Is it 'his business'?

One puzzling trend that has come to light as the charges against President Clinton continue to be investigated is that his approval rating is now at its highest point ever.

Many Americans have told pollsters that even if the allegations against the President are proven true, as long as the behaviors don't affect his job, they are unconcerned.

According to two therapists, that is not a morally defensible position. Speaking to The Evangelist about the issue were Rev. John Malecki, staff psychologist for the Consultation Center, and Sister Anne Bryan Smollin, CSJ, executive director of the Counseling for Laity office.

Expectations

"You don't erase morals because someone has a title," said Sister Anne. "With a President that we've elected, we have the right to expect a moral code of behavior. We don't make room for the [inappropriate] behaviors if they're in an elected position.

"I think that people are saying all people are entitled to their own personal life. You can't make a judgment on other people's choices," she added.

However, "the pull for us is that he needs to do his job. We need to put the focus back on letting the guy run the country."

Larger problem

The therapists said that taking the position that alleged sexual misconduct by the President does not matter is a symptom of a larger problem in society. Father Malecki called this a "numbing of moral sensitivity."

Several factors are causing such a decline, he said. First, people are becoming used to and comfortable with prosperity, which dulls their moral indignation at problems in society; and second, individuals who are engaged in questionable moral behavior themselves identify with the allegations against the President and tell themselves it "isn't so bad" in order to deal with their own guilt.

"There's an apathy right now that's going on in the country," Sister Anne remarked. "I don't think we have any heroes any more. Often, we see people we put on pedestals not be people of honesty, of moral standards."

A prime example of such apathy can be found in the television show "Seinfeld," said Father Malecki. "It's a classic mirror of what's going on in our society: They're all obviously self-centered, narcissistic."

No excuses

If the charges against the President are proven true, both therapists stated that the President's behavior could not be excused.

"Character is central, whether or not we have economic prosperity," Father Malecki said. "I think [sexual misconduct] is a violation of workplace ethics, a violation of the Ten Commandments. And psychologically, it's an abuse of power."

"We cannot allow for anyone to be compromising," Sister Anne agreed. "We have the right to expect a man of his word and honor."

She added that "my concern is terribly much for [the President's daughter] Chelsea. It has to be a devastating thing; college kids can be cruel. I hope somebody is there for her."

On a larger scale, she said, this crisis affects all children: "Everything like this has a ripple effect. We speak our messages all the time. We've got to start talking to our kids directly and honestly. We've got to say that immoral behaviors are not okay." (KB)

(02-05-98) [[In-content Ad]]