Less than a week after she contracted pneumonia, Hillary Clinton was back on the campaign trail.
If she’d had it her way, we’d have never known she was sick. Hillary contended her persistent cough was nothing more than a tickle in her throat.
While it probably wasn’t smart, I admire that trait.
In contrast, her opponent, Donald Trump, used bone spurs in his heels as an excuse not to serve in the military. That was his fifth, and final, deferment that kept Trump from the military.
Today, Trump maintains he’s in service to his country because he’s a “very, very successful” real estate mogul.
Hillary puts most — men and women — to shame not only for her public service, but also her opinion of herself.
I can remember seeing up-close photos of her when she was secretary of state and how dead-dog tired she looked. In the four years she served as the nation’s top diplomat, 2009-2013, she met with the higher-ups of 112 countries, logging almost 1 million miles.
On Wednesday, Sec. John Kerry edged Clinton out in terms of mileage, though he’s been to “only” 80 countries. Yes, he, too, looks the worse for wear. And no, he doesn’t let on.
The demands of the office are incredible.
As Madam Secretary, Hillary had a reputation of being, “hugely knowledgeable about every country, foreign minister, political party, president, coup d’etat, rebellion or election,” according to William Hague, her counterpart from the United Kingdom.
I look up to people, especially my female contemporaries, whose work ethics push them to amazing levels — while also juggling the responsibilities of children and marriage.
In Kansas, we have stellar examples of strong, “senior” women, including Kathleen Sebelius, former governor and secretary of Health and Human Services; Sandy Praeger, former state Insurance Commissioner; and Bernadette Gray-Little, chancellor of the University of Kansas.
At 68, Hillary now has her sights on the presidency of the United States.
At 68, I picture myself gardening.
But because of people like Hillary I understand that though I may decide to retire at some point that will not mean I get off the bus. Instead, I’ll find other avenues that give me purpose and make my life rewarding.
