It was supposed to be Theodore Kaczynski's day, but Friday in Madeira High School's American culture class, the confessed Unabomber had to make way for Bill Clinton.

This semester, the class is studying ''the dark side of our society - cults, crime and scandal,'' said co-teacher Pam Murphy. This week's allegations of a presidential affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky fit in nicely. Bomb builders and death penalties quickly took a backseat.

Initially, Mrs. Murphy feared the ''so-what factor.''

''I thought the students would react like they did with Princess Diana - what's the big deal, after all the media coverage. But they had very strong feelings on this issue,'' she said.

The talk was lively, intense and occasionally irreverent. It ranged from constitutional law to privacy to the effects on Chelsea Clinton, the player in this drama the students could most relate to. But for these juniors and seniors - who weren't alive at the time of Watergate - the hot-button issue was honesty.

''It's been the same since he was elected - way back to when we were seventh-graders,'' said senior Justin Kennedy. ''It's like he can't be trusted. He's done a lot for the budget and other areas, but there's always been that talk of affairs and Whitewater. He's a good politician, but not a very good person.''

Some comments brought laughter. ''Hoopla,'' called out one student, evaluating the accusations against the president. ''Double talk,'' another said, after the class watched a 1996 tape of President Clinton denying charges - sort of - of an affair with Gennifer Flowers. But underlying it all was a sense of sadness.

No one wanted the presidency reduced to sexual innuendo and gossip. No one enjoyed the prospect of subpoenaed testimony and congressional inquiry. And most of all, no one liked the thought that the American people might have been lied to.

Trust is lost

''Of course he's going to lie,'' said senior Kelly Crotty. ''I think I'd have more respect for him if he admitted it.''

Senior Mandy Friant agreed. ''Why would we want a liar to lead our country? I think that's one of the worst things you can do - it's ridiculous.''

The strongest criticism was saved for what some saw as a pattern of irresponsible behavior.

''Whether he had an affair or not, I think he lost a lot of respect,'' said Rian Gratsch. ''His moral values aren't the same as those of the people in this room.''

''You're saying, even as 17- and 18-year-olds, it clashes with your values?'' asked Mrs. Murphy.

The senior nodded.

Moral failure

But what the students could not tolerate was what they saw as ambiguity and deception on the part of the president.

''The lying really disturbed them,'' Mrs. Murphy said.

''It's kind of like, if he lied about this, what else did he lie about?'' asked Amy Eaton, a junior.

Around her, several classmates shook their heads.

Last semester, the class studied ''people who have taken a stand,'' Mrs. Murphy said.

This semester, they're focusing more on people who may be taking the stand.

That, too, is a part of American culture - that no one particularly likes.

Krista Ramsey's column appears on Saturdays. Write her at 312 Elm Street, Cincinnati 45202.

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