The original essay at the top was a letter to the editor of my local paper, we will see if it gets printed.
Sure the past always helps to create the present but as time moves on peoples awareness of and the actual effect from it is lessened.
As for popularity it is not a very accurate reflection of a person’s worth or their actual accomplishments. If you had traveled Europe shortly after WWII Herbert Hoover would likely have been more popular than FDR; at least Hoover was far more popular in Europe than in America.
As for reducing the Deficit there is a much closer correlation to Newt and the GOP taking control of Congress and the Deficit. If not for cuts in the military the Deficit would have grown under Clinton, non-military government programs grew under Clinton. The biggest effect on deficits comes from a growing economy. The economic growth started under President Bush (41) and accelerated after the GOP budgets were passed by congress. Congress is Constitutionally responsible for the Federal Budget so it would make more sense to credit them. Interest rates had been on a downward trend since the Carter Administration so what was it that Clinton did? Gas prices were at both highs and lows during the Clinton administration the same thing occurred while Bush (41) was President. Gas prices and interest rates are like the economy and will be forgotten with time. Clinton did nothing, as the Gas refining capacity shortage became acute.
Clinton’s popularity rose to 60 percent during Monica. There is something in the American Psyche that like a person who beats the system and gets away with it. As soon as it became apparent that there were no honorable Democrats willing to ask for Clinton’s resignation everybody knew that Clinton would stay in office. Most people like to be on the winning side.
There is a difference between making decision that aid or improve the Country and simply having the Country run along smoothly on its own.
It is not Clinton’s policies that I object to because there weren’t any after Hillary-care failed. I despise Clinton because he lacked the character that should be requisite for a President. Respect for the Rule of Law and the Government is what holds a country together. Clinton decided that saving himself a little personal embarrassment was a higher priority than showing respect for the Truth, the Rule of Law and our Judicial System. So while under oath he lied.
When an established democratic/republican form of government collapses it is due to politicians placing themselves above the law and using government to enrich themselves and their friends. Corruption leads to a lack of respect and support for government and subsequently willingness on the part of the people to acquiesce to its replacement by any available alternative. Caesar took over the Roman Republic because of corrupt politicians.