Backstory: As expressed in A Start . . . A Fresh Start . . . and then, A New Fresh Start, I did the piece below during my one day of writing in May 2025. Now, in January 2026, I have reworked it somewhat but still let it speak from the context of that day in May.
“Just because I could.”
The words of then-President Bill Clinton when asked why he engaged in sexual acts with Monica Lewinski in a hallway beside the Oval Office. “Just because I could.” Prior to that time, such behaviour going public would usually cause a full stop to the reputation, and usually the career, of high-level politicians. Society demanded at least the appearance of personal morality in its leaders. ‘Appearance’ is the operant word here. It is now established fact that President John F. Kennedy was prolific in his extramarital sexual liaisons. Just because he could. The powerful resources of his position kept these unsavoury truths ‘under the covers’ so Kennedy’s image stayed largely intact during his lifetime. And suffering a martyr’s death sealed his iconic halo position. President Clinton had significant fallout from his liaison including impeachment by the U. S. Senate. Yet he finished his term with a 70% approval rating and went on to become one of the most loved, charismatic post-Presidents.
Armchair analysts have suggested that the Monica Lewinsky affair was a pivotal moment in American history. It marked the beginning of public acceptance of disconnect between personal morality and core character requirements for public service. With power came privileges. And this reality is not confined just to the higher levels of business, government and politics. “Just because I could” also shows itself in other places.
A few days ago we relocated for the summer to our cabin within a Canadian national park. The invasion of zebra mussels into the lake in recent years has compelled the Park to undertake serious interventions. One major action has been the prohibition of engine-driven watercraft. However, with the battle against the mussels being all but lost, for this summer the policy was to be one-boat one-lake (meaning: if you put your boat into this lake, don’t take it anywhere else). Local businesses and boat owners were primed for a greatly desired new economic boost. That changed just one day before the long weekend in May.
One person in the power structure of Park administration declared a new policy of no engine-driven boats at all. In addition to affecting many boat owners, the sudden, 180-degree policy change had a harsh impact on the local tour boat operator. He had just geared up with all the commitments required for a busy summer of activity. Also deeply personal for the general population is the fact that this tour boat (a repurposed yacht) is a strong visual symbol of the endearing quality and culture of our beautiful Park and lake.
I am not conversant with all the factors that went into this sudden decision. There could be a significant backstory that spoke strongly in that direction. Life is like that at times for leaders in government and public services. Also true for smaller organizations and even families. For better or worse, there is often a need for someone to ‘take a stand’ or ‘take the fall’ for a decision in the face of competing interests. Additional layers of complexity are added when there are perceived hidden agendas or biases involved. In the end, it often becomes quite personal for all affected parties. So I cannot judge the legitimacy, the ethics, or the morality of the policy being reversed. My point of focus here is that, in the end, one person made the decision “just because I could.” They had the authority, the responsibility, and the power.
Now, I am not placing myself on the same level as the White House or a Canadian National Park Superintendent. Yet this present reflection reminds me of the “just because I could” mentality in my own professional and personal life. I have many examples (some to my shame) but will share just one here.
Many years ago, I was asked to join the faculty of a small college. Before I got there, they also asked me to be the Academic Dean. Inadequate consultation with my spouse (actually minimal to non-existent). Personal hubris running freely (wow, I must be something; they want me). I took the additional job and was no longer ‘just’ a faculty member. Very quickly I made all kinds of decisions “just because I could.” Yes, there were compelling factors of institutional survival that required strong leadership for new initiatives. But many of these decisions also had significant impact on workload and morale of faculty members. And I was too naive in the realities of how such top-down behaviour can affect life at the level of human relationships. I was quickly trapped in a ‘me versus them’ tension with the rest of the faculty. Hoped-for social life and collegiality were squashed. Instead, I was compelled to move the organization forward in the face of increasingly unhealthy group and personal dynamics.
There is a thing called ‘power.’ A force that moves in many forms and at all levels of human engagement. A large topic that merits further attention. But not today. It is our first morning in a little cabin at a beautiful lake in a magnificent national park. And the raging community dialogue about ‘the boat issue’ has prompted this little excursion “just because I could.”