Featured Letter: Bishop investigation a ‘witch hunt’

To the editor:

No matter your political affiliation, it’s tough to watch a person who had done a lot for your district get attacked for any reason, especially misuse of funds. This particular accusation against Congressman Tim Bishop, whether eventually proven or not, casts an indelible shadow on his reputation. The fact that the do-nothing Congress has taken valuable time to investigate Mr. Bishop, one of the few members who actually accomplishes things, speaks volumes. So does the amount involved: $5,000.

That’s the best they can come up with? Are they kidding?

I’d be very interested to know who the $1,000-plus campaign contributors are for the members of the House Ethics Committee, how much each paid and whether the committee members’ campaign finance records could stand up to an audit.

Further, I’d like to see Congress impose stiffer penalties — including expulsion, forfeiture of benefits and federal prosecution for other serious charges. These charges range from things like leaking classified information, tax evasion, cashing bad checks at the Congressional Bank and incompetence, all of which run rampant on Capitol Hill.

This entire $5,000 affair would actually be funny if it didn’t throw a bunch of witch hunters into the limelight and cost the taxpayers so much money.

As for you, Mr. Bishop, don’t be stubborn. If it turns out you did make a mistake, pay the ticket and get on with running the country. You’re one of the few who know how.

Patrick Lohn, Southold