Letter to the Editor re: Clinton's Georgetown Speech

My Letter to The Washington Times | sent 11 10 01 | Jimmy Valentine

[Jimmy Valentine]

November 10, 2001 The Editor

Letters@washingtontimes.com

Gentlemen:

I have read your “Nobles and Knaves” section in Saturday’s paper as well as the article on November 8th referring to former president Clinton’s speech at Georgetown University.

I was reminded of a story I had read as a child about Philip Nolan, the “Man Without a Country”. Nolan, having proclaimed at his trial for sedition in 1817 that he never wished to hear of the United States again, was banished to sea aboard a U.S. Naval ship, never to hear the name of the United States or see the country again. He remained on board a U.S. ship until his death in 1863.

Philip Nolan’s life was highlighted in the story by a stanza from Scott’s “Lay of the Last Minstrel":

“Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land! Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd, As home his footsteps he hath turn'd, From wandering on a foreign strand!

If such there breathe, go, mark him well; For him no Minstrel raptures swell; High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; Despite those titles, power, and pelf, The wretch, concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown,

And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust, from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonor'd, and unsung.”

It is submitted that this describes both Bill Clinton’s legacy and his epitaph.

Sincerely,

[Jimmy Valentine]

Sorry for the vanity, but I was drawn to this rememberance

Regards, to all.

Happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps.

[truthkeeper]

BTTT

[backhoe]

My regards to you, Jimmy.... I just cobbled this together:

-clintonism in one easy lesson--

"Has that clinton "legacy" made you feel safer yet?"

[VRWCTexan]

Well stated - and so fitting in every way!!!

[el_texicano]

I recall the same story when I was younger and have been thinking about that story a lot of late. I couldn't remember the persons name of Philip Nolan. You are so right about Clinton and those like him. Sedition is an accurate charge. Too bad we can't arrange such for a penalty today.

[Taxman]

Great post, Jimmy.

Having said that, surely we would not want to inflict Slick on the U.S. Navy for the rest of his life, would we?

An orange jump suit in an unrenovated San Quenton would be more fitting.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Bravo!

[jslade]

Bingo! Not sedition. TREASON.

Happy birthday to the Corps!

[jhofmann]

Ironically, a "minstrel" did document Nolan's life just as countless scribes scribble down the impeached ex-President's drug-addled thoughts as if they were the the New Gospel of Bill.

[Texbob]

When the U S Senate refused to hold a legit trial on his empeachment as required by the laws, they gave Clinton the go ahead by telling him no matter what you do, we are not going to do anything about it. The Senate failed the USA just as badly as Clinton.

[dhuffman@awod.com]

BRAVO! TANGO TANGO TANGO

[prognostigaator]

There was a period of time ,before WWII, when Armistice Day was observed on 11th of November
[in remembrance of the veterans of the AEF who died and who were wounded and who had suffered the effects of 'poison gas' during WWI,]

every moving thing ,every individual in New York City came to a complete halt at 11 A.M. for a moment of silence .

Poppies were worn by most everyone ,signifying the tremendous loss of life by the Allies at Flanders field.

Patriotism reigned."The Fighting Irish" were Americans without a hyphen. "Black Jack " Pershing was a hero,as the leader of more than a million of American men sent "overseas" , drove back the enemy from the Argonne Forest and beyond.

Of these million men, one-third suffered death, gas attacks or wounds both mental and physical..

Of course Bill Clinton wasn't alive then .He loathed the military.From the context of his speech ,it is apparent that he loathes the United States as well.

[jamaksin]

For a charge of sedition to be acted upon, the United States of America must vote affirmatively for a declaration of war.

On treason, slightly different "rules" ... but given events such as Sen. Thompson being "rolled" by former Sen. Glenn on DNC aid from China, the handling of former Sec. Bill Richardson on the W-88 warhead, ... the potential ICBM guidance system via LORAL, ... is it any wonder that treason is not ever brought up. Was Janet Reno a brillant choice or what???

After all, do we know who OK'ed the hiring of Craig Livingstone?? Someone on the "public" payroll ... and we can not a straight answer on even the "smallest" detail.

Go figure ... amd many thanks to vacant-LOTT et. al., for the display of the "most deliberative body" in the history of humankind.

Deo Vindice ... Semper Fi

[lonestar]

I have been thinking that Clinton(s) should reap the same fate as Phillip Nolan. Adrift at sea, no cameras, no microphones.

And when they "pass," fish food!

[scotiamor]

If we really wanted to sentence Clinton to a personal hell, we would find a way to keep all mention of his own name from the press and TV --- Clinton has only cared his entire life about himself.

[anniegetyourgun]

Pelf - a wonderful noun meaning wealth or riches, especially when dishonestly acquired. It's so poetic as to be used by so many poets!

[okiedust]

I have remembered that poem often during the Clinton years and it is so fitting to have it quoted in your very excellent letter. Regards to you for your efforts.

regards

[IW]

The very sad part of this play, our President George Bush and Attorney General John Ashcroft have become accessories to the cover-up, after the fact, to the Clinton's and Reno criminal activities, over the past eight years. Until these people are brought to trial, there will be no real justice in our great nation.

[lexington minuteman 1775]

Good post.

I have come to the conclusion that Bill Clinton will manage to escape justice in this life. I have to be content with the fact that he faces an ultimate judge one day who give him his just desserts for eternity.As far as I know there are no cameras in hell so that will be Clinton's eternity.And that ought to account for something.It is forever and with his ego that surely will be devastating for him.

Semper Fi to all you Marines.We owe our freedoms to the likes of you.God Bless America!

[Budge]

Excellent letter, JV! I hope they print it, that it doesn't go over their collective heads.