Posted on 01/04/2010 6:14:59 PM PST by snugs
As a new year commences I am sure we all miss the steadying hand of George W Bush who in the wake of terrorism or natural disaster gave us a feeling of calm amid the storm, of someone in control yet a man of compassion. This was shown during late 2004 early 2005 when an earthquake and violent tsunamis struck the nations that surround the Indian Ocean.
I have in fact chosen his radio message from January 2005 as the quote of the month for the first monthly dose of 2010.
A man of conviction and compassion, not all did and do agree with what he did but most will agree what he did he did from the belief that it was the right decision and done for the love of his country and its people and not for personal gain or popularity.
I feel the stark contrast with the current occupant of the White House more so each day when I turn the TV on to see what publicity stunt the current President is involved in. Even his decision to send more troops to Afghanistan he felt necessary to qualify with a promise of reducing numbers within so many months, again reminding us of the difference in character between the current and the previous President.
I hope the following photos from January 2005 give you some happy memories of a time when things however bad seemed more manageable and achievable because the President was in control and defending America and all she stands for instead of apologising.
Happy New Year to all and God Bless America and George W Bush and what he meant to us all during 8 very special years.
January 1, 2005
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On this first day of a new year, we join the world in feeling enormous sadness over a great human tragedy. Last Sunday, an earthquake and violent tsunamis struck the nations that surround the Indian Ocean. The carnage is of a scale that defies comprehension, with over 100,000 deaths reported. I have signed a proclamation calling for our nation's flag to be flown at half-staff this coming week. As the people of this devastated region struggle to recover, we offer our love and compassion, and our assurance that America will be there to help.
Earlier this week, I spoke with the leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. I offered them the condolences of our nation and I praised their steadfast leadership. The task they face is difficult. Their relief resources are stretched nearly to the limit. Communications, roads and medical facilities have been badly damaged; disease has become a very real threat.
Americans are a compassionate people and we are already hard at work helping those nations meet these challenges. The United States has pledged $350 million in relief assistance, with $15 million already in the hands of relief organizations in the affected countries. To help coordinate this massive relief effort, disaster response officials are on the ground and have established a support center in Thailand that is manned and operational; more than 20 patrol and cargo aircraft have been made available to assess the disaster and deliver relief supplies -- many of those aircraft are already on the scene. We have dispatched the aircraft carrier, Abraham Lincoln, the Maritime pre-positioning squadron from Guam, and an amphibious ship carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit -- they will soon be in position to support relief efforts, to include the generation of clean water.
Tomorrow, I will send a delegation to the area to meet with regional leaders and international organizations to assess what additional aid can be provided by the United States. The delegation will be led by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Governor Jeb Bush, who has extensive experience in the state of Florida with relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts following natural disasters. Secretary Powell has already spoken with many of his counterparts in the region, and with officials from the United Nations, and other governments that are helping with the response. Together, we are leading an international coalition to help with immediate humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and long-term construction efforts. India, Japan and Australia have already pledged to help us coordinate these relief efforts, and I'm confident many more nations will join this core group in short order.
Here at home, Americans are translating the blessings of our own country into generosity to others. From charitable organizations to private individuals to companies, our fellow citizens, on their own initiative, are raising millions of dollars for relief efforts. These Americans, donor and fundraiser alike, represent the best of our country and offer an example to the world. Any American who desires to donate to these efforts can easily do so online, by accessing the USA FreedomCorps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
In this season when we gather with loved ones and count our many blessings, we hold the victims of this terrible tragedy in our hearts and prayers. And let us be mindful that even in this modern age, our world still requires compassion, tolerance and generosity from each of us. Laura and I send our condolences to all whose hearts are filled with grief this New Year's Day; and to our fellow Americans, we wish you peace and happiness in the coming year.
Thank you for listening.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush lead the Inaugural Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue en route the White House, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005. Marking the beginning of his second term, President Bush took the oath of office during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. White House photo by Eric Draper
Happy New Year snugs!
Happy New Year to you to
President George W. Bush signs a condolence book for the victims of the recent tsunami during a visit to the Embassy of Thailand in Washington, D.C., Monday, Jan. 3, 2005. Next to the book, stands a photograph of Khun Poom Jensen, 21. A grandson of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Mr. Jensen died in the tsunami. Also signing their condolences are Laura Bush and former Presidents Bush and Clinton.
Signed by former Presidents Bush and Clinton and Laura Bush, President Bush expressed their condolences during a visit to the embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C., Monday, Jan. 3, 2005. The President wrote, "We pray for the victims and families of this epic disaster. And the American government and American people are dedicated to helping you recover."
Aren’t they a beautiful couple!!! Miss them, big time.
Laura Bush approaches a candle-lit memorial honoring the victims of the recent tsunami at the Embassy of Indonesia during a visit with President George W. Bush and former Presidents Bush and Clinton in Washington, D.C., Monday, Jan. 3, 2005.
President George W. Bush gets a warm greeting from USA Freedom Corps greeter Connie Bergmann during a visit to Collinsville, Ill., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005.
President George W. Bush greets people during a visit to Clinton Township, Mich., Friday, Jan. 7, 2005. White House photo by Paul Morse
President George W. Bush visits US AID Headquarters where he addressed employees and NGO Presidents Monday, Jan. 10, 2005.
President George W. Bush visits US AID Headquarters where he addressed employees and NGO Presidents Monday, Jan. 10, 2005.
President George W. Bush presents Judge Michael Chertoff as his nominee to be the Secretary of Homeland Security in the Roosevelt Room Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005.
Vice President Dick Cheney discusses Social Security at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005. "The President knows that the longer we wait to address the coming crisis, the more excuses that are made for inaction, the more difficult and expensive the job will be down the line," said the Vice President. "So in this new term, under his leadership, we will save Social Security, and put it on a path to permanent solvency and stability."
Boy, this picture sure makes me miss the President and his family.
Thanks for posting, snugs.
President George W. Bush gives remarks at Georgetown University's "Let Freedom Ring" celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, January 17, 2005.
President George W. Bush congratulates Secretary of State Colin Powell after he received the John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award from Georgetown University during the University's "Let Freedom Ring" celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, January 17, 2005.
Oh, boy! Thanks, snugs!
President George W. Bush stands with Laura Bush, Lynne Cheney and Vice President Dick Cheney during the pre-inaugural event "Saluting Those Who Serve" at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday Jan. 18, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
During an event honoring members of the U.S. military, President George W. Bush stands with U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Brian R. Chontosh, right, at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush tour the National Archives in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005. National Archives Senior Curator Stacy Bredhoff, left, and National Archivist John Carlin, right, escorted the Bushes during their visit. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former President George H. W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush pose for a portrait with members of their extended family in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
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