I read about Clinton's "formal apology" regarding the Lewinsky affair in the Colorado Springs daily newspaper the day after I heard the tape of his exact words on Denver talk radio, and I can't help wondering about the discrepancy. I heard Clinton say "I already said I'm sorry to myself", and I heard him continue that "I'm sorry, I have nothing more to say on this subject." Clinton has repeatedly demonstrated that he speaks in legalese, a language apparently designed to deceive, and that taking his words at first blush leaves us clinging to a false image. So my question is: did the newspaper quote reflect someone's wishful hearing, or did the radio station provide us with selective sound bites?

However, regardless of his apology or lack thereof, the issue of his rewarding an intern for sexual favors seems to be ignored by most observers. I hear excuses made for him that it was merely an activity between consenting adults, therefore no business of anyone else, but there are witnesses that he made a habit of propositioning the women who work around him which is a practice that produces a hostile work environment. Although he seems to refrain from outright punishment of those who say no, the one who says yes gets to suck her way to a better job, very much like the proverbial starlet who sleeps her way to the top.

Clinton's lying under oath to avoid culpability in Paula Jones's lawsuit and apparently getting others to lie for him for the same purpose and to maintain the lie after the lawsuit was dismissed, support his practice of using his workplace to satisfy urges which belong in the category of leisure pursuits, where they do qualify as personal matters. I'm sure most of us do not care if he patronizes whores, but perhaps he could send his henchman to the place of their business, collect a few and bring them to the place of his security so he can choose, and let him pay for his pleasure honestly rather than at government or favor for favor expense. To maintain legality, perhaps Nevada could open an embassy in D.C....

I have worked in places where the boss was under the impression that the female help was there to serve his personal needs, and I was relieved when laws were passed to ensure that no woman had to endure sexual harassment to keep a job or gain promotions. However, following the example of Clinton's behavior, bosses can effectively reverse the progress toward fair employment practices which we have made with so much effort.

I sincerely hope those entrusted with authority in our nation's capitol will see through Slick Willie's mock protestations of innocence and contrition and listen closely to what he really says. And then, hold him accountable for his actions according to the laws which all of us must follow.