Sex, lies and Clinton
After seven months of political turmoil and court battles that have rocked President Bill Clinton's administration, Americans finally learned the bitter truth Monday that their president had lied to them about his scandalous affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
"Indeed, I did have a relationship with Miss Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong," Clinton said in the nationally televised address after he testified before a grand jury investigating his own conduct.
His admission was in sharp contrast to a statement he made in late January, when the Lewinsky scandal began to surface, that he did not have sexual relations with the young intern.
Americans have given mixed reactions. Many condemned the president but many more said they could accept Clinton's apology for his misconduct and that they still supported him to see out the remaining two years of his presidency.
As was reported here yesterday, a CBS News instant poll showed early reaction solidly in Clinton's favor, with 59 percent saying they were satisfied with the statement and 63 percent saying the matter should now be dropped.
This is understandable, because despite him telling a lie on the scandal -- which neither harms U.S. foreign policy nor the country's defense and security interests -- Clinton and his administration has done a great deal to restore the U.S. economy and create job opportunities for millions of Americans since he assumed office in 1992,
By admitting his guilt, Clinton has shown his gallantry and impressed the U.S. public that, as human being, even the president of a superpower is liable to make mistakes. His admission has been praised not only by his Democrat Party supporters but also by many Republicans. One Republican, as quoted by the Associated Press yesterday, said: "He admitted enough to satisfy the American people. I respect him more because he addressed the American public and said now it's done. Let's get to work and build America."
Obviously it reflects that democratic life in the United States has taught people to think maturely and can accept the fact that shortcomings are natural in human beings.
Despite the public's acceptance of his apology, Clinton still has a lot of hard work to do to heal the wounds he has inflicted on his wife, Hillary and daughter, Chelsea, whom he described as "the two people I love most".
Understandably that with such anguish to bear, most Americans can forgive Clinton for what he did regarding his amorous liaison. He committed perjury but never asked anyone to give false testimony on his behalf.
Compared to hundreds of millions of people in countries ruled by dictators and military despots who exploit their nations' wealth for their own interests, Americans are far luckier to live in a country governed by a solid constitution that guarantees their rights and freedom. It also allows them to criticize and even impeach their presidents if they are found guilty of violating the laws.