The Moment, the Honor Is in the Line

* Who were these people who stood in line? I was stunned by their number, patience and devotion. Most stood in line for six to eight hours to honor a fallen leader. I looked at their faces: They were all ages and races and seemed to represent the entire spectrum of the American middle class.

Were they waiting to have the privilege of seeing the casket of the only man who had resigned from the presidency? Or were they standing there because the very controversies and tragedies that had besieged Richard Nixon throughout his entire political career exposed his vulnerability and flaws and made him more human than any President we can remember?

Who were these people who stood in line for a man who admittedly was uncomfortable with others? Maybe they believed that he, more than any other President, was one of us, humble beginnings, middle-class outlook and sensibilities, totally lacking celebrity appeal. Maybe they felt that more than a man was being buried that dreary day. His political life was so intertwined with our history that possibly they saw an era in that flag-draped box.

This was a man who throughout the week was defended and extolled for his contributions to world peace and international affairs, but whose view and pursuit of international affairs was based on real politic, the use of hard pragmatism in the pursuit of American interests abroad. Yet there was no real politic evident at 5 a.m., only principles and heartfelt grief.

They stood in line for Richard Nixon and they stood in line for reasons more basic.

In an era where only Madonna, Michael Jackson or any issue remotely related to sex can seem to ignite the public’s interest, the sight of thousands calmly and peacefully waiting in line was remarkable. It speaks not just to the legacy of Richard Nixon, but to the inherent and immutable connection that exists between a people and their chosen leader. A connection that survives despite the loss of office, power and prestige of the leader and resides not in the editorial pages, the talking heads of television or with the current ruling elite. It rests alone with those who stand in line.

I would not be able to stand in line to pay my respects to Richard Nixon that day. Instead, I took a long moment, as night turned into day, to pay my respects to those who stand in line.

WILLIAM R. MITCHELL

Newport Beach