Nixon Presidential Library

Visiting the Nixon Library, it’s hard not to wrestle with history, to groan a little bit when the place designed to honor a dishonored man gives him an occasional pass, a slight of word, here and there, to suggest he was a kind man, less diabolical and conniving and narcissistic than he was. But then again, visiting the Nixon Library, I’m also reminded of something my wife so often does well, to find the good in everyone. In this case, the library reminded me about the simplicity of Nixon’s childhood, his always charming family and the White House wedding, his fight for women’s equality, and his sometimes begrudging strides to improve the environment. What I also appreciated was that his grave was situated within a few feet of the place where he was born, a sign that his family held on to their roots. I also learned, and hadn’t thought of it until she said it, but the reason this Oval Office is decorated with unavoidably bright tones, was because Pat Nixon wanted the space to reflect the California colors of blue and gold, and it definitely fills the mind with a 70s vibe. #findthegoodineveryone