Fifteen years ago members of a Puerto Rican separatist nationalist group (FALN) were involved in more than 100 bombings of political and military installations in the United States. And now President Clinton has decided to commute the sentences of 16 members of this group. Why?

According to law-enforcement officials, between 1974 and 1983, these people committed at least 130 bombings and were branded as a terrorist organization. These actions resulted in the death of six people and the wounding of many more, including police officers.

For example, in 1975 they bombed Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan killing four people. In 1983 they bombed police headquarters, which resulted in the maiming for life of three brave police officers who were trying to defuse the bomb. One officer was blinded and lost fingers on his right hand, another was partially blinded, and the third had to have his leg amputated. Another bombing at the Mobil Oil building on 42nd street resulted in the death of another innocent person.

These terrorists were tried in court and given serious sentences ranging from 50 to 90 years. Why would the president feel compelled to undo what has been decided in court? Could it be to influence the Puerto Rican vote in New York -- and therefore the Senate campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton?

The ability to pardon was not written into the Constitution to allow the president to help his wife get elected to the United States Senate.

Finally, I wonder if the families of those who suffered death and serious injury would agree with what the president plans to do?

Robert Previdi