Bill Clinton

I have been watching Bill Clinton being interviewed by Larry King on CNN. He was pitching his new book, Giving. Some of what he said was a reprise of comments he made at the Landon lecture in Manhattan earlier this year when I was privileged to hear him in person. Bill is a great speaker. He has a great capacity for facts. He has a great recollection of past events. He frames his sentences in clear logic. He keeps your interest, because he doesn't repeat himself. He moves from one topic to another, connecting ideas with skillful oratory.

Bill tells us how we can change the world. Heaven knows the world needs changing. It needs changing across the board in health, economic, political, educational, religious, energy, and social systems. Everyone should have access to first-rate health care. While health care providers should be compensated according to their contributions, it should not be a source for the accumulation of inordinate wealth. Politics should be an open book, not a hidden agenda. Education should be available to all to the maximum extent of their ability, rather than being limited by financial resources. Religion should meet the psychological needs of the faithful, that is, those who freely worship their concept of divinity, but it should not dominate non-believers who find another path for personal salvation. Energy should be a sustainable resource, not depleted by wasteful practices. Society should encourage all to enjoy freedom of thought, expression, travel and association. The change should be universal and pervasive.

How is all this to be accomplished? To find out do as I'll do, read the book.