Monica's story reads like a bad romance novel, full of bizarre characters, deceit, and revenge. The act of reading it can teach us some important lessons. Despite the destruction he caused to Monica Lewinsky, to his family, and to the nation, he is still the President, and his approval ratings are still high. The second lesson concerns our moral expectations. Controversy was stirred in professional basketball when Charles Barkley declared that he was not a role model, and thus should not have to act like one.
Presidents are no different.
Third, we need to reconsider our insatiable desire to know public figures. Yes, they are role models and should act as such. Yes, we have the right to be disappointed and angry when they don't. Our national fascination with the private lives of public figures, both Clintons and Lewinskys, has gone too far. Monica's story differs from a novel in one unfortunate way.