Being a good man was being a great man.
Others got ridiculously idiotic instead.
11 Likes
One of the most wonderful moments in my political life was when I was appointed the special host to “Miss Lillian”
at a huge gay lesbian fundraising dinner in 1980. She had the gift of combining fierce morality with a funny, brilliant, and intensely present style.
After I had greeted her at the hotel door and she had warmly responded she confidently quietly said “Now I am so dizzy with this campaigning I don’t even know where i am?” I responded “You are at the biggest gay and lesbian political fundraising dinner in history, at the hottest ballroom in Los Angeles.” She said “Oh My!” and looked at the huge sea of mostly young mostly male faces. “Oh, oh my. Homosexuals! A ballroom of homossexuals.” Then about three long thoughtful beats went by. “How wonderful! I have never seen the like. Please introduce me around!”
About two weeks later I got a lovely hand written note from her thanking me for my courtesies and wishing me and the gay rights movement health and success.
Years later, in the 90s, I was in a video cassette rental shop in Aspen, Colorado, and to my surprise the only other customer, right there across from me quietly digging through the foreign films section, was Jimmy Carter. I said “Mr. President, I am so happy to see you and to be able to thank you for your many services.” He responded with genuine cordiality. I told him about my encounter with Miss Lillian and laughed and laughed, and then said “She was as good a bombardier of goodness as any I have met.” Yes she was, and so was he.
d fb
9 Likes
Great story, thanks for sharing! History will remember Jimmy fondly.
2 Likes