Shot Down With an Empty Gun
Of course, he also drank. And he also shared the beds of defense contractors. He had his flaws.
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But various senators and reporters pretended that the mysterious FBI report was crucial. This reminded us of one of the press’s chronic problems. Press investigations try desperately to reach conclusions, however marginal, that warrant language on the order of “in what appears to be the illegal use of . . .” or “could lead to indictments . . .” The press hates to look like it’s just picking on somebody; massive testimony of somebody’s unfitness for his job is rarely enough. The press likes to take its stands against criminals; it wants a smoking gun.
Because the FBI investigation of John Tower turned up no smoking gun, Tower slayer Sam Nunn was knocked by conservative columnists like George Will and William Safire (and not just them) as a high-hatted moralist, an ambitious prig. Yet all Nunn did was refuse to put the national defense in the hands of a second-rate man.
“My wife and I were shocked,” wrote Mark Brady and Donna Grewe of River Grove, Illinois, gateway to Franklin Park. “Could this man possibly be the same Eugene Dillenburg who graduated as valedictorian of his Columbia College class in 1982?
“Guilty as charged. Indeed, NAFTAT was founded by three Beatle fans who had grown disgusted with the way nostalgia has distorted the Fabs’ accomplishments. The Beatles are still a favorite, second only to Bananarama. By way of explanation, let me say that the Beatles are not the 60s and the 60s are not the Beatles. By way of defense, let me say that previously I was not as astute as I am now. PS: I am flattered you remember me after seven years, but please, we must not live in the past.”
Such a disproportionate response to Mr. Dillenburg’s wry sallies at the 60s may play into some vague appetite of his for fame and profit. But it certainly supports his thesis.
