Old Secretary

Thoughts and jottings of an old legal secretary, now retired with lots of time to think and scribble. Look for political comments, life stories and tales of people I know and have known . . .

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

My Man Bill

Before my husband’s retirement as one of Chicago’s finest, he was often assigned to President Clinton’s entourage during Chicago appearances. The police would clear the streets in front of the building where the President was appearing until he entered the building. They would then sit around and wait until he was finished to do it all in reverse. Cliff never failed to remark on what an amazing “people person” Clinton is. No matter how late they were running, no matter who was trying to hurry him along, he would shake everyone’s hand and thank them for protecting him, often calling the police officers by name. And, he’d talk to everyone and anyone else who happened to be in the general vicinity. And, of course, Cliff and his buddies always got a big laugh telling stories about his roving eye. “Man, when a good lookin’ broad walked by . . . ”

One evening, after speaking at the Hilton, instead of parking near the front door, the limo pulled up on a side street to pick up the President. The only people around were his security people and the Chicago police . . . and a bum, sitting across the street on the grass. When the bum saw President Clinton come out the door, he went nuts, yelling, “Hey, Bill, my man, we wish you was still president, come on over here, man, and let me shake your hand.” Even though Clinton was already getting in the limo, he climbed back out, went across the street, put his arm around the man, shook his hand and stood and chatted with him for a minute. No one was around to see him do it, no one to impress, just Bill and the bum.

Say what you like about Bill. He may have his faults. But whenever I see people mistreat “the least of these,” I think of Bill.

4 Comments:

  • At 6:09 PM, Blogger Crockhead said…

    Thanks for your tribute to Clinton. I am completely a fan. I think history will bear him out as one of the greatest presidents of the 20th century, behind only FDR. He did engage in a personal piccadillo for which he paid dearly, but it had nothing to do with his performance in office. The only reason I could possibly vote for Hilary is the hope that she would take the advice of Bill. I really hope she doesn't run, however, and I really do hope our own Senator, with whom you also have connections, Barak Obama, will run in 2008.

     
  • At 9:46 AM, Blogger Lori Stewart Weidert said…

    This is a very cool story that bears repeating. I'll be sending your link to several of my friends.

    I found your blog through Amishlaw's; very nice.

     
  • At 10:18 AM, Blogger Momo said…

    What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it with us. (My friend, gnightgirl, sent me a link to your blog.)

    I agree with Amishlaw - I would love for Obama to run in 2008. I know many people, Democrats and Republicans alike, that are very impressed with him. I don't believe it's a moment too soon for him to run. He's quite an inspiration.

     
  • At 11:09 AM, Blogger Debra Hope said…

    Now, remember, I'm from Chicago originally. All we do is talk politics and we all know each other. Several of my friends go to the same church as Barack, Cliff's daughter worked for his opponent in the Democratic primary, and a forever friend and Cliff's CPD partner are neighbors of his. Everyone says he's totally righteous. My personal take: He'll do a Mark Hatfield, so disgusted and horrified with Washington by the end of his term that he'll walk away from it all. Could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

     

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