Friday, October 17, 1997
Speaks Out
This week marks the six-year anniversary of the Clarence Thomas
confirmation hearings in which he was accused of sexually harassing
Anita Hill. Meanwhile, President Clinton is embroiled in the Paula
Jones sexual-harassment scandal.
Do you think a politician’s private life should be public
domain? What does Clinton’s reelection and overwhelming popularity
say about Americans’ concern, or lack of concern, for his private
life?
Tom Rogers
"I think because they’re public figures, it’s unavoidable.
There’s been so much about it that the public got so used to it
that it’s no big deal any more. It bothers me that the public
doesn’t care anymore about politics."
Dan Uyemura
"Since he is a publicly elected politician, we do have the right
to know, but in Bill Clinton’s case, since the economy is doing so
well, people don’t care. Our public officials should be our role
models, but at the same time, he is doing good things. If he is
convicted of the charges, I would not overlook it, but until then
he’s innocent until proven guilty."
Samantha Sher
"You have a right to know who you are electing, and you want to
know stuff like sexual-harassment charges because it’s important.
Even though he has been reelected, most people won’t want someone
in office who has been charged with sexual harassment. It’s a given
now; there’s not going to be anyone who doesn’t do it. How is he
different from any other political figure? That’s not going to make
a real impact. It’s so common now."
Melisa Morgan
"I think there are certain things we should know, such as if
they’re laundering money. A president shouldn’t have to undergo
legal trouble since he has to run the country. He doesn’t have time
to deal with this. We’re so jaded; the public’s been desensitized
to stuff like this."
Amanda Meschwitz
"Of course the public should know. Sexual harassment is
something that happens every day to women. And men too. It goes
both ways. It’s such a prominent thing among people in power; it’s
so wrong, and it should be exposed. These guys, who are supposed to
be our leaders do it so much and they should be punished. It’s
degrading to women; we’re human beings. We shouldn’t be treated
like we’re just a chest and a nice butt."
Weldon Forde
"What they do behind closed doors should be their business
because it conflicts. People are concerned with what their private
lives are vs. what they do politically. I think it’s bad that
people don’t care, like the Marv Albert case."