To my great pride as a blogger, I have published an essay today, President Bush's last full day in office, at Pajamas Media: "George W. Bush’s Legacy: Moral Vision."
But for the present post, let me share the letter to the president by Eric at Tygrrrr Express, "Dear President Bush" (cited here at midstream):
I could spend hours praising your 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, in addition to your many fine qualities in terms of how you treated every day human beings.Read the whole thing here (and leave a nice word or two in the comments).
Yet to me you will always be the man that kept us safe. I will always see you through the prism of September 11th, 2001. I will always well up with emotion when I think of you standing with that firefighter on September 14th, three days after the attacks. I still hear your voice exalting Americans. “I hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and pretty soon the people who knocked down these buildings will hear from all of us!” They heard us loud and clear.
I will go to my grave believing that the Iraq War was the legally and morally right thing to do. Reconstruction has been tough, but Saddam is gone. The world is absolutely better off for this. The collateral effects included Khadafi of Libya voluntarily giving up his weapons programs. This was a direct result of your leadership. You labeled Iran, Iraq, and North Korea as the “Axis of Evil.” You were right, and one of those three is no longer led by a dictator out to threaten the world. When your critics declared that the Iraq War was lost, you doubled down, ordered a surge, and brought in General David Petraeus. Not only did you hire the best and brightest, you let them do their jobs, and get those jobs done right.
On September 20th, 2001, you told us that America, “would not falter, and would not fail.” You let us know in January of 2009 that we “did not falter and did not fail.”
If anybody wants evidence that America is still a beacon for the world to admire and emulate, just look at your successor. Only in America could his election be possible. As expected, your graciousness and kindness towards him and his family is sincere. Some say you were a divider and not a uniter. This is totally false. You reached out to your critics, and they never accepted your hand of friendship. Your political enemies were the ones who polarized this nation. Your successor mentioned the other day that he thinks you are a good person. His critics need to hear this over and over again. Despite their obsession with division, you remained kind to the end, and were able to unite people that were willing to let decency override partisanship.
Eric makes clear as well that this administration's record in black political inclusion and support for AIDS eradication in Africa, among other areas, is unsurpassed.
Thank you President Bush. You will be deeply missed and our country is better off for having you.
Photo Credit: Wordsmith at Flopping Aces, "8 Years of 'Failed Policies'."
38 comments:
Where do you find these guys you cut and paste Professor? This Eric fellow praises tax cuts that led to gigantic deficits. I guess he's a rich guy that got most of the benefits. He thanks the President that ignored a memo titled Bin Laden Determined to Attack United States for keeping us safe?
Khadaffi was rendered impotent after his house was cruise missled.
Bush thoroughly politisized the Justice Department. Find a person of reasonable intelligence that thinks Alberto Gonzoles was anything but a Bush friend that would do whatever the President told him.
Then this guy practically thanks Bush for Barack Obama's election.
Oh. As for the best and the brightest hires? Remember the Dana Perino. Bush's bright Press Secretary that didn't know what the Bay of Pigs was?
Professor Douglas: If this Administration is your idea of a success, your class must be an easy "A."
Our taking out the Iraqi government put the U.S. in a strategic offensive position. Our enemy then attacked us head on and did not do so well. Now our enemy is re-deploying to new fronts.
We shall see how round two goes over the next four years.
One of the things about liberals is that they are incapable of debating without being hateful.
This Truth fellow felt the need to attack me personally. That is what liberals do.
I am not rich. I am middle class. I believe in tax cuts and supply side economics. That is a political view.
Addressing the rest of his hate speech is unnecessary. It is the standard "all conservatives are dumb/evil/both" nonsense.
Only a liberal would refer to themselves as "Truth."
The truth is, he is a judgmental and vindictive human being. He told me that himself in his writing.
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
Thanks for visiting, Eric.
If you want to call me an America Hating nihilist homo loving baby killer Eric, I'll try to take it in the vain you and the Professor give it Buddy. And I'm sorry you're not rich. I got a six pack of Rolling Rock with my tax cut. What did you get fellow middle class Brother?
I am going to enjoy watching Dems twist themselves into pretzels defending BO. It was enjoyable with Clinton and it will be even more enjoyable with BO. Governing is a lot harder than standing on the outside chucking rocks. Enjoy being the target, t101. You earned it. Keine Angst!
I'm ready for you Lawman! Bring it on.
In case you've not seen my saying so here or elsewhere before, I have no real dog in this "legacy of Bush" thing. Many of those who thought he was great throughout, still do. Most of those who weren't that impressed on day one, still aren't. Even the people who have changed their minds, probably aren't going to change them again after he leaves office.
For good or ill, Bush's legacy among people alive today is pretty much set. And yes, maybe some future generation smarter than us will be celebrating his Dubya Day, and figuring out how to fit his face onto Mount Rushmore. On the other hand, maybe not. (Watching folks debate whether or not Bush'll be listed among the best or the worst Presidents after we're all dead carries all the fascination & pathos of doing the math as regards angels & pinheads, as far as I'm concerned... Your milage may vary...)
But Donald, Congrats on getting the essay on PJ media... I'm not a fan, given their bent--& I think the honor is diminished somewhat since "Joe, the war reporter" started doing his thing for them--but it's good that they liked your piece, anyway...
(Only criticism I had? It may need a rewrite, because the word "nihilist" doesn't appear in that essay once...)
Happy Inauguration Day, Donald. Two potential--& perhaps actual, once the dust of time has settled--great men will be center stage, tomorrow... ...one walking off, and one walking on...
Without President Bush the free world would have lacked any leadership after 9/11. Can you imagine if we had a wimp like Clinton still president? President Bush put the free world on the path to defeating the Islamofascists; and we shall do so.
I must also mention Laura Bush. She worked tirelessly promoting education. She once visited the elementary school my wife taught in and everyone loved her.
In a few years our colleges and universities will be overcrowded, standing room only, as a result of the education initiatives by the Bush administration. Many of these students will be from minority and lower class families....first generation college. Many schools here in the NE have large expansion programs progressing because they realize what is coming. President Bush and his wife will be credited with this education success.
Both posts were great. Thank you both for putting our feelings into words.
t101,
I look forward to the exchange. Here's a tip, don't quote W, it'll ruin your reputation.
Thank you, Norm! And thanks for sharing the stories...
Law and Order Teacher: Truth101 lives in my comment section, LOL! You'll always be able to whip up a debate!
Dr.D,
I read your essay. Congrats on the spot in PJ. VDH is certainly good company. Some of the comments were interesting to say the least. Some real intellectual high flyers there. "Good work," he said in abject idol worship.
This Eric fellow praises tax cuts that led to gigantic deficits.
WRONG. It was excessive SPENDING -- often on programs to address problems that are simply outside the Federal government's capability to effectively address, that led to the deficits.
If anything, the tax cuts led to revenue increases that mitigated the deficits ... by allowing the money to be used more productively than it would be under Gov control.
T101, until you Leftists recognize the limitations of "one size fits all" attempts at solving social problems -- a course of action that is a result of oversight to prevent government from playing favorites and thereby threatening civil liberties -- and realize that direct action by We the People can do both a more efficient and more effective job in resolving these highly-individualized problems, the spending, and deficits, will continue to mushroom.
That, and recognizing that reliance on Federal "experts" perpetuates The Biggest Lie of All, will lead you to the ways out of our present societal messes.
Thanks for commenting, Rich! We need your voice around here more often.
Great Stuff, Doctor. As my old blogging partner Brian used to say, if all of the "truthers" and libs are showing up in your comment section, you must be doing something right. I mean, if they really thought your writing was ridiculous, or stupid, they wouldn't bother coming back and commenting. I've seen hundreds of liberal blogs that are so ridiculous I am literally left speechless. I don't comment. I comment on good blogs.
I think Bush's legacy in the years ahead (25 or 50 years down the road) will be that we were not attacked a second time. It's an objective fact. It's his. And, of course, if Iraq and Afghanistan join the world stage, Bush will get the credit. Liberals in the US and Europe made sure those conflicts, and the results, will be synonymous with 'George W. Bush.' Not bad, I'd say!
Congratulations on the love letters to Bush, Donald. You must be very proud.
All I know is that my 87-year old grandmother today told me that she simply cannot wait for tomorrow.
My grandmother, for the record, may be the smartest person I've even known. And conservative her entire life too.
But this is very sweet, and a nice bunch of hagiographic sentiment. Now move on with the rest of the world.
Like Bush started doing about 2 years ago.
Republicans dislike the federal government, Truth. To prove it, they've reduced the number of their elected brethren in it, from the highest levels on down.
This is all going according to plan, apparently.
---
I mean, if they really thought your writing was ridiculous, or stupid, they wouldn't bother coming back and commenting.
Well, there is the entertainment value of really ridiculous writing. There are a few rightwing blogs I've been known to read just to see what craziness they'll come out with next. (In fact, Donald does that too, with leftwing blogs. I know this because he posts some of the stories he finds back here...)
That said, I concur with Pigg's intended meaning. Though I disagree with much of it, Donald's writing is neither ridiculous or stupid... most of the time.
if Iraq and Afghanistan join the world stage, Bush will get the credit.
Barring the necessity of further serious military or diplomatic action --a serious increase in intertribal hostilities in Iraq, or the resumption of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, for example--I again agree with Pigg. If the peace within and between themselves & their neighbors throughout the world stays at current levels (or preferably, increases), Bush does deserve much, if not all of the credit. If it doesn't, Bush very well may deserve at least a bit of the blame. And contrary to what some here may think of me, I'd really prefer to see Bush earn credit rather than blame for that which bears fruit from his actions in the region in years to come.
That said of course, I still believe that positive ends don't justify negative means. The secrets that leak out over time, and those others that will be declassified & released, will also affect how we & future generations view Mr Bush and the successes &/or failures of his "war on terror." In this arena too, I hope that he deserves and earns credit rather than blame.
Thanks for the advice Rich. I will be telling people from now to cut their wages so their pay increases. This is the same nonsense spewed by the folks at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by saying shipping our jobs overseas creates jobs. I'd just as soon keep our jobs here and let China and Singapore create their own jobs buddy.
Great posting here and at Pajamas! Bush was a good man who did what he truly felt was necessary in line with what was thrust before him. Events for which no one was prepared. Thanks to his decisions the freedom we enjoy will last albeit for now, in spite of the attempts to destroy it by extreme Islamists, many elements of media and a broad array of leftists and related elites.
Thanks for the advice Rich. I will be telling people from now to cut their wages so their pay increases.
Thinking typical of wage-slaves who have swallowed the Biggest Lie of All.
Taxes are not "earnings" ... they are a cost of doing business that, when applied unproductively, are a drain upon all of us. Go back and read my comments about the problem-solving effectiveness of the Federal Government, and you will see how higher taxes and their misapplication are a drain.
This is the same nonsense spewed by the folks at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by saying shipping our jobs overseas creates jobs. I'd just as soon keep our jobs here and let China and Singapore create their own jobs buddy.
If "sending jobs overseas" means greater productivity, that means lower prices, which stretches all our dollars farther ... or an improved supply of goods and services, effectively increasing our earnings.
And, the money that is not being used to subsidize the unproductive (like, say, at GM re: the UAW) is invested instead in more productive pursuits, you can end up with a net increase in American jobs.
I worked in the semiconductor business for a few years and have seen this firsthand ... by sending test and packaging overseas, you sell more chips -- and create more high-value jobs in American wafer fabs.
Your assume that the successful should be cash cows to be milked dry ... that's not sound "farming" of our economic resources. Quit assuming that the Feds can always do it better than We the People can directly -- and quit giving We the People a pass on personal economic responsibility.
Demand that EVERYONE "think like businessmen" instead of powerless wage-slaves -- and we will see better days.
The haters still can't be silent, their guy is in today, and they are still so mean spirited, they won't allow others to express gratitude to President Bush, without spewing forth their hate. Well, happy days are here, and hopefully after today, they will live in peace and happiness. And will no longer find the need to post on conservative blogs for sport. Right?
Thank you, Trish...
I clicked on your name, and then to that blog you follow (It's a family show here most times, so I won't name it), and my life is now changed... just as promised.
It's all good on Inauguration Day...
Thanks again.
LOLOLOL!
Repsac, try actually looking at the blog I follow! It's hilarious, it's about cute pictures of animals, and some very funny (sarcastic) comments. Maybe you just need to lighten up a tad.
But then you probably have absolutely NO sense of humor, as it appears from your downright nasty attitude. Such a shame.
Trish: Check under the white hoodie: T-Shirts Are Here. Commence Pant Shitting.: "Warning: THESE SHIRTS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!"
I was serious in thanking you for the intro, and in saying what I did about the site... (more or less... Contrary to the promise, it hasn't literally "changed my life..." ...yet, anyway, but it did literally have me almost off my chair, laughing).
If you don't believe me, and you read this comment fairly soon after I post it, you can go to the "penguin" site, where you'll see my familiar dragon icon/gravitar thingie on the bottom row of the "followers" list. If that fails, you can always check my "blogs I follow" list...
In short, I was serious about your introducing me to a really funny blog, and perhaps, just maybe, you ought to consider taking your own advice as regards that "lightening up" thing.
Still grateful, anyway...
repsac3
"nasty attitude"?
Me?
Again, I have to ask, where are you getting this from? What nasty thing have I said in this thread, or anywhere else?
I'm far from perfect, but I reject the idea that I'm more than very occasionally nasty to anyone without provocation...
As I keep requesting of Donald, less tell, & more show. On what specifically are you basing this accusation of nasty attitude?
Repsac, glad to hear you aren't the "nasty" guy I had suspected you were. I retract what I said, confused you with other posters here.
FUP is an entertaining site, no?
Thanks, Trish...
I'm sorry I was snippy to you, too.
I keep trying to get other things done, but every once in awhile I go back to FUP & read another pageful of the archives... (I can't do much more than one page at a time, what with all the tears of laughter & that pesky inability to breathe, anymore...)
It beats all the other "cute animal" sites I've seen, hands down... ...but it certainly ain't family friendly (unless your family is too young to read the words, and simply enjoys the pictures of the furry creatures. And even then, it's a risk.)
Since I'm relatively sure we'll clash on some political thing 'round here sooner or later, (& who knows where that'll leave us--you may even end up rethinking that retraction), I'll take this opportunity now to say it's been a pleasure chatting with ya...
Keep laughin' at the pretty birdies (or whatever other animals FUP posts) 8>)
Now it's back to work for me...
THAT was a wonderful photograph. GW and his wife were a Class Act, say what you will about his past eight years -- and I am no occluded unilateral cheerleader.
The adults, ladies and gentlemen, have left the table.
BZ
BZ: lol, my comment on my post of Obama's speech was "The adults are back in charge." Sounds like one of us is wrong, and based solely on avatars I'm going to assume that it is you. "The time has come to set aside childish things..."; the big kids are talking now.
Yes, we saw the adults who voted for Obama, in DC yesterday and at the farewell of George Bush, acting with grace and class. Yes, adults indeed.
@Trish:
Blaming all Obama voters &/or liberals for the actions of those who showed a lack of class by booing at or singing that old "Steam" song ("Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye") to Bush, et, al, is like blaming all soldiers (or even just all military guards) for the "few bad apples" who mistreated prisoners at Abu Ghraib. (Besides which, in the case of the Obama voters, there is not even a rumor that any high-ranking Obama or Democratic official released any sort of "gloves are coming off" or "Any action taken in defense of the US is inherently legal" memorandum in support of anyone's classless behavior.) I'm with you in condemning & calling out those who misbehaved; but suggesting that all (Dems, libs, Obama voters, or Obama team members, including him) are responsible for the actions of the relative few is a bit of a sweeping generalization.
Okay, I will cede once again to Repsac, and admit to making a sweeping generalization. But I can guarantee those in the crowd and along the parade routes, who acted so slimily and in poor taste, were all liberals and Obama voters.
Yes they were, Trish... ...and I'm ashamed that they are.
It's one thing to say disrespectful things in one's own living room, or here on the internet, but such behavior had no place at the "Goodbye to President Bush/Hello to President Obama" transitional ceremonies, in front of both men's families & whatnot.
I was sorry to see it happen.
JBW: looks like we'll see, won't we?
BZ
Good article, looks like you stirred up there as well as here.
We will, BZ. I'm just as curious as I assume you to be.
Trish, there is bad behavior and manners everywhere and as reppy said only those who participate in it should be blamed. As I just wrote on another thread here, we on the left are just as embarrassed by this kind of behavior as many on the right are by some of the things said by Ann Coulter but most honest people would agree that neither subset represents the views of their entire group.
Now Don on the other hand...
Bush is really a martyr(did I spell that right) for America. No one will admit it but I will. Bush threw everything away he had or could of had. He could of gone down as a one of upper-tier Presidents not a Wasington, Lincoln, or Regean but a great President. Instead he threw all that away. Bush pulled every connection he had. Used every political influence he had, told the approval ratings to go to hell. He sacrifice himself as a politician for this country but no one has realized it. He has kept us safe for 7 years. When Anti-Americaism ran wild around the globe(don't forget the West Coast and New England) He threw away his legacy so that you can tuck your children into bed safely, so that you can go to a sporting event without fear. This act of self-lessness is unheard of. The media will tear him apart and probably for generations to come but George W. Bush ruined himself and saved the country. I know for a fact Messiah Obama doesn't have this self-lessness. Bush wasn't an idoit, moron, idealogist. He was a martyr for America. We will appreciate him soon enough.
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