Seeing the Big Picture

Concluding the opening phase of President Clinton’s impeachment trial, defense attorney Cheryl Mills urged senators to focus on "the big picture," which she defined as "an attempt by a married man to hide an extramarital affair." Her eloquent plea was hailed by political analysts as "extraordinary."

Extraordinary, perhaps. But is it reasonable? "Seeing the big picture" apparently suggests that the evasive tactics in court should be shrugged off as quite normal behavior under the circumstances. And as an entirely personal matter which "does not rise to the level of an impeachable offense" (an expression that jumps to mind after hearing it parroted ad infinitum). After all, wouldn’t anyone who has committed adultery be evasive to avoid shame and embarrassment and protect their family?

Is this "the big picture?" Or is it a very small picture?

The big picture should cast the entire Lewinsky incident as part of a recurring pattern over a period of years. The big picture extends beyond the scope of a private family matter to the

the entire range encompassed by this shameful affair with all of its ramifications. The disgrace and dishonor Bill Clinton has brought to the office of the presidency. Betrayal of trust and erosion of credibility. The message this behavior, and how it is treated, sends to our youth. The legal precedent established for future infractions.

On a more positive note, the big picture involves many considerations. Upholding the tenets of the Constitution. Establishing a beachhead of morality for our leaders. Setting a positive moral precedent for future generations. And fulfilling the pledge of allegiance "to the republic" as "one nation under God … with liberty and justice for all."

Who in this crisis does not see the real "big picture"?

Let’s begin with Bill Clinton who compromised the integrity of the presidency with his reckless, immoral behavior. And who has perpetuated the controversy over a period of months by his failure to honestly admit his wrongs.

Next would be the members of Congress who have reduced this sordid scandal to a partisan political issue. How could anyone who sees the big picture put party loyalty ahead of the cause of justice? The fierce political battle over impeachment is reminiscent of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies" (Isaiah 59:4). Is justice served when decisions are voted strictly on party lines? Is every congressman totally politically brainwashed? Or have some compromised with their conscience for the sake of their party?

One prominent former senator known for his oratory skill recently lashed out against impeachment on the grounds that removing a president so "popular" as Clinton would do more harm than good for the nation. After all, he suggested, he only has two years left. How much trouble could he cause in two years? Is that seeing the big picture? Is it even sound reasoning? Or is it not downright dangerous? Does popularity confer a special brand of executive privilege that places the president above the law? How much trouble could he cause in two years? The Lewinsky affair is encapsulated in an incident that may have taken place in two minutes!

Last but not least, a large segment of the American public who are willing to shrug off the whole thing and leave the president in office. The reasons: 1) He made a mistake, but we are willing to forgive him and move forward with more important matters, 2) What he did is a private matter between him and his wife, 3) He’s doing a great job as president, so don’t rock the boat.

The big picture would suggest that forgiveness does not preclude punishment nor guarantee trust. The president should be held even more accountable to the laws of the land than ordinary citizens, not less. Immorality and dishonesty cannot be put on and taken off like work clothes. A man’s character (or lack thereof) follows him wherever he goes—at home and on the job. To withhold punishment based on overall job performance suggests that the end justifies the means. Is any form of immoral or illegal conduct permissible so long as we get what we want? Is that the message we want to send to future generations?

Most of us are weary over this sad situation and are eager to see it end. But let’s not neglect to see the true big picture. For more of the big picture, please read William Bennett’s book, Death of Outrage.