One of the fine attributes of millions of Americans is their ability to express conscientiously held diverse political views and yet have nothing but personal good will for their political adversaries who strongly differ. The situation of former President Bill Clinton provides one clear example.
Mr. Clinton, before he was president, during his presidency and since, has been an outspoken political partisan. That’s his personality. It has attracted to him many admirers and many detractors.
But when the news came in recent days that Mr. Clinton was suffering chest pains, recalling the fact that he had extensive heart surgery six years ago, there was a surge of concern for his physical well-being from people of all political persuasions.
Mr. Clinton, who engages in a vigorous lifestyle, recently was in Haiti in connection with relief for the people there who are suffering from a deadly and devastating earthquake. But after Mr. Clinton felt some chest discomfort, he wisely checked into New York City’s Presbyterian Hospital.
He had not suffered a new “heart attack,” but was diagnosed as having a seriously blocked heart artery that needed opening to avoid more serious trouble. “Stents,” devices designed to keep an artery open for the necessary blood flow, were inserted. Mr. Clinton was “up and around” in short order, and out of the hospital.
Many who share Mr. Clinton’s often controversial views and many who strongly differ with him on political matters were unified in expressing good will and relief following the report that he has good prospects for resuming his active lifestyle.
Isn’t that “the way it should be” in our public life — with sincerely held diverse views not adversely affecting personal good will?
We hope Mr. Clinton will continue to have good results from his recent hospital procedures. His experience may be a reminder to many of us that it is good to check in with doctors and hospitals if there are any disturbing health signs that — if addressed in time — may head off potentially bad results.