Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Bills (Graham & Clinton) go back a long way
In his autobiography "My Life", Bill Clinton wastes no time in singing praise to Billy Graham.
Leaping out of the gates on page 39 of the 1000+ page Random House hardback edition, the former president proudly describes how the aging reverend prayed with him in the Oval Office, after which he (Graham) wrote "inspiring letters of instruction and encouragement in my (Clinton's) times of trial."
Hmmm. Little surprise then that Reverend Graham appears to have come out publicly for Hilary-For-Prez, at a time when the energetic Clinton continues to actively promote his book. He is said to have autographed in excess of 60,000 copies thus far.
In the tome, Clinton says Graham had a profound influence on his formative thinking:
"The biggest thing that happened to me (in the 1958-9 school year, was) ... to hear Billy Graham preach in his crusade in War Memorial Stadium ...Racial tensions were still high ...
Segregationists ... suggested that ... it would be better if Reverend Graham restricted admission ... to whites only. He replied that Jesus loved all sinners ... Back then Billy Graham was the living embodiment of Southern Baptist authority ...
(He) delivered a powerful message in his trademark twenty minutes. (H)undreds of blacks and whites came down the stadium aisles together ... It was a powerful counterpoint to (racism) ...
I loved Billy Graham for doing that."
