President Clinton's Library - Little Rock, Arkansas

We are pressed to see Ben in Memphis, but I really wanted to see the Clinton Library.  Speed limits are fast and traffic is faster, so we push on.  Arriving in Little Rock with an hour to tour the museum we begin with great anticipation.  A replica of Clinton’s oval office inspires awe and respect for the people who have led this country.   Videos are narrated by President Clinton or the First Lady, Hilary Clinton.  Their stories of the history of the White House recall not just their tenure, but details of other presidents – Lincoln’s bedroom was really his office.  But, after his assassination it was felt that it should be set aside in his honor and so was decorated with bedroom furniture his wife had bought for him.

The display is massive with towering columns doubling as storage for the archives from Clinton’s Library.  Bound in blue and stamped with the presidential seal thousands of these books are stored behind the clear casings.  Displays show varied aspects of the Clinton presidency.  Gifts from foreign dignitaries fill one display while others show accomplishments in the areas of economy, environment, education, foreign policy, human rights and technology.  There are many letters.  Letters from friends, heads of state, entertainers and others ranging from the Dalai Lama to Sheryl Crow.
Two catch my attention.  One is a touching letter from a child in Bosnia thanking President Clinton for playing an important role in bringing NATO forces to Bosnia to bring freedom to her and other children.  The other is a letter from John F. Kennedy, Jr. thanking the president for some time they shared together.  He apologizes for the delay in writing, but explains that he wanted to send a thank you gift and had to search for the right thing.  He has sent Bill Clinton a photo of his own father, whom he says reminds him of President Clinton.  In ways, both of these presidents presided over Camelot eras in our history.

In a video of his political life Clinton reminds us that he was the youngest governor ever elected.  He reminds us that he was also the youngest ever ex-governor because he didn’t listen well enough to the people of his state.  Rebounding from the loss he teaches and then runs again for governor and is re-elected four times before his successful campaign for the presidency. 

Of course, this is his legacy library.  The troubles that plagued his time in office are not the highlights of the display.  But the force of his personality and his accomplishments shine through.  With the struggles of today’s economy and political adversity it’s hard not to miss the Clinton years of economic prosperity and political consensus that changed so dramatically following 9-11.