LETTERS: LEADERS MUST HAVE MORAL STANDARDS

To the editor:

In response to Mr. Gephardt's comments in the Dec. 20 edition of the Southeast Missourian, I don't believe we are asking anyone to pass a puritanical test of purity. However, I do not feel that it is too much to ask that our leaders, especially our president, to have some basic moral standards. I don't think it's too much to ask that they be an example to all of us, especially our young, of good moral character. At the very least, I would expect our president to tell the truth and to remain faithful to his wife, family and country. Unlike Mr. Gephardt, I do not believe these are unobtainable morals.

Mr. Clinton has been dishonest to his family and to the American people. I would find this deplorable behavior in my children, and I certainly find it deplorable behavior for our leader. As a primarily Christian nation, we shouldn't stand for this. As Christians, we should be outraged. The polls say most people are still in favor of Mr. Clinton remaining in office. I'm not certain who the polls are polling, but I cannot believe it's Christians. I implore any and all Christians to stand up and be heard. Mr. Clinton is compromising our morals and making it sound as if we're in favor of this behavior. We are not. But unless we speak up, the moral decay of our country will only get worse. Stand up for what you know is right.

I would like to make a plea to all of our nation's senators. Listen to the evidence. Listen to what we know to be true. Forget about politics and let your conscience be your guide. Do we really want this kind of leadership? Do we like the direction it's taking us morally? If Mr. Clinton will not do the honorable thing and step down, then I beg you to remove him. Be honest and be good leaders yourselves. Turn our country around.

STEVEN R. STILSON

Cape Girardeau