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Living the good life Other People's Money (And a Home of Their Own)By Rick Horowitz Donations to Clinton's legal-defense fund diminish. Ripped from the headlines. Dear Loyal Friend of Bill: When the history of the 20th century -- America's Century -- is written, the Clinton years will surely be recognized as an era of greatness. Under the strong and visionary leadership of our president, Bill Clinton, America is once again a land of peace and boundless prosperity. Now deep into his seventh year in office, Bill Clinton is nobody's lame duck! In fact, with an aggressive agenda that would be the envy of most newly inaugurated presidents, Bill Clinton continues to work energetically on behalf of all the American people. Which is why we're writing you today on his behalf. For all the many accomplishments of the Clinton administration, and other achievements still to come, there is, unhappily, some unfinished business of another sort: the president's massive legal bills. His enemies may have failed in their efforts to drive Bill Clinton from the White House, but his brave battle to defend the presidency was nonetheless a costly one. At this moment, Bill and Hillary Clinton still face more than five million dollars in legal debts, the cruel legacy of an opposition party determined to destroy a courageous man by any means necessary. No president -- no family -- should have to face such a crushing burden alone. That's why the Clinton Legal Expense Trust was created back in 1998, to give patriotic Americans like yourself the opportunity to help the First Family pay off these bills. And the public's response has been exceptional, cutting the president's legal indebtedness virtually in half. In recent weeks, however, contributions to the fund have slowed considerably. If this trend continues, we'll have great difficulty meeting our goal of paying all the president's bills before he leaves Washington for Westchester in January, 2001. Why have contributions fallen off so dramatically? As we've been making clear to our friends in the media, there are two perfectly understandable reasons for the change. First, as the impeachment crisis has receded from public view, there's a natural tendency to assume that everything is back to normal and that the Clintons no longer require our assistance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Second, as the 2000 election cycle approaches, many candidates have doubtless been soliciting your help for their campaigns. So there is simply more competition for your contribution dollars. Understandable reasons. But unacceptable. Bill and Hillary Clinton should come first -- first in your hearts, and first in your checkbooks. They're counting on you. You may have found yourself wondering lately whether there's another reason -- a third reason -- contributions have dwindled in recent weeks. Perhaps, you've speculated, it's the frequent sight of the Clintons touring the suburbs of New York scouting out multi-million-dollar homes. "If they can afford a spread like that," you may be thinking, "they certainly don't need my help on this other matter." Or you may even be thinking this: "If I were five million dollars in debt, I'd probably settle for something a little less extravagant before I put the squeeze on total strangers." That's why we're not the Clintons. Rest assured, though: Bill and Hillary's house hunting has nothing at all to do with the sudden drop in contributions to the defense fund. In fact, we're sure that most Americans are delighted to see the First Family getting a chance at the American Dream. After almost two decades living in public housing, don't the Clintons deserve a home of their own, a nice place in a nice neighborhood? Aren't they entitled to exactly the kind of home they feel they're entitled to? And won't you feel special knowing that, in your own small way, you helped them get there? Don't delay -- send money today. Posted 8/17/99.
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Rick Horowitz