Posted by
Patrick on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 12:00:00 PM
by patrick j.z.
2001
was a tough year for you - and for all Americans. Following on the
heels of a narrow election win, which your detractors would not concede
because of their own self centered politicking, the calendar ended with
a nation in mourning. To your credit, the country was galvanized into
action: Homeland security, military assault readiness, the patriot act,
and emergency response measures were adopted; networking with
international intelligence agencies, tactical search and destroy
missions of dangerous cells, and the choking of monetary backing for
terrorists was likewise highly successful. In time, the tide began
turning from a sense of vulnerability to one of safety and public well
being. This was unquestionably the result of your presidential heads up
leadership.
Iraq came with a lot of bitter accusations, mostly
politicized; and also because it appeared to be heading for the same
messy nonsense of the 1960's. However, two very important distinctions
exist between Vietnam and Iraq. First, Vietnam was not categorized as
an international threat by most contemporary democracies. Saddam
Hussein's ambitions were so labeled. Vietnam did not pose the slightest
danger for U.S. national security. Their was absolutely no pertinent
reason to Americanize that war. Communism remained a western
capitalist, NATO, and SEATO problem; a free world issue that needed a
much smarter answer than flooding 19 and 20 year old U.S. draftees into
South East Asia by the Johnson administration. Second, Saddam Hussein
already emphatically signaled that he would spell nothing but danger
for America and the world. A red flag, directly connected with this
warning, that waved in the face of U.S. policy makers after he invaded
Kuwait; another one that waved in their face after he refused to abide
by the surrender agreements; and yet another after playing cat and
mouse games with the IAEA inspectors.
Taking out this Middle East
pandora would prove costly, but in time, a wise decision. By virtue of
our military's courage, the bravery of Iraqi service men, and the
sacrifice of coalition partners, a measure of peace and security has
been achieved, "over there." Regardless of the many controversies that
surrounded missing WMD's, Iraqi civil divisions, and International
disapproval, the end result of this forced regime change is panning out
in the positive for that entire region and the United States. And by
the way, sending personal consolation notes to the families of fallen
heroes revealed a compassionate side of our 43rd president's heart, the
kind of caring that soldiers respect in their Commander-in-Chief.
In
the final analysis, irrespective of the many conflicting opinions
triggered off by Iraq, domestic and foreign techniques used in the
fight against terrorists and their host nations, and other vital steps
taken by your national security team, for the past seven years
Americans have been breathing easier, and feeling somewhat safe again.
THANK YOU. We pray that our next president follows your lead, stays the
course, and fares with the same degree of success in this complex arena.
The character of your presidency is revealed in the following accomplishments as well:
Education-
No Child Left Behind act; Religious Freedom - urging tolerance,
especially toward Muslims; Traditional values- remembering America's
heritage and faith; Participating in multi-national relief action- U.S.
aid and support extended to those hit by the deadly Indian Ocean
Tsunami and other natural disasters; War on drugs and FARC- "Plan
Columbia."
Completely over-shadowed by a string of more urgent
events, nevertheless, these unsung contributions will bear the fruit of
a greater good in years to come.
Laura - you know, your wife -
would become synonymous with genuine comfort and hope for most
Americans, and the world at large. Devoting her time toward health
issues, women concerns, and other social needs, the first lady managed
to wield ninety six very productive months in the White House. The
global community will miss and cherish the memory of Mrs. George W.
Bush.
Bailouts and financial giveaways were a different matter.
You did what you understood to be wise, but as the constantly over
stated aphorism goes, "history will be the final judge." In perfect
honesty, I (ssshhh, and lots of other Americans to) didn't agree with
or like at all, not so much that financial stimulus (*to prevent a disastrous run on banks) was injected into
the economy using tax payer money, but rather how these bailouts
proceeded - extremely deficient of more detailed study and government
oversight. What were you and other members of congress thinking?
All
in all, you did extremely well, carrying yourself with a confident
bearing, even in the face of excoriating personal and political
attacks. You certainly made your share of mistakes, but so did every
predecessor, as will every successor. You showed mercy toward those who
resented you, and stretched out the hand of forgiveness for anyone who
was willing to accept it - now that is real "Abraham Lincoln virtue."
With dignity and respect you passed the torch into the hands of a new
administration of historical importance.
Of course political and
media opponents have their own uncomplimentary assessment of your
presidency, which is their constitutional and God given right. Those of
us who stood by you, and still stand by you, very much and gladly
disagree. We commit their opinions vs. ours, not to history, but rather
to the One Who evaluates every man's work and says, "Well done, good
and faithful servant...," when that work pleases Him.
God Bless
you President George W. Bush - 43rd President of The United States of
America. May the goodness of Almighty God smile upon your past memories
and future days.
*added after publishing