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.
Please use this thread to post your favorite moments from the past eight years. Photos from today will be scattered throughout the thread.
Personally, it has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the daily dose. I never expected eight years ago that this thread would become what it is today. Thank you to all who have lived here, and to those who have helped continue the daily posting of this thread.
:) rintense
PING!
Thank you, Rintense, for all your good work with the daily dose.
And may God bless President Bush.
My FAVORITE was 8 years ago...
“And An Angel Still Rides in the Whirlwind”
From his first Inaugural Speech.The last line.
Thank YOU Rin for starting it...Would never have happened without your years of dedication and intiative....Those were the days....Too many tears to even post.
BTTT.
Many years have passed since I have replied to you rintense.
Help keep the Angel in the Whirlwind
Amen.
And for starting it :)
It has been a blessing to more people than I think any of us will ever realize--and I count myself among them.
Thank you and all the posters of the Dose for the time and dedication devoted to this. I hope we can keep this up as a modified “Week or month in the life of former President Bush” Information will be a lot harder to come by, but maybe if we all contributed whatever we can find. I checked in with the Dose almost everynight for the past 5 years or so. Withdrawal is a b-—h.
Dubya, may God bless you and your family with many joyous, healthy and productive years. You will have my gratitude, respect, and be in my heart forever.
AMEN and AMEN!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless George Bush.
May God guide Barack Obama as He sees fit so that he might come to faith in Him in all things, not by our will but by His.
Thank you for this wonderful thread.
And the Angel will continue to ride in the whirlwind . . . and God continues to watch over us.
Thanks to all who have posted the Dose (and hopefully will continue to in some capacity . . . )
I’ve learned so much here and have made life-long friends on the Dose. I will miss President and Mrs. Bush but they blessed our nation in the time they were in the White House.
His speech in Midland was great and I wish him every blessing and a long and relaxing retirement.
THANK you for starting this ....so sorry to see it end. One of my favorite lines attributed to W is.....BIG Hat, NO cattle!
I couldn't bare to watch it “live”.
I am sad to see him go.
We didn't always agree .... immigration ... but I know he is a decent man and he kept us safe. I didn't have to be ashamed of him as I am of Obama.
Please don't go to the trouble of posting Obama photos. I'm trying to avoid thinking about the tragedy of having him as our President.
I'm still trying ot figure out what a “neighborhood ball” is. I suppose it is hood language of sorts.
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