I voted for George W. proudly in 2000 and 2004. I’m not ashamed and still think the people of Iraq deserved freedom from tyranny. I’m glad we didn’t turn and look the other way. Every time I read a history book which outlines Hitler’s rise to power and the indifference of those not affected which allowed such atrocious treatment of mankind, I am glad we went in to help Hussein’s people. I strongly feel where much is given, much is required. America is given much. I’m glad we have been in Iraq and am proud of what we’ve helped Iraqis accomplish. I’m not speaking flippantly; I have studied this issue extensively for I have two soldier sons who are directly affected by our Commander in Chief’s decisions. I am confident and at peace that there is purpose that is not necessarily now seen in this conflict.
I appreciate President Bush's conviction to moral values and his ability to protect us.
I had planned to post my thanks to George W. Bush for his public service on January 21, 2009, but today the Wall Street Journal wrote this article, so I’ll just stamp AGREED and "Thank you, Mr. Bush" today instead.
What do you appreciate about President Bush?
13 comments:
I read this article this morning and thought it was decidedly fair. He has had a tough presidency, as has every president before and after him. I think it because all the rage to hate Bush - which has a mob mentality that no one deserves. But, I also think he made mistakes that led many voters to defect. Time will tell.
I agree, Lucy. President Bush, like every public servant, has made mistakes and voters sounded their displeasure yesterday.
I feel sorry for any war president. President Washington was unpopular when he left office (imagine) and was disheartened. President Lincoln's party tried ferociously to dissuade him from seeking a second term. John Adams was hated (though we owe him so much revolutionary-ily). As the article stated, President Truman was even more unpopular than Geroge Bush when he left office. In fact, I remember people complaining loudly about Ronald Regan after his terms (that's why when he is heralded today I think, "Hey, wait a minute. You trashed him twenty years ago, why couldn't you have been nice then when he was alive to hear it?) I think, by and large, we just get tired of whomever (whoever? which is it?) is leading us after eight years. We humans, we like new things--new toys, new food, new cars, new furniture, new books, new technology. . . and I hope we appreciate the old as well. I appreciate any president who is willing to use his power for good.
You're right. Mob mentality describes hatred so well--no matter who is on the receiving end--it isn't deserved.
You are both so right. I was also thinking of Ronald Reagan while Hillary was so vociferously praising him and how "alike" thier agenda's were. YUCK!
And now where are we going?
I do not agree with some of Pres. Bush's policies, however I admire his tenacious adherence to principle and compassionate treatment of others. He has shown integrity in the face of massive backroom dealing, and maintained his dignity despite flagrant abuse.
May Heaven preserve and defend us and this nation.
He was human! Yes, as a human we do all make mistakes. We must all remember the president does not act alone. They may be his policies but he had others guide him and vote for or against those policies. This is a democracy, majority rules! Unlike at home where what mom and/or dad say.... goes!
I will be interesting to see how the democracy holds up the next four years! and the next, and next....
I appreciated the link to that article.
In Canada the Prime Minister never serves under such disapproval because long before it could reach that point a vote of non-confidence would be taken, and if the results required, it would be followed by a general election no matter how long he'd been serving. It happened in 2005 with the Liberal party suffering a vote of non-confidence after only just over a year in office. Our current conservative Prime Minister was elected at that time.
I appreciate that he recognized and said it for all the world to hear that he could not and should not make the toughest decisions he needed to make by himself....that he prayed often for guidance, strength and vision.
I practically cried when I read this post Jane...I have always been a huge fan of President Bush. He is a strong man of great integrity and I am also proud of him for sticking with what he believed was right even when so many disagreed. I am sad that lately he has been a "lame duck" but I proudly voted for him both times.
I believe that in years to come the historians will realize what a great man and great leader he was.
Now I'm off to read that Wall Street Journal article...
I linked here from Lucy's blog, I'm her husband's little brother. One thing that I think is good to point out is that President Bush did not run on a "war platform" in 2000. He has done a great job with the circumstances he has been given. Did he make mistakes? Yep, but not near as many as I would have! I agree with your sentiments. Isn't America great?
Love your follow-up comment! I think we do get tired of the same leader for 8 years and our consumer driven nature makes us tire of the old and look for the next shiny thing. The dents and dings become more apparent over time and it is easier to become enraged with the whole and forget about the usefulness it once had.
Being younger, I have never really thought too much about the difference between a war time president and a peace one and their approval and all that. I wonder what my girls will be taught about his presidency, as well as Clinton's.
Mom,
I loved your sentiments as well as your follow-up comment. I loved your well thought out words and conviction. Most of all, I loved that you created a sounding board for making a positive statement and telling the truth rather than going with the norm. I love your way of expressing your thoughts, for putting into words what we've discussed. Thank you for writing a thank you to a man who had a job many criticized but few could have done.
Cali
I appreciate the link to the article and was glad somebody said something nice about President Bush. He has taken a lot of punishment over these years in office.
Jane-My favorite thing about President Bush is that he pursues his convictions, whether they are popular with our citizens or not. As with any leader, the popular route is rarely the best route - he has continually taken "the road less travelled". I hope, when history looks back on his terms, it will have made all the difference.
That's a good article. I think people should be ashamed. Too many people think the President can control too many things!! I mean, he isn't GOD, he is only the head of one tiny part of a three part government. Sheesh.
Your first comment there is right--it is human nature to complain and people just blame all their problems on the president. I heard a not-so-smart person on the news after the election of Obama became fairly clear saying how glad she was that "now with Obama, I don't have to worry about my bills, my mortgage and my job." "Wait," I thought, with Obama as President I don't have to work, pay bills and pay for my house!! WHO is going to do that for me? Obama?! I mean, it's crazy. You can't blame everything on a president and you can't expect them to DO everything for you either. Absurd.
Thanks, president Bush.
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