At the time that George Bush was our 41st President of the United States, I didn’t really care for him - but the more I learned about him later (mostly from his book All the Best, George Bush), the more I liked about him. He was a true patriot, having served in World War II and then later going on to hold public offices as Ambassador to China, Director of the CIA, and Vice-President of the United States; he brought a real sense of loyalty and values with him when he entered the office of the President from 1989-1993.
Although widely criticized for his reneging on his “No New Taxes” campaign promises, it was this move that helped to position the country out of the huge deficits from the Reaganomics years and continue the healthy economy of the 80’s on into the 90’s. Other achievements included the quick and decisive victory in the Desert Storm war and his continued peaceful relations with the Soviet Union, whose regime fell along with the Berlin Wall under Bush’s watch.
When I was in Houston in the Spring of 2008, Bob and I drove through Bush’s Tanglewood neighborhood and stopped by his church St. Martin’s Episcopal on Monday, March 31 - only to find out that he had attended services the day before. On that previous day we had visited his Presidential library where he often stops by, but alas, he was not present that day. One day I hope to get a chance to meet him, but for now…
Sunday, March 30, 2008 - The George Bush Presidential Library - Bob and I visited the library in College Station, Texas on the campus of Texas A&M University. I was immediately impressed when they let me in free because Bob had a membership card to the Truman Library. Bush’s Library was as dynamic and informative as any I had ever seen. It’s current revolving display was Bush’s personal collection of baseball memorabilia.
Although I opted not to take advantage of it, the Bush Library is the only one that allows photos to be taken of patrons sitting behind the Presidential desk in the simulated Oval Office of the Bush administration - albeit for a fee. Below are some of the photos I took both inside and outside the Museum.
In front of the Bush library
Sculpture outside the library, depicting the fall of the Berlin Wall
Giving a Presidential speech in the library in a room adorned with authentic autographs of all of the Presidents
The George Bush Library or bust!
Continuing my conversation with the copper Bush
With a piece of the Berlin Wall
With George Bush’s speedboat
Upon their passing, the Bushes will be buried in a family cemetery a good walk behind the library. The body of their daughter Robin, who died from leukemia at the age of four has been moved to this site.
The grave of Robin Bush
Future burial site of the Bushes. It was starting to rain so we could not linger.
Return to Sunday in Texas…
Continue to the next President…. (under construction)
Bush often frequents the Memorial Golf Tournament in Columbus. If I catch wind that he will be here again, I can work on getting you tickets.
Aaron
April 28th, 2008
And unlike the other recent golfing republican president, President Bush has been very nice and respectful both times I have spoken with him! Both he and Barbara are class acts!
Bob
April 30th, 2008