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dor . . . : * . ( 2 The individuals convicted in ABSCAM _ did willingly involve themselves in a siluation that Is contrary to U.S. laws and contrary to the basic rules of right and. wreng. Who tempted them is actually itrelevant, be it the FBl or Satan * himelf. For thote truly in tune with the Lord, it is not the temptation that is all powerful, but the knowledge of right and wrong. _ ik itis not the right of the FBI to check _:- ‘en the honesty of lawmakers, then et whe will do it? Cat Reciee) LA Lee EU Nie aL ake sete ig OO co P. A. Burek Wausau, Wis. ABSCAM, which exposed the weak : and greedy trash that has infiltrated "Congress, wos a breath of fresh gir te * those who still believe in henesty, : integrity and the moral values instilied vf by our forebearers. The members of Congress invelved in ABSCAM were elected to represent thelr constituents in the legislative process, not to engage in monetary and moral gymnastics for personal gain. What's the difference whether the FBI used entrapment of some other law- enforeament device? A crook is a crook, . and how his “intent to commit” is _ exposed, should be a secondary consideration. George M. Burchfield Hunteville, Alo. White-collar crime her become so pervasive for politicians and businessmen that it is destroying belief that our society is fundamentally fair and just. A society cannot endure which teaches its people through constant and powerful examples that corruption is to be expected and actions in the public interest are for the naive. In this way, white-collar crime is more _ damaging thon violent crime. If these criminals are successful in convincing the courts that ABSCAM operations constitute entrapment they will succeed in making white-collar ciminaly immune to prosecution. Such immunity encourages crime of all types, and is far more devastating fo our society than last year's 11% increase in violent crimes. Monin C. Giaat Comp Springs, Md. Any U.S. congressman or other high elected official who willingly takes a bribe is @ real criminal and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law because he violates public trust. emery sinse ngage tesrsnncucemeceraommnns roars etoe eons ‘ 4 White-collar crime demands different investigative techniques by law- enforcement officers than a sirest robbery, for instance. | om appalled by the suggestion that the FBt instigated criminal activity, The FBI provided only the opportunity for suspects.to moke the firs? move. The American people are ripped off more each yoar by white-collar crime than by all the street robberies put togother. | hope the FB! and other law- enforcement agencies confine their work of ferreting out the crooks fin government and prosecuting them. Phillip. &: Wiser ; Alpen, Mich, A crook is a crook regardless of who he is and i'm grateful for the FBI's handling of ABSCAM. Any elected official who accepts money under ony pretense other thon his paycheck and legitimate expenves is guilty of the worst kind of crime, betrayal of the public trust. : FBI Director Webster is trying to de something about the problem that we all suspected but no one but Webster had the guts to de something about. Earl W. Kurich Centerville, Ohic’ All the ABSCAM targets were over 21 and elected officials who should have high standards and be irreproachoble. | think the FBI dida very good job in getting rid of these undesirables before they sold us down the drain. Edward J, McGtone | Bellmore, N.Y. Having served some 35 years in law enforcement, [ though! most knowledgeable Christians were oware that crime will not be reduced merely by arsesting and imprisoning the “bums,” those on booze or other drugs, the poor and mentally disturbed. These and other rejects of a godless and uncompassionate secular society commit over 50 percent of the crimes of violence in this country. Greed and materialism, such as exhibited by our congressmen, nurture the growth of crime. No amount of money, rio increase in the number of policamen alons will reduce crime. Crime will not be reduced without a rere. A Anyone \ o dees not suspect § that these congressmen and their associates would have taken the “30 ar OA Ad og : serrate ie ie phe a shinee tain nee ; ome oy : . “ - Lecichcemeie y mynitar tine initoa ols . wre Bamtans Tipe pieces of silver” from sources other than - ° 4 ohh 4. = of ~ 7 Seager oe 8 Ai Aa Goo Bahan . - an BEN the FBI? Are they fit to govern us, fo poss our laws? Should we send the “shidrow bums” fo prison for lesser - oy crimes and abtolve those In high places“ ' on mere legal technicalities? : John C, Moe Lolo, Mont. In ABSCAM temptation was not dangled in front of ordinary citizens but of officials who got where they-are by portraying to be obove the ordinary in intellect, creativity, character and integrity. They ave fo set on example. 4 we can excuse such “above ordinary” citizens from temptation, then should we not excuse him who finds - temptation ino pretly girl to be raped, an expensive sportscar fo be stolan, @ bank fo.be robbed or o feeble, elderly perton to be mugged? # a government official is not.strong enough to resist temptation why should anyone resist? thary B. Maloy Maywood, NY. In regard to the question of citizens being entrapped: You cannot entrap an © honest man. EW. Bergquist __ Houston, Texas, tt ee ee eee