Out With the Old

The linked article is very long but a worthwhile read. The International Herald Tribune is an unbiased paper that has a global perspective. Their take on the most recent former president is both in depth and informative. With that, let's begin.




George Bush came into office amid much controversy but with no less confidence than he showed at any other time during his presidency. His lofty inaugural speech contained many of the same words as other great leaders, unfortunately his rhetoric was simple politics. Bush has said that time will tell if he was correct in his boldness and single-mindedness. In fact, some former leaders of the Republican party have attempted to begin praising his works while opinion polls show that a meager 28% of Americans approve of him.  In the beginning of 2001, Democrats were fearful of what George Bush would do to business as usual in Washington.  Then something happened that no one could predict or prevent.

Another powerful speech from a decent speaker.  Bush's approval rating shot through the roof as he led the country on a crusade to defend her honor against terrorism.  For the rest of his two terms Bush would refer to this catastrophic event as the basis for all of his reasoning.  The safety and security of America, which he states he has maintained, was the premier concern of the administration.  Many have worked over the last few months to assess the Bush presidency and compare it to others.  Unfortunately for historians, they'll have to wait a few years while the damage done by his dismal economic policy plays out and a more unbiased approach can be taken to the final aftermath of his terms.

I still can't believe I get to finally get to say this, George Walker Bush is no longer the President of the United States.

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His final speech was shorter than either his or Obama's inaugural speeches, but America didn't want to hear any more.  While he said a lot in a mere 13 minutes, there was also a lot he didn't say.  One of the things he didn't mention that I think is shameful is that he will only recieve Secret Service protection for 10 years.  A former president is a precious piece of our living history and he, especially Bush, will always be under threat of danger.  If the government really needs to save money they should cut his salary or something similar to that, but cutting the Secret Service off is absolutely wrong and embarassing.  He apparently didn't want to fight the issue and on January 20th he returned home.  He said he was glad to be back.

The rest of us is glad he's gone.