I will pray for him and thank him for his protection of human life.

Ung

I will as well. I think every President leaves office with personal victories and defeats. President Bush has had many of each. I agree with those who say that history will be much kinder to him than the media machine was.

Sadly, a crowd somehow gathered close to where he was leaving and sang that old song - can't remember it's title - na, na, na, na, hey, hey, good bye. They said he was greeted with dead silence at the ignaugration. So rude!!!

LORD, PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON THE BUSH'S AND US ALL!

Yes, I think we are dealing with an almost base, irrational hatred of the man for which he is completely underserving. But what do you expect from emotional adolescents?

I think the Obamas have handled things very well so far. I cannot say the same for all of those who support them.

As President, "W" had his good days and bad days. Unfortunately, he was misled by political operatives, cronies and lobbyists to do things that were not helpful to the nation.

Scientific reports had to be vetted by the White House and were changed. (The Food and Drug Administration lost thousands of scientists who resigned - there was a full page ad in the Washington Post for jobs.)

CDC reports (I helped write one) took 2 years to make it through the Public Health system - not good when dealing with diseases.

MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations requiring 'safe areas' with air and water were removed from the requirements since they were an 'undue burden' on operators. Remember Kentucky and Pennsylvania 2 years ago?

Financial requirements regarding income and 10%-20% down-payment qualifications were erased, leading unqualified folks to get mortgages they couldn't afford. (But the brokers get paid up-front, before the default.)

Workplace regulations regarding musculo-skeletal problems were erased so that computer data folks/office workers had no guidelines/protections against carpal-tunnel disorders.

The Presidential Commission on Americans with Disabilities was disbanded. (With a paralyzed Mom in a wheelchair, I worked as a volunteer on a sub-committee there.)

The "No Child Left Behind Act" was a great idea, but the Administration provided absolutely no support for it, - neither in terms of classroom resources, nor in terms of support to fill out the multi-page reports. (The teachers had to do that in addition to their classroom duties.)

So, there are reasons why a large number of Americans are glad to see an end to this Administration. Although President G.W. Bush had good visions for America (as did Laura Bush with her leadership on early education and reading programs), he got torpedoed by operatives from the money folks. (They pushed real hard to privatize Social Security - "put part of your money into private firms' investment accounts". Many folks - myself included - with private firm stock investment accounts have lost 40% of their contributions. At least my Federal Social Security stuff is still there and I hope I won't have to become a Target Greeter when I'm forced to retire. Businesses hate old folks.)

I will indeed pray for "W" and for the kind-hearted Laura. And I pray that their retirement in Dallas will be a peaceful one. -- And not too hot or humid; but then again: it's Dallas.

Dr. John

Oh dear Pani Rose, I wish you hadn't written that--it has made me literally sick to my stomach... The poor man. He has dignity, and unlike the shambles the White house offices were in when he came to office, he and his lovely wife were gracious to the president-elect in every way.

A camera shot today also showed Laura and her daughters trying to talk to Sen. Hilary Clinton with Sen Clinton looking away from them rudely. Lord have mercy! Nothing can trump graciousness and character, and sadly, those old world values are not respected anymore. Personally, there is one thing that I cannot tolerate and that is deliberate rudeness of one person to another. I find it to be about as unChristian as one can get.

Anyway, I would like to share this which I read today from the retired chief usher of the White House (from www.bbcnews.com [bbcnews.com]):

Very emotional

Any gossip from my time at the White House? Not really. I would say that President Bush is somewhat guarded in public. He is actually a very emotional man, much like his father.


Changing the Oval Office is one of the most complex tasks for staff

They have a wonderful bond in the family and he is a great gentleman to be around, very jovial. That's why I believe he and Prime Minister Tony Blair got along so well.

They both had a very good sense of humour and were very caring men, and I believe that this president will go down in history at some point in a much better light than he is being shown right now


Alice

God bless President Bush.

Stephanos I

I would very much be interested in a link to the Hillary Clinton incident. It seems very "unWashington" politico. Help on this?

Also, when the first week of January came along, and the Obama girls had to be ready for school at Sidwell-Friends (Quaker) school, the adminstration had reserved the Blair House residence for a FORMER prime minister of Australia thereby depriving the Obamas of a temporary home in D.C. They ended up in a hotel across Lafayette Park for 7 days. This was either an incredible breach of protocol or a deliberate snub. Either way, it's a dark stain on the Bush administration.

As Alice notes: "graciousness and character, and sadly, those old world values are not respected anymore. Personally, there is one thing that I cannot tolerate and that is deliberate rudeness of one person to another. I find it to be about as unChristian as one can get."

The poor Secret Service officers had to jump through hoops to ensure the safety of the President-Elect and his family, unlike the transitions of the past 30 years I've lived and worked here.

I pray for "W" and First Lady Laura, and I hope that they find a wonderful retirement and life in Dallas.

Dr John

No, not at all.

The date at which the Blair House is made available to the incoming President is long established by tradition.

The scheduling of the Australian visit predates even the election, iirc. Certainly it predates the unusual request by the Obamas that it be made available that early.

hawk

I stood up and cheered in my living room when President Obama said, "We will restore science to its rightful place."

I am a writer-editor and worked for several years as a consultant to the research branch of the U.S. Department of Justice. About one year into Bush's tenure the word came down from the top: We were no longer allowed to use statistical terminology in our publications. Words and phrases such as methodology, median, standard deviation, double-blind, and even ratio were BANNED from our documents because they were deemed too technical. Please bear in mind that I was writing RESEARCH reports for the RESEARCH community. I was not writing summaries for the public affairs office to distribute; I was not writing pieces for John and Jane Q Public to read. I was writing hard science papers for the research community, so that the research could continue.

The work that scientists in several different fields had devoted their careers to was essentially flushed down the toilet, because their findings were blocked from publication for being "too technical." Millions of dollars that the United States had already spent on research was wasted, because the findings from that research were blocked.

Let us restore science to its proper place ... AMEN!

Sorry, Bush got exactly what he deserves.

As much as people seem to hate former President Bush, I can only hope President Obama works miracles. The lack of respect shown by some for an outgoing President is just pathetic. (Na Na hey hey good bye?)

Did the Bush staff remove "O"s from White House keyboards?

I don't see how you can hate Bush. He's been a decent man. I never voted for him and think he did less right than wrong, but he's a good man and I respect him for that.

This was a thread for President Bush. Those who do not like him or want to criticize him have had more than enough opportunities, along with the dictatorial press and media, to do that.

Statements like 'he got what he deserved' sadden me. It tells me that there is no sense of charity and old world manners left in the world. I find that a really terrible thing to say. It reminds me of the many Europeans I have met who have said that America deserved what it got with the horrible terror of 9/11!

I agree with Etnic. Not only is it pathetic and extremely immature, but it reflects quite negatively on the character and integrity of those particular people, and whether they like it or not, as the supporters of President Obama, their actions will also inadvertently reflect negatively on our new President, and will only further serve to distance Americans from each other.

Therefore, such intolerable behaviour should be condemned, and never justified. Not only is it unfair to President Bush, but it is also unfair to President Obama and to all Democrats. (For instance, when an Orthodox acts hateful and inappropriate to a Catholic, as an Orthodox, I feel that that one person has unfairly reflected upon me and my whole church.)

Besides that, as Christians, we do not believe that ANYONE has the right to be hurt psychologically or physically, nor to be treated disrespectfully! We value every person for the dignity God has bestowed upon them as His creations.

In the words of an older generation that had more wisdom and more integrity: if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all.

May God bless (former) President Bush.

May God bless our new President Obama.

Let's also remember that in the Eastern churches, we pray for our leaders, whoever they are. Amen.

Alice

I disagree with you all and you may not like it but, immaturity and being Christian has nothing to do with whether or not someone deserved what they got,and he did deserve it. He was awful.I didn't say anything about the snubbers' behavior or even if I would've done the same, I just said he deserved it,or rather earned it.

If I had said anything bad about him before it would have been attacked and probably removed since this forum is biased in his favor. I wish him well,but good riddance.I have the right to express my opinion,negative or not.

On the same account, when you meet a European or Arab who will tell you to your face that the attacks of 9/11 were well 'deserved' and 'earned', please remember that they, too have the right to express their opinion. However, I guarantee you that it will not sit well with you.

You most certainly have a right to say that you didn't like President Bush as a President for his policies. That is why you also have the right to vote for a candidate whose policies you do like.

However, that does not give us the 'right' to delight in or engage in another, especially a leader, being treated disrespectfully with chants. No one ever 'deserves' that. I am sorry...and when President Obama departs after four or eight years, there will be, I am sure, those who will be glad to see him go, but--



It would be equally immature, shameful and pathetic if the new president's supports were to sing that same chant and show that same rudeness to President Obama's face as he left--In my opinion, such behaviour is sinking to a new 'low' of which I am ashamed of.

Alice

Alice

Not being a USA citizen - I have stayed out of this until now.

I refuse to argue about politics .

I have however noticed that the Leader of a Government , once out of Office is also frequently out of favour . It happens over here too . It's a fact of life , I fear .

For myself , I hope that Mr Bush has a peaceful and fulfilling retirement - he certainly is due it .

I hope that President Obama is given wise advice and that he makes wise decisions after sufficient time for reflection

I don't know who "they" are, but when I watched the coverage of the inauguration, Bush was greeted by a round of appluse. Perhaps "they" weren't listening.

As far whether or not Geprge W. Bush is "a good man" I have no idea since I don't know him personally. He may be a good man but he was a mediocre president and I for one am ecstatic to see him go. Any prayers i say re: George W. Bush will be prayers of thanksgiving that our nation managed to survive 8 years of this man.

I wonder if he will restore the right to life and the dignity of life to every individual, Then and only then will he impress me.
Stephanos I

Obama’s Victory - A British view
January 19th, 2009

The Daily Mail (UK) wrote this editorial about Obama on 1/6/2009.

A victory for the hysterical Oprah Winfrey, the mad racist preacher Jeremiah Wright, the US mainstream media who abandoned any sense of objectivity long ago, Europeans who despise America largely because they depend on her, comics who claim to be dangerous and fearless but would not dare attack genuinely powerful special interest groups.

A victory for Obama-worshippers everywhere.

A victory for the cult of the cult. A man who has done little with his life but has written about his achievements as if he had found the cure for cancer in between winning a marathon and building a nuclear reactor with his teeth. Victory for style over substance, hyperbole over history, rabble-raising over reality.

A victory for Hollywood, the most dysfunctional community in the world.

Victory for Streisand, Spielberg, Soros, Moore, and Sarandon. Victory for those who prefer welfare to will and interference to independence. For those who settle for group think and herd mentality rather than those who fight for individual initiative and the right to be out of step with meager political fashion.

Victory for a man who is no friend of freedom. He and his people have already stated that media has to be controlled so as to be balanced, without realizing the extraordinary irony within that statement. Like most liberal zealots, the Obama worshippers constantly speak of Fox and Limbaugh, when the vast bulk of television stations and newspapers are drastically liberal and anti-conservative. Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer said that just as pornography should be censored, so should talk radio. In other words, one of the few free and open means of popular expression may well be cornered and beaten by bullies who even in triumph cannot tolerate any criticism and opposition.

A victory for those who believe the state is better qualified to raise children than the family, for those who prefer teachers’ unions to teaching and for those who are naively convinced that if the West is sufficiently weak towards its enemies, war and terror will dissolve as quickly as the tears on the face of a leftist celebrity.

A victory for social democracy even after most of Europe has come to the painful conclusion that social democracy leads to mediocrity, failure, unemployment, inflation, higher taxes and economic stagnation. A victory for intrusive lawyers, banal sentimentalists, social extremists and urban snobs.

Congratulations America !

Alexandr

Gospodi Pomiluj! It took a Brit to speak the truth!

Thanks for posting this Alex!

cc:GWB..

As a part-time English prof., I admire the parallelism of the various paragraphs. Unfortunately, each of the "victory" statements has no back up other than subjective impressions. (e.g., "media has to be controlled" - whatever that may mean in practical terms. But one doesn't yell "FIRE!" in a crowded theater if there is none; there has to be some responsibility in what one says. And I think it applies to the media as well. Including the Internet.)

The U.K. Daily Mail is a very old publication, a tabloid with a 'circulation' of 2 million copies. It very closely parallels our own U.S. "National Enquirer" - the largest circulation 'newspaper' in the nation.

Their major article for today is copied below:

Former French President Chirac hospitalised after mauling by his clinically depressed poodle
By Ian Sparks
Last updated at 5:45 PM on 21st January 2009
Former French president Jacques Chirac was rushed to hospital after being mauled by his own 'clinically depressed' pet dog.
The 76-year-old statesman was savaged by his white Maltese dog - which suffers from frenzied fits and is being treated with anti-depressants.
The animal, named Sumo, had become increasingly violent over the past years and was prone to making 'vicious, unprovoked attacks', Chirac's wife Bernadette said. ......

Mrs Chirac said: 'The dog went for him for no apparent reason.
'We were already aware the animal was unpredictable and is actually being treated with pills for depression.
'My husband was bitten quite badly, but he is certain to make a full recovery over the coming weeks.'
The former French First Lady did not reveal where on his body Chirac was bitten.
The pet, named after the Japanese form of wrestling, was a gift to the Chiracs from their grandson Martin.
Recent polls have shown that since leaving office Chirac is now regarded as one of the most popular politicians in France, liked by 70 per cent of people.
In the last days of his presidency, he was much less popular, liked by just 50 per cent of the population."

Earth shattering reportage!!

I think I'll take the TIMES OF LONDON as a more reputable source of information from the U.K.

Dr John

The 911 examples aren't appropiate because no one is wishing Bush death.

No one? Are you sure about that?

What do you expect from a small 'c' conservative paper that claims to speak for 'Middle England'.

I agree that booing and chanting na na na naa good bye is inappropriate at a Presidential Inauguration. That kind of behavior belongs at baseball games. Furthermore, as those classless Obama supporters carry on insulting Bush they are antagonizing people on the other side of their opinion. That might and I say might be ok at a baseball game, but it can be potentially dangerous in politics, this is one way radicals are made!

Just two more things.I feel strongly about the Fairness Doctrine. I feel strongly that its wrong for America! It is wrong to force a privately owned radio station to air programing that is against what they believe!

And with due respect to Dr.John's post, "But one doesn't yell "FIRE!" in a crowded theater if there is none; there has to be some responsibility in what one says. And I think it applies to the media as well. Including the Internet.)" I challenge you to find statements made by any conservative talk show hosts(Rush or Coutler,etc,)that has said anything equivalent to yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater. Prove to me beyond a reasonable doubt and I'll rethink my position! -Freedom is one of those precious gifts once taken away you have to fight to take it back!

which is known in some Circles as " The Daily Wail "

I'm not sure how Rush or Coulter come into it, I was only making the point that I believe that there is an obligation to speak the truth. While "urban legends" have always existed, and the Internet and mass communications have made it easier than ever to spread them, it only increases our obligation to examine what we pass on as "fact" and ensure that it corresponds to truth.

While our personal "beliefs" (=subjective truth) are our own, and can/should be freely expressed, "truth" corresponds to factual reality that can be demonstrated to others. There are many folks out there who make a lifestyle of passing on their own beliefs or even out-and-out scams as truth - thus, the internet sites that check out and de-bunk things like "Bill Gates will give millions if you send this e-mail to 20 people."

Unfortunately, there are many who don't do their homework and who uncritically pass on information that is false - especially if it supports one or another personal view. Regardless of political, religious or ethnic persuasion, as Christians we have an obligation to speak the truth to the best of our ability and knowledge. And that means checking things out before making statements or passing things on, and most especially when it does damage to another person. The 8th Commandment about bearing false witness is still in effect.

Dr John

Sorry I missed the part about: "The Daily Wail"!! It's sold in Scotland also?!! I should think that the Scots would be waaaay too frugal to spend money on the print equivalent of Jerry Springer!

Dr John

President Obama brought Rush into it. He told Congress to stop listening...

The Drudge Report blared the New York Post report by Charles Hurt that President Obama told the Republicans in Congress that they should go along and get along, and stop listening to Rush Limbaugh: "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done."
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-gr...urn-rush-limbaugh-show-will-media-notice

Pani. Rose, Thanks for adding your comment, Pres. Obama,"that they should go along and get along, and stop listening to Rush Limbaugh: "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done."

Dr. John, you are correct that there should be responsibility in the media and internet. I think most people can agree with that, what I drew from your previous comment was that "media" people like Rush and similar talk show personalities were making not only dishonest statements but are somehow connected with the idea, "But one doesn't yell "FIRE!" in a crowded theater if there is none; there has to be some responsibility in what one says." Let me say that news media in giving the "News" has a responsibility being as objective as possible but we also have a responsibility to be able to sift through the news and intelligently determine what is worthwhile and what isn't. Commonsense must be our guide. And we should pray for wisdom to be able to do this! I find myself praying for "Wisdom" a lot, boy do I need it! I hope each day the Holy Spirit will open my heart and eyes to truth.