President Bush enters the White House East Room Thursday evening to deliver his farewell address. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
Bush’s swan song: Pride in country, few regrets
In his final address to the nation, he reviews his accomplishments with a sense of wistfulness.
By Dave Cook | January 16, 2009 edition
In his farewell address, President George W. Bush wished his successor well, defended his record, admitted he would do some things differently, warned of terrorist dangers, and looked to the future with optimism.
His 13 minute talk from the White House East Room was, “a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey we have traveled together and the future of our nation,” Mr. Bush said.
He also thanked the American people “for the trust you have given me.” The outgoing president spoke before an audience of about 200 which included family, friends, and 45 individuals singled out for various kinds of national service. Administration officials said the talk was the last time Mr. Bush would appear in public before greeting Barack Obama on the North Portico of the White House Tuesday morning for their trip together to the Capitol for Obama’s inauguration.
The tradition of presidential farewell addresses began with George Washington whose message to the American people was printed on September 19, 1796 in a Philadelphia newspaper and later reprinted by papers around in the country. The first president used the lengthy article to warn against entanglements with foreign countries. “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world,” Washington said. One of the most memorable address in the 20th century came from another president who had been a general, Dwight Eisenhower. In his January 17, 1961 farewell address, Eisenhower famously warned, “We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.” In recent years, Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Clinton gave farewell talks. President George H.W. Bush did not.
Thursday evening’s address was the final element in a series of speeches and interviews by Bush framing the administration’s accomplishments and rebutting its critics as the end of his term drew near. He leaves office with approval ratings not seen since the days of Richard Nixon. In the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, President Bush had a 27 percent approval rating. Some 67 percent of those polled disapproved of his conduct of the office.
The president was composed throughout the speech, showing slight traces of emotion only in his closing line and when talking about a father who was granted an age waiver in order to serve in the Navy Medical Corps to honor his son, a Marine killed in Iraq.
When asked about the president’s mood at Thursday’s White House briefing, Press Secretary Dana Perino said, “the president is being reflective at times….he is sad in some ways” about saying goodbye to his team.
As has been the case throughout the transition, Bush spoke graciously about President-elect Obama. His inauguration “is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation,” Bush said.
Early in the talk, Bush referred to his first speech to the nation from the White House, following September 11, 2001. He argued that while many Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11, “I never did.” He added, “I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.”
He listed a variety of steps including military action in Iraq and Afghanistan, starting the Department of Homeland Security, and a transformation of the FBI and the intelligence community. “There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil,” Bush said.
His admission of regrets or mistakes was less detailed than it was in Monday’s presidential press conference. “I have experienced setbacks,” Bush said. “There are thing I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind.” He did not offer any examples of things he would change.
In Mr. Bush’s view, “The gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack.” He cautioned, “we must never let down our guard.”
The 43rd president ended on an optimistic note, citing Thomas Jefferson’s line: “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” The president said the virtues of the American people give him an unshakable faith in the country despite the dangers that may lie ahead. “With the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire…never falter…and never fail,” he said.
Comments
4. Bill | 01.16.09
Although I look forward with hope that the new admistration will fulfill their promise to the American people, I feel that President Bush DID do what he felt was in the best interests of the country, and am glad that he was in office when the **** hit the fan.
Farewell President Bush, I hope history will be kinder to you than your contemporaries were.
5. Mike Melssen | 01.16.09
Apparently you can’tread, Maureen. It says right in the article that “while many Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11″. Many does not mean all.
6. Randall | 01.16.09
I believe Bush does love this country and did what he could to keep us safe…the American people seem to over look that fact. There are things he could have done differently but one man alone cannot change the way things are being run or make absolute decisions concerning our country…we are a system of checks and balances. Hopefully History will remember that he tried to do what was best and was faced with more challenges than most other presidents in our history.
7. Yo_MO | 01.16.09
President Bush may not be the most popular President in the History of the United States, but he was the right person for the job during turbulant times. Unfortunatley, there are many Americans who are ignorante to the real story about the War on Terrorism. It concerns me that the general public passes judgement based on what the media tells them. In our society, that is all we have and it is yet another form of communication that our nation needs to fix. Get back to being a journalist and report the facts, don’t influence the public with your personal views.
Mr. President, thank you for your service!
8. george lovenguth | 01.16.09
Thanks George from all the combat veterans
I was born in 1951 and raised in a post World War II society by a father who served honorably in Europe and North Africa as a member of the United States Army. He and his fellow veterans were very quiet about their experiences yet very proud to have served their country. He provided five of us, all boys with food, shelter, and clothing and he taught all of us how to earn a living with our hands as flooring covering installers. He was a master craftsman whose floors are still being walked on in many buildings in New Jersey and New York City. Should you ever use the stairways in the VA hospitals in New Jersey you’ll see his work.
When I returned from Vietnam on a wet and snowy day in Feb. 1971 he took the morning off from work to pick me up from Newark airport. As we drove south on the NJ turnpike towards our home in Woodbridge, NJ he advised me with a tear in his eye to change into some of my brother Gary’s clothes as things had really changed. I had heard about this change on my way back from Vietnam; the hippies were in charge of America, he didn’t want me to suffer from their words and actions. He also pointed out that the police weren’t too happy about Vietnam returnees either; especially Marines.
I followed his instructions and within 2 hours of my returning flight I was on the new Woodbridge Center Mall jobsite with a wool cap over my shaved head and a trowel in my hand spreading adhesive for the floor tiles about to be installed. He went about scribing in the tiles around the partitions. The other World War II veterans on the job just nodded and smiled at me as I looked around from the concrete floor trying to understand what had happened to my country.
Four months later I turned 20, two months later I was honorably discharged and began my tour of America. I needed to find out just what was going on and the story that follows will guide you through some of what I saw.
One thought however before I begin is that today is January 13, 2009 and its okay for those in the Armed Services to come back to America and wear their uniform, the country is not ruled by the Hippies and the police aren’t looking to lock the combat returnees up. The fact of this matter is that the departing president of the United States of America, George W. Bush did bring about the return and respect for those who served their country, past and present.
If my father were still alive today he give him a nod of thanks and a big smile, my father was a quiet man and he loved this country. His name was George also. So, thanks George, from everyone who has served.
Respectfully, George Anthony Lovenguth
9. Steve | 01.16.09
Maureen, it doesn’t say a thing about “All Americans returned to normal life…” Read the article again: “while MANY Americans WERE ABLE TO return to life much as it had been before 9/11, I never did.” That does not state or imply “All” by any means.
11. Mike Cunningham Sr. | 01.16.09
Farewell Mr. President,
No matter what the ratings, no matter what people say, I believe you did what you thought was best for the country. For that I thank you. Best wishes to you and yours in your future.
13. Ki | 01.16.09
Maureen if you are going to make a comment, you should at least get your quote right. Bush did NOT say ALL he said many Americans, and the majority of America has gone back to living life as if Sept 11 hasn’t occured.
14. David | 01.16.09
Obama definitely has his work cut out for him. Now, he has to pick up and re-assemble the pieces of a great nation that Bush and his cronies destroyed.
15. Dianna’s Father | 01.16.09
I hope you’re being sarcastic, Dianna. GW doesn’t need his blessing, God directly communicates with him.
16. AnilKumar | 01.16.09
Mr Bush did done lot of great things for the welfare of American people.It is very sad that people of america are not able to recognise their own Leader’s greatness.
17. Mel | 01.16.09
I would not vote for Bush. But I will have to say it gets old with people over reacting and misquoting him just to make him look bad. He didnt say “all Americans”, he said “while many”. And he also noted that he never did. No need to put words in his mouth. Quote appropriatley. He has done enough things to look bad on his own. No need to fabricate. Any president is damned if they do and damned if they dont. We need to stop being so sensitive in this country.
19. Buddesatva | 01.16.09
Over 4000 dead Americans for NO PURPOSE and he has no regrets. 100s of 1000s of Iraqis dead for NO PURPOSE and he has no regrets. An economic crisis that will last for decades. The destruction of American prestige that may never be recovered. ‘No regrets’ is just so typical of this fool. I say it is not too late to prosecute.
21. Mike | 01.16.09
I agree with Dianna! God Bless President Bush. I also hope that President-elect Obama does a good job.
22. Adam | 01.16.09
“this great nation will never tire…never falter…and never fail,”
- Im afraid democracy HAS failed in this country. It has been spiraling downward since 1929.
““The gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack.”
- Of course he couldnt leave without one final scare
23. Lee | 01.16.09
Maureen, read that sentence again. It says “many Americans,” not all. You may legitimately cricize Bush for a lot of things, but there’s no need to distort his words.
24. Tomviolin | 01.16.09
The article actually said “… many Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11.” The key words being “many,” not “all” or even “most”; and “much as it had been,” not “normal.” Doesn’t sound so disrespectful after all, does it?
25. linux | 01.16.09
He didn’t say “All Americans” he said “Many Americas”
Did you even watch the Address?
26. Paul Van Voorst | 01.16.09
Farewell Mr. Bush. It’s an unfortunate reality but many will consider you as a bad person. I do not believe so. Often we try and fail with all best intentions in mind. You have given Presidential pardons. I am not clear on what basis they are given. What I do know is that I have 20 years of experience in my field at age 39. My profession is technology. I cannot get a job over a 16 year old with no experience because of being stupid at a young age and I have a record of minor misdemeanors. How many hundreds of years have we Americans said “boy’s will be boy’s” and when they become men the past presents them from a minimum wage job. Why. No history of violence or theft. Just a capable American who loves his country turned down for what is just enough to put food on a small table. In a small apartment. Pay for gas to go to and from my job. Where is my break? Where is the common working going to get a Federal mandate to say “so what”. Look at the persons accomplishments. Work history. Talent. I cannot at this point say I can run a cash register. That being an honorable job. But I cannot. I have never had to. So where is my place in this land of opportunity? Can someone tell me that. Background checks, corporate politics gone mad. What ever happened to someone believing in the person based on 20 years of hard work? Are they gone forever because a computer not a human decides their destiny. Or is it because it is profitable to send my job across the oceans. The American Dream is on life support.
Thank you for you time. Thank you for your service. I can say that with pride because even if you did make mistakes, and you have. You tried. God bless you for having courage.
Good-bye Mr. Bush.
Paul Van Voorst
27. David Selzer | 01.16.09
If GWB had acknowledged this sense of openness, personal and presidential, from the start; perhaps he wouldn’t have dragged us into the foolish quest to institute Western democracy in the Mid-East.
28. Will | 01.16.09
Maureen, he said many Americans were able to return to normal life after 9/11, not all Americans. He made mistakes and miscalculations as anyone would but overall did a **** of a good job in office. We’re a safer and stronger country now than we were before his presidency.
29. RENADEV,DUBAI | 01.16.09
Mr. George Bush successfully completed his governing period. It was a war period. A long war against terrorism and malpractices. A war against threats for the whole world.
We have to thank Bush for his humanitarian services. God bless him…
30. Wayne | 01.16.09
I also believe he did what he thought was best for the country. He just thought wrong.
31. Viet Nam Nguyen | 01.16.09
Although I disagree with his policy, I do believe that he really loves this country to keep America safe. Let’s look what happened to Britain, Spain, and other countries after 9/11. Yet, terrorist could not plan another attack as well as many plots have been caught.
32. Jeanette | 01.16.09
I am not crazy about President Bush but, for the record he did NOT say “All Americans returned to normal life”, he said “MANY Americans”. Even a bad president would would not make that mistake. Even those of us who have not lost someone that day will never forget. Give him a break, take your anger out on who did it, not on our country. No one thought this would happen to us, It’s what happens when you get cocky!!
33. Ash | 01.16.09
In response to what Maureen Rooney wrote; President Bush did not as ALL Americans, he said many.
Although I may not have agreed with President Bush on certain issues, I still would say “Thank you for taking on the hardest , most watched and criticized job.”
How sad that most Americans have lost the respect towards others whose political beliefs are different than their own.
34. AW | 01.16.09
I think he is a good man at heart but blundered with some very poor choices. I don’t recall any other president being as vilified by an opposing party in my life but to see him and his party encourage Obama in this difficult time is a stark contrast from the other side who would rather focus on draging him down then helping the country.
35. Chris Lieberman | 01.16.09
In such reflective comments, my President never seems to be able to distinguish between his intentions and the results of his actions. I regret that the President, who supported such legislation as the “No Child Left Behind” program for education, has so little ability to distinguish between the outcomes and results of his policies as compared with his intentions. We are now facing the negative effects of many unintended consequences stemming from this administration’s ideological zealotry and failed policies. While my President can say, “I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind,” I worry about the reflection that realizes, “The way to hell is paved with good intentions”.
36. KJ | 01.16.09
Thank you Mr. President, you were there when we were unsure of what to do and how to do it. You stepped up and did what you thought was right. We will remember your presidency without the “mud-throwing” of late. God bless and thank you for your patriotism.
For those of us who are able to make our own decisions and not follow the media opinions and ideals being shoved down the public’s throat, we thank you for your honorable service to our country.
Godspeed Mr. Bush.
37. John Boyel | 01.16.09
To “keep us safe”, George W Bush has violated the very pillars of freedom and justice. The price has been too high.
38. Ed | 01.16.09
Please read the text of the speech. President Bush stated that “while many Americans” were able to return to a pre 9/11 life. During his presidency and others preceding(Democrat and Republican alike)some people want to twist the words of people to fit their own pre-concieved world view. I wish President Bush well as he leaves office and pray for President-Elect Obama as he enters into one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
39. Captain Jim | 01.16.09
Bush always seems frighteningly detached and his farewell is not an exception!. At the previous news conference all he could think of as regrets were superficial! Not that even if he felt the war with Iraq was necessary that it might have been pursued in a way that cost fewer lives and so on, but that his people put out the “Mission Accomplished” banner on a carrier.
Not that he picked incompetents at FEMA or that he worked on his ranch while people died in New Orleans, no, he was upset that people saw it as wrong that he only flew over on Air Force One. He even backed away from that as a mistake; he claimed that he would have been accused of diverting resources had he landed!
It is easy enough to go on, but lets hope we don’t get stuck with another president that is so isolated or maybe egotistical that he can act in such a reckless manner, seemingly without regard for the consequences to all but his inner circle.
40. Robert Altinger | 01.16.09
Without a doubt, the WORST President that has ever held office. I believe, as do many, that George W Bush loves his country, and did what he thought in its best interests; and yet, his complete and total incompetence, and that of his cabinet, not to mention their greed, short-sightedness and self-interest have left the country:
1) More unpopular overseas EVERYWHERE (except Israel) than ever before
2) More in debt than ever before
3) Less safe than they were before his administration, as more people hate us
4) Our military more stretched than before his administration after endless tours of duty
5) Our citizens have less freedom and rights than before
6) The environment is worse off
In short, NOTHING is better off, except Haliburton and Carlyle Group.
42. Poli Wonk | 01.16.09
I completely understand the sympathy and the patriotic feelings of Mr. George Anthony Lovenguth. At the same time, I question a lot of his statements. Bush was right to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. Most of the free world was and is against the Iraq invasion. He let loose so many policies which were completely wrong and are undermining the greatness of America now and for a long time. Can we separate these things? Is this still a free country where I can express what I said above without being called “Unpatriotic”.
“One thought however before I begin is that today is January 13, 2009 and its okay for those in the Armed Services to come back to America and wear their uniform, the country is not ruled by the Hippies and the police aren’t looking to lock the combat returnees up. The fact of this matter is that the departing president of the United States of America, George W. Bush did bring about the return and respect for those who served their country, past and present. ” - George Anthony Lovenguth.
Hippies grew up and are now part of this society earning and serving honestly just you are! You have to look at yourself closely in the mirror…
GWB brought about respect for who served their country! Please.. He would not even attend their funeral.. unlike other commanders. They had a news block of return veteran’s caskets…
43. sally | 01.16.09
Thank you President Bush.
I believe you have served us well. You may not have always made the right decisions, but at least you stood by the decisions you made.
44. paigey | 01.16.09
i am so sick of people calling him a man of god, that is BS… i don’t hate him but he did not handle anything the right way. OH “he helped us during september 11th” firstly he did nothing to protect us before hand “bin laden determinrd to attack inside US” memo ( does anybody remember that?) and ANY president if there country was attacked by terroists would help there country and people (it’s there job) it’s not like he went out of his way. also KATRINA KATRINA KATRINA he let some of his own people sit there and be stuck, strave and die. and how dare he this week say “don’t tell me federal aid did not come fast enough, we got 30,000 people off of roofs”. okay well tell the family who have lost everything and family members died, or the girl who was raped in the super dome, that “federal aid came fast enough” does he not even have compassion to word things respectivly for victims of the storm? the man probably is a fun guy to hang around with i think he is hilarious, but he was not a good representative of the united states. i am glad we are looking forward into a new era though.
45. joeldg | 01.16.09
Sadly .. History is almost never “kinder” to a president.
The history books will simply say, he was in office and spent the country to the verge of bankruptcy and left office when the country was in it’s deepest recession since the Great Depression.
Some would say Nixon was a good president still, but history has now fully gutted him, same with Carter etc.
Keep on dreaming those of you who somehow can still support him, in spite of how he has basically repeatedly kicked this whole country in the crotch for the last 8 years.
Guess you like that kind of treatment.
46. Bill | 01.16.09
Good riddance. Only three days left with this Bozo in the White House.
Super arrogance, incredible incompetence. what a combination!!!
47. Hannah | 01.16.09
I bet all those soldiers who have died wouldn’t say it was for no purpose, and I think you saying it is, is very disrespectful to them. They died for the freedom of this great country, they died to protect the innocent from dying for no purpose, because of these amazing men and women we have not had a terrorist attack in over seven years. President Bush did a lot better job running this country than anyone thinks he did, no one knows more than half of the information he does, and everyone is influenced by the biased media. All the people who want to criticize him, I’d love to see them try to do his job.
God Bless G.W. and all the men and women who fight for our country!
48. BushSux | 01.16.09
“The gravest threat to our people remains…”
…the idiots in our governmental system…
We’ve all corrected Maureen now, let’s scan the comments before posting so we don’t repeat one another a thousand times…
49. Ram Prasad | 01.16.09
Dear American,
A word American is enough. One or all it makes no difference.
You open your daily news paper and read.
Or go back to the speack of John Mac.
If you have any feeling about America you can feel.
All the best for your under standing.
Bush is your country man and he is your President. After 20th Jan 2009 you have to call him as former President you like or hate it please give respect at least to your American President.
50. New Orleans | 01.16.09
May we never forget the political disaster that was Hurricane Katrina. “Browning you’re doing a heck of a job….” He has shown an incompitence beyond bafoonery. Please dont even bring up WMD’s. Iraq had none. But, “He tried to kill my daddy” So I guess that was just cause to kill inocent Iraqi infants in his shock and awe campaign. I rest my case.
51. DK | 01.16.09
I don’t doubt he did what he thought was best, he was just ignorant. My dog is very loyal to me but sometimes she thinks it in my best interest for her to drag her butt on the carpet.
52. Deborah | 01.16.09
I think he will be remembered as one of the worst, if not THE worst President in US history. He was neither capable nor ready for the job, and many lives were lost because of that, along with respect for this country around the world. It always puzzles me that people say “he kept us safe”. How do we really know that? Because there were no further attacks on American soil, the credit all goes to him? Personally, I don’t think he was interested enough, nor had the forethought or critical thinking skills to “keep us safe”. He sure kept he and his cronies’ financial well-being front and center, however.
53. Harlon C. | 01.16.09
I agree that President Bush should not be condemned for his comments here. He should, however, be condemned for “many” of the actions he took as President, “many” of them by lying to the American public and “many” of them doing serious harm, still. Recall the quote: “you can fool some of the people ALL the time”. We now know, as written in the current New Yorker, just how many people that is: 27%!
54. Marshalddog | 01.16.09
Well… you won’t have George Bush to kick around anymore. I wish everyone could go back in time and remember the sick feeling they had watching the planes explode, the people dying and the mass sorrow felt. He was the MAN for the times ans although I didn’t agree with everything he did, I am proud of the work he did to fight terrorism. Osama poked the wrong bear with a his stick. God bless him and his family as they retire and I hope “Mr. Change” will actual follow through on his promises during the election and not prove his is just another politician.
55. BushSux | 01.16.09
“The gravest threat to our people remains…”
…the idiots in our governmental system…
We’ve all corrected Maureen now, let’s scan the comments before posting so we don’t repeat one another a thousand times…
56. Steve White | 01.16.09
Had GWB been more publicly open, apologetic, humble, etc. earlier in his Presidency, he would merely have provided more fodder for his enemies (political and otherwise) to the dismayed of his friends and supporters. Instead, Mr. Bush exercised excellent leadership qualities by subordinating any personal weakness or misgivings he may have felt to an (at least external) show of confidence. The last thing soldiers and loved ones needed in that time of danger was the sight of an indecisive President wringing his hands to the to the delight of his (and their) enemies. NYT be d*mned.
Godspeed, President Bush.
57. James Casey | 01.16.09
I read Dave Cook’s article and a number of the comments made by various readers. I would like to note Mr. Cook is correct in saying George Washington’s Farewell Address (written after his first term) did caution about “foreign entaglements”, however, in the address he also riled against political parties who, in the interest of winning, will pit one American against another. George Washington’s Farewell Address should be required reading for anyone seeking office at any level.
58. James | 01.16.09
It’s a shame how so many people in this country can be so hateful about someone they know very little about. I don’t care if you’re a democrat, republican, liberal, or conservative; the misinformed, uneducated, and emotionally troubled need to realize a few things. What they hear on the news is as someone with an agenda wants them to hear it. What they read in the paper is what a biased corporation with biased employees wants them to read. When you mis-quote people for the sake of blasting them, wether it is intentional or not, it just makes you look like a moron.
You have to realize that there a great deal of things that we, the general public, will never hear about because of the secretive nature of national security. If we were to be told everything, the uninformed, uneducated, and emotionally troubled among us would do everything in their power to undermine the effectiveness of our government’s actions simply because they are acting on a belief that was instilled in them by special interest groups and biased media.
How dare you assume that you know enough about running a country that you have the something intelligent to say on the matter. Though you have the right to do so, thanks to the freedoms we enjoy in the US, it doesn’t give the ability to do so with class while exercising sound judgment.
Please for the sake of our children. Spend some time actually thinking for yourself for a change. Read multiple sources of unbiased news (if it still exists). And extract your own opinion from them. Stop being mindless little cheerleaders for whomever promises to give you an extra $500 bucks at the end of year.
On that note, I wish George W. Bush good luck and I thank him for having the courage for taking the most difficult job in the world, and doing it well.
59. DMan | 01.16.09
Worst President ever! This forum has been FREEPERED by the hard-righties, head still firmly in the sand, praising the most destructive and unpopular president ever. The W legacy is one of cynical lies and a disgusting erosion in what it means to be an American. Here and abroad. Thank God, as Gerald Ford said upon being sworn in, “Our national nightmare is over”.
60. Roseann | 01.16.09
Hmm….I have to wonder about anyone who has such disrespect for their president…whether they voted for that person or not. Careful how you speak about those who run and will be running our great country. I doubt those of you who are being so negatively outspoken would have been able to handle any of the events that occurred under President Bush’s watch, better than he! And while you are gloating and hating another human being with name calling, ridiculing, and accusations, remember he is our countryman. Also remember that those who don’t learn from past events are destined to repeat those mistakes at a much greater loss. We’ll see what the future holds.
61. JB | 01.16.09
“Obama definitely has his work cut out for him”
Get a grip. This is Clinton’s 3rd term - Obama has all but turned everything back over to the Clinton machine.
62. Anonymous | 01.16.09
There’s a quote by Benjamin Franklin that Bush and his supporters apparently have never heard.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
63. jasimmonc4 | 01.16.09
I am saddened once again by what I see on these blogs. The disrespect of people as if they would know what to do in the same situation with anything. We have become a nation of idiots. I am probably included in that. The blame game. I am sure that most of the people that said negative things in regards to this, well, that’s just the way they are. They take no reponsibility for anything.
Amazing to me, those that are not proud to be Americans. You know what, I didn’t vote for Obama, but he is going to be the next President. For that, I will give him my respect. Even though Obama blamed everything on Bush and repeatedly hammered him, I have not seen Bush one time hammer back. How many of you could do that? I am sure very few.
What a bunch of fools.
JS
64. Frank | 01.16.09
George Bush did his best in every aspect. The economy is bad not only in US but everywhere around the globe. The killer of American economy is the outsourcing and if the new legislation would be able to bring such jobs and production In USA that will help US economy to recover and do better otherwise the people will suffer to find a job and seekers will be more than jobs outthere.
65. MM | 01.16.09
Maybe they should have played “My Way” instead of “Hail To The Chief.”
Jan 20th cannot come too soon for me.
66. Brody | 01.16.09
Humans are on a steady demise towards extinction unless we learn to;
1) Stop the lying.
2) Treat others as we want to be treated.
3) Put more back than we take.
67. Chip | 01.16.09
President Bush was in office less than a year when we were attacked on 9/11. I’m sure there were mistakes made because of the stress of that time. Americans are quick to rally in times of National Emergency, quick to condem if things don’t go perfectly, but they are also quick to forget what all the hoop-laa was about. The media didn’t emphasize stories of the 585 55 gallon drums of Yellow Cake we hauled out of Iraq or the scores of 35 foot rockets, with empty cells capable of transporting Chem/Bio weapons that we found and destroyed. They haven’t talked about the 12,000 Al-Quida militants that have been reduced to less than 1,200 that are now hiding out in the hills because the Iraqi people are turning them in as fast as they are identified. Not every decision was perfect but let those who have mot made mistakes cast the first stone. I for one am proud of the President and I wish the President-Elect all the best and God Speed.
68. Jeffrey | 01.16.09
President Bush’s performance these past 8 years has been deplorable. He used fear to manipulate and seize power for the executive branch. He trampled the constitution and the “Patriot” act should be renamed the “Treasonous” act, as it usurped our civil liberties under the false guise of protection. Good ridance to bad rubbish
69. USAF SSGT | 01.16.09
As a proud veteran and 9/11 survivor I am exstatic to see the nightmare we as a people have been living for 8 years end. This president has been the biggest imbecile to ever walk the earth. Also, it is even more of a relief to know that Dick Cheney will no longer be in power (I will sleep better at night knowing this).
That said, his contention that the lack of WMD’s was a “disappointment” goes beyond delusional, and his contention that the response to Katrina was good is purely insane. George W. Bush is clearly (as Chris Rock put it) the worst president of anything ever, the worst PTA president, president of a block association, ANYTHING!!!
And yes, we will not have Georgie to “kick around” anymore, but I can’t help but remember my outrage when I saw on the news the footage of him just sitting there like the moron he is after the planes hit for - how long was it? This I saw after I had left the World Trade Center and had walked all the way to the upper east side to my mother’s house so I could assure her I was alive (after passing the recruiting center in Times Square and almost reenlisting).
The only person I can give any credit for the recovery of NYC after 9/11 is not Bush at all, but Rudy. I say this because I worked at the Office of Emergency Managment for 3 months after 9/11 reporting to the then mayor every morning at 6 AM and working and watching him work until well after 10 PM.
As this presidency ends we realize Bush is a failure in ALL aspects - as a man, as a leader, as a person, and especially as a president.
70. G man | 01.16.09
In our hasty, lack of vision, super size me now, instant gratification society, we have forgotten that it takes time to finish a war that was started ‘In the Name of Allah’. We have no stomach any more for truly hard and just actions. Pres. Bush was just the man we needed to keep this country safe. However, it not the Governments job to keep people from being idiots. Case in point: Hurricane Katrina. Most people that decided to stay had the following thought process: ‘I think it’s a good idea to stick around when a hurricane is coming’. Their next thought process is: ‘I think the Government should rescue me now for my complete moronic reasoning’. Wake up America!
71. Leon Oguh | 01.16.09
Hello Mr. Bush,
I wish you well. Whether your decisions were good or bad, we have always known where you stand on issues. You have never been one to back away from a fight. We and the world have never second-quessed your stand on various issues. Your admirers and critics alike went to sleep at night knowing you are at the helm of power and will not hesitate to return “fire for fire”
I know you are happy to go home.
I saw you on TV when you came to Washington and saw you now that you are leaving. You have gotten older and wiser.
It is a tough job. Like you said “only history will tell”
God bless you and your family. Adieu!
72. Tom | 01.16.09
You know what the problem is here??? MEDIA!!! Listen, Bin Laden never attacked us here, GWB’s time as President would have just been another term and nobody would have hated him as much as they do now. Because of the war, people hate him because they think it was wrong… Well I say, GROW SOME NUTS!!!! What would you have rather he do? Let them get away with it and continue to attack us because SOME people here can’t take their skirts off and be proud enough to see that he is/was standing up and protecting his country! I applaud President Bush. I think he did a great job considering the circumstances. People who hate President Bush, are the ones who probably got beat up in school or picked on because they were to scared to stand up for themselves and had no self pride! Grow up!!!
The Problem…. The media! You want to be mad at someone, be mad at them for how they present things to you! Everyone only sees one side of the story! What were all of you saying on 9/11 when the attacks happened here? Don’t know about you guys, but I was devastated and mad. Not at our President, yet at the people responsible for the attack! Lord I apologize, but I said we should have leveled their country because that is how I felt and how angry I was for putting our lives in danger and taking the lives of many here!
Like the Bush Haters, I could go on and on in his defense, but then it would be in the defense of ALL Americans, but I am not going to waste my time. So, in closing, I would like to say Thank You President Bush and Thank You to ALL the past and present people in the Armed Services who has and do protect our great country today! Thank you for having the balls to stand up and defend!
74. Gary | 01.16.09
I am glad he’s gone. He put us in two wars and brought us security and economic crisis. I hope the future going to be better for us with Obama.
75. comment55sux | 01.16.09
Lets not repeat comments guys. And, Maureen, he didn’t say ALL Americans he say MANY.
Take a nap BushSux.
76. Moe | 01.16.09
I believe GW is a good man and he did what he thought was good for the country, Except he was not smart enough to know what is good for the country, ha ha ha
78. Gloria | 01.16.09
What happened with Katrina was not all Prersident Bush’s fault. I live in Louisiana and most of the problems were on the state level. We had a Governor that was in way over her head. She should have issued an evacuation order for New Orleans but didn’t want to look bad if it didn’t hit. I’m not saying that the federal government should not help with disasters, but the state and the people involved should carry the most responsibilty.
79. Pastor Troy | 01.16.09
When I hear the word American I have a feeling of pride well up inside because I have studied the American history and have seen how generation after generation have ovecome tyranny and disctorial leadership throughout the world. I am not an American but I am a Canadian and I see the same results from individual’s comments concerning their government. We have the same scenero here in Canada. It seems that everyone else could make a better Prime Minister or President sitting on the ide lines but I have learned that this is where the finest critics of all time stan. Those who critize and complain. Was Mr. Bush the best President you ever had ,Highly unlikely but the man filled a office of such importance worldwide that no matter what happened he came under fire. I ask all those critics how would you run the cuntry and if you did would you be exempt from critisim. I think not. To blame one man when he is surrounded by a team that supposingly on the ball doesn’t seem right. Yes he did mak decisiions that were unpopular but surely he made some that pleased the critics or is that just their path in life to critize and nothing else. I am a firm believer in the quotation that goes like this,”If you aren’t happy with your pracher and want a better one then pray for the one you have.” This works as well for those in the government as well. So remember if you aren’t happy with the decision made by our leaders then get involved and quite possibly you may make a difference.
80. Nikola | 01.16.09
Mr. George W. Bush and many in his administartion need to be indicted by the International Criminal Court. Please think not as Americans, but as citizens of the world.
81. jb | 01.16.09
“I don’t recall any other president being as vilified by an opposing party in my life”
Several presidents were vilified beyond reason; Lincoln and Truman were hated.
JFK started the Viet Nam war which was far more devistating than Iraq and came close to getting us into a nuclear war with Russia yet he was loved.
Jimmy Carter tried to bring bring social justice to Iran by putting pressure on the Shaw and look what they (Iranians, media, his own party) did to him.
Go figure. Popular opinion is whimsical.
As for world opinion, they’ll always hate us - always have, always will.
82. Roxie | 01.16.09
I’m happy to see so many people thanking Bush for his service but saddened to see so many blame him for things he had no control over. For example, our economy was already on a downturn when he came into office. Secondly, Clinton had the opportunity to capture Bin Laden but DIDN’T. Finally, why is it that Bush is blamed for everything when it comes to Katrina? The mayor of New Orleans and governor NEVER got criticized for their lack of leadership. What about Galveston and surrounding counties hit by Ike last year - seems everyone has forgotten about those poor people…
83. Justice | 01.16.09
Bush was the true weapon of mass destruction. I love his humility now he is leaving. He never showed compassion when he unnecessarily bombed Iraq. Nor did he not show compassion for Katrina victims who drowned waiting for a response. Too many lives have been lost because of you. I do not want to ever be reminded of the pain you cause in the last eight years.
I will be proud of the days of a post Bush era, and God Bless the United States of America.
84. William Post | 01.16.09
I find it interesting that so many of the anti-Bush comments here consist of either name calling, one line insults or diatribes so poorly written as to be almost incomprehensible.
At the same time many of the pro-Bush comments are respectful and well worded.
That contrast must mean something don’t you think.
85. S | 01.16.09
As his term ends, my feelings have changed. I am not jumping for joy even though we have elected an intelligent President that will put a skilled Cabinet and others to work to help our ailing country. Not relying on one or two liars. I never voted for him, although I have voted Republican at least twice, I was intelligent enough to vote Obama this time. Aware we were tricked into war, we acquired a deficit we did not have, we’re torturers and the world and the allies we have left think we are a joke, I simply just feel sorry for him. We are a YOUNG country that is grandiose and does not see we can learn from ourselves and others. Even though he and others can justly be prosecuted, I honestly feel sorry for him and how most see him.
86. Scott | 01.16.09
Now BushSux, he said the gravest threat would be another terrorist attack, not what you said. How dare you take the words of the president and twist them and make different meanings just like the rest of the liberal media. George Bush was the man for eight years.
Does sarcasm translate well on the internet?
88. Kathleen | 01.16.09
I am grateful to Bush for bringing back dignity to the office of President of the United States which was lost during the Clinton years. The decisions that have to be made in times of conflict are difficult and you can’t please everybody all the time. I am thankful that he was in command and not afraid to make hard decisions. I believe with all my heart that he had the good of the nation at the basis of every decision he made. Some things didn’t work out. That’s life. No one can predict the future. Those who are so vocal in their displeasure are good at criticizing, but maybe a different path would have led to different problems that would have been just as bad if not worse. God WILL bless him, and I believe history will be kind to him.
I am truly worried about Obama being in control with a Democratic Congress. If you think things are bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet! President Bush, Godspeed to you! Your days of being knifed by the liberal media are finally coming to an end. I wish you well and hope your life as a private person is all you are hoping for.
89. Greenchange | 01.16.09
Some time back, my kids got me a gag gift, a digital countdown timer of the Bush presidency. About six months ago, after years of faithful service and growing urgency, it suddenly stopped. I panicked: was it possible that the US would be governed by this (poor excuse of a) chief executive in perpetuity!
I’m breathing easier now,and yes, just to be breathing is a cause for joy. He claims to have kept me safe. Perhaps so, but he unleashed upon our world such indiscriminate carnage that its negative effect will slop around for decades.
90. MICHAEL | 01.16.09
Time will prove #43 did what was necessary, when it was necessary without regard for personal, unprofessional media attacks. Which (other than Fox) unfortunately generally passes for media coverage…what ever happened to unbiased news reporting? It is obvious that even now, media coverage (other than Erin Burnet of CNBC) of the distribution of TARP funds proves how little anchors know about business. Also, all of you who think we have given up too much to protect ourselves should ask the families of those who actually lost loved ones on 9/11 how they feel about it. God bless #43 and may God bless #44, we are going to need God’s blessings to overcome the situation at hand.
91. Rob | 01.16.09
George Bush is the WORST president EVER! Our country will be MUCH better off without you! Good riddance!
92. K von M | 01.16.09
Marshalddog, the “work” Bush did to fight terrorism consisted of keeping the American public scared enough so that we wouldn’t question the torture, the invasion of privacy, and complete devastation of our economy. Just like a typical evangelical, he preached the big bad monster that was going to get us if we didn’t follow him blindly. And look where he’s led us.
Bush wasn’t the man for the times. Bush wasn’t a MAN. He was and will always be an idiot. He was responsible for bringing financial ruin to every business over which he presided… why did anyone think things would be different with him as President?
He didn’t try to do his best, and what’s worse is that he didn’t have the intelligence to realize just how badly he was failing.
93. Luke | 01.16.09
Bush ruled the country like he was royalty. He used us and our resources for his personal interests, not for the good of the country. He rewarded loyalty to himself and placed those interests ahead of the interests of the country.
If after 9/11, he had rallied a sympathetic world to fight Al Qaida and the Taliban wherever they were, he could have been a great president. Instead, he abandoned the fight against those who caused 9/11 and chose to invade Iraq. When pressed, he will admit that Iraq had no relation to 9/11 other than being a country opposed to the US. He still can’t see how abandoning the fight against those who attacked us for a war against someone he didn’t like caused such anger around the world.
Torture, illegal wiretaps, rounding up bystanders with suspects and denying all any type of trial, ignoring his responsibility to police the financial markets, and many other disgraces to this country are his legacy.
94. Mike Trainor | 01.16.09
He remains clueless.
The tone of his speech is completely inconsistent with the political reality he is facing. He is like a teenager at a car wreck commenting on how nicely he has waxed the car while ignoring that everyone is angry because they are sure the wreck was his fault.
This is *why* he did such a bad job. When you live in a dream world, you will cannot do a good job of managing the real world.
95. Bob | 01.16.09
“I believe Bush does love this country and did what he could to keep us safe…the American people seem to over look that fact.”
The fact is Randall, most American’s love America and feel grateful for the life we are afforded here. Everybody supports the troops. We all have the feelings of patriotism that conservatives think that only they can feel.
That’s not enough to be a good, or even average leader of men. Bush never developed character and honor, as evidenced by lying and lack of accomplishments his whole life. Without his family’s influence and money, Bush would have been an adequate sales representative if he applied himself, not meaning any disrespect to that line of work
96. Nun A. Tak | 01.16.09
I do remember 911. I remember how this great country has been weakened and fractured — politically, constitutionally, and economically afterward. There is a price to pay for George Bush’s unmitigated stubborness … and this economic malaise is just the beginning. I wish our new president godspeed in keeping this country together.
97. Tim | 01.16.09
I am grateful that President Bush was the one in office on 9/11. If previous presidents had responded differently to terrorist attacks instead of just launching a couple of Patriot missiles in their direction we would have never had a 9/11.
Most cable news coverage of President Bushes was biased with the exception of one, Fox News. The others didn’t report the news they create it in the backroom, put their own personal spin on it, and broadcast it as fact.
Thank you President Bush for all that did to keep out country safe. I wish you well. I hope that President Elect Obama is able to say the same thing at the end of his watch.
98. Jorvelort | 01.16.09
Let us remember that after the first World Trade Center terrorist attack in 1993, at the very beginning of the Clinton administration, the United States was NOT attacked at home again by muslim terrorists during the rest of Clinton’s presidency. So let’s honor Clinton for keeping America safe for those nearly eight years.
Yet six months and three weeks into the W and Cheney administration we get hit with 9/11. We then invade and occupy a country that did NOT attack us on 9/11, and we end up with more than 4,000 Americans killed and thousands more wounded, etc.
And we’re supposed to feel grateful to Bush-Cheney because they kept us SAFE after 9/11? Sorry, no way.
99. TCUFrogs | 01.16.09
To all,
President George Walker Bush will be recognized as one of the better presidents in American history. The events he had to deal with were un expressable. The media has gone so far off the reservation to the left, I’m forced to watch FOX or get my news soley from non biased internet sources. If I have to listen to Wolf Blitzer on CNN or any other raging liberal hippie who thinks their “cool” and “hip” talking about the greatness of Barack Hussein Obama i’m going to throw up. I have hope for Obama and I hope he does well, because I love the United States of America. Its so sad how the media and liberals in general route for Bush’s demise and failure, do they not understand that means their rooting for America’s denise and failure while hes the standing president? President Bush stimulated our economy greatly with ‘01 and ‘03 tax cuts that saved us from the economic roughshod that 911 put on us and stimulated one of the greatest bull markets of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in history. The Dow in the 2002-2007 bull run jumped from 7,000 points to 14,500 points. DOUBLING IN 5 YEARS!!!! Wow thats a forgotten fact. All the while we never had another terrorist attack on our soil while he was in office, and without a doubt I feel safer with him in office ready to just maybe press the trigger on some terrorist. Obama will soon realize sitting down for Tea in Tehran isnt the way you treat terrorists. You punish them. Its like a misbehaving kid. If he misbehaves do you sit down with him and give him candy and pat him on the back and say everythings ok… or do you slap him on the butt and firmy say dont do that again or it will be a much worse slap on the butt next time. I beleive in slapping on the butt, and none of this politically correct talking bs. Much of the trouble of our society today is that there’s not enough cohonas and people willing to do the actual right thing to do. Bush will always do what is in the best interest of the COUNTRY and not whats popular. He coulda been real popular and done a lot of things differently but he chose to do what was right. God bless Bush, God bless Texas, and God bless the United States of America. I hope Jeb Bush runs for office in 2012. God bless everyone
100. JMK | 01.16.09
First of all, BushSux is right lets stop correcting Maureen, at this point everyone knows she was mistaken.
We all know Bush used 9/11/2001 to launch his “War on Terror” seeking out daddy’s unfinished business with Saddam. He used the tragedy of 9/11 and started a war that to date has killed 4,226 American soldiers and over one million Iraqis including women and children. He failed to produce any “weapons of mass destruction” and that is one of his main regrets? What about the four thousand Americans that have lost their lives, what about the 10,643,000,000 and growing national debt, what about the thousands of Americans that are losing their homes and jobs?
I think we all remember the infamous misquote “There’s an old saying in Tennessee — I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.” Yet time and time again you proved to America just how foolish you are, first by passing legislation on the Patriot Act which labels every American a potential terrorist, then by declaring mission accomplished in Iraq. This is the same man that spent months of his presidency on vacation at his ranch in Texas, the same man that sat in a classroom on that September morning struggling to read through a first grade book while the nation was under attack. This is also the same man who took 4 days to send aid to the drowning people in New Orleans after Katrina, the man the destroyed our political image in the would by declaring axis of evils and supporters of terrorists.
I’m sorry to say I cant agree with you Mr. Bush my greatest regret is that you were ever elected president of this great country, hopefully President Obama can fix your terrible blunders.
101. S.ClareLSU | 01.16.09
My house shook in Alexandria, VA when a friend was killed at the Pentagon 9/11. An entire division of my Dad’s company was killed in a tower on 9/11.
I support, honor and mourn our soldiers, especially ones captured (and the innocent Iraqis killed and tortured). Our troops deserve respect and honor. Tons of it. They did their job, as ordered.
But to believe they were fighting for Democracy and our freedom are just a sound bite said so much as propaganda, many people were being told what to think without knowing it. Like faith, questioning and discussing, makes our country and its citizens strong and knowledgeable. Not believing lies to war.
I hope there is a Memorial built on the mall for these men to be honored, but I hope Halliburton foots the bill since Cheney planning a way to go to war with Iraq before he was ever elected. It is sad how many people polled think we went to war b/c of 9/11. It was without UN backing and there were no Weapons of Mass Destruction. Mission Accomplished Mr. Bush? Yes if the Mission was to kill young men and loose the respect of other countries (most) around the world.
Congrats on finding Bin Laden Mr. Bush. Would have been nice if he was in Iraq where you sent most of the troops, instead of the small number in Afghanistan.
102. Joe buck | 01.16.09
One of the greatest terrorism h(9/11) happened under his watch. He did not keep us safe. Because of his stupid policy, many fellow American lost their lives, jobs and self dignity. He did not love America, he loved power and money. He is the worst President ever.
103. Jimmy Carter | 01.16.09
Hey, don’t forget about meeeeeeeeeee! If we are going to talk about bad Presidents, shouldn’t my name be at the top of your list? The country was in a lot worse shape when I was in office as compared to now. Remember how unemployment was around 7.5% when I was office? Remember when interest rates peaked at 21.5%? Remember when I cut defense spending by billions? Remember the long gas lines? (Well, maybe you younger folks don’t remember but I don’t see you waiting in any lines now.) Yup, that’s me. But then again I’m a great humanitarian so all is forgiven, right?
Wow, come to think of it, maybe G.W. wasn’t all that bad???
104. Jeff in Michigan | 01.16.09
When I distill the speach, it comes down to a simple premise. “I vowed to defend the country against a second terrorist attack. That goal justified all the actions I took. I was successful and history will someday vindicate me because I was willing to make the hard decisions.”
I don’t buy it.
History will document that Bush presided on the decline of America from a pre-eminent unchallenged superpower to a bankrupt debtor nation giving way to China on the world stage.
The only hope for Bush is if a miracle happens and Iraq emerges as a transformative force for democracy and moderation in the Middle East. If that does happen, I would attribute it more to divine intervention.
The more likely scenario is a cautionary tale of how politics, ideology, and religion can create an administration so convinced of their own righteousness destiny that they were blind to their own basic shocking incompetence.
105. Don’tFoolMeAgain | 01.16.09
I am STILL in Shock and Awe. It lasted a few days in Iraq in ‘03, and 5 years in the US, and counting….
One says, “just respect your president”. My vote, and many others, were stolen in ‘00 and ‘04. What should I respect? Many others who don’t read prior comments blast the first over and over like sheep. Pay attention people, and quit beating a dead horse. Some say “God Bless GWB, and God Bless our Troops,” as if they were keeping us safe. Safe from who? Bush’s government and freedom reducing policies are WAY more to fear than Osama bin Laden.
They stole our pensions, and then bailed out the thieves. Might as well put micro-chips in our wrists. OH, sorry, I spoiled the surprise. Can’t wait to see the list of pardons.
**** GWB! Good riddance, and good luck lassoing your cancer-inducing toxic cattle at your next private billionaire rodeo.
106. Oohhzznnaahhzz | 01.16.09
Never underestimate the power of large groups of stupid people.
Bush understood one thing…maybe, he managed to show the world that fully half of the American people are stupid, they voted for him a second time.
107. Stella | 01.16.09
The american people must give a credit to president W Bush for the respect he had, without having “a Mornica Lewinsky”scandal, like Bill Clinton.Bush has done a great job and deserves respect as any other president…..God bless mr Bush!!!
108. Anonamouse | 01.16.09
Good intentions DO NOT mean he did a good job. He may have intended to keep us safe but he did more harm than good.
History will remember him as the worst President ever.
109. Dave554 | 01.16.09
Intentions mean nothing. “W” is a moron and anyone who cannot see the damage he and his handlers have done to this nation are either delusional, in denial, or morons in their own right. I’m sorry, I want to be more gracious but his conduct of the duties in the office rise to the level of high crimes.
110. michael | 01.16.09
George w. bush,I have prayed for eight years that God would hurry up and remove you from office,and finally he has answered,either you lied about Iraq or you excepted bad intelligence,either way we do not ever,ever want another president and an administration as yours.The respect that our country had all over the world,you and your administration really did harm to that,and if i am wrong may God forgive me,but if i am right i pray that you and your administration pay for the crimes that were committed against mankind.Now you wait until the end of your time in office to show compassion,it is really hard for me to beleive that you love your country after what you and your administation have done,our soldier gave their lives for our country,and because of it and because of the people of the United States of America we are safe and have not been attacked,not and i mean not solely because of you and your administration.So stop telling America that you kept us safe,because you did not.
111. Paymon Behmand | 01.16.09
I am sorry to see that President Bush is gone. During his time, he provided better security , better schools, and more opportunity are available for all of The United States citizens. He single handed had to stand strong against Foeigeners interest, of British, Russia, China and etc.
Dear Mr. President
No one is with flaws, but you have done GREAT. This nation will appreciate you in years to come.Just like President Trueman, and President Regan. I thank you for what you have done for all the people in the world.
112. Bobby | 01.16.09
The only thing W ever cared about was his “legacy.” It’s some legacy - ignorance, death, torture, incompetence, massive corruption, all fueled by insatiable greed. Small wonder the Bushies are scrambling in their attempts to rewrite what has to be the saddest chapter in American history. Good riddance crooks and scoundrels.
113. Dave554` | 01.16.09
Marshalddog you and your ilk just don’t get it; Bush played exactly into Bin Laden’s hand. The attacks of 9-11 were NEVER about killing Americans; they were about provoking us to do something stupid enough to (like invading Iraq) to unite enough of the Muslim world behind the extremists while isolating the US from the rest of the international community. This creates the dynamic where the UBLs of the world have the strategic breathing room to let their movement expand. Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Rove and the rest are the best allies Bin Laden ever had. Please, enough false bravado; a little more intellectual rigor and we might just survive this disastrous and shameful period in American history.
114. Shirley Quon | 01.16.09
The very fact that you and I can freely make these comments - great price has been paid, this freedom is such precious privilege and gift of this great nation. Let’s not forget and take for granted.
WWIII has begun since 9-11, we tend to forget or we don’t realize. During WWII everyone sacrificed, not many complained about the hardship, the economy, everyone worked together - our fathers, our sons, our mothers, our daughters, to defeat our common enemies. Lives were sacrificed in the front line and personal interests were also put aside to obtain peace and victory. We respected each other, we respected and honor our leaders.
No one likes war. Including our president. Why do you think every president’s hair turn gray during their presidency? Many crisis, very grave decisions to be made every moment of the day. Volumes and volumes of information to be received and analyzed, digested and decisions to be made…
Unless we put ourselves in his shoe, it is very easy to criticize and give unthoughtful judgment.
I used to respect Journalists, but I am afraid many have been blinded by their own ideology, thus the integrity of journalism has been greatly compromised.
The majority of the media has not been fair to President Bush nor the reports of all that are happening in Iraq.
“Divide and conquer” is the strategy of our enemy. We could debate and disagree, but we still could respect, love and honor each other in our differences and do within our own talents, strength, ability to build (not tear down) together this great nation that I love deeply, respect greatly, appreciate immensely.
That goes with our President!
President Bush, thank you so much for serving our country unselfishly, sacrificially, courageously, for your unwavered determination, integrity, faith and love for the American people and for our nation. May God bless you and keep you, May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May the Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you shalom.
We love you and appreciate you. President Bush. Mrs. Laura Bush, thank you for giving your husband to us for these last 8 long years, for your support and your sacrifice.
Respectfully and gratefully
Shirley Quon
115. LT | 01.16.09
Fact is, soldiers returning from Vietnam were subject to hostility and disrespect. It was the fashion of the times among those who embraced ‘the movement’. However, over the years the nation - for the most part - realized what an embarassment this was. The soldiers didn’t send themselves over there. President Johnson was commander in chief and…like Bush…got a lot of bad advice from a coterie of micromanagers who viewed the military as some sort of international postal service for ‘delivering messages’. Unless the message is total war with all the ‘guit or die’ violence that implies, the military is the wrong messenger. But we don’t seem to be able to figure that out. But the persistent push of many who served in Vietnam to ask the society to ’separate the war from the warriors’ up to the point of building our own memorials’ has - in my view - led to the rightful respect being accorded those who are still willing to stand on the wall in the dark of night. If the government misuses the military, that’s one thing. If the society abuses the military, that’s something wholly other.
116. John | 01.16.09
DK, I imaging your dog kept you safe as well as amused. Better than GWB.
an ex-New Orlenian with family in South Louisiana and a long memory
117. Tim B | 01.16.09
Anyone else notice that the few remaining Bush defenders talk about him like a father figure? It’s kinda creepy how personally invested they are in this guy. But it won’t stop them from assailing the unfairness and naivete of those who judge the man’s actions instead of his words. I guess that’s the inherent problem with ignorance - you don’t know it when you have it.
119. K. Jackson | 01.16.09
I often did not agree with President Bush’s decisions, and too often find the decisions of the people elected to represent us to be self serving. I fear for our country with its huge national debt, skyrocketing health costs, politicians in every lobbyist’s pocket, and bailouts for mismanaged and irresponsible financial institutions and industries. However, it is the media’s lack of ethics and frenzy to sell a story at all costs over the last few years that has left me with one message to share. “God bless and protect anyone who it is willing to make any decision or statement under the eyes of these media monsters.”
120. Lane | 01.16.09
I wish him well. He took the job seriously and did what he felt was right, not always what we felt was right. That is not an easy job. Look at those befor him. Did any leave looking younger? I did not vote for him but do feel he left the country safer. I personaly feel that if Obama does all that he says he is going to do, our debt will increase, entitlement will flurish,and our security will weaken. All I can say is God Help us. Our economy is bad right now but if you really look at it he was not responsible for it. It was people like Greenspan that convinced the goverining bodies to allow deregulation that led to betting on Wall Street. I have lost to date about 50% and have gone back to work after being retired for 6 years.
121. NQ | 01.16.09
Dear Mr. George W. Bush,
You have been a complete FAILURE. Your administration’s legacy is Torture, war-profiteering, spying on American citizens, Treason against a CIA officer, lying for your own personal war. Too bad you and your buddies couldn’t stop shredding the United States Constitution long enough to read and honor it. You are a stain on the legacy of the Office of the President. I cannot believe you are not leaving in hand-cuffs.
122. typo | 01.16.09
Hello,
In this article, the phrase “One of the most memorable address” needs some editing. It should either be
“One of the most memorable addresses ” or “The most memorable address”
You need not publish this comment on the site.
123. Jason | 01.16.09
I can not believe and it absolutely disgusts me that this many people are so willingly ignorant of what has happened over the last eight years. First of all none of you know what you would have done in the Presidents position because you have never been there. If you actually think that he made all of those decisions on his own you are sadly mistaken. He gets his information from someone else and then makes the best decision he can based on such. I do not agree with everything that Mr. Bush has done but I supported him because of his title. I support America and the reason for our descent is that we are so torn in different directions. We don’t stand together anymore and it will cause our complete demise. I think that America is going through life with Her eyes closed and we are about run into a wall! There are so many things going on that the general public doesn’t see or just plain ignores and we are in for a very rude awakening.
We have taken GOD out of His rightful place in this country, told Him to stay out of our lives, and committed unspeakable, horrable sins against Him and wonder why this country is falling. WAKE UP and see what is happening, the further we get from GOD the worse our nation becomes.
Mr. Bush, thank you for your time in service and my GOD bless you. I am now and will be praying for Mr. Obama eventhough he was not the man I voted for. I ask that ALL Christians join me in prying for him and all persons in leadership positions across our nation to lead this country as GOD would have them to!!! No matter who is in the White House, GOD is still in control and can still answer prayer.
IF my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I here from heaven , and will frogive their sin, and will heal their land!
II Chronicles 7:14
124. marie in Tampa | 01.16.09
Let’s get real. Bush fomented terrorism by neglecting the war in Afghanistan and invading and occupying another MiddleEast country that had nothing to do terrorism. More Americans have been killed in Iraq than at the Twin Towers on 9/11…so how can he or anyone believe that he’s kept us safe. To say that he has kept America’s SOIL safe is really ignorant. Terrorists don’t need to come do harm to Americans here because we’re all over Iraq and by harming Americans there, they harm their loves ones at home. All experts agree that terrorism has increased with Bush in the White House. He deserves no thanks for that kind of leadership.
125. lavern | 01.16.09
He regrets he did not find weapons of mass distruction. Ignored the suffering of millions in Katrina.; I cried like a infant while i watched people beg for thier lives in the katrina mess. I cried when the my mortgage company wrote themselves a blank check on my mortgage balance. When his family stole the first election. When he said he didn’t read newspapers.
When he said Mission acomplished in Iraq. When his mother said the people in Katrina were living better than they were used to in the Dome. When he gave the people who stole my house 350 billion. My regret is the guy who threw his shoes, missed.
126. Kang | 01.16.09
“Osama poked the wrong bear with a his stick.”…
Oh really? He’s still alive after almost 7 years. What would the “right bear” have done???
127. Dan | 01.16.09
60% of historians agree, this man was the worst president ever. Can you imagine how good things were looking in 2000 when he was elected compared to now?! Him and his cronies messed things up for the US big and now can retire peacefully on their millions. Why did there even need to be a legacy project? Why did Bush have way more press conferences at the end of his term (which he never had before) than any other president in recent memory. And why, in the tax-payer provided legacy project, does it say that he “kept America safe” and “gave America record economic growth”? I spit on that digital document.
129. Sherring | 01.16.09
It’s amazing that in the public arena of today you could find someone so committed to his country and be so wrong about everything!
131. c.double.u | 01.16.09
Randall said:
“There are things he could have done differently but one man alone cannot change the way things are being run or make absolute decisions concerning our country…we are a system of checks and balances.”
Problem is, GWB’s actions & policy decisions showed a disregard for those checks & balances as he sought place more and more power into the office of the president rather than letting those checks & balances play out to allow all appropriate branches of government the chance to evaluate and act on his policies.
I’m hoping for a return to 3 EQUALLY relevant & empowered branches of government that ensure the best interests of this nation will be appropriately represented.
132. Emme | 01.16.09
While I believe W when he says he did what he thought was in the best interest of the country, I do not believe he did the right thing. Having good intentions is not a sufficient basis for claiming to have made good decisions. We made the mistake of handing the responsibility of making decisions to a person who not only was incapable making intelligent decisions but was also incapable of surrounding himself with intelligent people who would guide him towards good decisions.
Many a toddler has played with fire with all the best of intentions. But playing with fire is not a good decision. If there isn’t an adult guiding the toddler’s choices, that toddler’s good intentions can and will lead him to real troublesome outcomes. Is W like a toddler who doesn’t realise that the adult is a necessary part of growing up?
Does W think only he knows better and the rest of the world is a bunch of idiots? Should we have elected him president based on good intentions alone? What about competence? What about humility? What about all those characteristics that great leaders have? Why are people hanging on to the flimsy thread of mere good intentions?
133. TD | 01.16.09
From the posts I’ve read so far, I can see that many Americans either were not paying attention during the eight long years of bush’s reign or they are being blinded by unwarranted nostalgia.
I say good riddance to bad rubbish, mr. bush. You were a bad president in so many ways I cannot begin to remember them all. What I do remember is how much this country has changed for the worse since you came along. Please don’t think history will be so kind as the readers on this board. It will not.
134. Mark | 01.16.09
Jeb 2012! Farwell President Bush! Thank you for everything you did to help keep my family safe and for taking the steps necessary to start getting the economy back track. Thank you for making the world a place with fewer terrorists and less dictators. I’m sorry that some of your fellow Americans are too shortsighted to understand what you were trying to accomplish and too narrow minded to understand that you are but one person in a government of many and a human who is capable of error.
135. A Vietnam Vet | 01.16.09
Bush was a drunk who failed in his obligation to the military, failed in all his business ventures and failed as the President of the United States. He was asleep at the helm on 9/11, and wasted 1000’s of lives on a stupid war and let the economy slip into the worst recession since the great depression. Besides that he did a heck of a job.
136. MDL | 01.16.09
Bush was an embarrassment to us all. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he manufactured the impression of being a bumbling country bumpkin to appeal to the middle-class masses. Or is he really that dumb?? The world can now respect us for electing an intelligent, eloquent man instead of an imbecilic puppet.
137. susan | 01.16.09
Well…One thing for sure, Any day… Any week… President Bush, Laura and the rest of the family are welcome at my table, rather it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I thank them….I thank them for all they’ve done and I’m proud of them, every last one of them.
138. BushDaMan | 01.16.09
George:
You did a fine job as our President. You won’t go down as the worst President in our history, but possibly the worst re-elected President in our history. You made your fair share of mistakes, but I still would have voted for you as President over Kerry and Gore. However, if you had to run against Clinton or Obama, I would have voted for them. Your time as President was due to the Libertarians lack of representation of a legit candidate.
139. THANKYOU | 01.16.09
Thank you to President Bush!
President Bush has served us very well — much better than we deserve — even though many have absolutely no appreciation or respect.
140. SLR | 01.16.09
Obviously Maureen Rooney can’t read or listen as Bush did not say “All” Americans returned to normal lives, he said “Many”. Amazing how bias clouds your ears and eyes…
141. Jeff | 01.16.09
Elected by the people for the people. Welcome to democracy. Be happy with what you have and thankful for your security. History will be the judge, until then stop whinning and make a difference yourself.
142. C.B. Stubie | 01.16.09
President Bush did many things as you have all so eloquently pointed out. How could one not; in the process of holding the office of President for eight years? But the most important thing he accomplished, and the one truly great thing he will certainly be remembered for and revered for is…making his father look good.
143. ralph | 01.16.09
Try this: Read any of the 30, or so, factual books about the Bush legacy and then come back and tell me that he was a “great president” who did the best for our country. Two that come to mind are; “The prosecution of George Bush for Murder” and “The End of America”. These, and many others, are not raving lunatics just wasting paper but thoughtful researchers / authors who have drawn together the facts (I know facts are scary)from many sources (quoted). Like I said, if you can face the truth and then support the actions of the Bush administration - I feel sorry for you as you are living in a dream world where truth does not exist.
rc
144. Travis | 01.16.09
Seriously, he was elected our president by Americans, be a little respectful.
I also feel he did a good job in the 2008 year.
145. Joe | 01.16.09
Before G.W. Bush era: $1/gal gas
After G.W. Bush era: $4/gal gas
Bush tried, but could not save the economy from recession. He let millions of people down during Hurricane Katrina. He let billions of U.S. dollars go toward the war in Iraq. No wonder stores are closing, the unemployment rate is high, and GM & Chrysler are on the verge of bankrupcy. It’s time for a new president. Please, Obama, bring back $1 gas soon and save us from another Great Depression.
146. Joe | 01.16.09
Before G.W. Bush era: $1/gal gas
After G.W. Bush era: $4/gal gas
Bush tried, but could not save the economy from recession. He let millions of people down during Hurricane Katrina. He let billions of U.S. dollars go toward the war in Iraq. No wonder stores are closing, the unemployment rate is high, and GM & Chrysler are on the verge of bankrupcy. It’s time for a new president. Please, Obama, bring back $1 gas soon and save us from another Great Depression.
147. Ralph | 01.16.09
Sure am glad to be straightened out on one thing - That is that Fox News is not biased.
148. Johnny Rockston | 01.16.09
Mark, sorry to tell you there are more terrorists now after your hero’s antics. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0925/dailyUpdate.html
149. Phil | 01.17.09
A man that stood by his convictions. History will write him a much greater president that the main stream media or democratic party has done. He was not treated fairly. A man is judged by the content of his character as on great american said.
150. CEK | 01.17.09
To Maureen Rooney
The quote was “many Americans” not “all Americans returned to normal life after Sept. 11, 2001″ You disrespect those who lost loved ones on Sept.11, as well as those who survived. With you stupidity.
151. Semper Fi | 01.17.09
Mr. Bush was by no means the most articulate person and it has annoyed me that he has been unable to clearly communicate the rationale behind his actions these past seven years. BUT, we have also been safe since 9/11. Those that have critiqued his actions since 9/11 have been quick to undermine any and all of his actions through the media. I have yet to hear however how different their own course would have been. What if they were in charge? How do they intend to get information from terror-related detainees? How do they intend to get information on potential attacks before they happen? This is a world run on Machiavellian virtues. We must take care to not repeat Chamberlain’s folly while Hitler rebuilt Germany. It is not the case that we can simply “believe” that the world wants to be at peace and turn a blind eye to reality. Now, it is not an easy matter to review the list of military men and women who have made sacrifices since this war began but they believe they were making a difference. We will never be shown a direct correlation between their sacrifice and the lives saved on U.S. soil - the media would never allow that. There is. How many attacks have been thwarted by the intel received through Bush’s policies?
Not sure about you, but I am tired listening to the bickering between the democrats and republicans about the war and especially the economy. Now I look forward to Mr. Obama taking office. It is a great thing for America to take this step in its history and, change, after all, is always a good thing. My only concern however is that I don’t think anyone truly understands how to fix the global economy - no republican, no democrat. Mr. Obama will only be able to make the calls as he sees them. It will be interesting how the far left and the media treat him when he makes an unpopular decision about the war or economy.
As for me, I am a proud Marine, and a proud independent. Our system is by no means perfect and we definitely have our share of problems, but I assure you that the grass isn’t greener. I will always rally behind the flag no matter who carries it because I know what it represents and I know what it takes to defend.
Good luck President Bush! And thank you!
152. StanK | 01.17.09
You are all NUTS if you think Presidents either Bush or Obama can change your life, keep you safe, and fix the global economy. This country is too complex for one man to control or even influence. Look in the mirror it is all up to each one of you. What do you do and how do you live your life is what matters. Do you serve your country in military or other way, do you contribute to economy, if not get off your fat *** and go to work.
We have been a nation of fools, spending, arguing, fighting with each other, living above our means, destroying our planet, addicted to oil, addicted to easy life on borrowed money from China, trying to imposed western ways on Arabic cultures, brain washed by liberal and conservative media like FOX and CNN that makes money on fools like you. History will not be kind to us if we don’t change our ways, there were many empires in the past that vanished, because their people become spoiled, and expected their emperors fix all their problems for them
Cheers!
Stan
153. George Moore | 01.17.09
President Bush has been a servant to our country and has served this nation well. He has what others don’t have: Honesty, humility, integrity and moral values. George and Laura Bush have grace and decency.How refreshing it has been to have George Bush as our President.
Well done Mr. President, Well done!Enjoy your civilian life.For great is your reward and worthy are you!
George Moore….
154. vlm | 01.17.09
What a shame that we don’t have the qualified journalists of the past where they reported the news instead of making the news with their biased comments. But I’m sure after Abe Jr. gets in the Whitehouse things will be nothing but pie in the sky and there won’t be any personal comments by lopsided news media. If there is, Abe Jr. will see to it that everybody is treated equally. LOL
155. Terri | 01.17.09
The terrorists can’t wait for Bush to leave….the other half of this country will miss him greatly.
156. Brett Lally | 01.17.09
All,
I think people have given, and are giving, President George W. Bush too hard of a time. They have been too critical and have not given enough thanks. We have no idea the pressures of the office. We really have no idea some of the things the President does to protect us. Like a soldier, many, perhaps most, of the President’s successes remain forever untold, and unrewarded, and forever without thanks.
Thank you, Mister President.
Brett Lally
157. D.Benton Smith | 01.18.09
There may seem to be a lot of debate recently about the legacy of George H.W. Bush, but in truth it is just a bunch of paid publicists trying turn another trick before the vice squad sweeps them up. His legacy has already written itself.
In every instance, when given the opportunity to call upon us to dig down and contribute our strengths George W. Bush instead voted ‘no confidence’ in the character, toughness and underlying good will of the American people. When he could have encouraged us to think better of ourselves and of our History-tested institutions, he instead undermined a great nation’s self image with lies and the expedient of appealing to fear.
With our troops in Iraq dutifully risking and losing their lives defending what they believe to be America’s values, Bush voted his opinion that all the rest of us were cowards who would rather throw the Constitution into the garbage than take any personal risk of being harmed by invisible (but omnipresent) terrorists. There was not then and there is not now any threat so grave as to justify passage of the repugnantly named ‘Patriot Act’ or the creation of the new Gestapo, the Department of Homeland Security… which between them rip a gaping hole in the heart of our freedom loving people.
I want to inform our ex-president, along with all of his cohorts. I and most other Americans prefer taking the risk of harm to self (just as a soldier does), if by so doing we help preserve the guarantees of basic human rights expressed in our Founding documents. Freedom from torture… no matter what. Freedom from secret closed door trials… no matter what. Freedom from interminable imprisonment without charge or trial… no matter what. Freedom from warrantless wiretaps, silencing of dissent, unprovoked wars, rigged elections, and government sponsored fear mongering and lies… NO MATTER WHAT.
Time after time, when there was a choice between trusting in the integrity, grit and kindness of Americans, versus pandering to our fears, insecurities and selfishness… he chose the latter. Not only chose it, but pumped it up, played it to the hilt, and made the once loved America belittled in the eyes of the world.
Do we as a people have human flaws? Of course we do, but we chose to brave the risk of exposure to harm by aspiring to higher and more dangerous values such as freedom of speech, the rule of law, and protection from the unrestrained exercise of raw power.
Thanks to two terms of rampant neo-conservatism and unbridled corporate greed under George Herbert Walker Bush we stand at the precipice of ruin, guilty, shamed and impoverished. Instead of the opportunity to rise to greatness we must now pay for our collective failure, aspiring only to a slow and uncertain redemption.
We were once a nation that stood for something unique and special. There was a price and we paid it willingly. Now we are just another country.
159. Good riddance Bush | 01.18.09
Bush may have few regrets, but we have plenty of regrets in voting for him. Live and learn I guess
160. Edmund | 01.19.09
We are all witnessing the fall of another great empire.
Unfortunately, way to soon.
Thanks for helping Mr. Bush
161. Economos | 01.19.09
George W. Bush did the best he could. The world situation reflects his administration’s response to every problem he faced. That response is a window into his personality and the way his mid works. This is a lesson for us all. Never hire an ex-alcoholic.
162. Neal Mehta | 01.19.09
It is a bit ironic to heap great criticism on President Bush without at least contemplating on how he got there in the first place. I can understand him being voted in in 2000 but his so called “incompetence” was in full display by 2004. He had got us into the Iraq war by then and his cronies Rumsfeld, Cheney et al had indicated their singular lack of respect for the constitution or international opinion. So we, the American people, are to blame for voting him back in. We are not without fault. When a dog owner trains his pet to be a vicious animal, we blame the owner, not the dog. In a democracy, the people must take responsibility for their leaders. Lets start by blaming the voting public before castigating the recipient of their action.
163. stopwar | 01.19.09
Dictionaries the world over should add the word bush to the definition of Evil.
164. Suzette | 01.20.09
I only wish that I could be there, in Washington, D.C. to see the greatest man who was ever born on this planet as he comes strolling down the Potomac River, raising the dead with one hand and creating jobs and redistributing wealth with the other. What a fabulous day for our late, great country!
It is a good thing we have finally gotten over our fiendish attachment to notions such as personal responsibility, reward for merit, fidelity and other such silliness. It is a good thing that we have finally found our way to the highest values in the world: the cult of personality and the One True Way: From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. Free college for every child! How else will we finalize our destiny: a nation made up entirely of left-wing lawyers and “journalists.” No more dirty old engineers, plumbers, mechanics, homemakers, barbers, farmers, cooks and soldiers.
Hosanna! In the highest! We are saved!
165. Suzette | 01.20.09
Monitor:
Do you realize that the website Hysterical Raisins has appropriated YOUR copy regarding the speech and has used it in very inappropriate ways? And that it has had the AUDACITY to put its link right here on your own page?
You say you do not publish all comments. To me this means that you must do some kind of vetting, or you intend to. CSM used to be a great newspaper.
166. Jim | 01.20.09
It has been nice to again have a decent President who respected the moral foundation of the Constitution while defending the Country. His gracious tone in dealing with self-righteous and foolish critics will provoke longing for his era after today. … Thank you Mr. Bush — and best wishes!
167. Paul G. Overend | 01.20.09
For those people who seem to think that the Bush Presidency is what damaged America’s reputation or standing in the world you are sadly naive and misguided. Having lived in Europe for the past 30 years I can tell you that the United States has always been a target for vitriol any time we don’t get into line and follow what the other guy believes.
The furore over the Lewinsky scandal, which was only the last of Clinton’s various shaky dealings and affairs to come to light, did nothing to enhance the prestige of the USA and was widely ridiculed in Europe. Reagan was despised for taking a hard line with the USSR. Nixon had Watergate. LBJ VietNam. Ford was laughed at for tripping when he left Air Force One and for fluffing his lines. Eisenhower did not back Britain and France in Suez. You need to go pretty far back for the US not to be upsetting foreigners because we do not fall over and follow them regardless.
I do not support President Bush’s desire to spread democracy to the Middle East. I see it as a valid idea to improve the lives of people in the region but, to be honest, I just don’t think they are worth the effort. If it truly was a war for oil, as the detractors claim, we really should have killed or expelled the inhabitants and taken the mineral resources. Only we did not, did we? So just another ad hominem atatck by his political enemies.
168. Paddy Rao | 01.20.09
My problem with the American people: the trust they gave this guy, not once, but twice.
Today is my b’day, and it is the best I’ve had in 8 years. Not because Obama is taking over, but because Bush is gone.
169. Ruby | 01.20.09
Good by, George:
Perhaps, the United States government can now return to advancing the common interests of all citizens, whatever their origin, religious beliefs or lack of,
financial status or connections.
170. Myke | 01.20.09
It would be nice if all the people bashing Bush would also discuss the Congress and all the fine work they did while Bush was in office. Government is never run by one person. If you want to know who will lead when B.O is in office , check out how much Wall Street gave to his campaign and how much, even tho we just gave them a bailout, they are donating to his inaugural. The last I read was in the range of 7 million. Also, check out the donations of Microsoft, Bill Gates etc. The ones who want amnesty for illegals so they can drive down the wages of Americans. Even with millions of Americans losing their jobs the government is still passing out work Visas to India, China, etc. saying they do not have enough American workers. I don’t see either party addressing this.
171. kathwoody | 01.20.09
I am amazed at the grace and dignity with which President Bush has served and endured public criticism. It takes a real man to do that. I certainly didn’t agree with all of his decisions nor did I much like his mannerisms at times. Yet, I didn’t walk in his shoes and I didn’t know enough about what things he was dealing with to be able to make such harsh and unkind comments as I have heard these past few years. I do think the media is much to blame for the spewed out hatred that America has expressed to our country’s President. It is a sad commentary on the thinking going on in country. As I watched President Bush and First Lady Laura leave today after the Innaugurationg Ceremony, I had tears in my eyes and gratitude in my heart for his love of his country and his commitment to serve. That is no small feat!
172. LEE JENKINSON | 01.20.09
If any of you want to see who is responsible for the state of this country, look in a mirror; Bush became President because the system we created gave him the victory, convoluted as it was. We watched passively as our elected representatives, Republican and Democrat, followed his administration’s lead in passing the legislation and laws we now vilify, or repealed regulation stifling the financial industry that now lies in ruins.
This is a Democracy, we voted for the men and women who make the decisions, right or wrong in our government, and if you didn’t vote, then you have no right to complain.
It’s said that a people get the government they deserve: I believe that wholeheartedly. This great country has hit hard times because of a series of errors in judgement by our leaders, and our leadership will do whatever is necessary to turn it around, but it won’t happen by pointing fingers of blame at “one man” or “the Neocons” because we all had a hand in where we are now. Either by not voting, not contacting your congressman or senator, or just not caring to get the facts. So much of what I read in these comments is a result of sheer ignorance, an inability or reluctance to educate oneself in today’s world. The sad irony is that there has never been a moment in history when so much information has been made freely available to so many. Perhaps we should read more and write less……………….
173. Observer | 01.20.09
Good riddance. More than Bush, the riddance of that evil VP who was the driving force behind much of the policies is good for this country.
People should demand prosecution of these Neocon leaders who drove this country to an illegal war against Iraq based on lies and propaganda causing the death of 4000+ Americans and 600,000+ Iraqis and 2 Trillion dollars in forecatsed expenses related to the Iraq war!! Yet, wast majority of Americans are ignorant of what America is doing abroad. If that money were spent on improving the educational standard of Americans, how worthy that would have been.
May God grant wisdom to the leaders and free them from teh clutches of the lobbyists.
174. Gerald | 01.20.09
Take it from a Asian, living in Asia - Bush is an Idiot and he made Americans look damn silly. The war on Iraq took the cake. Are they still looking or WMD? The single biggest ‘weapon of mass destruction’ was G.W. Bush! Period!
175. Glenn Lego | 01.20.09
Actually the WORST President in my opinion was Ulysses Grant. Was a great war hero but as President he was the absolute WORST. If you read the history books you’ll find he had perhaps the most corrupt administration ever. However Bush I think ranks right up (or down) there with Grant as among the worst.
176. WeRNTroubleNow | 01.20.09
When I look in obamas eyes i see nothing but evil. when i see george bush i see a man who cares.
the troubles we had all started with clintons starting with 9/11.. And It scares me that leaders from all over the world wanted obama. Why? They can get us again now that they have no one to fear
All anyone cares about is there pocketbooks it really makes me sick.
177. JD Rockefeller | 01.21.09
To george lovenguth (Post #8, 01.16.09):
That was a nice story, thanks for sharing. I mean that .. but as one of those foemer Hippies, I urge you to think about why some people were jerky towards returning Vietnam Vets. Some are just jerks - no excuse - but others were upset about a government that lied to them about the war. Some (like me) simply never understood what the fuss over communism(*1) was all about. We had a “”may the best man win” attitude and history has now shown that open and fair capitalism with individual freedom to be the best course - the commies could be - and were - kicked out without forcing young men to go to war.
Speaking of vets - here’s a sobering statistic: About 1 in 4 homeless peopl on the street this freezing evening are American Military Vets.
(*1) Do not confuse “communism” - which is a economic system - with nuc’ tipped totalitarian regimes.
178. JD Rockefeller | 01.21.09
To george lovenguth (Post #8, 01.16.09):
That was a nice story, thanks for sharing. I mean that .. but as one of those foemer Hippies, I urge you to think about why some people were jerky towards returning Vietnam Vets. Some are just jerks - no excuse - but others were upset about a government that lied to them about the war. Some (like me) simply never understood what the fuss over communism(*1) was all about. We had a “”may the best man win” attitude and history has now shown that open and fair capitalism with individual freedom to be the best course - the commies could be - and were - kicked out without forcing young men to go to war.
Speaking of vets - here’s a sobering statistic: About 1 in 4 homeless peopl on the street this freezing evening are American Military Vets.
(*1) Do not confuse “communism” - which is a economic system - with nuc’ tipped totalitarian regimes.
179. Sharon | 01.21.09
The world is more complex in every way than ever before. News casters and the media need to report more, and try to enfluence less! People need to be able to hear news reports without prejudice. The USA seems to be moving further and further away from God and the morals of the Bible. I believe that any nation who dismisses God from their agenda, will eventually go down. We have always had God’s blessings and protection, not because we have always made the right decisions as a nation (though we tried), but because we always tried to do as God directed us.
May God bless you, Mr. Bush, for giving it all you had! We have not had a terrorist attack in over seven years. You made decisions in time of great emergency. You did your best. Thank you.
President Obama, May God bless you and give you Divine guidance when you face great trauma, and surely, your times of need will come. I imagine in a short time, you will not find nearly so much fault with Mr. Bush.
You will definitely be in our prayers. God bless you and guide you.
180. Auntie Illegal | 01.26.09
I myself, as well as most Americans, am glad that Texas has it’s IDIOT back. I hope that those who can will try that entire kabal of war criminals for war crimes that they have committed all over the world. How could anyone with a brain think that those draft doggers did anything to protect americans. They had plenty of notice of the posssibity of 911 in advance but chose stick their heads up their… of yeh, and Katrina. Who could forget that idiot’s comments to “Brownie”. After all, he was at a birthday party while Americans were drowning, and isn’t he proud of the progress in New Orleans. of course, he won’t visit there. Take off your blinders, Bush and Cheney and the bunch are war criminals. Stop all the **** about his good intentions, he was looking out for himself and his Haliburton partner, what has he done about the crimes of Black Water. Get your heads out the water and only hope that Obama doesn’t give American away to the illegals.
181. Auntie Illegal | 01.26.09
Kattwoody are you kidding, Bush didn’t have dignity that was stupidity, we are all lucky he is gone
182. Jay S | 01.26.09
The 9/11 incident should have been another showcase to show the true shining value of America as a country and as a people. It was handled by a mediocre president who has an erroneous understanding of the world and has an arrogant picture of American freedom. The world does not hate Americans. Americans love the world and its people. The world needs American leadership. A world leadership that was established by previous leaders utilizing American values and traditions. 9/11 incident is not even related to Iraq. The ways and means of approaching the 9/11 attack on U.S. soil was answered by a much lower sanity used in the attack itself. In this day and age, greatness cannot always be attained by using guns. Guns did not succeed in Vietnam. American greatness was attained through its love of freedom. Arrogance and ignorance is 9/11’s history to which Americans will have to live with. There is the saying - “you cannot solve a problem by using the same method that caused it.” Americans may have to learn to practice and define freedom in its true sense and in the context of global community.
Mr. W - you may love this great country of United States of America but really sorry - you grossly missed the mark at the cost of unnecessary blood and tears of people, American and non-Americans alike.
183. Mike | 01.30.09
Can the story of Bush’s presidency be told at all without telling of his weakness in standing up to his squabbling subordinates, his constant lies and changing excuses for the invasion of Iraq itself, his signature unprofessionalism and his world famous laziness, arrogance and ignorance? Can the war story ever be told at all as an honorable achievement when it was conceived in fraud and vanity, executed with incompetence and shameless profiteering and paid for with unnecessary death and exploited for its vast opportunism for even more theft and dishonor to our country and his pretensions about Christianity and betrayal to his party and everything else he pretended to do. Do we really hear anyone now still trying to frame the war in how it will turn out someday? No. It already turned out. It’s been found out and decided. George W. Bush is now a metaphor for vast, historic, global and intergenerational failure. His presidency will be known for the failure of American citizenship that permitted his political masters to place him into office.
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1. Maureen Rooney | 01.16.09
To say “All Americans returned to normal life after Sept. 11, 2001″ he disrespected those who lost loved ones on Sept.11, as well as those who sirvived that horror. Such hubris!