Formality. Ritual. Grandeur. We respond to these signs and symbols deep in our brains. When employed honorably — and let’s not forget that for centuries despots have abused these forms — they confer dignity, respect and admiration.
Catherine Robb, Lucinda Robb and Jennifer Robb
All those qualities were in play during the State Dinner at the LBJ Presidential Library. LBJ’s children and grandchildren formed a receiving line of sorts, along with two former U.S. senators, Chuck Robb and Bill Bradley. U.S. congressmen, Texas representatives, scholars, scribes and just plain party people filed into the Great Hall — one of the city’s most impressive interior spaces — and out onto the plaza — one of the city’s most impressive exterior spaces — for dinner.
Ben and Melanie Barnes
The party tent looked lovely, although some oversized banquettes blocked crucial sight lines. After a short powerful film and a minimum of speeches, we got down to the business of serious conversation with our table mates, which included a gentleman from Dallas who is writing a book about Lady Bird Johnson’s whistle stop tour through the South.
Chuck Robb and Lynda Johnson Robb
After dinner, folks either lined up for desserts or dancing or both. More serious talk flowed. All in all, it was a grand evening and one that I hope the Library repeats. We need something like this every once in a while. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum tries to pull off this kind of thing at times, but with spotty success.
Terri Givens and Mike Scott
Two things: We didn’t get to see much of the new $11 million permanent exhibit that evening. (I explored it a few days later and it opens to the public Dec. 22.)
Also, I was saddened that more of our statewide political leadership did not show up. Presidential libraries are not partisan. Here was a chance to honor a U.S. president not just from our great state but, for much of his life, from our beloved city.
His legacy is complicated but it rivals the greatest presidents in impact.
Respect that.