ThankW Stickers Now Available
We have all shown our appreciation to President George W. Bush through signing his Thank you letter. For those wishing to extend their appreciation we now have stickers available for a 2.00 donation. All proceeds go directly to helping our letter make it all the way to the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum.
Thank you in advance for all your help. We know you will be proud to drive around and show off your appreciation for George W. Bush.
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Name that President
I like games, especially trivia. Although I’m not smarter than a fifth grader, usually I do pretty well. In watching quiz shows I find myself casually giving out the answers much to the amazement of my kids. Sometimes it’s an educated guess because of the clue and other times my brain pulls it out of some dusty part of my head labeled ‘useless facts needed for diploma’. I will admit however many times I have no idea. I may know the end result or maybe the question is familiar but the answer eludes me. So I make something up that sounds plausible and do my best to sound confident.
My kids never seem to catch on. I believe the same can be said for John Q. Public in regards to President Bush and the many things he’s accomplished. Sadly we recite things like “Bush is stupid” not even knowing why. But did you know he has an IQ of 125. The average IQ by definition is 100. Mr. Bush also scored higher than John Kerry at Yale. Kerry himself apparently believed Bush was stupid too. In April 2004, he was quoted in Newsweek as saying, “I can’t believe I am losing to this idiot.” There are many examples of misinformation concerning George Bush and too many people are reciting incorrect facts. So I thought I’d expound on a few of his accomplishments and perhaps you’ll amaze your kids or friends at the next trivia party.
President Bush set aside more marine wildlife sanctuaries than any other man in history. 195,280 square miles containing some of the most ecologically rich marine life is now protected for example. This does not include a large area he also set aside off the Hawaiian Islands. Green Peace says thank you.
His approval rating in Africa is 80%. In Africa, Bush is a full-fledged hero after quietly tripling aid to the continent during his presidency. No other president has even come close to this in terms of dollars but even more impressive is that his compassion is directly responsible to the saving of more than 10,000,000 lives.
In Iraq and Afghanistan Bush liberated over 50 million people, disbanded the Taliban, knocked out Saddam Hussein’s supposed well trained army in a matter of a month. With the stunning effectiveness the terrorist Al Qaeda switched tactics to suicide bombers and roadside explosives. Bush listened to his field commanders and ordered a surge. This drew great criticism and worldwide doubt. The media pounded him, politicians jumped in with both feet. Harry Reid said “the war is lost.” Hilary Clinton called General Petraeus a liar. The Washington Post ran an ad from Move On that read ‘General Betray Us’. Bush held firm and was proven right. The surge worked and now even more progress is being made on the building of schools, roads and other infrastructure. Grudgingly even left wing papers and news outlets admit the terrorist network is crippled and fleeing. What perhaps is most impressive is that in January 2005 millions of Iraqis turned out to vote freely for who and what they chose. This truly was a bench mark for the world to see and even the Washington Post had to admit it was a victory for President Bush.
Elsewhere in the world Bush improved relations with North Korea and stopped their nuclear threat, Iran with all their saber rattling too is quieting down. Relations with India have greatly flourished with the signing of a landmark deal allowing for the sale of civilian nuclear technology to them. Relations with China have improved vastly under Bush and both countries have grown economically as a result. He disarmed Libya of its nuclear, chemical and biological wmd’s without firing a shot and incidentally Libya has finally paid restitution for the bombing of flight 103 in 1988. All under George Bush’s watch.
For the environment George Bush has been a leader. He killed the Kyoto treaty which to many is not good but in reality the initiative would have crippled the economy of U.S. Undaunted he established a 10,000,000 dollar grant to promote private conservation initiatives. He eased field testing controls on genetically engineered crops. Changed parts of the Forestry Management Act to allow necessary cleanup of the national forests in order to reduce fire danger. Restricted judicial challenges (based on the Endangered Species Act and other challenges), and removed the need for an Environmental Impact Statement before removing fuels/logging to reduce fire danger. Stopped Clintons CO2 rules that were cutting off electricity surplus to California. Provided matching grants for state programs that help private landowners protect rare species. Oh and just as an aside, President Bush’s own ranch in Crawford Texas is by far more energy efficient with more eco friendly ‘green’ features than even the green champ himself, Al Gore. While Al’s house uses 20 times more fossil fuel in a month than the average home does in a year. The Bush home uses NO fossil fuel at all utilizing geo thermal heated water that is recycled from rain water off the roof. Bush is truly a leader by example and not in words only.
Mr. Bush has also put through three pay raises for the military increasing it by more than 1 billion per year. Withdrawn troops from Bosnia, Germany and the Korean DMZ. Prohibited the putting U.S. troops under U.N. command. Ordered renovation of military housing and modernization. More than 76,000 homes have gone through the upgrade. Earmarked at least 20% of the military budget for research and development of future weaponry.
At home Bush has implemented tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 that have greatly benefitted all people across the board. Not just the wealthy as some would have you believe. One study shows this scenario if the tax cuts were to expire or be done away with;
Tax rates will rise substantially in each tax bracket, some by 450 basis points;
Low-income taxpayers will see the 10-percent tax bracket disappear, and they will have to pay taxes at the 15-percent rate;
Married taxpayers will see the marriage penalty return;
Taxpayers with children will lose 50 percent of their child tax credits;
Taxes on dividends will increase beginning on January 1, 2009;
Taxes on capital gains will increase, also beginning on January 1, 2009; and
Federal death taxes will come back to life in 2011, after fading down to nothing in 2010.
Facts thanks to William W. Beach and Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
Bush also signed Medicare reform which includes prescription drug benefits and a 10 year privatization option. Prior to this reform, Medicare paid for extended hospital stays for ulcer surgery, for example, at a cost of about $28,000 per patient. Yet Medicare would not pay for the drugs that eliminate the cause of most ulcers, drugs that cost about $500 a year. Now, drug coverage under Medicare will allow seniors to replace more expensive surgeries and hospitalizations with less expensive prescription medicine. New Health Savings Accounts: Effective January 1, 2004, Americans can set aside up to $4,500 every year, tax free, to save for medical expenses. Depending on your tax bracket, that means you’ll save between 10 to 35 percent on any costs covered by money in your account. Every year, the money not spent would stay in the account and gain interest tax-free, just like an IRA. These accounts will be good for small business owners, and employees. More businesses can focus on covering workers for major medical problems, such as hospitalization for an injury or illness. At the same time, employees and their families will use these accounts to cover doctor’s visits, or lab tests, or other smaller costs. Some employers will contribute to employee health accounts. This will help more American families get the health care they need at the price they can afford.
More on his list include No Child Left Behind that hold children and schools accountable for certain learning benchmarks. The consolidation of more than 20 departments down to one which is Homeland Security, vastly streamlining response to emergencies and terrorist threats while eliminating bureaucracy. Faith based initiatives programs and grants. Strengthened the 2nd amendment by notifying the Supreme Court that the U.S. Governments position is to support INDIVIDUALS rights to own fire arms.
These are just a few of the things most people don’t associate with the name George W. Bush. In reality you can’t blame them. None of these accomplishments were put out there as front page news and it isn’t discussed at the water cooler much I’m sure. One thing that can’t be denied is that since Sept. 11th 2001 we haven’t had another terrorist attack on our soil and despite the economic downturn now, we had 52 months of uninterrupted job growth and prosperity after he led us out of a recession he inherited from Clinton. All in all we have a lot that we can look back on and thank George Bush for and perhaps now we can credit him for being a little smarter at least than a 5th grader.
Citizens Profile: Impressions on the heart
President Bush has touched so many of our lives in many ways. Citizens Profile takes you into those lives.
Etta Hinesley
Elections have always been a big deal to me, but the election that took place between Al Gore and George W. Bush was one that I will always remember. Sure, like everyone, because of the “hanging chads” but for me that election took on a new meaning. I am a Republican but I truly look at the candidates as individuals in a race. I totally connected with the faith of George W. I spent much time in prayer about the outcome and at the time I didn’t really understand why this election had put me on my knees.
One day after spending some quiet time in my room, I came out to find my daughter Heidi ( who was seven) sitting at her desk with a picture she was coloring. “Wow”, I commented, “that guy has some really big arms and hands”. Without looking up she said, “He has big arms and hands because he has a big job.” “Really,..who is it?” I asked. She took her crayon and wrote over his head ….Jorj W. Bush. I laughed at the spelling but my heart was drawn to the intensity of her voice. As if she had some understanding at seven about what was soon to happen. 911
When you are a single mom, you feel the weight of the world is on your shoulders to be able to wear all the hats that it requires to get four kids to school, dance, church, games, help with homework, provide a home, food, clothes and not to mention entertainment. After 911 I was also concerned about the safety of our schools, malls, even churches with terrorist here on our soil. It was overwhelming to watch that plane fly into the second tower and the pain our nation felt for the families. I watched the coverage with a sickness in my heart, but when our President, George W. Bush spoke to the nation that night, I saw that he too was in pain, but what I really saw was a man that had big arms and big hands because he had a really big job to do.
As the years past by and we got further away from 911, I think it was easy for us to forget the terror that we felt that day. With every speech, every state of the union address our President Bush reminded the terrorist and the nations that gave them shelter that we would not falter or fail in our quest to get them.
Nothing can bring that to life for you like having your beautiful daughter come to you and say, “Mom, I think I am going to join the Marines.” In my mind, I’m thinking, “Are you nuts… join the Peace Corp.. anything but the Marines.” But with my mouth, I say, “Why do you want to join the Marines?” Her answer was quick, ” I really believe that God is calling me to do it”. I can only say that it is at time like that, you know, that it means everything to have a Commander in Chief who is in touch with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. On January 23, 2007, I said good bye to my beautiful Marine as she was getting on a plane bound for Iraq. She was a Lance Corp when she left and received a NAM award while she was there for enhancing the security at Camp Fallujah by revamping the system for securing badges on base. She was assigned to a Lioness team while in Iraq. This is a group of female Marines who go out on a mission with the male Marines. On February 11, 2008 I watched her get off the bus at Camp Le Jeune, NC, and run into the arms of her fiance Marine Staff Sargent Ross Wafler, who also has served two tours in Iraq. Yes, I still thank God every day that we had a President that knew what he was doing when he made the call to go after the terrorist. He knows the value of the lives that go to war and the price they pay for us to live in peace. President Bush was called for such a time as this.
That’s my story. I am a Registered Nurse and work as a Complex Discharge Planner for the Medical Center of Central Georgia. I live in Warner Robins, Georgia. My oldest child is Brittani 27, a school teacher in Melborne, Fla married to Clayton Bluhm, an engineer with Northrop. They have a two year old, Xander, who of course has my heart. Caleb is my son, 23 who teaches guitar to about 30 children, and loves playing praise and worship music at church.
Sidni is my Marine 22 and is working to make SGT in the Marine Corp in March. She and Ross were married in April when she returned home from Iraq. Ross has a seven year old son Aaron who is my awesome grandson. Heidi is my 15 year old in her first year of high school. She is the artist. The last eight years were difficult at times for our family and for many families across the country, There are thousands of stories out there yet to be told, but as for me and my house, we have been able to sleep at night knowing that with W. in the White House, we were safe from terrorist at our house.
SGT Christopher Cain
I had the pleasure of meeting President Bush in Charleston WV in February of 2001.
I had accompanied MSG David Eshbaugh (we all called him Esh for short), whom I served with at the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg WV, to the Presidential Visit to Yeager Field. MSG Eshbaugh greeted President Bush at the stairs of Air Force One (the smaller one, they can’t land a 747 at Yeager Field).
Prior to our visit, MSG Eshbaugh and the members of the Audio/Visual crew had made up a framed and matted photograph for the President of his Basic Training Graduation back in 1968. Then Airman Eshbaugh and Airman Bush shared the same dorm at Lackland AFB in San Antonio Texas. MSG Eshbaugh had told me of several conversations he had with Airman Bush back then. See, as I understand it, early in his military career, President Bush was in a leadership position. From the stories I’ve heard from MSG Eshbaugh, the then Airman Bush was his dorm chief.
One day, according to MSG Eshbaugh, he was growing weary of basic training and wanted to call it quits. Airman Bush sat him down and explained to him what a mistake that would be and said that the flight will need him. He told him he was a valuable member of a team and that he wished Esh would reconsider. Of course, Esh did and the rest is history.
We got on the C-130 in Martinsburg and flew some 45 minutes and landed in Charleston, where we witnessed his speech and later met him.
I found this excerpt of the Presidential visit to Charleston on the White House website.
President Bush: “Finally, I don’t want to embarrass the fellow, but I’m going to. In 1968, July of ‘68, I was stationed in Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.”
Audience Member: “Hooah.” (Laughter.)
President Bush: “You don’t sound old enough to have been there.”
After he spoke, we got to meet the President back stage. This is when I got to shake his hand. You know, the man has a certain presence that can’t be described in words. Esh presented him with the picture. I remember President Bush was so grateful. I thought, here he is, the leader of the free world and he still has time to meet and talk to old friends.
President Bush took MSG Eshbaugh’s hand to shake it. He leaned into Esh and said “You know Esh, sometimes I wish I had stayed in and made a career out of the Air Force”. Esh, with his dry sense of humor looked at President Bush with a straight face and said “Just think Mr. President, by now, you too could be a Master Sergeant.”
The room erupted with laughter. President Bush shook his head and he laughed out loud.
What an experience! I not only got to meet “the boss” but, I found out he was a regular guy at heart.
This was of course, prior to September 11th.
After September 11th I was deployed to Iraq as a Medic. After my service, I returned to the US and went back to work at the Unit. I then transferred my Enlistment to the Army National Guard where I continued to support the War on Terror. In Aug of 2007 I had a heart attack while training which ended my Military Career.
Why am I thankful to President Bush? I am so thankful that we had a man with the vision and fortitude to see our country through it’s darkest hour. I am thankful that he conveyed the kind of leadership that inspired many like myself to go forth and serve this great nation in these troubled times. You know, I’ve heard many people in the media and what not, talk down about President Bush. I NEVER bought into the media hype. It use to really irritate me when the media would talk down about him. I guess I’m a little biased, I saw the man, I shook his hand and looked into his eyes and saw not a Republican or a Democrat, I saw a man who had this Nation’s best interest truly at heart. Given the fact that we are still living in a Nation that is Free in the light of a War brought to these shores by those who would like to see our Nation die, and the fact that we are winning the War on Terror, speaks volumes of the leadership President Bush gave to this country.
Who moved?
Well we could go either way with this premise. Either President Bush seeing grave danger and mounting problems moved with decisive action to house “enemy combatants”. Seeing the need for gleaning necessary information out these ruthless people he had Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) set up in 2001. This facility was to house not just your everyday purse snatchers, no, these folks were caught out in the battle field with things like machine guns, IED’s, (improvised explosive devices) rocket launchers, laptops filled with plans, contacts, future moves, etc. All these wonderful little gadgets were pointed at our military. Your sons and daughters mind you. One other caveat no one seems to think of is that these “terrorist’s” wear no distinguishable uniform. You can’t tell an Al Qaeda member from the local merchant. They blend and move in and out of innocent civilians with ease. That’s a huge problem these cowards have presented. That’s a huge problem that needed action. Who moved?
The other way we could go would be to listen to “every wind of doctrine” and bend with the strongest gales. Across the nation and throughout the world lone calls of closing Gitmo and cat calls of mistreatment started soon after it’s establishment. At first these railings weren’t received very well. People of the world hadn’t yet been treated to their daily diet of death, destruction, and mayhem. Provided by the media and all Bush’s fault of course. Then as the glare of the spotlight focused and liberal left groups cried all the louder for “human rights”, one by one politicians began to cave. Not willing to stand up for our own military men and womens rights they bowed to donors and extremist’s. Problems did arise, funny that seems to happen both in war and peace times, instead of handling them, prosecuting the wrong doers and moving on, the liberal left used it to beat down and grind their goals into the American psyche. Polls were thrown at us almost daily and our weak elected leaders on the left and some on the right saw this as a possible problem in their re-election plans. A few did not. (see above paragraph ). Obama ran his platform on many promises, one of which was to immediately close Gitmo on day one. Regardless of valuable information we get that saves Americans, never mind that no one else in the world wants these guys. Save John Murtha, Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania. Isn’t he the guy that said our troops were murderders and rapists? I wonder how the citizens of PA feel about him aswaging his guilt this way (maybe I give him to much credit for having guilt-that would indicate a conscious). Well now Obama has closed Gitmo with a mighty stroke of his majestic pen. Not right away mind you, lets wait a year then that’s it. Absolutely closing, just not right away, let’s wait a year see what happens and then Gitmo is no more, maybe. Period. Now I ask you. Who moved?
Did the man who stood fast in the face of fierce opposition and a brutal media who exaggerated Abu Ghraib as the ultimate sin that we’ll never live down. That man who saw the need for Americas protection as his foremost calling regardless of the polls. The man who stood for and with the troops at every turn. Was it that man.
Or was it the man who ran on a platform of change and with that turned away from real decisions and hard policy on day two of his administration. Appeasing those who would let American troops be less safe. They have to worry about “terrorists rights” with every door they bust open to find the bad guys and rid this evil off of the battle field.
Which man moved? They both did. One by his convictions, the other by the wind.
A class act and wonderful First Lady
First Lady Laura Lane Welch Bush, perhaps we’re not all familiar with her full name nor do we all know of all her accomplishments and great tasks she’s undertaken these last eight years and even before. We all however ( or at least 87% according to some polls ) simply adore her and attribute to her such accolades as “classy”, “lovely”, and “a wonderful lady”. So often in politics all we find are phony people who seem to say and do the right things. Never do you see their hair out of place and they always wear the most fashionable clothing not because they honor the position but it’s what one does when one is in certain circles. Not so Laura. Mrs. Bush is definitely genuine, authentic and so good hearted.
To watch her on TV even if in the background of the President you find yourself impressed with her smile and demeanor. On the rare occasions we’ve seen her in an interview we’re glued to the screen much like that commercial years ago where people would stop in their tracks to watch Michael Jordan dazzle the opponent and take a 30 foot jumper. No slam dunk but dazzling just the same, Laura Bush has captured the American peoples love and admiration. No first lady in recent memory invokes such warm thoughts or inspiring visions of “I can do”.
Mrs. Bush has been busy these last eight years and her list of accomplishments is impressive. Bursting on the scene by being the keynote speaker for the 2000 National Republican convention she gained national attention. Her hallmark interests in education and literacy were evidenced by her establishing the annual National Book Festival in 2001. This push has not stopped at the waters edge as she has spread this message worldwide. Laura has also advanced causes for women. The Heart Truth and Susan G. Komen for the cure. She has represented the United States abroad and focused heavily on HIV/AIDS and malaria awareness. In October 2002, she was honored by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity for her work in promoting education. The American Library Association honored her for the support she gave to Librarians and America’s libraries in 2005. She also received an award in honor of her work to improve living conditions and education of children around the world from the Kuwait-American Foundation in March of 06. The Nichols-Chancellors Medal on behalf of disaster relief workers around the world in May of 06 from the Vanderbilt University. She was also awarded the 2008 Christian Freedom International Freedom Award. She helped launch the National Anthem Project and in her time as First Lady she was named the Honorary Ambassador for the United Nations Decade of Literacy. Not satisfied with just the title she held a world wide conference later that year to promote the cause. Also Laura has had three learning institutions named for her work. Laura Welch Bush Elementary School in Houston Texas, the Laura W. Bush Elementary School near Austin, Texas and the Laura Bush Education Center at Camp Bondsteel, a U.S. military base in Kosovo. It has been obvious where her hearts passion lives. From heart disease to breast cancer and to the children everywhere in the world, Laura Bush has given much effort and stood on the front lines of compassion and hope.
Perhaps she’s captured some hearts with her candor and unwavering love and respect for her husband, her president. When President Bush declared “bring it on” in response to a reporter who asked about the terrorist and possible retaliation. Laura chided the President and let him know that was not the best thing to say. President Bush to his credit acknowledged the reproof and agreed it was not right. She was no less quick to voice her opinion and support when others would question the countries President. When Fox News’ Chris Wallace asked in 2006 why the American people are beginning to lose confidence in President Bush she replied. “Well I don’t think they are. And I don’t really believe those polls.” I travel around the country, I see people, I see their response to my husband, I see their response to me. There are a lot of difficult challenges right now in the United States. All of those decisions that the President has to make surrounding each one of these very difficult challenges are hard. They’re hard decisions to make. And of course some people are unhappy about what some of those decisions are. But I think people know that he is doing what he thinks is right for the United States, and that is to protect them. When his polls were really high they weren’t on the front page.”
Laura Bush is quite the lady, the ambassador, wife, leader and gracious human being. She has represented the American spirit and indeed given it strength. I may not have captured all her essence in this post but I’m sure I’ve got it just about right when I say. ” We the American people say Thank You, we love you, you are God’s Best.”
Where is the confidence?
Over the last eight years Americans knew they had an able bodied leader at the helm. Faced with many challenges he always exuded and inspired confidence. When the Chinese held captive some of our citizens early on in President Bush’s administration, sure there were some tense moments but no lack of confidence and the people were soon set free. North Korea rattled it’s sabers with nuclear ambitions and while everyone was aware, I don’t remember widespread panic. Captains of industry were caught fleecing Americans but under Bush’s watch they are serving time in jail where they belong. When our own planes were hi-jacked to bring down the very symbols of our financial strength and killed over 3000 of our citizens, you and I looked to one man for confidence and direction in our grave time of need.
When the world gathered with collective consensus about Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction. Every major world leader agreed and every United States politician who chimed in and touted the need to remove the dictator by any means possible. The American people also agreed and were united in support to rid the world of this danger.
After 17 meaningless resolutions it was no surprise to anyone what was to come and no one at that time was willing to do anything except George W. Bush. I don’t remember anyone chiding the choice then. The media hyped up the perils of war predicting the need for 50,000 body bags and to prepare for a long protracted conflict. The eve of the “shock and awe” did bring tensions to us all as we watched war unfold before our eyes on TV. Those tensions were short lived as our military and our president made short work of the initial conflict.
Time and the media has chipped away at our confidence in Bush yet it’s still an inescapable truth. With the markets up and down it only takes a few positive comments from Bush and they rise. Our military men wax confident with each surprise visit and each mention of support in speeches that are seen and heard around the world. Even in the deepest darkest caves where our worst enemy is (or at least has been) damned to live in darkness and necessary incarceration. Yes our confidence level has been constant over these last eight years and something all Americans could count on regardless of the situation.
Enter Obama; Since his election the American people have been all over the board. Happy, hopeful, fearful, unsure, not ready and confused. This is not surprising, Obama himself has given cause for doubt with his own words and flip flopping on issues. Once so sure of the economic prosperity that would come on Jan 20th, 2009 he touted his plans only to change his words to a sober reality.
Obama said. “It will take longer than any of us would like — years, not months. It will get worse before it gets better.”
Obama also said he would bring the troops home, close Gitmo, “change” from politics of the usual. Nothing so far, nothing, has even showed a glimpse of what Obama has talked and boasted of. Even the stock market was down sharply and plunging deeper as he was being sworn in on Lincolns Bible at his 150,000,000.00 extravaganza. Polls show an 83% approval rating as Obama enters but according to the blogosphere and the extreme liberal left who feel they put him in office, confidence levels are very low. No one on that end is happy for the two sides of Obama. No one except the media. They have been in an orgasmic state for two months and it culminated today. We the people have been treated to dog choices, wardrobe, family history and empty words of how the world will now be with our new savior at the helm.
This false sense of approval is no confidence. It won’t be long before those who’ve “paid” the bills will come calling wanting what’s due. Approval will wane and the lack of confidence will be apparent. There will be no constant as in the last eight years. It’s not possible given the many directions Obama has proposed to take or not to take. In his speech today Obama referenced the Bible. ” It’s time to put away childish way’s” referring to being bipartisan.
I have one you may be interested in as well.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8)
Proud Citizen
Today President Bush gave his last televised speech. His farewell address to the nation. It was obvious that there were emotions bubbling beneath the surface but he handled it with his usual dignity.
He spoke of 9-11 and he recalled standing on that pile of rubble, from that day forward he vowed to do his utmost to keep us from further harm. With time many Americans have for the most part dismissed those days as if they were in a forgotten page of a history book. Not our president. To this day he still carries the badge of a police officer George Howard who was killed that day.
Bush also said. ” In terms of the decisions that I have made to protect the homeland, I wouldn’t worry about popularity. What I would worry about is the constitution of the United States, and putting plans in place that makes it easier to find out what the enemy is thinking. Because all these debates will matter not if there is another attack on the homeland. The question won’t be, you know, were you critical of this plan or not? The question will be why didn’t you do something”?
It’s been 7 years since those tragic days and I remember thinking, where will the next strike be? Will that odd chart on TV tell me the threat level has risen higher? Will the world ever return to normal? Am I witnessing now, in my own country what I used to only see on the news of far away places? We all remember where we were that day,( if we think about it anymore) what we were doing when it came across the screen. The numbness that followed, disbelief, doubt. When the realness set in and fear began to grip our thoughts like a fast growing vine around a post. We turned to one man. As a nation we set our eyes upon him and as a family we bound together in determination and hope. We did so at the direction of our president. A man who vowed to never forget and to do his utmost to see this never happen again. He has done that.
As he said in his speech he now is taking the role of a proud citizen but he’s far more than that. History will smile on him as well as you and I when we look back years from now and see the tremendous danger he’s kept us from. Hindsight will be kind to this man and perhaps allow all of us to glimpse some of the daily perils we faced. Something Obama is only now seeing in his briefings. As Bush said in closing “God Bless America and God Bless the next administration”.
Bush speaks out
Well after eight years of ridicule, mockery, accusations, unfair coverage and negative scrutiny President Bush speaks out. This was to be his last press briefing and I suppose he wanted to share whats been long on his mind.
I’m no psychologist but it is obvious for anyone who saw this briefing or read the transcripts that all these issues have weighed heavily on him all this time. He spoke with passion about the country and it’s mindset right after 9-11. With equal vigor he asked us to recall the environment around the White House in those days. People being hauled up before congress and grilled on “why they didn’t connect the dots”. How the critics went from standing together to partisan bickering and finger pointing. ” I remember those days” he said with a sober tone. President Bush’s mandate at that time and indeed to this day has been to protect this country and rather than sit and do nothing he has taken action. Actions that every American should be thankful for but instead he has been lambasted by the liberal left and the elite. With the help of the media those perverted views have permeated to the average citizen and now it seems only a remnant see clearly the dangers we’ve avoided with the man who has lead us. Bush who until today held his tongue against his critics stood with his face against the darkness unwavering in his commitment. Can the same be said of Harry Reid? Perhaps Ted Kennedy stayed up all night worrying and in prayer? Surely Michel Moore,Ted Turner, Dan Rather, Nancy Pelosi, Hilliary Clinton and even Obama himself all gathered in support and stood in lock step with this man to ensure my freedom and yours. Sadly no, they all have fought tooth and nail to bring doubt and uncertainty to the brilliant moves made by President Bush. “fake but accurate”, “the war is lost”, “Bush harmed the country”, “our moral standing is lost”. Ranting and raving is not action.
There are those in history who have faced equal or greater odds. Books are filled with these legacies both failed and true. One book has not been written yet but the ink wells are poised and as time passes they will be emptied onto the pages of George Bush’s legacy. If it were written now perhaps the first line would be.
“You and I are safe tonight because one man stood”.
George W. Bush.
Honor in Transistion
While the clamors for change and to restore our good standing in the world keep coming from the left. President George W. Bush keeps handling situations the same way he always has. With class. They’ll be no missing ‘O’ buttons on keyboards, no vanishing silverware from Air Force One as he leaves office along with the staff. In fact Mr. Bush has been more than accommodating to the incoming president and his team. They have even credited him for it.
“President-elect Obama thanked President Bush for his commitment to a smooth transition, and for his and First Lady Laura Bush’s gracious hospitality in welcoming Obama to the White House.”said Stephanie Cutter, spokeswoman for the Obama transition office.
This should come as no surprise seeing that he has always treated others in office with dignity and respect. Senator Hillary Clinton is the only sitting senator with her portrait in the White House. George Bush put it there. He also unveiled former President Bill Clinton’s portrait that day, Bill was quite happy.
”The president, by his generous words to Hillary and me today, has proved once again that in the end, we are held together by this grand system of ours that permits us to debate and struggle and fight for what we believe is right,” Clinton said.
Bill and Hillary have since trashed him again and again and Obama has also said many ‘unflattering’ things since the election. Bush also bent over backwards to honor Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family. Renaming the Justice dept. to honor Robert, Ted’s brother, seeking Ted Kennedy’s input and support on such domestic issues as education, prescription drugs, immigration etc. Ted was so happy to accept an invitation to the White House for a private movie based on the Kennedy’s. Still old Ted has never stopped excoriating President Bush, so much so that George Bush Sr. asked him to tone it down. The list goes on and yet everyone that the President has been kind to has turned to bite him. President Bush has not turned in kind, instead has held the dignity of the office as his guide in handling each of these disappointing actions of the liberal left.
It seems that the left is all so eager to hear President Bush’s praise and can’t get to the isles fast enough during the State of the Union address just to shake his hand with huge genuine smiles as cameras snap photos. While big movie stars and singers are happy to receive millions to help those with aids in Africa (more than any other President has ever done).When all the country was lost after 9-11 and looked to him for guidance, support and leadership. When every major leader agreed (at one time or another) even espousing to do the same as he did or more about Saddam Hussein. They all have turned like dogs to eat vomit lowering themselves and bringing disgrace to our political system. George Bush has not done so but continues to be gracious.
President elect Obama will face many challenges, he has been finding out about those in the past few weeks from meetings with President Bush. He seems to have sobered some with this new information so perhaps his rhetoric will soften or even (dare I say) ‘change‘. Somehow I doubt it. Even so President Bush invited Obama to the White House today along with former presidents Clinton, Bush Sr. and Carter. He didn’t have to include these men but he did. Out of respect for the former presidents and for the incoming President Barack Obama. To show Americans and the world that we, the United States of America support our leadership and stand for one cause.
Respect and honor in transition and in serving. Let’s hope President Elect Obama has paid attention.
Dem’s continue to stack up on thin resumes
As one may have conceived Obama’s notion to cross the river and swim in Republican waters uncharted by Obama and his colleagues is one ship that never left port. As he continues to stack his “dream team” with thin resume radicals.
Obama’s choice of Leon Panetta to head the CIA is one of those prime examples.
“I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta. I know nothing about this, other than what I’ve read,” said Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who will chair the committee in the 111th Congress. “My position has consistently been that I believe the agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.
Michael Scheuer, a 22-year CIA analyst who worked in tracking Osama bin Laden, likened Panetta to a “political hack”
Obama aides claimed he hoped to choose someone with extensive field experience, particularly with the looming threat of terrorist attacks and activity.
To add to the fire Panetta said under no circumstances should torture ever be conducted! We are dealing with Terrorists who’s only purpose in life is to destroy the United States!
You’re going to tell me that these people don’t need to be throughly interrogated? If legal technique is what it takes to find out pertinent information, about AL-Qadia I’m all for it. If we must “torture” one terrorist to save 1,000 lives how could you make an objection?
Panetta’s lack of CIA experience, thin resume, and inability to bend on his radical torture beliefs make him not only unfit for such a position, yet continue to show us how our future president will operate.
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