Time for telling the truth is now

It becomes ever more clear to an ever increasing number of Americans that President Clinton has lied about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Every piece of evidence points that way, while he offers nothing in rebuttal but his word.

Unfortunately, his word isn't good enough, given his life-long willingness to twist the truth when in a jam. Faced with allegations about evading the draft, using marijuana and engaging in previous infidelities, for example, he has chosen evasion, prevarication and misdirection over the truth.

On those prior occasions, to his ultimate and current harm, he has wiggled through without having to tell the full truth. As a result, he has never had to reform and reverts automatically to his old ways when confronted with his failures.

The tangled web he has woven in the current crisis has caught the President's family, staff and supporters in a sticky cocoon that only he can unwrap through a complete, thorough, honest and (given his penchant for avoiding the truth) verifiable recitation of what happened. Even that may not be enough for Mr. Clinton to reclaim his presidency, now so soiled by his adult failure to control his adolescent behavior.

We do not underestimate the ability of America to forgive great sins and dark crimes when someone confesses, pays the penalty, and clearly reforms. That capacious clemency has rehabilitated everyone from President Nixon to actor Hugh Grant. But we also do not underestimate America's ability to hold a justifiable grudge against those who stonewall, cover up or seek cheap grace with quivering lips and facile confessions.

Barring impeachment or resignation, Mr. Clinton has more than two years left in office. Whether that time passes with an empty and lost man occupying the White House, accomplishing little and becoming ever smaller, or with a restored man who finds new energy after real penance will depend on Mr. Clinton's willingness to grow up, take responsibility and try the truth for a change.

The latter choice would be an example of leadership. This time, leadership will come at the cost of temporary humiliation, a price Mr. Clinton will pay for the first time in his life. It won't be pleasant, but in the end, it will be good for him and for the nation as a whole.

(08-06-98)

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