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! The individuals convicted in ABSCAM : did willingly involve themsalves in a situation that Is contrary to U.S. laws and contrary to the basic rules of right ‘and wrong. Who tempted them is actually irrelevant, be it the FBI or Satan himself. For thore truly in tune with the Lord, it is not the temptation that is all powerful, but the knowledge of right and wrong. If it is not the right of the FBI to check ‘on the honesty of lawmakers, then who will do it? PLA. Burok Wousau, Wis. ABSCAM, which exposed the weak and greedy trash that has infiltrated Congress, was 0 breath of froth ait to * those who still believe in honosty, ; integrity and the moral values Instilied ad by our forebearers. The members of Congress involved in ABSCAM ected to represent thelr constituents in the legislative process, not to engage in monetary ond moral gymnaitics for personal gain. What's the difference whether the FBI used entrapment or some other law- enforcement device? A crook is a crook, and how his “intent to commit” is exposed, should be a secondary consideration. George M. Burchfield Huntaville, Alo. White-<collar crime hes become $0 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 ore for the naive. In this way, white-collar crime is more damaging thon violent crim If these criminals are successful in convincing the courts that ABSCAM operations constitute entrapment they will succeed in making white-collar criminals immune to prosecution. Such immunity encourages crime of all types, and is far more devastating to our society than last year's 11% increase in violent crimes. Manin C. Giati Comp Springs, Md Any US. congressman or other high elected official who willingly takes a bribe is @ real criminal and should be prosecuted to the fullest extont of the law because he violates public trust. ree ee peer MAY, 9 eee White-collar crime demands different Investigative techniques by fow- enforcement officers than o street robbery, for instance. 1am appalled by the suggestion that the FBt instigated criminal activity, The FBI provided only the opportunity for suspects to make the first move. The American people are ripped off more each yoar by white-collar crime than by all the stroet robbories put fogother. ! hope the FBI and other law- enforcement agencies continue their work of ferreting out the crooks in government and provecu! ing them. Phillip R. Wiser . Alpena, Mich, / Acrook 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 any pretense other than his paycheck and legitimate expanses is guilty of the worst kind of crime, betrayal of the public trust. FBI Director Webster is trying to do something about the problem that we all suspected but no one but Webster had the guts fo do something ebout. Earl W. Kurich, Centerville, Ohio All the ABSCAM targets were over 21 and elected officials who should have high standards and be irreproochable. § think the FBI did a very good job in getting rid of these undesirables before they sold us down the drain. Edward J, McGlone Bellmore, NY. Having served some 35 years in law enforcement, I thought most knowledgeable Christians were oware thot crime will not be reduced merely by arresting and imprisoning the “bums,” those on booze or other drugs, the poor and mentally disturbed. These and other rejects of godless ond 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, no increase in the number of policemen alone will reduce crime. Crime will not be reduced without & change in, ality/of our society. a Cp BRL Glee not suspect & that these congressmen and their associates would have, taken the “30 SLs pleces of silver” from sources other than the FBI? Are they fit to govern us, fo poss our laws? Should we send the “skidrow bums” to prison for lesser crimes and abtolve thote In high ploces on mere legal technicalities? John C. Moe tole, Mont. In ABSCAM temptation was not dangled in front of ordinary citizens but of officials who got where they are by portraying to be above the ordinary in intellect, creativity, character and integrity. They are to set an example. H we can excuse such “above ordinary” citizens from temptation, then should we not excuse him who finds « temptation in @ pretty girl to be raped, an expensive sportscar fo be stolen, @ bank 10 be robbed or a feeble, elderly perton to be mugged? H a government official is not strong enough fo resist temptation why should anyons resist? Mary B. Maloy Maywood, N.Y. In regard to the question of citizens being entrapped: You cannot entrap an honest man. EW. Bergquist Houston, Texas