Posted on 01/20/2009 5:55:43 PM PST by rintense
Today, we witness the end of an era. While that cliche recalls a bit of nostalgia and even a bit of sorrowful histrionics, we nonetheless realize the impact the past eight years have had on us as Americans and as individuals.
Eight years ago we welcomed a straight-talking, steel backboned cowboy as the 43rd President of the United States. Detractors already had him labeled as the spoiled rich kid. Yet, there was something about him that reached to everyday Americans. He wasn't the typical polished politician. He didn't get caught up in the hyperbole of oration. He laughed at himself before others could laugh at him. And he even admitted to loving cheetos and peanut butter 'sammiches'.
Who knew eight years ago that an everyday kinda guy named George Walker Bush would have turned the Washington DC elite on their backs by being every bit the cowboy his home state of Texas is so well known for.
We did.
We knew his capability for greatness.
Dubya, a simple nickname for a man far more complex than given credit for, gave us a glimpse of that greatness during his first international crisis with the Chinese in the early days of his administration. We witnessed that greatness on September 11th, 2001 as Dubya united Americans for a common goal and against a radical enemy. He spoke for every single one of us as he addressed the workers at Ground Zero and said, 'I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.'
Plan spoken greatness straight from the heart of an American.
Arguably, the months following September 11th were his best. We saw his vulnerability with each tear he shed, only to be outdone by the sheer resolute conviction that 'we will not falter, we will not fail.' It was in these months, that George W. Bush cemented his place in US history as well as our hearts.
He wasn't perfect. Far from it. He made decisions that angered those on both sides of the political spectrum. But there can be no doubt whatever he decided, it wasn't done to placate the national media or to somehow get into the good graces of those who battered him with criticism on a daily basis. In fact, the famous photo of Dubya walking with a copy of 'Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News' was pretty much a one fingered Texas salute to the media. Again, he personified what so many of us were already knew.
By most accounts, George Bush the man was one that even the staunchest of detractors admitted to liking. Quite often, many marry policy and ideal to the individual and liability. But even the most ardent partisan succumbed to the man and realized there is a true and distinct difference between what you see and what you get. After all, who doesn't get a quick smile when Dubya tells Ozzie Osborn that 'mom likes your stuff.'
With every President, we hear the phrase 'history will be the judge of a President's true success.' Those of us who have been supporters of George Walker Bush for the past eight years know what it takes to be make history. And we know, years from now, the man with a spine of steel who wears his heart on his sleeve, will truly be historic.
The angel will still ride in the whirlwind... with a few layovers in Midland, Texas.
God bless you, George Walker Bush. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Nice work my facebook friend!
Thanks! :)
Thank you for the excellent links. I signed up:)
I will miss our President and lovely First Lady more than
I can say. They loved God, America, each other and were
not ashamed to show it. May the Lord Bless them and
protect them everyday of their life.
I miss them. Hope they are having a great time together.
Thank you, rintense!
I was honored to be a part of this wonderful thread for six years.
God bless President Bush as he continues his service to his Lord, and his country!
Me too, jonny!
Hi. ;*)
Hi, 4integrity!
(I’ve missed you!!)
Hi, KittyMittens!! :)
rintense, that opening statement is AWESOME!!
Hope you are well!
OMG, ((((((((((( OHIO ))))))))))))))!!!
I’ve missed you too! Hope you and the family are well!
We’re doing great, 4integrity!
(Other than a little broken shoulder blade that I’m working through......)
I’ve told some other folks here, but Eric is back safely from deployment number 2, and he earned himself a Bronze Star!
We’re kinda proud of that. :))
ooooooo, broken shoulder blade NOT FUN...best wishes for speedy and complete recovery.
I didn’t know Eric had redeployed.....thank God for his safe return! Please relay my appreciation for his service and for the Bronze Star. You sure have reason to be proud......God bless your wonderful son and his parents who are wonderful role models!
It’s sooooo nice to ‘talk’ with you again. Your tribute to our dear “W” was fantastic! It’s still hard to think that President Bush is no longer in Office.....I miss him so much.
This woman set it to music, added some graphics and has it scrolling as you read it. Guaranteed to make you cry........especially now that they're gone. Arrgggghhhhhh!!
Let me know if you want to see it. :)
Hey! Who let you in here? ;-)
It's a secret!
Hi, OhioWjan
Hi, OhioWfan
Hi, tommix2! Good to see you!
How have you been these past two years?
(Yikes! Time flies!)
What's the delay, anyway?
(I figured if anyone would know how to find them, it would be you! :)
I’m here! Haven’t heard why H2H is on delay. Considering the things RJ said about Stefanie in his book, she probably told him to take a leap.
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