For only the second time in our nation’s history, a President of the United States has been impeached. If convicted, President William Jefferson Clinton will be the first American president in history to be stripped of his title.
Students at F.H.S. have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and discuss these events. Government and history classes are taking advantage of it.
“We need to learn about our government and the impeachment process,” said senior Chandra Lutz. “This is a perfect opportunity, even though most people are getting sick of hearing about it.”
The mass exposure is doing one sure thing — creating opinions. Both students and faculty have their minds made up about how they feel.
“It’s always the radical Republicans, isn’t it?” said junior Rebecca Dowell. “Censure is the more appropriate action. President Clinton may not be a good person, but he is an effective president and the country needs him.”
For some F.H.S. staff members, this process brings up memories of the impeachment crisis 20 years ago, prior to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. When Richard Nixon faced impeachment, the collapse of his cabinet was to follow, eight out of twelve positions were held responsible. More of the executive branch was in jeopardy, according to Mrs. Barragan.
“This impeachment is the same,” said history teacher Jean Barragan. “The American public is disillusioned in the federal government in general. The difference is the impeachment of President Clinton is a narrower process. Only one man’s future hangs in the balance”
President Clinton’s impeachment has even become personal to some. History teacher and Vietnam veteran John Fuller feels that after trying to teach his students integrity and honor along with history, the claims by the president that he can get away with lying in a court of law undermines his job.
Said Fuller: “The Democrats that criticized the Republicans for conducting the impeachment while American troops are in harm’s way need to remember that 30 years ago Clinton was demonstrating his disapproval of the American government while I was in harm’s way.” |
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