Let’S Concentrate On Policy Issues

We wish it were otherwise, but it probably will take more than the dismissal of Paula Jones’ lawsuit to stop the conversion of our democracy into a Potomac edition of the Jerry Springer show. Why would beltway anchorpersons want to figure out Social Security reform? It’s so much easier to go live-at-five with the latest procedural groin kicks among the lawyers investigating President Clinton’s busy social life.

Too many people are making too much money, and too much political hay, to stow their muckrakes, cinch up their neckties and return to the sober discussion of governmental policy disputes.

For example, Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr still might deem it actionable perjury if he can show President Clinton lied about his sexual escapades in sworn depositions for the Paula Jones lawsuit.

Politically, however, dismissal of the Jones case takes some steam out of the sex scandals. If Starr ever does assemble evidence of a crime, he will have to seek his remedy in Congress, via an impeachment proceeding. In Congress, the hurdles are political as well as legal. Fibbing about a lawsuit later dismissed as frivolous is not a weighty basis for impeachment.

The nation would be fortunate if Starr gave up on his pursuit of the president’s sex life. If he did, the nation also would be spared the absurd spectacle of a president claiming that executive privilege allows him, his aides and his wife to withhold information about Oval Office sex. After all, the Supreme Court authorized executive privilege only “to protect military, diplomatic or sensitive national security secrets.” Perjury and the groping of interns do not appear on that list.

The more appropriate penalty for Clinton’s alleged sexcapades already has been imposed. His reputation, his place in history and his ability to lead have been damaged.

If Starr can find evidence of a truly significant crime, such as altering U.S. foreign policy in exchange for illegal foreign campaign contributions, he ought to submit it, and he ought to do it soon.

Americans knew Clinton was no saint when they re-elected him. In the future, voters might well pay closer attention to the character issue, to increase the odds that the capital’s combatants will wage their battles on higher ground.

Meanwhile, there still is a country to govern. Social Security and the U.S. tax code both cry out for reform, and serious proposals are in the works. It is time to stop using character assassination - be it aimed at the president or at his female accusers - as a substitute for more important battles over policy.