I want to offer my thanks to President George W. Bush. Since 9/11, he has taken the steps to keep us safe, often at the expense of his popularity or legacy. Only time will tell how history judges his presidency, but hopefully in the days and weeks to come, America will realize that, policy aside, Mr. Bush is a decent, honorable person who did what he thought was right.In his time occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mr. Bush has taken more than his fair share of criticism; from the press, from Democrats, and even from his own party members. Some was probably deserved, but unfortunately, much was not. And some, went beyond criticism and crossed into classless bashing.
During the inauguration ceremonies today, when President Bush was introduced, a chorus of boos was heard from the crowd. During his final rendition of "Hail To The Chief", some members of the crowd decided a chorus of "Na na na na, hey hey, good bye!" was more fitting. The President, as he has for 8 years, seemed to let this insult slide off his shoulder like so many raindrops, but I imagine it was a particularly painful moment for this man. All he wanted was the best for America. Nobody deserved that type of reaction.
Not all of America is like that, Mr. President. Many of us, of every political stripe, can look beyond policy differences and appreaciate what you have sacrificed in service to our country. As a citizen of these United States, I extend my thanks for the part you have played, the sacrifice you have played, and the honorable way you have conducted yourself as our President.
Thank you, sir.
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6 comments:
Pat,
You have ALWAYS been an intelligent, well spoken, integrity laden and determined person. That's what we love about you. This entry is true on so many levels. I felt bad for W as well and I believe you are right in concluding he did what he thought was best for his country.
Problem is, simply put, he's too naive to know any better. He was thrust into power in what quickly became a dark time for this nation. This DOES NOT however exclude him from our candid assesment of his term(s). For all intents and purposes, he was the leader of the free world. Malicious intent or true serving debates aside, he failed, on MANY levels.
The war in Iraq has turned out to be a quagmire, over 100,000 (some say up to 600,000) Iraqi civilians have perished, a number that dwarfs our domestic fatalities. The loss of life has become so second nature that when a local kid dies anymore, there's a 15-30 second 'blip' about his/her demise on KARE 11 around the 10:16 mark, sandwiched somewhere between the newest Amy WInehouse story and Perk at Play. How have we become this callous? Is that ok?
The economy has come to a screeching halt, unemployment has risen to historic levels, foreclosures reel out of control and Halliburton has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of bankruptcy in 2000 to have a net worth in the billions? Ask yourself (it's ok, no one's watching...go to the mirror and truely ask yourself) at what expense?
As President of the United States, you WILL be held accountable, you WILL be held to the highest standards in the world. Things that go well on your watch you're credited for (regardless of what wheels were in motion prior...just ask Jimmy about the Iranian Hostages or the Berlin Wall) and you will take the heat for failures during your term(s). Simple as that. Reagan is lauded and now Bush will be loathed.
I wish him well and I too thank him for his service to this country. Undoubtedly, he was more effective than I could have been. There's a reason I am not running for president!
What does surprise me is your general political ideology. I figure a person can and likely should whole heartedly support the republican party in this country for many reasons, all of which do not envelope me but they are 'passable' in my book. I know you didn't ask, but here goes.
A person could/should concievably be of Republican ilk if:
They STRONGLY oppose abortion for any reason.
They make SIGNIFICANTLY more than $250,000/annum.
...and that's about it. I don't see any other valid reasons in my book. If the threat of loss of religion scares one, (an argument which doesn't hold much water in my book) I could understand one's lockjaw grip on the ideals of the Republican party. Truth be told however, even that's stretching it, espcially for a 'non-believer' like me. So please, enlighten me.
Why would you or any educated, people loving person with the slightest ability to question the status quo EVER spend one second supporting the likes of Michelle Bachmann or Norm Coleman? Furthermore, why is it with such dread that you speak of the imminent swearing in of Al Franken or the new presidency of Barack Obama? Are you really that upset?
With all due respect, please help me to understand the inner workings of a presumably middle class, highly intelligent, caring and college educated midwesterner that could drive them to not only loathe the democratic ideals but also mourn the paradigm shift that this country is undergoing?
Dave Starr
Well said Pat. I echo your sentiments entirely. I wrote a similar post yesterday as well.
Enjoying this blog! :-)
Dave,
I appreciate the comments. I will respond in a couple of comments, so as not to ramble too much in one...
First of all...I do not "loathe the democratic ideas", nor do I "mourn the paradigm shift".
My disappointment was mainly due to the booing of President Bush at the inauguration. I think it is symbolic of the nature of political debate in our country. This is a cross-party problem.
I would be just as disappointed (or more, even) if GOP lawmakers booed President Obama at the State of Union. I am just as disappointed with those criticizes President Obama (or Chief Justice Roberts) over the "flubbed" oath of office. It doesn't add anything constructive to the argument.
President Bush SHOULD be held accountable, as much as by those on the right as on the left. Many on the right will blame his approach to tarnishing the conservative cause. But, in order to be effective criticism, I do believe that it has a time and a place. An inauguration of the new President is not it.
Your second point asks about my mindset. How come I have this mental disorder that causes me to support Republicans.
My political philosophy stems from two things:
1. Government is there to protect the rights of its citizens. Anything beyond that is overstepping its role.
2. There is a basic moral code that defines societies view of "right and wrong". Part of governments job is to enforce that.
This is the core of my politcal belief. I happen to support Republicans because they are generally closer to my beliefs than other candidates, though they certainly are not perfect.
I do take a certain objection to your assertion that the only legitimate reasons to support the GOP is abortion and to protect the super-rich. My support of conservative principles is NOT self-centered. I honestly believe that the best answer for our country lies in freedom from government interference.
Pat,
I was going to keep your 'mental disorder' a secret...lol. On a serious note though, I am glad we can have this discussion in a civil manner, thank you for providing the medium.
It was not my intention to assert only two legitimate reasons for supporting the GOP. They are merely the two legitimate reasons I can understand or relate to on some level. That is exactly why I asked you to help me (with my mental disorder) understand the underpinnings of the GOP mind.
Counterpoints accepted however, you failed to address many of my specific concerns with the Bush presidency or the GOP as a whole. Aren't you glad you friended me now? All I do is create homework!
DJ
I see you brought Koester on board for backup huh? This should get fun, me versus the GOP thinktank.
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