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.
He looks like the weight of the world has been taken off his shoulders and it has.
Exactly right.
I heard a rumor that the thing Bill Clinton envied most about W was his wife.
I also heard Laura told Michelle something like “300 million people depend on your husband you have to be the one he can always depend on”
Pretty amazing that something that started out as a celebration thread became such a welcomed mainstay! And thank YOU for your dedication to the dose too.
homemom, do you have the book that quote was from?
do you remember the name?
Laura is nothing but class. I swear the woman hasn’t aged one bit in eight years.
I’m with you Cicero........a sad day......seeing Dubya go, but I bet he’s breathing a sigh of relief tonight under the heavenly Texas sky. :)
I met his parents in 1998 when I was in Houston and went to see the Cubs and the Astros. If I had been there 5 minutes earlier I would have met him and Laura. I treasure the autographed scorecard more than anything. Being the huge baseball fans the whole family is they went to the game to see the kid pitch even though he was on the other team. (Kerry Wood).
I have tremendous amount of respect for the entire family. I also think W will stay out of it unlike his predecessor.
I’ve always thought you could judge a man by the way he treats children who are not his own. George W. Bush was always wonderful with kids, getting right down to look them in the eyes. One of my favorite pictures is the one from this past Christmas when he and Laura hosted families of members of the military. At one point, he was surrounded by a throng of kids, with their arms all around him. It was a wonderful sight.
Pres Bush has done a lot of heavy lifting these 8 years and he’s had to make some tough decisions. We’ll miss him. I think history will be kind to him.
She also told Michelle she would be available if she ever needed someone to talk to putting politics aside. Something Hillary never did for her. The thing is a woman like Laura can put politics aside if she can help another human being. Not sure if Michelle could. Also I think though Michelle knows it would not get out if she did.
I also was reading about the letter the Bush girls left for Malia and Sacha and thought it was very sweet.
I already miss that good man so very much.
May God grant him and his lovely bride... fair winds and following seas.
I hope he lives a long time long enough to see this happen. His parents seem to be in good overall health so that’s a good sign.
I think he will retire to the good life. I wish he’d become comissioner of baseball.
Thank you for these “Welcome Home” pictures. I had the live feed on for several hours, then, just as they were getting close to the stage, I had to leave. MISSED the welcome and his speech. :-(
It was wonderful. I am so thankful I got to travel to Midland to welcome them home. The crowd was large! There were so many standing in line they just finally opened the gates without going through security. Well over 35,000
Brought home my BLUE W sign.
Thank you President Bush and Mrs. Bush. You have shown more class today than many will ever see. God Bless You both!
Thank you rintense for your part in starting The Dose. You brought all of us of like mind and admiration for W, our wonderful President, together. Through and because of this thread, we have come to know our President and each other better. All the pictures and stories you and others have posted...the Toasters snugs has awarded us with...and all the trials and tribulations of everyday life we have experienced together has given us the gift of another warm family here. We have been there for each other through thick and thin and we have been blessed to have had this experience.
Thank you rintense. Thank you President and Mrs. Bush and VP and Mrs. Cheney...
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND I PRAY THE GOOD LORD WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP HER SAFE.
Thank you rintense for starting what became a remarkable 8-year-long journey we all shared together. Without the Dose, most of us wouldn’t know half of what we do about GWB’s presidency. So many memories. Sigh.
I always thought “the angel still rides in the whirlwind” was from the Bible, but can’t find the reference online and don’t have my “right” Bible (with the references in the back so I could find the verse) with me (we’re traveling) . . . and I added the other part. :-)
I’m sure some smart Doser will know for sure!
I haven’t cried all day. In fact, I haven’t watched or listened to any news today. Just picked up tidbits here on FR. Now, seeing that huge Welcome Home sign behind GWB and Laura, the tears are falling.
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