America’s Moral Code

Ronald Brownstein (Washington Outlook, Dec. 28) discusses a “new morality” in America, with absolute standards of behavior, but also forgiveness for those who fail. Yes, we should forgive people who fail, then repent. (Bill Clinton, however, refuses to admit he lied.) But forgiveness should not remove our responsibility under the law for the consequences of our actions.

Brownstein states: “Most Americans, while accepting the principle, continue to temper it by looking at the particulars: He lied about sex, not about a fundamental decision of state.” Fine, sounds OK, doesn’t it? Who will rewrite the law to say, “Lying under oath is illegal, except when it’s just about sex”? Or, “Lying under oath by important officials is OK”?

Does Clinton deserve removal from office? Maybe not--that’s for the Senate to decide. But he absolutely deserves his House impeachment, and the Senate should punish him in a lasting way, to make it clear that lying under oath by anyone, about anything, is unacceptable under the law.

MICHAEL E. SMITH

Mission Viejo

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I found Brownstein’s column rich in contemporary cultural analysis, juxtaposing the right’s absolutism versus the boomers’ morality tempered by tolerance. One thing should be added: the shift in vision from personal sin to systemic sin.

A sizable part of the population looks with moral judgment on principle-less greed that corners this world’s riches, pollutes the environment, dismisses human rights, excludes and disdains the alien and shreds the poor and handicapped’s safety net. They see the Republican Party as grossly dismissive of these values, some of which are very biblical.

ROBERT BROPHY

Los Alamitos

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Brownstein’s thesis that tolerance of human imperfection is what explains the majority’s reaction to Clinton’s improper behavior fails to factor in the effect of good times. If the economy were poor or other troubles were plaguing the nation and the public still felt the same, then I might agree with him. However, I think the public is really exhibiting the classic slack given to the high school quarterback, who is allowed to break the rules as long as he scores touchdowns.

LEONARD E. MEADS

Los Angeles