The United States is a diverse country with millions of people that have many distinct ideologies and ethics. Recent events in the news have brought to the forefront of national attention what Americans view as morally acceptable behavior for public officials. These events have also raised the question: "What is the relationship between the personal character of our political leaders and their ability to govern wisely?"

It is my opinion that the majority of Americans become concerned about the moral behavior of their leaders only when the country, state, or locality is going through a difficult time economically. Throughout history, and particularly in the case of President Clinton, if the economy is doing well and the country is in a general state of security, most citizens are willing to "look the other way" on the morality of their leaders. I want my leaders to have a strong moral character, but I also think that when it comes to carrying out the duties of an elected office, personal character does not affect a person's ability to govern wisely.

Throughout the rich history of the United States, many leaders have been benchmarks for morality and patriot

American history class teaches students about the many leaders of our country and how they dealt with adversities and with their own personal demons. The aforementioned presidents were able to continue to govern although their character could be viewed as corrupt. The Presidents and member of Congress discussed in the following paragraphs were not, in my opinion, able to govern effectively because their lack of character interfered.

ism. Unfortunately, there have also been public officials who have abused their office and taken advantage of the trust and faith bestowed upon them by the public. The interesting notion is that some of the most respected leaders in American history did not honor the same set of values that the public did.

President Richard M. Nixon would have been regarded as one of the greatest foreign policy presidents in history if he had not been entangled in the quagmire that was the Watergate scandal. President Nixon opened diplomatic relations with Red China and was finally able to secure an end to the Vietnam conflict, but his accomplishments will forever be overshadowed by his involvement in the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover up. If President Nixon had displayed more character, he would have made the decision not to authorize the break-in or order his subordinates to commit illegal acts. The cover-up and ensuing media attention totally consumed President Nixon much as Vietnam had President Johnson. Ultimately, Nixon was forced to resign the presidency in 1974 because of the Watergate scandal.

Thomas Jefferson, revered as one of the greatest presidents of all time, owned slaves and had a child by one of them. His face is on Mt. Rushmore although he engaged in activities that were not consistent with the values of the average American. President Jefferson was able to expand the size of the United States by securing the Louisiana Purchase from France and ea

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