Behind the Lines: by David Heiller

David Heiller National politics usually has no place in a weekly editor’s repertoire, but the past week of testimony from Oliver North before a Congressional committee in Washington offers a good reason. Excuse me while I rant and rave. Oliver North is not a hero to me, despite the telegrams stacked in front of him and his glittering uniform. Despite his “telegenic” personality, his erect back and direct stares, despite his sincerity and tenacity, I don’t think he will stay an American hero for long, if at all. A friend of mine perhaps said it best Monday at lunch: “If people think Oliver North is a hero, they’d better take a refresher course in civics.” North’s actions, and the actions of the covert operation he belonged to, challenge our government just two months before the 200th anniversary of our Constitution. The Constitution, to refresh a few memories, is the document that set up our framework of government, dividing it into the executive, congressional, and judicia...