PAULA JONES SHOULD TAKE THE $700,000

The news reports were astonishing. When Paula Jones was considering settlement of her three-year-old sexual harassment lawsuit against President Bill Clinton, the media could only focus on the disputes between Jones and her lawyers.

Overlooked was the fact the president's lawyers want to settle -- offering Jones some $700,000 and a vaguely worded statement of regret.

The president would say the settlement is not an admission of guilt. Oh? Most innocent people don't offer $700,000 to shut everyone up.

Jones' lawyers wanted her to take the settlement and threatened to quit if she doesn't. After all, they get a slice of the settlement. Jones wants to take a stand on principle and fight to the end.

Jones should take the money. Frankly, this is the most she can hope for, and it would be a tremendous public relations coup on her part.

By taking the settlement, Jones would be seen as the victor. The public would see the $700,000 as an admission of guilt by Clinton.