LETTERS: ON GREATNESS, CLINTON FAILS, BUT BUSH PASSES

To the editor:

I have not seen too many people rushing to the defense of Bill Clinton lately. Now that he is again being investigated, is there nobody to come to his defense? It is time to realize that the measure of a man's character can be gauged by how he handles success and power.

While there are trials peculiar to adversity, there are temptations perilous in prosperity. Some amount of failure and adversity is the lot of every man. How a man uses his position of influence says as much, if not more, about his character than how he responds to struggles and setbacks. If he overcomes the trials of adversity, he must face the even greater trials of success.

We confuse the shadow for the substance when we imagine that fame and power are traits of a great leader. Fame has been given to fools and power to tyrants like Clinton who qualifies as both a fool and a tyrant. The real test of greatness is not whether a man possesses fame or power, but how he employs them. Clinton failed the test.

So far George Bush has done a fine job of employing his power. Where Clinton used his Bible as a thing to wave once a week, Bush is not ashamed to practice his faith publicly. How long will it take for our country to recognize the true greatness in our midst?

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau