Scott's Soapbox

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Bill Clinton's Third Paragraph

The LA Times Editorial page suggests here that Bill Clinton should be Secretary General of the United Nations. I do not remember where I first read this idea, but it has merit all the way around. Bill Clinton needs a third paragraph in his biography. 1) Served as 42nd President of the United States. 2) Was impeached. What comes after that to soften the blow the impeachment has on his legacy and reputation. While he has done noteworthy work with his foundation in aiding the Tsunami victims alongside President George H. W. Bush, helping with AIDS in Africa, among many other causes, he needs something bigger.

Having Al Gore being elected president would have helped solidify his legacy, but now I think he has only two options left. The first as we all know is Hillary. The second might be this role as Secretary General. Of course it is unlikely (for all the reasons cited in the piece above) but think about it for a minute. There is no more popular politician around the world, than Clinton. He is respected for his efforts as a peacemaker, as an activist, as a leader, and as someone who embodies the idealism for which America is (or is it was?) known. He is detail oriented, a hard worker, a consensus builder, and a good-government type (raise your hand if you would rather have Bush's FEMA over Clinton's- Anybody? Anyone at all? If you think so, you're...well...all wet, pun intended). A well-functioning and more efficient UN would be a boon to all, saving lives (including American ones) all around the globe and enhancing America's declining reputation around the world.

So why not- let's hear it - Bill Clinton for Secretary General! It sure beats the idea of him as "First Gentleman."

1 Comments:

  • What a great idea! If President Bush would appoint him to work with his Dad on the Tsunami, why not appoint him to the UN? Let's see how long Bolton lasts. And, I couldn't agree with you more. It does beat the idea of his becoming "First Gentleman"!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:41 AM  

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