"Mr. Bush often told his staff that a president's job is not to chase popularity, but to do what is right. His insistence in following this philosophy is why he has low approval ratings, and why he has been a great president."
(Midland, Texas)—While the American media focused on Tuesday's historic inauguration, little attention was paid to the outgoing ceremonies for now former-president George W. Bush. A handful of newspapers featured articles thanking the president for keeping America safe during his eight-year tenure, for promoting a culture of life, for his commitment to fighting AIDS, etc.
One reporter, Marc A. Thiessen, in a January 19, opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, wrote: "I will make this prediction: The verdict of history on the Bush presidency will not be the same as the verdict of contemporary critics. As Mr. Bush leaves office, Iraq is a unified and free country, and our enemies there have suffered a devastating defeat...In his final months, Mr. Bush confronted a challenge Truman never faced—a massive financial crisis. It is hard for many Americans to appreciate the magnitude of the economic collapse the president averted. But history will show that Mr. Bush's actions in the fall of 2008 rescued our economy and saved our financial system...Mr. Bush often told his staff that a president's job is not to chase popularity, but to do what is right. His insistence in following this philosophy is why he has low approval ratings, and why he has been a great president." (Photo: Townnews.com)
Therefore, the 59 million Americans who were not awarded the president they voted for in this election may appreciate the fact that 20,000 people in Midland, Texas, were prepared to greet George W. Bush on his return home.
According to a report in My West Texas News, White House advancewoman, Georgia Godfrey was quoted as saying Bush will speak for 15-20 minutes and then leave for Waco and his 1,600 acre Prairie Chapel Ranch northwest of Crawford.
"The president said at the White House Christmas party that he left from Midland and was coming home to Midland because we're the ones who are his friends and great supporters and he wanted to be with us when he left Washington," said County Republican Chair Sue Brannon. "It shows what a fine gentleman he is. He has faced a lot and kept the faith."
"Not every city gets to say it is the home of a president and in our case, we're fortunate to say it twice," said County Judge Mike Bradford. "I have certainly enjoyed his friendship. You have to admire anybody who steps in and takes on the task of leading this country. You don't take the presidency to win friends, in my opinion. You take it to look after the country and it's truly a thankless job."
