The Clintons: Fame and Misfortune¶
Bill and Hillary Clinton… what could I tell you about them that you haven’t already heard? Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, and Hillary, first lady, U.S. senator, nearly the 45th president, have a long history of success… and failure. I cannot think of a power couple more controversial or investigated (real and fake) than this pair of Americans. Their deeds will not be forgotten, but it is time to close the chapter on them for good.
From presiding over a strong economy and keeping a mostly peaceful reign as president to his impeachment, Bill Clinton’s legacy remains an enigma. He was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice for his possible sexual harassment of Paula Jones and his testimony regarding his relations with Monica Lewinsky. There was also the Elian Gonzalez and Waco disasters, of which I still vehemently disagree with his/ his administration’s decisions. However, when I was young (10-18 years of age), I had a positive view of Bill Clinton. He was charismatic and charming. The economy was doing so well. More jobs, lower crime rates, welfare reform, home ownership rates going up, it goes on and on.
Then there was Hillary. I had a positive view of her as well. She wanted better healthcare and seemed competent. I may have even voted for her in 2008. She was smart… and was possibly going to be the first female president. However, more information came out about her. Was Bernie Sanders cheated? Did she mishandle information and break the law? Russian dossier? I don’t know. But I do know Hillary Clinton kept cronies around her who couldn’t do what they were hired to do, run a campaign. It has been reported that she took their advice over Bill’s. Subsequently, she lost in historic fashion.
But it doesn’t end there. Now, Hillary is on a book tour, pushing her aptly titled piece, What Happened. Maybe it was sexism that got her 3 million more votes? Or maybe it was those damn dirty Russians? I am trying not to be a huge asshole here, so I will ask nicely. Please go away. You ran a poor campaign… a campaign you should have won. But you didn’t. Twice. Being divisive at this point helps no one, nor your political career and legacy.
Bill and Hillary Clinton, please go off and enjoy the rest of your lives. I want the investigations to stop. Even if Hillary did break the law, at this point, I don’t want her or Bill prosecuted (In a court of law or the court of public opinion). What we are doing doesn’t help anyone. Do we really want to see a former president in prison? (Rape allegations rehashed / Uranium One dealings / obstruction of justice.) Do we really want to see the former first lady and senator in prison? (Mishandling classified information / Clinton Foundation possible pay to play.) I don’t want this. I don’t want to see them humiliated any more than they have been. It tarnishes their legacies and our government. Both their unwillingness to fade from the spotlight and the unrelenting hate from their opponents prevents the country from moving on.
Their political careers should be over. Hillary is not going to be president and I don’t believe she is a positive force in the Democratic Party. Bill has played behind the scenes, and hopefully he is done as well. It is time for them to ride off into the political sunset and enjoy life outside of the limelight. Thank you Mr. President and former first lady for your service, and I genuinely mean that.