Presidential past less important than U.S. future
Clayton Swope
sophomore
This letter is in response to Monday's Viewpoint column by Mark Marchand entitled, "Thanks for nothing, Clinton."
The Clinton administration is over. The fat lady has sung. It is now history that will record the legacy that President Clinton has left America; unfortunately for Mr. Marchand, history does not simply reflect the partisan rancor and hatred expressed in his column but instead an accurate, unbiased chronicle.
History will show that President Clinton made personal mistakes whose ramifications affected the entire nation and shook it to the core. And history will also record his successes in foreign policy and the economy, human rights at home and abroad and his protection of our environment.
What has happened during the past eight years is history. While we focus on the past, America could be preparing for the future. Bill Clinton made mistakes, as do we all. To those of you who haven't yet, get over it. History will not forget what has happened, both the good and the bad. History will remember the turmoil and joy America has felt during the past eight years. In order for America to move on and to heal, we must shed our partisan differences and forgive President Clinton, for he is only human.
As John F. Kennedy stated, "History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside." For the good of America and its citizens, it is time to move beyond President Clinton and his past to instead focus on realizing America's potential to make a difference in the lives of those at home and across the planet in our future.
Clayton Swope
sophomore
Sorin Hall
January 29, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, January 30, 2001
