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By David Giffels
Beacon Journal columnist
Published on Thursday, Apr 03, 2008
All the reasons why Bill Clinton should not be included in the National First Ladies' Library sound like all the reasons he should be included.
The library is for ladies.
Check. Bill Clinton could become the first male ''first lady,'' which sounds pretty historic to these ears.
Bill Clinton already has his own presidential library.
Check. His inclusion would be even more significant, because he'd be the first former president also to be the spouse of a sitting president.
Bill Clinton was a bad husband.
Check. History's ugly sometimes.
Putting a man in there would just attract curiosity seekers.
Check. Could any museum hope for more?
Nevertheless, Mary Regula, founder and president of the Canton library, has made a stand. When asked by Beacon Journal reporter Stephanie Warsmith about the possibility of including Bill Clinton if his wife were elected president, Regula was unequivocal:
''We are a women's library,'' she said. ''We're not going to honor first men.''
The cart, of course, is presently before the horse.
Bill Clinton still needs to beat out Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain to become the first — what? — laddie?
Nevertheless, the National First Ladies' Library wants no part of this ''what if.'' It's a women-only club.
It seems to me that they're dismissing an opportunity. The possibility of a male first-whatever represents an exceptional exception. When the library was established in 1995, the notion of a female president had never before been on the table.
So the idea that opening the doors to a man is unthinkable because it's never been done before is exactly why such a thing should be done. The potential situation is history-bending, and just the sort of unique American event that such an institution should document.
I'm a fan of the first ladies' library in its own right, and also in the way it adds depth to our so-called Hall of Fame corridor. Where the pro football and rock 'n' roll halls of fame pay homage to entertainers, the first ladies' library and the National Inventors Hall of Fame elevate us to themes of history and intellectual achievement.
All the more reason the library ought to accept the challenge of how to feature a ''first gentleman'' — especially considering the intrigue of one who's married to someone already in the library as a first lady.
There are some problems, of course. The stately library is known in part for its collection of gowns. The only dress Bill Clinton could offer is an infamous blue one.
Clinton's role as a spouse — the very thing that would qualify him for recognition in the first ladies' library — is also the darkest aspect of his public personality. Philandering in the White House nearly got him booted from the White House.
But it's a fact of his presidency, and a fact of his marriage, and if his station becomes that of presidential spouse, the baggage will remain.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock includes public references to the Monica Lewinsky affair.
The first ladies' library is a place where the Clinton marriage can be considered in a serious and historical way, and holds unique value as an institution that emphasizes the husband-wife relationship.
It's a serious historical and educational institution, and ought to embrace history if it takes an unprecedented turn.
In 1964, during planning for the Kennedy Library, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wrote:
''It will be, we hope, not only a memorial to President Kennedy but a living center of study of the times in which he lived.''
The first ladies' library could bend to the times as well.
David Giffels is a Beacon Journal columnist. He can be reached at 330-996-3572 or at dgiffels@thebeaconjournal.com.
All the reasons why Bill Clinton should not be included in the National First Ladies' Library sound like all the reasons he should be included.
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