Clinton's impeachment - Essay Example

Bill Clinton was the second president of the United s to be impeached by Congress over matters concerning perjury before a grand jury and abuse of power. These were very serious offenses, which should have ended in his removal from office, and it was immoral for the senate to acquit him. The offenses, which he was accused of committing, were proven beyond any doubt to have happened and not only was this done but overwhelming evidence was brought to the attention of the public. There was no justification for Clinton’s acquittal by the senate just because a few Republican representatives were found to be hypocritical because they were found to have been unfaithful to their spouses.

Most of the latter stepped down from their positions because of their moral obligations to the American society but the President, whose actions had a greater significance than the others chose to retain his position. This was a sign of disrespect not only to the American people but also to the whole world. It reduced the respect, which the institution of the American presidency inspired among other world leaders and instead, brought a sense of disillusionment towards its authority. The best course of action that should have been taken against Clinton would have been his removal from office so that this action would have served as an example and warning to presidents who came after him.

It would have set precedence on how to deal with such matters within the presidency and reestablished the respect, which the presidency deserved. However, this was not the case when the senate acquitted Clinton despite the fact that he had tarnished the image of his office.