In his letter to the editor (“Another take,” The Daily Astorian, July 6) E. Robert Nassikas makes the ludicrous comparison of the lies of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby and the lie of former President Bill Clinton.

Libby lied about an activity that most legal scholars agree fit the definition of treason; Clinton was evasive about engaging in conduct that was inappropriate, but was completely private. Libby was found guilty by a jury of his peers. Clinton was acquitted by the U.S. Senate of impeachment charges, including perjury.

What’s most troubling about Nassikas’ comparison is that his view is shared by at least a significant minority of the American populace. I sincerely worry about the future of our country when there are so many people who cannot distinguish between the serious and the trivial.

Jerry Lampert

Hammond