Bob Dole: “according to Webster's Dictionary, the word ``independent'' means, ``not subject to control by others; not looking to…”

“according to Webster's Dictionary, the word ``independent'' means, ``not subject to control by others; not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct.'' I cite this definition because the last time I checked, the Resolution Trust Corporation is supposed to be an independent agency-- underscore the word ``independent .'' But, in light of recent press accounts, it appears I may have to do some more research, or Webster's may have to revise its definition. Last week, we learned that Robert Altman, the Acting CEO and No. 2 political appointee at the Treasury Department, met with White House political officials, allegedly to give them a ``head's up'' on the RTC's civil investigation into Madison Guaranty. This morning, I think in a bit of damage control, there was a story in the Washington Post, front page story, ``Treasury Officials Told White House Status of S&L Probe,'' told about other meetings. I think they did not want this to come out in some committee investigation so they somehow got it to the Washington Post. Realizing his blunder, Mr. Altman subsequently and very belatedly, as pointed out in another column by William Safire called, ``The Whitewater Coverup''--these are all today's clippings--recused himself.”