Presidents gather, and demonstrate collegiality

I’ll admit right here that I’m a sucker for certain types of pageantry.

One of those types involves the gathering of one of the world’s most exclusive organizations: the Former U.S. Presidents Club.

The four living ex-presidents, along with the current president, are gathering today in Dallas to commemorate the opening of the George W. Bush library and museum on the campus of Southern Methodist University, the alma mater of Laura Bush, the former president’s better half.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton (both Democrats) are joining former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush (both Republicans, father and son) to mark the occasion. They’ll be accompanied by yet another Democrat, President Barack Obama.

As Laura Bush said this morning on National Public Radio, one of this country’s great symbolic traits is how these individuals can gather – even in the midst of a contentious political atmosphere – to take special note of a historical moment.

Ex-presidents all have gathered for the opening of the Clinton library, the George H.W. Bush library and the Carter library. These men all share a unique bond in that they’ve sat at the center of power, leading the world’s most powerful nation.

And they’ll meet once again to mark the occasion of another president’s library and museum.

For one day at least, the nation can put aside the difference that divide it.

What’s wrong with that?