William F. Smith: “others continue to argue or continue to imply that this inquiry is only about a personal relationship, but that is like…”

“others continue to argue or continue to imply that this inquiry is only about a personal relationship, but that is like saying Watergate was only about picking a lock or that the Boston Tea Party was only about tea. During a similar investigation of President Nixon 24 years ago, there was little focus on the burglary. The Committee on the Judiciary and the special prosecutor rightly wanted to know, as we should today, whether the President lied to the American people, obstructed justice or abused his office. While some try to describe this scandal as private, the President's own Attorney General found that there existed credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing. This is not a decision to go forward with an inquiry into a personal relationship. It is about examining the most public of relationships, between a witness and the courts, between the President and the American people. It is about respect for the law, respect for the office of the presidency, respect for the American people, respect for the officers of the Court, respect for women and ultimately about self-respect.”