Clinton and the Common Good

Clinton’s vision was an embodiment of Christian values at their best – rooted in humility, purpose, reflection, action and love.

Many of my colleagues have spent the week focusing on David Kuo’s new book Tempting Faith, and I had initially planned on doing the same.

However, I don’t know that I can add much to their thoughtful reflections.  Instead, I wish to focus on an event that serves as a meaningful counterpoint to the cynicism and divisiveness of the Bush team.

Earlier this week, President Bill Clinton spoke at his (and my) beloved alma mater – Georgetown University.  It was in connection with a conference sponsored by the Center for American Progress called “Securing the Common Good.”  I urge you to check out his entire speech at http://www.c-span.org/. 

In his
speech, President Clinton defended a vision of the common good arising
from a dynamic center, where a politics of division and cynicism are
replaced by a politics of humility and hope.  To him, the
common good is animated by the best values of the Democratic tradition
– equal opportunity, shared responsibility and inclusiveness.  Clinton’s
core belief is both empowering and audacious, that “what we have in
common is more important than our interesting differences.”

Clinton rooted this vision in our nation’s founding mission – to form a more perfect union.  Clinton explained, “We are not perfect.  We will never be perfect.  No one has the whole truth, but we can always do better.”  The key for Clinton is the “we.” 

Over and
over, Clinton stressed that no one has a monopoly on truth, and as a
result, the country works best when we all work together.  Clinton called for a culture that nurtures a love of learning – especially a love of learning from those with whom we disagree.  Clinton
was not calling for a country dominated by a “mushy middle,” but one
whose debates are vigorous, but also thoughtful, whose leaders are
forceful, but also humble.

Toward the
end of his speech, Clinton connected the mission of Georgetown, as a
Jesuit institution, to his vision of the common good.  Clinton reflected, “This is a religious institution that believes in the life of the mind.  This
is a Jesuit institution represented by an Order which for hundreds of
years now has been legendary for developing individuals’ intellectual
capacities.”  After talking a bit about Jesuits who have
touched his life, Clinton explained, “These religious people . . .
believed that there is a truth.  But, they believed that life was a journey toward it.”

Clinton’s vision was an embodiment of Christian values at their best – rooted in humility, purpose, reflection, action and love.