Connecting the dots leads to three inescapable conclusions: (1) assuming the Senate will not impeach, any censure must include a heavy sanction for lying under oath; (2) if the president loses enough public support so that he cannot effectively and fully exercise the political and moral powers of his office, the elders in his party should insist he resign; and (3) there is but one logical and honorable way out of this mess for the American people: we must insist on Revolutionary Election Campaign  Reform -- not just outlawing "soft money" and foreign money, and other financing reforms, but changing the way candidates are chosen and campaigns are conducted.

Think about it: Monica didn't get her formerly prestigious job as a White House Intern because of her academic record or work credentials, but because her family knew a major contributor to the Democratic party. Think about it:  in the not too distant past accepting campaign funds from the Red Chinese Army would not have been just a possible campaign financing violation, but treason. Think about it:  in the last few weeks the Election Commission and a lower federal court have gutted the modest campaign reforms enacted in the 1970's by allowing unlimited soft-money contributions from any individual, company, or organization, whether American or foreign. Think about it: we have been told spending over $500 million on a presidential election is justified because the process and press can "vet" the candidates and we will end up with only the brightest and the best.  (As Monica would say: "Hello!")  Just Think about it: Congress' only consistent and effective bipartisan efforts have been to defeat campaign election reform.

The ultimate irony is that while Clinton gained and retained the presidency  by basing his every move and gesture on daily polls, he largely destroyed his presidency by (1) deciding to lie under oath a second time because a poll showed his popularity rating would go down if he admitted he lied under oath the first time; and (2) because he was unable to believe the Republicans would ignore the polls and press for impeachment after the election.

The bottom line is the Republicans would be far wiser to cease their complicity in demeaning our institutions and let history bestow its harsh judgment.  Because surely ten years from now the sex scandals will be but a footnote to to the ultimate tragedy of the Clinton Presidency:  his failure to use the office to address the real problems including special interest and foreign influence on our elections; the bankruptcy of social security and Medicare; and a failed foreign policy that allowed countries to develop nuclear and chemical capabilities for terror and blackmail.

The present distraction over censure and impeachment is but another sign that our campaign election system is broken and needs to be fixed.  This is  our generation's most important challenge... because while the present problems are daunting, the future possibilities are limitless.