By Lisa M. Chmiola
Guest Columnist
I'm thinking about running for political office.
Actually, I want to run for president, but I have about 14 more years before that's an option. Sure, dealing with the world's problems is a big responsibility, but for roughly $200,000 a year, plus a free house, bodyguards and travel, it can't be that bad.
Perhaps the biggest perk: Being able to do whatever you want and getting away with it. Just like our president, who was acquitted Friday in the senate impeachment trial.
Sure, the trial and investigation must have been awkward, to say the least. Not many Americans will turn on the evening news to hear broadcasters talk about their latest affair. It must have taken some time away from his presidential duties.
Clinton couldn't have expected the American people to hear about the scandal and just say, "So the President got a blow job. We have people starving in the streets and our children's education is lagging behind other nations. Those are issues we should <I>really<P> devote our time and interest to."
The argument I've heard is that if Clinton was a working stiff like the rest of us, he would be fired and forced to pay Monica damages for "emotional distress." Since he's president, he only gets a slight slap on the wrist.
Our president apologized -- again. Does anyone believe him anymore? Personally, I think Clinton should have received some kind of punishment. Kind of like when you do something wrong on the job and you're only punished the first time -- do it again and you're gone.
Maybe censure was the answer, but now that hope is gone, too. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., tried to force a vote to punish Clinton's "shameful, reckless and indefensible" behavior, but it was dropped and probably won't be revived.
The only comfort lies in the fact that he can still be indicted, and must struggle with a Republican congress that wanted to oust him at one point.
What has the scandal and trial taught us? If you're going to screw up, then be more careful about covering it up.
After all, the country is in decent shape with Clinton at the helm. Look at it this way: We would have been worse off with Al Gore. Maybe <I>he's<P> the one behind that bomb scare in the Senate after the vote.
Chmiola is an alumna who wouldn't have time for politics even if she wanted to run. Don't write her in at your next election, but do write her at lisac77@yahoo.com.
for politics even if she wanted to run.
Don't write her in at your next election,
can be reached at lisac77@yahoo.com.
