Letters: Dec. 7, 1998

THE FALL OF NEWT

"As much as I dislike Newt, he deserves better than being a scapegoat for the incompetence of the entire Republican Party." MARK ASCH North Yarmouth, Maine

When Newt Gingrich decided to resign from Congress after the recent elections, he turned on his own confederates [ELECTION REPORT, Nov. 16]. Not only did he chicken out on his colleagues in Congress, he forgot that his primary mission there was to represent the interests of his congressional district back home; by resigning only days after 71% of those citizens voted that he continue to represent them, he betrayed them just when they needed him most. Then to top if off, he blames his woes on the "hateful cannibals" in his own party! This is like shaving yourself in a mirror, then afterward complaining that you were attacked by someone with a razor. ROBERT B. BUTLER Mahopac, N.Y.

Your cover should have read "The Courage of Newt." People may bad-mouth him all they want, but it takes uncommon courage and good sense to step down at this time. No more will Newt be the Democrat's whipping boy and everybody's scapegoat. But you watch: he'll be back in a new role; his integrity will be proved in the end! WANDA RAE BUTLER Mesquite, Nev.

Newt Gingrich, leader of the Republican revolution, which now has turned on him. I could not help finding a similarity with Robespierre. JAMES N. HOWELL Pacifica, Calif.

President Clinton should be as honorable as Gingrich and resign. It is amazing how many people continue to support this disgraceful President. DARREL W. STONEBRAKER Gahanna, Ohio

Given the opportunity to lead, Gingrich failed. His successful Contract with America campaign was based on unfulfilled rhetoric, posturing and appeal to fringe groups. The Republican Party must move away from the fanatical right, just as the Democratic Party has moved away from the radical left. Most Republicans identify themselves as conservatives. However, few consider themselves reactionaries. The loss of the South and West in the elections was the result of a lack of insight and leadership. Newt's resignation is not the "honorable thing"; it is the necessary action to allow the party to move forward and return to championing the issues. ED GROOMS Taylors, S.C.

It's hard to win elections when your main issues are presented by Linda Tripp, defined by Ken Starr and disseminated by Gingrich. What a trifecta! PHIL KENNY Colorado Springs

Perhaps now that the grand inquisitor himself has been dethroned, we can all return to the real issues this country needs to address: poverty, education, the economy. Hopefully, Gingrich's failure will be a lesson to all. ALIDAD VAKILI San Diego

I just don't get it. Why would a tough-skinned career politician like Gingrich resign from a pushy job in the House of Representatives? There is something very smelly about this development. EDWIN N. DOUGLASS Albuquerque, N.M.

It is a bitter irony that Newt should have lost his job while Clinton stays as President. The loss of face by the Republicans in the elections was because they saw and heard only what they wanted to. The electorate had been giving a warning ever since the House got preoccupied with Monica. But it fell on deaf ears. RAJA RAMAN Chennai, India