Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Pondering the folly of a president

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999 | 11:41 a.m.

Although I decided some time ago to let the pontificators dissect the impeachment of President Clinton by the House of Representatives and acquittal by the Senate, I can't resist adding a few thoughts.

Perhaps a letter to the Sun from Chandler Levrich of Las Vegas goaded me into the folly of trying to analyze what our nation has been through for the past year.

Levrich wrote: "It seems our president asked the nation to swallow a couple of whoppers. This in turn gave the House of Representatives a massive case of indigestion which was finally relieved by the release of hot air in the Senate. Business as usual."

When the Monica Lewinsky story broke, I couldn't believe it. Long before he came to the White House, President Clinton had established a rather shady reputation when it came to women. The Paula Jones case was in the courts, and Gennifer Flowers wasn't completely forgotten.

So, how could he have been so stupid? That's what bothered me. Here is a man with political smarts and better-than-average intelligence taking a chance on having a fling with an intern in the White House. Shouldn't he have known better?

The subsequent evasive tactics and lies were hopped upon by Kenneth Starr's investigators, but skillfully defended by Clinton lawyers.

Some U.S. senators could not find any evidence of perjury. All I know is that the president told me a bald-faced lie when he wagged his finger in my face on national television and claimed he "did not have sexual relations with that woman."

If a man can prevaricate about one matter, how often has he skirted the truth on others? Can we trust this man with the lives of young military men and women who might be sent into battle zones? Can we believe him when he talks about Social Security?

All during this messy affair, the polls consistently showed that the American people have great confidence in their president. The spin doctors have been able to throw a bright light on his presidency. Frankly, I just don't believe all those polls. If they are correct, American morality has sunk to a new low.

President Clinton has asked for forgiveness and it should be granted. At the same time, he should find other means of self-gratification -- more golf, perhaps.

We all know what one bad apple can do to a barrel of apples.

One bad cop has the same effect on a police force.

Yet, most police officers are conscientious, courageous and dedicated. The problem is the "good cop" stories are not often told.

A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, was the victim of a recent home burglary. In his words, he was impressed by the fast response and thoroughness of Officer Wallace, and Crime Scene Analyst Dan Ford at the scene.

Three days after the break-in, Sgt. O'Leary, Officer Blanchard and Officer McCarthy came to their door, bringing back almost everything that had been stolen.

The police team had apprehended the burglar and he was on his way to jail for this burglary and others as well.

The happy victim is spreading the word about the professional commitment and follow-through by the Metro Police department.