Mind extension
Speedy investigation of Gingrich's course will bring truth to light

Faced with accusations about his teachings for Mind Extension University, House Speaker Newt Gingrich needs to extend his mind --and see the investigation to its end without any complaints.

Some Democrats have filed an ethics complaint and have called for an investigation into Gingrich's alleged acceptance of $150,000 to $200,000 worth of cable television time to air his college class on political science. A House rule prohibits any member from receiving gifts worth more than $250 from any single source in a year. The cable time comes from Jones Intercable, the seventh-largest cable operator in the nation and a corporation with significant congressional interests facing Congress.

And the issues are deeper than just the possible of acceptance of free cable time. Critics of Gingrich's course have raised concerns about other political contributors who were used to set up the class and political allies used to staff it.

People who contributed more than $50,000 were allowed to register three students in the course and aid in its development. Foundations such as HealthSouth, Scientific Atlanta and Golden Rule Insurance are mentioned favorably in the class, often through taped materials they prepare for it.

In typical hypocritical fashion, Gingrich has accused his Democratic opponents of playing a partisan political game that he once played himself.

Gingrich has said the investigation would be absurd and a waste of time and money. But, he seems to have forgotten his years in Congress in which he made a name for himself by calling into question the ethical conduct of several Democrats.

Need Newt be reminded of how he spearheaded the House's investigation of Speaker Jim Wright in 1989? The investigation eventually led to Wright stepping down from his post.

In his complaints about the proposed investigation, Gingrich has assumed that his new power has made him immune to the criticisms of his opponents. But as every elementary school history course teaches, the American founding fathers set up a governmental system that allows for the scrutinization of the country's leaders.

Would Gingrich, who usually exudes American patriotism, have the American public believe that he is above the tenets of Democracy?

Despite the fact that his actions are questionable, the principal issue in this controversy is that Gingrich has refused to accept the exposure that comes with his job. And regardless of whether he did violate ethics rules, Gingrich must allow an investigating committee to work unfettered.

And maybe even Newt would be happy with the mind extension that an investigation would produce.