A day in the life of President Bush (photos): 2/1/03

yahoo.com, netscape.com, whitehouse.gov

[rintense]

For the second time in two years, President Bush spoke to console and grieve with the rest of the nation in remarks regarding the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia. Bush left Camp David early this morning and returned to the White House as he followed the events over the Texas sky. In his speech, Bush succinctly expressed the fears of by stating, 'The Columbia is lost; there are no survivors.' The President exchanged condolences with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as the first Israeli astronaut lost his life with six other Americans. All federal flags have been lowered to half-staff.

God bless the families of the brave souls who have joined the heavens they so willing chose to explore.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Thanks Rintense for the pictures that remind us how blessed we are to have George W. Bush as our President.

May God bless our President.

And, may God welcome home the crew of the Columbia.

Thanks for all you do, Rintense.

[MJY1288]

Sad sad day

[Wphile]

My fellow Americans, this day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country. At 9:00 a.m. this morning, Mission Control in Houston lost contact with our Space Shuttle Columbia. A short time later, debris was seen falling from the skies above Texas. The Columbia is lost; there are no survivors.

On board was a crew of seven: Colonel Rick Husband; Lt. Colonel Michael Anderson; Commander Laurel Clark; Captain David Brown; Commander William McCool; Dr. Kalpana Chawla; and Ilan Ramon, a Colonel in the Israeli Air Force. These men and women assumed great risk in the service to all humanity.

In an age when space flight has come to seem almost routine, it is easy to overlook the dangers of travel by rocket, and the difficulties of navigating the fierce outer atmosphere of the Earth. These astronauts knew the dangers, and they faced them willingly, knowing they had a high and noble purpose in life. Because of their courage and daring and idealism, we will miss them all the more.

All Americans today are thinking, as well, of the families of these men and women who have been given this sudden shock and grief. You're not alone. Our entire nation grieves with you. And those you loved will always have the respect and gratitude of this country.

The cause in which they died will continue. Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand. Our journey into space will go on.

In the skies today we saw destruction and tragedy. Yet farther than we can see there is comfort and hope. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry hosts one by one and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."

The same Creator who names the stars also knows the names of the seven souls we mourn today. The crew of the shuttle Columbia did not return safely to Earth; yet we can pray that all are safely home.

May God bless the grieving families, and may God continue to bless America.

Here ya go.

[twyn1]

President Bush does look tired and oh, so, sad...those of us who are so inclined, we must increase our prayers for this fine man and for our country...

[goodnesswins]

Another morning of mourning for our nation. So sad, as others have said. So glad we have an honorable President for America at this time. Thanks, Rintense for the pictures and summary of this days event.

[NYC GOP Chick]

His selection of scripture was perfect!

That's because it comes from his heart -- not a spinmeister's keyboard -- and it's very real for him.

He's a truly religious man, not a pud toting a Bible in front of the cameras as he makes his weekly "perp walk" before the cameras on the way in and out of church, like a certain former president who has a fondness for sinks.

[Darlin']

Top 25 ?

That is a moving and memorable quote.

[Howlin]

I've done that more than once today. I worry about him so much lately.

I don't see how he does it; it would seem to be enough to carry the burdens he does, having what seem to be more than most presidents have had.

But the constant HARPING and lies from the Bush haters and the left would drive me insane.....my blood pressure has been up all week!

[Wphile]

I hear ya!

[kitkat]

Thank you for the Dose on a Saturday. We needed it today, more than usually.

The President's beautiful quote brings tears to my eyes. I know it was written by a speech writer, but Dubya controls what goes into his speeches. And he felt it was important to quote scripture. It doesn't get any more beautiful than that quote.

[TXBubba]

Thanks rintense. Still here even if I don't respond to the "Day" posts often. I think GWB needs to get some sleep. I can't even imagine the pressure he is under looking forward to this coming week and then to have this happen on top of it all.

[NYC GOP Chick]

I'm just waiting for that bastard and his vile spouse to make this all about themselves. Maybe Chelsea was going to jog on the space shuttle but stopped at a Starbucks on the way to lift-off and missed the whole durn thing.

You know it's only a matter of time before those vile pigs get in on this.

[TXBubba]

Actually, I heard it reported that he added the Scripture and comment to the speech himself.

[McLynnan]

Thank you! These are going right onto the hard drive. I appreciate you took the time to do this tonight, and hope your shoulder is recovering well. Such a sad day for W, and he has even sadder days ahead of him this week as memorials are held for our astronauts. We have much to pray on.

[dennisw]

Hey there H. This daily is sort of a "women's" thread but ..... At least on this day of tragedy GWBush represented us well. Represented America. I hope the Euros see what our God fearing leader had to say today.

"The same creator that names the stars, knows the seven souls ....... "

[baseballmom]

I thought you'd post a Dose tonight. A quiet haven at the end of this long, sad day. Thanks Rintense

Our beloved President sure does look weary today. Just weighed down by grief. Isn't is heartening to know that the Lord is carrying the really heavy burdens for him?

[Wphile]

LOL! And her first thought was probably, "I bet it's because of the Bush tax cut that this happened!"

[NYC GOP Chick]

I thank God every day that he is our President, and even more so during times like this.

I just feel better with such a decent, caring and intelligent man in charge. I trust him.

[RoseofTexas]

He looks NUMB! Just like I was this morn! I still can't believe that on top of 9-11, the world hating us, UN putting up brick walls against us going to disarm the EVIL ONE, AND now this! HOW MUCH MORE CAN this mere mortal bear?! DEAR GOD, I know there is a reason for this, BUT PLEASE Lord show us WHY?!! We need to come gether in UNITY like never before. PLEASE pray for our W and the families!

[Republic]

God Bless our President as he deals with this tragedy. And Lord, we are so grateful that this President is our leader during these troubled times.

Many dittos, dittomom. And Happy Birthday!. ( Late-but the sentiment remains strong!)

I remember ya Babe, from our March for Justice. In my mind's eye I see you standing beside the stage structure, holding, waving our nation's flag, and filled with deep conviction! I know we heartened the house managers and had a huge effect on the impeachment process. I will never forget these moments. And I remember your tremendous efforts on behalf of your state ( and our nation ) to expose and recall that strange man I will never understand. (But am glad to know he is standing by our President in the war effort.)

You are a FReeper-extraordinaire-and it is always good to see your screen name on the boards!