The honorary degree, Doctor of Laws, awarded to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was a surprise at Yale Commencement. Instead of walking across the New Haven Green, she was whisked onto the stage. Usually we walk two by two and then on cue, separate as the dignitaries pass, wave, and sometimes stop for photos as with Sir Paul McCartney and me last year.
As I sat watching Hillary I wondered if she wondered: Who will help change the world? Which couples are lovers? Who will marry and divorce? Which couples will stay married long enough to see their children graduate from college?
Bill and Hillary in love: It was here that she and Bill met across the way at the Law School in 1970. Their courtship began and they were married five years later.
The infidelity crisis: The marriage of Hillary and Bill was a political climb culminating in a presidency turned rocky because of his infidelity. But Hillary always held her head high and their marriage together. During the presidential debates she brought up the subject of Bill and Monica in an-ever-so-cautious way. She said: “Everyone here knows I’ve lived through some crises and some challenging moments in my life.”
Nonetheless Hillary and Bill seem to survive and move forward.
President Richard Levin’s words to Hillary Rodham Clinton:
“Throughout your career, you have called the nation’s attention to things that matter: health care, education, and the rights of women and children. Through hard work, forceful advocacy, and an impressive grasp of the issues, you earned the respect of your colleagues in the Senate and the admiration of your constituents.
“You bring to your new role as Secretary of State tenacity and toughness, principle and pragmatism.”We have known of your brilliance from your days as a student in the Yale Law School; now we admire your bravery in confronting ancient enmities, and your boldness in seeking peace. With pride and joy we welcome you back for your second Yale degree: Doctor of Laws.”
Copyright 2009 Rita Watson