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.
“I swear the woman hasn’t aged one bit in eight years.”
That was my thought, exactly. If anything she’s more beautiful than she was 8 years ago. Thank God President Bush had her love and quiet strength throughout his tumultuous terms. And, thank God we had him as our president. We can only pray as we face the future.
Thank you so much for this thread, and starting the Dose.
I’ve lurked here for years, and even though I never posted, I ALWAYS APPRECIATED THIS ONGOING THREAD.
Bless you for keeping it alive. When W thanked America for praying for him today, I thought immediately of this thread. I’ll betcha he felt the love and support emanating from this very thread over the years. How could HE NOT?
I lurked too moodyskeptic because I knew my ever faithful would keep the faith! Thank you so much rintense and All..the ever faithful for keeping it real!
I know President Bush could not be our President forever but I just felt so safe! Now, I don’t and I am afraid for our country’s future.
You and all the fine FReepers have made the Daily Dose a favorite of my lurker eyes! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Thank you for this Wonderful Dose, Rintense! I Bookmarked the Link you Posted so I can Read it Tomorrow. I Lurked for Months at the Dose before I Signed Up on FR in 2004; that Thread was Probably Posted before my Lurker Days. God Bless you and All the Dose Hosts and Posters, and God Bless our Dear President!
Yes, I think so. I haven't felt like this since I got out of the Army in 1992. I was in from '88 to '92, I saw the end of the Cold War and lived through the Gulf War. I felt as though I'd seen a world historical epoch come to an end. I feel like I'm living through a similar type of end today, but without the feelings of hope for the immediate future that I had back then.
Although I was keenly disappointed in President Bush at times (I'm still smarting a little from the immigration/amnesty business), I can't imagine anyone else serving as President of our beloved country for the last 8 years. We will only know the full extent of GWB's efforts to protect us in future years. Now it is only decent to acknowledge them and be thankful.
It really is the end of an era. I think the post-WW II configuration of conservatism is over--"Gone with the Wind," as the saying goes. Many of the "old lions" left us this year (William F Buckley, Paul Weyrich, et al.). Someday we'll read about passing of Phyllis Schlafly and Margaret Thatcher. We've had a great run. Nonetheless, a new conservatism will arise. I am apprehensive about the near future, but I believe we are an amazingly resilient people in the long run. Dubya represents the last of a certain type of American, but there will be new ones who embody the old values in future times.
May God bless our beloved United States, its people, and George W. Bush. Thanks to be to God that he was our President during the last eight years!
From a foreign citizen speaking for many more: THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH!!
I watched the doings yesterday until I could be sure that President Bush was safely out of DC and away from that horrible crowd on the mall. I would note that even though Obama made dismissive remarks in his speech and the crowd booed President Bush, when W arrived in Midland he called Obama a good man and asked everyone to pray for him and the Midland crowd did NOT boo. That pretty much says it all.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to The Dose over the last 8 years. I was always glad to be able to come here and see what had happened at the White House, since the media often refused to show him. You ladies did a great service to the country and have my undying respect and gratitude.
Is there an address to mail/email a “Thank You” to President Bush?
baseballmom, thank you for your wonderful comments about our dear W. He is a hero. Once again, tears well up.....
There’s a website.
I think it’s like thankyouw.com ?
I have just been up on the George W Bush Presidential Library site and they are saying that an achive copy of the White House website will be online shortly.
http://www.georgewbushlibrary.com/administration/archives
I have said the same thing about him not being perfect, but,he did the best job that he could and he did what he thought was right for our country despite the criticism that he got at EVERY turn. Heck, I don’t even agree with every decision that I have made let alone condemn President Bush. He was a great President and I will be forever grateful for everything that he did to keep our country safe.
I was feeling really sad about the events of this week and needed a lift. I got that lift today when I went to my mailbox. Hanging on my mailbox was a manila envelope with a return address from THE WHITE HOUSE! Inside that envelope was a signed picture and very nice letter from President Bush thanking me and everone else that supported him and sending his best wishes for the American people and our new POTUS. It made me smile.
Thank you very much for this thread.
God bless President Bush. He took the heat and I think that history will be kind to him.
Thank you for this thread.
God bless you, President Bush. I’ve had a heavy heart for the last several days. Watching you leave Washington yesterday broke my heart. I wish you and your family many happy years in Midland. Thank you, Sir, for your honor, service and integrity as you served this country.
GOOD! I'm glad that none of the information, speeches or photos will be lost.
I went to the White House site last night and it had already turned into messiah-land. I just deleted it from my bookmarks and replaced it with the link you found.
Good! Thank you!
The WH site looks horrid ... can’t stand it.
I’ll look at the old Bush WH site any time
I need a lift.
Which means .............. regularly ! ;)
I miss Pres. Bush already. It got to the point that I was reminding myself that yesterday was just the start of a four-year countdown.
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