EDITOR’S NOTE: This column appears in the December 13, 2004, issue of National Review, in Rob Long’s regular “Long View” spot.
From the Guestbook of the Clinton Presidential Library . . .
Marnie Williams, Ft. Smith, Ark.:
Wonderful, wonderful exhibits! Thank you so much for all of the hard work that everyone obviously put into this magnificent library! The Hall of Self-Justification interactive video monitors were fascinating! I really felt like President Clinton was talking directly to me. Although my husband thinks that 389 separate monitors filled with President Clinton explaining himself is overkill, I could barely tear myself away.
The depth and breadth of the self-justifications and explanations – riveting! Kudos to the staff!
Marlee Hopkins, Little Rock, Ark.:
Does he read these? PLEASE CALL ME 392-8848 PLEASE CALL ME I saw you on TV and you looked lonely and CALL ME and you won’t be lonely anymore 392-8848 The FAT COW at the desk here is giving me a dirty look so just CALL ME and I can tell you in person what I thought of your library and everything.
Bill Justen, West Memphis, Tenn.:
Pretty good, I guess. But my feeling is, if you’re going to sell cigars in the gift shop, you should be able to smoke them, too. I bought a pretty pricey smoke and wanted to enjoy it as I strolled along the Avenue of the Stars, and I was told in no uncertain terms that smoking was not permitted. When I asked why cigars are sold in the gift shop, I was told that these cigars aren’t “the smoking kind.” Am I missing something? P.S.: The Sharon Stone robot figure in the Hollywood Atrium is busted.
Ryan Poston, Chicago, Ill.:
At first I was like, why are we coming to this place I was like ten when he was president but my parents were like we’re here in Little Rock anyways visiting your grandparents for Thanksgiving so just do it and I was bummed but after walking through it I have to admit it’s pretty cool especially the trampoline ride at the top of the Ego Tower.
Mrs. Edwina Miller, Shawnee, Okla.:
You need more handicapped stalls in the restrooms on the second level, along the Grand Corridor of Excuses. Great museum! The fritters in the cafÈ are delicious!
A. Gore, Nashville, Tenn.:
Well, I suppose I like the architecture and the soaring interior space. I did, though, think that while some parts of his presidency were well-presented (budget-balancing, etc.), I was concerned by some pretty glaring omissions (a section on the most influential and dynamic vice president in American history would have been nice) – and I’m not sure why, exactly, the south-facing windows are blocked by enormous photographs of the former president in his jogging shorts, which isn’t very energy-efficient. And why don’t they have vice-presidential libraries?
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