10/29/98

Dear President Clinton,

Though I'm known as a feminist writer, I deeply believe that your sexual activities are your private affair--as long as they involve consenting adults.

If I were going to feel anger toward your administration, it would be over American weapons sales, like the M16's used to slaughter innocent civilians,women, children and men in East Timor. It would be over US support of monstrous dictatorial regimes like Suharto's in Indonesia. It would be for bombing of a pharmaceutical plant in the Sudan, manufacturing malaria vaccine, but not for this sexual affair, your private sin.

I was pleased that you were a protestor against the Vietnam War, the first peacemaker of my generation to hold the highest office of this land. As a person active in Selma in the Days of the Freedom Riders, I was happy to see that you seemed to be seeking a healing of the race wars in America. I believe in much of what you and Hillary Rodham Clinton have done and are trying to do for the children and children's rights in this land, truly caring for the American family.

My suggestion to you, if I were a member of your brain trust, would be to stage a marvelous re-nuptial ceremony. You and Mrs. Clinton can restate your vows. You can publicly ask your wonderful and lovely wife for forgiveness, in front of your suffering daughter. You can publicly atone, sincerely asking for forgiveness and atonement. Flowers, music, wedding vows restated, lovely clothing, friends surrounding you, a processional to the altar again!

I want you to be able to get on with what is really needed to make this a kinder, gentler nation, in reality. That is how I check reality. What good you are actually doing for the people of this land is the yardstick by which I measure your stature as president!

Sincerely, with empathy for Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, and with good wishes for your sincere atonement, but with much more concern for the legislation you have and are trying to pass,