LETTERS: APPLY THE FACTS TO SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

To the editor:

Recently, I heard of a school superintendent who had an adulterous affair with a student teacher at his school. The affair went on for awhile, and many people close to the situation new this affair was taking place, or at least they had their suspicions. This superintendent was very charismatic and had a way of dodging many job-endangering bullets. He was also considered very flirtatious with most women, but for some reason he was still defended by many of the parents at school, because he seemed to care for them personally when he talked with them.

This superintendent made many good changes for the school, and the revenue was at an all-time high. Everything was going well for this man until a female teacher accused him of sexual harassment. The parents of the district automatically went after the teacher to get her fired for such groundless accusations. This, of course, prompted the teacher to file a civil lawsuit to protect her honor and her job. During the course of the investigation into the allegations, the affair the superintendent had with the student teacher came to the surface. There was a letter found at the school from the student teacher to the school secretary talking of this affair.

At this time, the superintendent was asked if this were true, and he emphatically denied it and cast blame elsewhere. The parents, the school board and the students all backed this man, because he said no to the charge. The student teacher at first said such a relationship was not true, but later she admitted it. Still the superintendent denied it.

After months of investigation and thousands of taxpayer dollars, this superintendent, when faced with testifying at trial, called a special all-school meeting to admit that he had an inappropriate relationship with the 21-year-old student teacher. He also admitted that he intentionally misled all those in connection with the school. He lashed out at the judge in the trial for asking him to tell the truth about this situation. He asked the people at the school to forget about the matter and allow him to continue as the school leader. He said the matter was between himself, his God and his family.

What do you think should be done in this situation? Should the superintendent be allowed to continue as school leader? Should he resign? Should the parents admit they were wrong and demand that he be fired? These are all legitimate questions. Does forgiveness negate responsibility for one's actions? Does one's popularity and the fact that the school was doing so well financially play a part in the scenario, or is that fact irrelevant?

The question you may be asking is, "Is this story true?" The answer is no. This situation is not exactly true, though if we attach this scenario to the leader of the Free World, we can relate some very tough questions. I put this situation onto another well-known position of leadership and ask you to consider what you would do then.

The question regarding Bill Clinton was, "Did he really do it?" He said he did not, and many were quick to say, "I believe him," as perhaps we should. However, once again by virtue of his own admittance, Clinton proved he did what he was accused of. He said he misled the American people. This is not the first time he has done this. He lied about Gennifer Flowers and many other things in his first campaign. Harry Truman once said that man who is unfaithful to his family can't be trusted anywhere. James 1:8 says that a doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways. You can't run the most powerful nation in the world and still chase after every women one finds attractive. Obviously your focus is distracted, not to mention things like honor and duty to your loved ones. We have a leader whom we cannot trust. He has made a mockery of the office of president.

Some of you may say we should not talk bad about the president because of the office itself. The real reason the free-speech clause of the First Amendment was written was for just the purpose of critiquing our government leaders without legal ramifications. Just like the case of the superintendent, no one is above the law.

The question of forgiveness must be addressed here. Should the president be forgiven? Absolutely. If he has asked for that, then I am commanded by God to forgive. This does not take away any consequences of the action someone takes on this Earth. If Clinton has asked God for forgiveness, then I am sure he is forgiven. But there is this other little thing that God also ordained, and that is responsibility. Clinton has continually misled the American people, so someone must take responsibility for that action. The thief on the cross took his responsibility though Jesus Christ, in the flesh, save him eternally.

Proverbs 6:16-19 says there are seven things God hates in this world: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness and one who sows discord among brethren. How many of these things can we attach to the actions or outcomes of Clinton? From supporting abortion to Whitewater to China to Monica, what fits Clinton?

I believe Clinton should resign, because it would be the noble thing to do. But I do not believe this will happen. I then will ask you to write, call or fax your legislator and ask for his impeachment. He should be forgiven, but the country, whether we have a great economy or not, cannot take a leader who has no respect for his own country. Ask yourself this question: "What is more important for your country's and your family's survival? Money or morality?" Look at the history of Rome, Greece or even Israel for your answer. These great governments failed because of moral decline and were defeated internally first. There were very wealthy but lacked commitment and honor that made those civilizations strong.

A leader must be a good example for his people, not an example of his people.

BRUCE ADEN

Benton