'I hope he'll get well, too'

Q. You don't have any feelings of real anger than?m A. I don't know how I could ask for help for myself and feel that way about someone else.m

And we don't know how President Reagan could have replied more admirably when asked about his would-be assassin. These words were part of the President's first press interview since the wounding that he said was still causing him pain. They may have been only natural from a man of Mr. Reagan's outlook, but they are conspicuous in a time when hate is so often answered with hate. Coming from a President of the United States, they speak to a longing for leadership of a kind that not only pursues a nation's policies but enhances a society's tone.

Q. Do you have any feelings about your assailant?m

A. The feeling is I hope, indeed I pray, that he can find an answer to his problem. He seems to be a very disturbed young man. . . . and I hope he'll get well, too.m

The President, for whose physical healing the nation rejoices, is offering a healing example of a deeper kind here. It calls on all of his fellow citizens to join those many who daily look up from their own problems long enough to be concerned about others.

In its widest sense this involves individuals testing every element of their attitude and conduct according to its help or harm to those around them. This way, all America can get well, too.