LETTERS: IT'S RULE OF LAW, NOT RULE OF MEN

To the editor:

When Watergate first started, it was not looked on as a serious issue. Most Republicans felt that it was purely a media issue pushed by many Democrats who intensely disliked Richard Nixon. However, as the hearings progressed and the tapes were discovered, it became an entirely different matter. It became apparent that impeachment was truly a possibility. The pressure both in Washington and in my central Florida district increased. Many of my Republican constituents contacted me and said it was wrong to consider impeaching Nixon. They argued that Kennedy and Johnson had done worse. They also pointed out that Nixon's knowledge and leadership in foreign affairs were needed. The Mideast was at war. We were in the middle of a cold war with the potential of nuclear catastrophe. The argument was that whatever Nixon had done, the country needed him.

This was a traumatic time. I was a member of the Republican leadership and had supported Nixon since 1960. Along with George Bush and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, I had been one of the Nixon youth chairmen in 1972. Here is a statement I made:

"There is no question that my vote for or against impeachment will hurt, sadden and anger some of you. No matter what I do, some will attribute a sellout or political motivation to my vote. Yet within a few weeks I shall cast my vote. This vote is the most important vote of my political career -- not just for me, but for this nation and our system. What must be remembered is that I took an oath of office. This oath is not to a political party or president. It is to the Constitution and to a concept of justice based on a rule of law, not a rule of men. My loyalty is to this Constitution and that concept. Everything else must and will be secondary. It is true that some actions of the Judiciary Committee have upset me, and there's no question that other presidents have taken actions that under today's standards should have been looked into. But, you see, that isn't an answer. It's not enough to say, well, someone else possibly did wrong. I wasn't around then. I didn't have the obligation as I do now. Let me emphasize: This is my vote and my obligation. At times I wish someone else could do it for me. But on one can. I must and I will vote my conscience, regardless of any public opinion polls or political consequence. As you are aware, I'm personally torn up. I feel as if I'm being pulled 20 ways at once. I have never been so physically or emotionally tired. Yet I know that no matter what happens that our country and our system will not only survive, but come out stronger and better. I ask for your prayers for me and for this country so that we may know what is right and act accordingly."

Each member of Congress must now decided how he or she will approach the current impeachment issue. I am proud of the way Congress acted during Watergate. We proved once and for all that we do have a rule of law and that no one, not even the president, is above the law.

LOU FREY JR., President

Former Members of Congress

Orlando, Fla.