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He Is So Right - But
North Miami Beach, FL 1-22-2001 Aaron H. Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then, Opinions pro or con are welcome.
HE IS SO RIGHT - BUT
He is so right, but why was he so wrong? I noticed that this former
president is still in the news. Bill Safire was at him again comparing his
demeanor with that of President Bush with respect to the rightness of Thomas
Jefferson's presidential model. In his new hometown the former president
shopped in a deli for a sandwich and a coffee for his wife. The story
included a vignette about the former first child meeting and greeting the
small crowd of reporters, gawkers but sans security team - a scene
contrasting wildly with the attention both had been given previously on any
foray into public.
But, the title of this piece refers to his explanation of why he pardoned
so many that had served their sentences, mostly for non-violent offenses.
He used his bright and still shiny phrase in a new way - not that it is "the
right thing to do" but that it was wrong to deny full civil liberties to
those who once had done wrong but had fully paid the price demanded of them.
To further punish was not right. And, I concur - he is so right.
Thinking about this brought up the question about why he was so wrong in
other matters. William Jefferson Clinton will continue to be analyzed and
commented upon throughout the years putting the attention given to his
successor in a small corner for they are not of the same intellectual or
personal weight. I know some will disagree and mostly because the
disappointment with and personal agita caused by Clinton's larger than life
presence has irritated many and, in thinking about this, rightly so.
I know from personal experience that letting go of impressions formed many
years ago about individuals who have harmed me or in those who I have harmed
is difficult. I like Clinton for so many reasons that I find those who
don't like him unreasonable. But, in the instance of pardoning his
explanation is a good one and it so right.
Carol's Evaluation:10 out of 10.
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