The Decency of George W. Bush (From Email, my title)

email | received 2-2-04 | Rear Admiral Steve Brachet, USN (Ret)

[EternalVigilance]

THE WHITE HOUSE NOW

A lot has changed since George W. Bush became president--executive orders that support a "culture of life," judicial appointees who respect the constitution and members of the Cabinet who are unapologetic about their faith. But perhaps nothing more clearly represents the new leadership we enjoy as a country than that place Mr. Bush now calls his temporary home, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The president is quick to point out that it is not his house, but the American people's house. And, as such, he treats it and the people who work there with respect. From the Secret Service to the grounds crew, the folks who work at the White House rave about the First Family.

The President and First Lady prefer to entertain family friends in their private quarters rather than ask the stewards and waiters to negotiate difficult formal dining rooms.

Harkening back to the days of Ronald Reagan, Bush will not allow any man to attend a meeting in the Oval Office without a jacket and tie. Gone are the days of blue jeans and pizza boxes.

One of the clearest ways to show respect for someone is to respect their time. Everyone who works with and around the President has noted his punctuality. Meetings begin and end on time. This stands in stark contrast to the previous occupant of the White House, who was notorious for keeping visitors and the media waiting.

And speaking of the former President, in his administration more than 500 staffers had access to the White House kitchen. One presidential aide said they turned it into a fast-food restaurant. These days, only 150 senior staff members have meal privileges.

Of course the Clinton years were known for worse things than that. US News &World Report reported recently that it was common for President Clinton to have violent and sex-laden R-rated films playing on Air Force One. Even seasoned reporters would blush at the images being played out before their eyes while trying to question the President on some issue of national importance. A Marine who worked at Camp David publicly stated that pornography was littered all over the retreat.

In contrast, President Bush has said that even some of the new major motion picture releases, which are routinely sent to the White House for viewing by the First Family, are too vulgar for him. I've visited the White House twice since President Bush moved in. As anyone might be, I was awed by the history of the place. Oil portraits of past occupants reminded me that some presidents have understood the honor of living there and others have wantonly dishonored it.

My visits with President Bush at the White House were an opportunity to witness firsthand how much this man respects the office to which he was elected. He arrived at our meetings promptly and took the time to greet every person in attendance. He was warm and polite to each of us. His manner conveyed the message that he knew he was only a temporary resident, and his job is to leave this august home in better shape than he found it.

In one of my meetings, I made a point of speaking to a young man who is part of the military service assigned to the White House. His job is to escort guests and to help people find their way through the large hallways. His uniform was covered with ribbons and his shoes were perfectly polished.

His face was emotionless, and he drew no attention to himself, but for some reason he caught my eye.

"Thank you," I said, "for the work you do. You really represent us all in your service here. It must be wonderful work."

He paused and then allowed a big smile to cross his face. "Oh, yes, sir, it truly is."

Yes, things certainly are different in Washington. friends: NOTE WHAT'S SAID HERE AND PLEASE BE MORE DILIGENT IN YOUR PRAYERS for the PRESIDENT &STAFF

Rear Admiral Steve Brachet, USN (Ret) & Brigadier General Bob Clements, USAF (Ret)

[EternalVigilance]

Many have disagreements with the President, and there is nothing wrong with that.

But all of us should retain our perspective and our proportion.

Perhaps this will help.

[hoosiermama]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[NittanyLion]

Yep. One issue that is inarguable is the fact that this administration has returned class and dignity to the White House.

[EllaMinnow]

Honor and Dignity BUMP.

[alwaysconservative]

Thanks for posting this! And pinging some who will appreciate it!

[alwaysconservative]

Your pinger is faster than my pinger, LOL!

[americanSoul]

From the Secret Service to the grounds crew, the folks who work at the White House rave about the First Family.

This says it all. They are decent and patriotic folk. G-d Bless them.

As for the non-defense spending blitz, well David Frum has a good analysis on this in today's NRO.

[EternalVigilance]

It is obvious to anyone who watches that when the members of our Armed Forces salute this President, they mean it.

This is part of the reason why.

[EllaMinnow]

We both know that doodle will like it!

[woodyinscc]

Thank you for posting this, and you can bet your sweet bippy, that no one is smoking pot on the roof of our house.

[EternalVigilance]

I just read it. There are some good points, but some glaring misconceptions and misstatements in that article as well. There is very little in that piece that is good for conservatives, in my opinion.

[EllaMinnow]

No snapping thongs and old pizza boxes!

[EternalVigilance]

Nope, not if they don't want to be wearing steel bracelets.

[hoosiermama]

Here's one to read and pass on!

[WayneM]

I am sincerely grateful that we have a president who values most of the things I hold dear.

Now what about our national sovereignty? What about the rule of law when it comes to Mexican border and immigration issues?

[EternalVigilance]

A) Register your discontent with all of your elected officials, including the White House. That is your God-given, unalienable right. Many already have, and believe me, when enough people speak up, they listen.

B) Support candidates for Congress who agree with you on the border issues. If you don't know any, FReepmail me, and I will be glad to give you some names and addresses.

C) Continue to support the President's reelection, because the alternatives are too horrific for contemplation.

[SquirrelKing]

Thanks! Great post.

[texasflower]

EternalVigilance, thank you for posting this. It is so nice to read things like this.

hoosiermama, thank you for the ping.

[windchime]

"But all of us should retain our perspective and our proportion."


Thanks,EV, for posting this email (and the good advice).

[b9]

Thank you SO much for the pings.
This is beautiful.