Gonzalez. If you are interested,
I will tell you the truth of the matter. My brother has
investigated the so-called "Iraqgate scandal" and, from 
what he has been able to find out, concludes and has stated
publicly, that there has been no involvment the US government
in illegality or wrongdoing. He also concluded that the
conditions specified in the law making an "independent council"
necessary or appropriate do not exist. He has told me
and he has told my parents that "there is nothing there".
He took a principled and courageous step in refusing to
appoint an independent council in that case. Courageous
because he knew full well, and warned our family, in 
advance that his decision would bring down upon himself
furious attacks and accusations. Principled because he regards
for weighty reasons the whole idea of "independent councils"
dangerous to our political system and its checks and balances,
and so will not appoint them unless the law requires him to.
When the law does require it he will. This is shown by the
fact (see last Friday's NYTimes) that he did appoint one to
investigate the State Department's looking into Clinton's
passport records.  
   Those Democrats who have worked closely with him, such as
Sen. Biden, Sen. Simon, and many others, have a high opinion of
his integrity, honesty and ability, and have said so publicly.
He, of course, is concerned about his reputation, but he cares
about doing what is right far more. He is a devout Catholic
and an upright man. (See last Sunday's Gospel about St. Joseph).
    I should also point out that Judge Lacey, who was appointed
by my brother to investigate whether there was an "Iraqgate coverup"
and who is a highly respected retired judge (yes, he is a
registered Republican) came to the conclusion published in a
two volume report that no "coverup" existed, and that , indeed,
the whole "Iraqgate" scandal insofar as it was supposed to 
involve the US government was a myth.              
    Frankly I don't care much what you think of all this, but there
are other people who are reading these things. The kind of 
savaging that some liberals and Democrats are giving and have
given my brother is a source of pain to me and to my family.
I trust you were not indulging in a "dig" at me, or a cruel
witticism. SOME THINGS ARE SERIOUS, GODDAMN IT, AND PEOPLE'S
REPUTATIONS ARE AMONG THEM, whether my brother's or far
more importantly that of the Popes. 
     [I note that I wrote 'council' instead of 'counsel'
      above. I have been on this list too long!]
mERry Christmas anyway. Steve.
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