But, is that the reality, a verifiable fact consisting of unquestionable integrity and politicians conforming to the reality? Or, is it merely another Washington political party maneuver?

Let's look at the need for campaign funding reform since the truth must extend over all lines of endeavor, not just the investigation of President Clinton. This need has been brought up many, many times in our history. Why?

The reality is political parties rely on huge contributions that are made to influence party voting of legislation. If integrity were the mainstay, if truth was indeed the goal, then the need for reform would not exist as all politicians would not be swayed by money or power when making decisions. Contributors would not have advantages over the good of the people.

What we are subjected to are politicians accusing opposition of illegal activities while they are doing exactly the same thing, letting money influence them which, regardless of any statement to contrary, is buying them and their vote.

The truth has taken a back door to personal and/or party gain. The truth is House Leader Gingrich and other Republican leaders stopped any reform measures from even being put to vote.

Those same leaders have also lambasted President Clinton while adamantly stating the American people must know the truth. Yeh, right. So, why not the truth on the bill being stopped dead in its tracks?

How about the Whitewater investigation, a seemingly never ending saga of innuendo, unsubstantiated allegations, and mockery of truth and justice, the theoretical goal of the judicial system?

The truth is that after nearly 1500 days of investigations, from the actual Whitewater case to sexual harassment to illicit sex, not one fact incriminating Mr. Clinton has emerged.

At the same time, it is well-known many politicians engage in illicit sexual activities. How many and who?

If the truth is important, if it is as valued as many anti-Clintonites have stated, then the investigation of each and every potential future candidate should begin. Afterall, do we really want to go through this again? And again? And again?

The next election for the presidency is quite likely to have as a primary focus 'family values' and, if it does, it is going to rely on downright nasty (no pun intended) campaigning in which each candidate proves that he is the only candidate with any morals.

Where does that leave us? What will we be left with? Very likely the least bad of the bad.

Not a good prospect for a nation which should have great pride in its leaders, leaders that reflect us to the world, is it?

So, is truth the verifiable across-the-board goal, Ladies and Gentlemen? Do politicians really want us to have the truth - or is it just more Washington fiction?

You be the judge.