In a just over a week, President George W. Bush will be relaxing with our First Lady Laura Bush in Texas. Today, he took one last opportunity to meet with the press, those who have completely bashed him, and discuss his Presidency, his legacy, and his plans. This followed the historic interview by Brit Hume on FOXNews of the father son Presidents, Bush 41 and Bush 43 !!
As he answered questions for the press, the President’s tone and answers showed the nostalgia he was feeling as his administration draws to an end. He believes one of his greatest accomplishments is in our safety since the 9/11 attacks, his regrets for the “Mission Accomplished” banner on the aircraft carrier after the fall of Saddam Hussein. President Bush also gave subtle messages to his successor about our freedoms, the detainees at Guantanomo, and others.
When all is said and done, and the history books begin to document this era, the legacy that George W. Bush will have left behind will show that he truly was a strong leader. The pundits tonight went on to say that he will truly be vindicated if we begin to see our economy begin its rebound during the first 2 or 3 quarters of 2009 based on the bailouts, etc.
As we watch the orderly transition over the next week, despite the unresolved eligibility questions of the President Elect, we should remember to pay tribute and honor our outgoing Commander in Chief!!
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January 12, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Gilmour Poincaree
He looks guilty …
January 12, 2009 at 7:28 pm
joy
I will give most of the country six months until they will be praying for President Bush to be back in the White House. Our country is getting ready to self implode. May God Bless President Bush and his Family.
January 12, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Interested Bystander
JAMES,
I am very grateful to our President for his strong stances, and unwaivering belief in what he was doing.
I truely appreciate both Bush’s frankness in the interview with Brett.
I find it amazing the way the press phrases their questions trying to paint Bush in to a corner.
Can someone tell me what kind of a question is “How will history judge you?” What the heck is that? How is Bush to know how history will judge him. We’re still writting books about our first President, and Bush hasn’t even left office yet.
My hope is that the media treats Obama with the same “respect” that they treat(ed) Bush with.
I suspect that Obama’s “grace” period won’t last long.
And what happened to standing when addressing the President, if not for the man, then for the office and what it stands for? Is it understood that you don’t have to stand?
Joy,
I agree
Gilmour,
Guilty of what?
Guilty of keeping us safe for the last seven and a half years? Guilty of letting us keep our money by cutting taxes? Guilty of being the butt of unwarranted jokes? Guilty of being torn apart by a biased media? Guilty of standing up proud in the wake of all of the turmoil after the 9/11 attacks?
January 13, 2009 at 3:14 am
Gilmour Poincaree
Hey … that’s the best sordid joke I’ve ever heard …
January 13, 2009 at 5:35 am
mrje
My letter sent to GW on November 3, 2008
Dear President Bush, I would not blame you if your bags were packed and sitting by the door. In my lifetime, I cannot remember when a President, has been challenged more, both domestically and internationally. Murphy’s Law has made a place in your home these last 8 years, and you have done a magnificent job of warding off its damage. And in most cases, succeeding in the face of defeat. In my house, you will always be a hero. We believe you have served us so well during the most critical time in our history. You have made us feel safe and secure. We will sincerely miss you. You have earned our trust in you. At this time, our future is unknown. I have never really feared that I would lose my freedoms. I have never really feared the direction our Constitution could take. I have never really feared that my financial stability could be out my control. I have never really feared that our leaders could do more harm to our Country in the face of evil in the world. I have never really feared that our own government would wage a financial conspiracy against its own people. I have never really feared that I my rights could be compromised. I have always felt I could disagree openly with my government. Until now. These fears are NEW to me. This feeling that my security is being compromised due to the efforts of my own FUTURE government is terribly unsettling. Of course, I am speaking of the possibility that Barack Obama may be our next President of the United States. He openly uses socialistic terminology, and it seems the American Public does not recognize it ! There is such a long list of questions about this man, his alliances, within and beyond our borders. His citizenship is being challenged in court. In every moment of his history, there seems to be an antiAmerican ideal lurking. And he has no experience as a leader. I really believe that a new level of corruption is about to move into the White House. There is a real feeling of helplessness coming over at least 50% of the American People. While some of the American Public may have disagreed with you at times, the American Public has never FEARED George W. Bush. I shared my concerns with you because I wanted you to see the contrast, that I believe exists, between you (our past) and our future. Today, YOU are still our President. And time will prove that you were the hardest working American President in our lifetime. The calamity of events that struck our nation in the form of terrorism and natural disaster, during your time in Office, is unprecedented. We are so proud you led with your firm beliefs. We are stronger and safer because of you. Your patriotism is never in question. I wish you the happiest life. You deserve some rest. I just wanted to show my appreciation of your years of dedicated service to us, and to let you know that we will miss you and your wonderful family (especially the First Lady). We are proud of the way you represented us to our Nation and to the world. You have set our standards high, and I do not know if there is anyone who can fill your shoes. Godspeed.
January 13, 2009 at 5:45 am
Gilmour Poincaree
Getting us into a needless war, supported by lies and fake claims, and bluntly acting as if big enterprises had our best interests in mind, certainly does NOT look good in that ‘yellow-brick-road’ résumé of his administration that you, oh so carefully, crafted …
January 13, 2009 at 5:55 am
Interested Bystander
Gilmour,
What needless war would that be?
The one that broke up the most dangerous group that flew planes in to the World Trade Center, or the one that took out a dictator that had refused to follow resolution after resolution passed by the UN? And what lies and fake claims?
I’ll shoot down any claim you want to make, so bring it on.
I have had this debate many times, so get your claims in order, post them, and then come back to get the truth.
January 13, 2009 at 6:30 am
Gilmour Poincaree
Asked him knowingly …
January 13, 2009 at 6:55 am
mrje
Gilmour Poincaree
Best “mistake” we ever made… supported by EVERYONE.
Worst mistake we ever made… was led by Clinton, who did nothing (against terrorism) for years.
Now, let’s just place “nice” and it will all go away.
January 13, 2009 at 7:00 am
Gilmour Poincaree
‘A lie spoken insistently will become the truth’… or something like that …
January 13, 2009 at 7:04 am
mrje
In your world.
January 13, 2009 at 7:26 am
Gilmour Poincaree
No wonder Obama got 60% plus … you guys live Dreamville …
January 13, 2009 at 7:27 am
mrje
Just the way you recollect those figures speaks volumes.
January 13, 2009 at 7:36 am
Interested Bystander
Gilmour,
You’re right ‘A lie spoken insistently will become the truth’, like this one:
“Someone” vetted Obama on his eligibility.
I think you’re beginning to see the light.
I see you didn’t back your post up with facts. Just typing words in the comment section does not make them true, as your above comment suggests.
Still need to teach you math though, because “60% plus” is not what he got, but that new math stuff sure does wonders, doesn’t it?
January 13, 2009 at 7:44 am
Gilmour Poincaree
Oh yeah … and we recollect them …
Senate Dem 58 – GOP 41 Ties 1
House Dem 257 – GOP 178
January 13, 2009 at 7:49 am
mrje
BO got 8.5M more votes, than JM, with the aid of corrupt ACORN, undisclosed public fund origination and the blinding support of the mainstream media.
Basically, he bought the job.
It is not PC to discuss the PROVEN mental capacity of the typical BO voter.
However, you can perform your own personal survey and ASK “one” about BO’s policies… and the response will be as empty as the suit in the upcoming POTUS office.
January 13, 2009 at 7:53 am
mrje
Since we’re “counting” by standards most American’s can recognize (60% plus?)..
Here’s what a “reputable” msm (CNN) reports as final results:
BO 53%
66,882,230
JM 46%
58,343,671
January 13, 2009 at 9:44 am
JAMES
But that is not a resounding victory for Obama, considering there are 300 million people in this country, and only one third vote! It is so sad that American Idol can get more than 10% of the nation to vote, while only 1/3 will respond for an important Presidential election.
January 13, 2009 at 8:07 am
mrje
james
“his regrets for the “Mission Accomplished” banner on the aircraft carrier after the fall of Saddam Hussein.”
I regret that the msm promoted the idea, and many civilians believed, that when Bush used the word “mission”, it was interpreted as the “war is won”.
That particular MISSION was ACCOMPLISHED.
January 13, 2009 at 8:28 am
Gilmour Poincaree
Sore losers ridiculously attempting to belittle and invalidate a landslide democratic election … you guys sound like those Latin American dictators we helped so much …
January 13, 2009 at 8:30 am
Interested Bystander
mrje,
You are a person of wise words.
The “mission” of removing Sadam was “accomplished”, but the task of the people of Iraq governing themselves is a task that will take years to accomplish.
We did the people of Iraq a great service, and if we had not the people like Gilmour would be screaming why didn’t we.
The Fact is that Osama Bin Laden was being held in 1997/98, and Clinton said he didn’t want him, and asked the Saudi’s to take him, and they balked also. This was AFTER the African Embassy bombings, and the USS Cole. Bush finished the job Clinton should have finished, with all of the UN resolutions being broken by Sadam, and Clinton basically saying “we’ll give you one more chance” around 8 times.
I suspect we’re in the same situation in about one week.
I remember the hostages being held in Iran for 444 days, and Carter saying basically the same thing, but right before Reagan was to take office, the hostages were released. Bush didn’t have the chance to tell Sadam to follow the resolutions, with 9/11, and the recession that the nation was in in 2001.
January 13, 2009 at 8:40 am
Gilmour Poincaree
I would like to recollect that Saddam was one of our most staunch supporter … and after the coup that enthroned him, Time magazine hailed him as “a true Anti-communist leadership in the Arab world” … In fact, he staged our proxy war with Iran for almost 10 years or something … you guys befriend creeps and then paint them as the devil itself … not to mention the dreadful Usama bin Ladem … also a good ally of ours … Like I’ve said, in general, you guys don’t really know anything about anything … and yet, undeservedly you still expect to be taken seriously in spite of the disparage of absurdities you folks dabble with on a daily basis …
January 13, 2009 at 8:41 am
democratista
mrje…You are a very angry person. Can you not discuss without being so rude?
No President does everything right or everything wrong. I don’t agree with the war in Iraq. IMHO…though it was a great accomplishment to get rid of Sadaam, I fear that growing Al-Qaeda in Iraq (and elsewhere) did more harm than getting rid of Sadaam. When people are willing to blow themselves up, they are very hard to stop. See Israel…very few Israeli teenagers haven’t lost a friend.
I believe President Bush started out with an incredibly good education policy, but it never got accomplished. I do give him credit for bringing a lot of awareness and making a start.
My observation of the man is that he is good hearted and absolutely not a man or prejudice, but unfortunately, in Washington, DC today there is too much politics involved in governance. This is not just a Republican problem. The Democrats are just as much to blame.
I have great hope that the next administration will listen and incorporate ideas from a full spectrum of views. I’m not so naive to think that politics and public opinion won’t be involved in some decision making, but maybe, just maybe, we can get a little closer to not fighting with each other all the time.
January 13, 2009 at 9:06 am
mrje
democratista
“mrje…You are a very angry person. Can you not discuss without being so rude?”
Your psycho-analysis is rude. I am stating, very clearly, my opinion.
Most likely, it is my opinion that offends you. I am not angry. I am disgusted.
My greatest concern, right now, is that PUBLIC OPINION will not matter, with the future administration.
Public opinion is clear (and reported daily) regarding illegal immigration, bail-out’s, and our politicians are ignoring us.
The folks in the middle east have been killing (sacrificing) themselves for centuries. I am not sure anyone can change that.
January 13, 2009 at 10:05 am
democratista
“It is not PC to discuss the PROVEN mental capacity of the typical BO voter.”
I find this rude. I will agree to argue differences in philosophy but don’t put down every voter for Obama. I won’t put down every voter for McCain. I do understand there are reasons people would hold dear that would cause them not to vote for Obama.
As for resounding victories, James….all I can think of 2000. Resounding or not, Barack Obama will be the President in one week. Regardless of anyone here who is typing, he will do what he will do as President of the United States. I heartily believe he will not cater to the liberal agenda. I thoroughly believe he is not one to be for you or against you but able to take the best from various sources. That’s one of the things I like about Obama.
January 13, 2009 at 10:51 am
Interested Bystander
Gilmour,
You made this comment above:
“Sore losers ridiculously attempting to belittle and invalidate a landslide democratic election … you guys sound like those Latin American dictators we helped so much …”
It simply amazes me that folks like yourself, have to retreat to using names such as “sore loser”, “wingnut”, “birther”, or I have even seen “hateriot”, in describing those of us who question Obama, both on his eligibility, and policies. I suppose when you don’t have an argument to support your thinking you resort to this in hopes that we will cower to you.
Well Gilmour, you picked the wrong person. I have posted on this blog, and on many others that I want Obama to succeed. The country is in dire need. The Democrats have a majority in both Houses of Congress, and they hold the White House. It is their time to show what they have. If you do not have a valid argument, then just state that in your comment, and let’s leave the name calling, and labeling out of it. I have tried to have a civil discourse with you.
As far as “attempting to belittle and invalidate a landslide democratic election”, Gilmour, what does the Constitution mean to you? To me, someone who has served in the Military for over twenty years, it means alot. One of the things it states is that you must be a “natural born citizen” to be the President. Obama has submitted a Certification of Live Birth, which if you look this up, will show you that this document can be “altered” for any number of reasons. Obama’s mother married an Indonesian citizen, and it is well documented that Obama was enrolled in to an Indonesian School stating that he was an Indonesian citizen. Obama traveled to Indonesia and Pakistan in 1981, when Pakistan was under martial law, and travel there by US citizens was strongly discouraged. You could do it, but you had to get a visa from the Government of Pakistan, which was good for only thirty days.
All we are asking for is the release of documents that would prove that Obama was born in Hawaii, as his Certification of Live Birth states, that he was not adopted by Lolo Soetero, which in my research I conclude would have made him an Indonesian citizen, that he did not recieve Government scholorships or grants that were set aside for foreign students, and that he did not travel to Pakistan using an Indonesian passport.
I have not stated that Obama is not eligible to be our President, Gilmour, what I am commenting is that I have looked in to this, and in my research, the Certification of Live Birth is not sufficient to prove that Obama is a “natural born citizen” as is the requirement of the Constitution.
For people to comment that “someone along the way must have vetted him”, then I would like to see this report, and documents that support this report. I have not seen this. All Obama had to do was sign a notorized statement saying that he meets the requirements, to be on the ballots of most States.
Just a little history lesson for you Gilmour, Saddam took power in 1968 when a Democrat was in power. Iran held AMERICANS hostage for 444 days while Jimmy Carter was President (a Democrat), and as soon as Reagan was elected, they decided they didn’t want to deal with him, and released the hostages. Saddam’s forces engaged in a war with Iran, and yes the US supplied support to him.
After it was learned that Saddam had used chemicle weapons against his own people, we took the stance that this was not acceptable. We submitted a plan to the UN to allow the Kurds in Northern Iraq to govern themselves, and that part of the country thrived. After Iraq invaded Kuwait, we were the ones who brought together an unprecedented alliance that in about 9 days pushed Saddam’s Army back within the borders of Iraq. Saddam was given every opportunity to adhere to the resolutions of the UN. Many of these resolutions stated “by any means necessary” which gave the US, and the UN permission to do whatever they deemed necessary to keep Saddam in check. Saddam made his own decisions not to follow the resolutions that were passed by the UN.
There is much proof (look at the report Gilmour) that every reason given by the US to invade Iraq was valid. This report was written by a Democrat controlled committee. Do your research Gilmour, as you say, if you say it enough, then people will believe it. Not me sir, I want to find out on my own, and make an informed decision. You obviously have listened too, and believe what the MSM says. The best I can post is Gilmour, do your own research, the MSM does not report the news anymore, they commentate.
As far as Bin Laden, I have not done much research on him, but I do know that after the Russians invaded Afghanistan, we felt it was our obligation to help the resistance. I don’t know what contact we had with Bin Laden during this time, do you? I will try to look up stuff on him, and comment after I do.
I would suggest that you do the same before you come to this blog, and make comments like the one above.
January 13, 2009 at 11:09 am
democratista
IB…
If you never see all those records, will you not view him as President? Would you suggest that the military not follow his orders or take up arms, as Citizen Wells believes? I doubt you would. My guess is that you will be frustrated in your efforts.
As for the past vetting….the question is whether the entire US government which gave him security clearance is colluding to allow someone to take the Office of the Presidency without confirming his credentials?
I guess I just have to say that I think this is an exercise in futility if no other source, ie, past campaigns or our own government revealed any sordid citizenship details.
As for Indonesia…he could not renounce his citizenship. And his mother was an American citizen according to custody documents:
http://www.plainsradio.com/obama1980.html
“child has resided with mother since date of informal separation (1974); both mother and child are U.S. citizens while father is an Indonesian citizen”
January 13, 2009 at 11:20 am
Interested Bystander
Democratista,
Yes, Obama will be our President. He is the candidate that won the election.
I’m not convinced that Obama could not renounce his citizenship. I have read the US law on this, and I know what it states, but I am confused as to what law would be the “official” law that needed to be followed, because Indonesian law contradicts US law.
As far as Stanley goes, she could have been an Indonesian citizen during her stay in Indonesia. I am sure that when consulting with an attorney during her divorce from Lolo, the attorney would have advised her that she would be best to file as a US citizen, because if she hadn’t, Lolo would have certainly gotten custody of Maya.
Let me ask this, do you consider Maya a “natural born citizen” also?
January 13, 2009 at 12:22 pm
JAMES
I question why an attorney would have listed the adult child if he had not become Lolo’s child.
January 13, 2009 at 11:35 am
Interested Bystander
Democratista,
Are you going to the inauguration?
I hope you get to go, you are a strong and loyal supporter.
January 13, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Interested Bystander
JAMES,
That is one reason I am so confused as to what law would have to be followed.
Let me put it this way,
Say Indonesia has a law that says that all children under 10 (which Obama would have been at the time) had a curfew of 8pm. The US has a law that says all children under 10 have a curfew of 9pm.
Not being an Indonesian citizen, as some people claim, would Obama be allowed to stay out until 9pm? I would think not, so it only goes as a matter of reason, that if Obama couldn’t become an Indonesian citizen if he did not renounce his US citizenship, how could Lolo have registered him as an Indonesian citizen when he put Obama in school? I would think that no matter how the US viewed Obama’s status as a citizen, the Indonesian Government would have considered him an Indonesian citizen.
Again, remember that we are talking 1966, not 2009. Times were different back then. The laws I have read on Indonesia, state that the men were the head of household. The men made the decisions for the family. The man had to register Obama in to school, and show papers, which by everything I have read, were checked quite often by authorities. I believe that this is why it took so long for Stanley to go to Indonesia after her and Lolo were married. It gave Lolo time to get everything in order for their arrival.
I remember a US citizen (a minor) being found guilty of a crime in a far eastern country (not sure which one, or what the crime was, something minor though), and it caused a big furor over here because the punishment was caning (do you remember that? It was in the late 80′s early 90′s I think). The minor, if my memory serves me correctly, ended up being caned, even after the US protested. There was a “Simpson” episode that kind of portrayed this also.
January 13, 2009 at 1:49 pm
mrje
democratista
Just because you do not like my opinion(s) does not define being rude.
Imagine this: get one Acorn recruited Obama voter in a room with ANY McCain voter.
Now, let’s match wits.
January 13, 2009 at 1:59 pm
mrje
IB
Thank you.
January 13, 2009 at 3:17 pm
democratista
Last comment to you mrje since I don’t really want to exchange barbs. I’m sure there are well informed and not so well informed voters on both sides of the aisle. I’m pretty sure there are some people out there who know nothing that would not vote for Obama because of the color of his skin as sure as I am of people that only voted for him because of the color of his skin. Neither side has a monopoly on either brains or idiocy. That’s all for you….but I wish you well in any case. I am not one to hold a grudge and criticize you for your viewpoint, even if it is contrary to yours. I will not call you names, even though you consider there to be something not quite right about my “mental capacity”.
January 13, 2009 at 3:23 pm
democratista
IB…
When you live in a country and it has a certain law, you are supposed to obey it. Obviously a curfew for all children under 10 would even apply to any foreigners visiting or living in another country. However, whether Indonesia believes you can only be a citizen of Indonesia, the United States does not recognize Indonesia’s right to take away American citizenship. Simple as that. Once you are a US citizen, you have to do something fairly heinous to lose your citizenship.
I believe Maya is a natural born citizen, even though she was not born on US soil if her mother was a US citizen and claimed that citizenship for her daughter. As it stands now, from the vague way it is written in the actual Constitution (and we all do want to be literal, right?), I only believe there are natural born and naturalized citizens.
I see Sarah Obama is on her way to the US. Maybe someone can corral her and interview her…although she speaks no English…so I’m not quite sure I can trust any interviewer.
January 13, 2009 at 3:55 pm
mrje
democratista
I expected your comment as such.
Basically, without those particular voters whose “mental capacity” is in question, BO would not be POTUS.
THAT is my point.
I suggest you read the entire response from which you took this comment.
I feel like I have just been interviewed by the “drive by media” and you have selected to label yourself in this category.
January 13, 2009 at 4:54 pm
mrje
james
“”But that is not a resounding victory for Obama, considering there are 300 million people in this country, and only one third vote! It is so sad that American Idol can get more than 10% of the nation to vote, while only 1/3 will respond for an important Presidential election.”"
You are so right… the UNDER voting age takes more effort than those who have the privilege to vote… very pitiful.
My societal question(s):
If, approximately 40% of our employed population does not pay FEDERAL income tax, why should they get a vote on how the rest of us pay taxes? Does it not seem criminal? That THEY can vote that I pay their tax????
If only 10% of these folks who do NOT PAY FEDERAL INCOME TAX, vote… why wouldn’t they VOTE on MY paycheck?
Is that “FAIR”… the DEMOCRATIC WAY?
We are in a serious Socialistic mode here.