That problem is our own permissiveness. Our nation tolerates things previous generations would have found unthinkable. We do it in the name of tolerance, rights and progress, as well as a host of other noble-sounding banners. We do so at the expense of decency, an attribute now relegated to the realm of private taste. By continually overlooking Mr. Clinton's behavior, we enable him to continue in his apparent belief that he should be shielded from any serious consequences for his actions.
People abandon their compulsions when they exhaust all other possibilities.
We willingly provide more opportunities for the president to avoid the burden of what he has done. Our continual pardon comes without real forgiveness. We expect no real change. We have decided it is not our place to be Mr. Clinton's keeper. This is prudent to a degree.