Letter: Clinton leaves legacy of shame

Wednesday, July 11, 2001 | 9:28 a.m.

A headline from a June 26 letter reads, "Clinton on his worst lying day better than Bush."

This is cause for reflection on what Clinton did for us. He was a great public relations giant who knew how to work the crowds. Brian Greenspun (the editor of this paper) calls his presidency "two of the best presidential terms in history." What about the legacy he left for us?

For all the young children who look up to the president, he made the office a symbol of immorality. Then he got his closest friends, wife and supporters to defend him while he lied to them that it never happened. What kind of man would allow his wife to publicly say it never happened when he knew it did?

He trampled on the very dignity that has made this country great. He crippled the trust of that high office. The U.S. Constitution was brought forth by honorable men who were religious and God-fearing. For their hard work, this man has made a mockery of that office. How could a man do such a thing and allow his daughter the public humiliation of dealing with it?

The truth is always better, but his pride got in the way. He only admitted it when the truth was found out. He blamed everyone else but himself, but I guess that's what others do now, too. If people would take responsibility for their own actions, life would be so much better. This is his legacy.

KENT RIRIE