The Legacy of President Bill Clinton

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The Legacy of President Bill Clinton

People will always remember Bill Clinton, for what reason, however, might be different. Some might remember him as a wonderful president who helped our country pull through the millennium unscathed. He protected our environment, promoted education, strengthened our economy, dropped the crime rate, dropped our nation’s poverty levels and had some victories with international policies. At the same time we have health care that is falling apart, some problems with the military and a scandalous affair. Considering this one has to wonder what his legacy will be. A respected leader who learned as he went and made many valuable reforms? Or a president who didn’t hold to his promises, and lied to the country? President Clinton has done many things during his presidency. Some were good some were bad. He made some mistakes and bad choices, but in the whole, he helped our country excel and flourish.

One of the things Clinton is most famous for, but not the proudest of, is his affairs. The issue of Clinton having an affair with Monica Lewinsky is purely personal. It should have been discussed within his family and in his family alone. Many people seem to forget that Presidents before him have done the exact same thing. John F Kennedy is probably the best known with his affairs. This doesn’t diminish the fact that Clinton took it one step farther and lied about the affairs. Lying to the nation wasn’t a smart move. Does anyone know what John F Kennedy would have said, if asked about his affairs? How do we know that he wouldn’t lie? When Clinton was sworn in he said, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” No where in the oath does it say, “I will not lie.” By doing so he hasn’t broken his promises, he just let the country down.

Right before President Bill Clinton left office he issued more than a few pardons. A pardon is saying that the criminal has served his or her time, not that they didn’t commit the crime. One of these pardons was Marc Rich, along with Roger Clinton and 139 other people. Marc Rich was listed on the Department of Justice’s Web site as an international fugitive.

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