By: Ronald D. Struck                                                               February 9, 1999

Lying versus LYING

Eisenhower lied about U2s.  Reagan lied about Iran/Contra.  Bush lied about no new taxes.  Many other presidents have lied about many other things.  And, as we all know, everyone lies about sex.  So, Clinton is not the only one, right.

But, the issue is not "if" presidents lie but "where" they lie.  Clinton's lying involved a judicial proceeding that every member of the Supreme Court said a citizen had the right to bring against him.  Does President Clinton have the right to lie or mislead in a lawful suit brought against him in the courts?  If so, about what may future presidents also lie under oath before a court of law?

If the worst punishment Clinton receives is being called a bad boy (a censure) the message to the American public will be powerful.  Forget the principal of "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all” and the expectation of truthful testimony in legal proceedings.  The message is clear - our president is exempt from the rules to which everyone else must comply - to truthfully testify in legal proceedings brought before our courts.  He's the king, we're just rabble.

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