Clinton must come clean about pardons -- publicly

We're heartened that former President Bill Clinton has turned down an invitation from U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., to have a private discussion with senators about his presidential pardons of such high-profile crooks as millionaire fugitive Marc Rich.
Any explanation from Clinton about the Rich matter, the presidential pardon and the commutation of a prison term for two felons must be delivered in a public hearing. Given the scent of money that clings to the former president's actions, the American people have a right to decide for themselves whether there was a quid pro quo.
That said, we aren't holding our breath that Clinton will step forward and voluntarily agree to answer any and all questions from the congressional committees investigating the last-minute pardons. Thus, we believe Congress should continue its work until it is determined whether the $450,000 contribution from Rich's ex-wife, songwriter Denise Rich, to Clinton's library foundation played a role.
White House visits: It has been reported that Denise Rich paid numerous visits to the White House prior to the last-minute pardon. What was her relationship with the former president? There is also the issue of her friend, Beth Dozoretz, a former finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee, pledging to raise $1 million for the library. Was this pledge in any way related to the Rich pardon?
Both Denise Rich and Dozoretz have refused to testify before Congress, invoking their constitutional rights against self-incrimination.
Marc Rich fled the country after being indicted on tax and other charges and has been living in Switzerland. He has renounced his U.S. citizenship.
The specter of money-for-pardons also exists in the cases of Carlos Vignali, a convicted cocaine dealer, and businessman Almon Glenn Braswell. A $400,000 fee paid to Hugh Rodham, the brother of U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the ex-president's wife, has raised additional questions about what went on in the White House just before Clinton left office on Jan. 20.
He has insisted that his decisions were made based upon his knowledge of the cases and his personal evaluation of the merits. He has denied that money played any role in the pardons.
Distraction: To be sure, the congressional hearings are a distraction not only for the nation, but for the new administration of President George W. Bush. Nonetheless, important questions have been raised that demand answers.
Perhaps Bill Clinton will do the decent thing and voluntarily go before Congress. His failure to do so will feed the perception that he has something to hide.