EDITORIAL: A second term, a second chance

Now that President Clinton doesn't have to worry about relection, he should seize the opportunity to tackle hard issues. The idealism Clinton had when he first entered office seems to have disappeared under the strain of the past term. He is being heavily investigated for his involvement in Whitewater, and he is also involved in a sexual harassment suit. Clinton has endured extensive negative media coverage, most recently with the allegations that the Democratic Party raised illegal funds during the last campaign. But despite what has occurred in the last four years, Clinton has another four years to take on critical issues without the worry of re-election. We'd like to see him be more innovative. And we'd like for Clinton to propose a more concrete agenda for education aside from wiring every single school for Internet use. The Republican Congress will probably make it difficult for Clinton to get very far on partisan issues, but if he truly wants to work with other politicians as he said in his speech, progress can be made. Clinton should be able to act on issues he was afraid to move on during his first term. Second terms are not always easy for presidents, but Clinton must utilize this second chance to recapture his idealism and put enthusiasm back into the issues he wants to examine. We hope Clinton regains the visions that led to his election the first time around.