Principles Are Eternal

oh dear lord...

Kaplan, you have 100 thousand places to post negative commentary today. This thread isn't one of them, so move along.

Thanks Kate, very nice image, nice words.

On a related note, the MSM seems to have suddenly become more kind toward to Bush. Probably partially because Obama has made comments to the effect that after meeting Bush he now realizes he is a good man. So the MSM follows.

It's sickening really. The MSM are hypocrites of the first order. They have no substance.

They trashed a man for years, and now they suddenly think he's not that bad after all.

Very beautiful photo

My favorite president of all time is Harry Truman, who also exited with low approval ratings.

I'm sure that as time passes, GWB's eight years will be viewed more kindly by balanced individuals.

SO much celebration for the first Black President . . history is being made.

Which got me thinking about what would be the ultimate historical celebratory moment . .

A transgendered wheelchair bound lesbian muslim married to a vegan yoga instructor who practices Scientology. The new President would be the son(originally) of an Oriental father and an Aboriginal mother. The wife would be the daughter of a Black father and an arab mother and all the adopted kids would come from orphanages in Malawi.

Now that would send the leftoids into the stratosphere of exuberant inclusiveness.

TJ: The media kindness is partially due to the fact that they now realize Obama is continuing most of Bush's policies for keeping America safe - see Hanson's piece Bush Considered

when I found that photo this morning for my anti-inauguration post, I choked up a little.

Will add that epigram about statesmanship to the post now.

Charlotte Marshall, Principal of Merritt Brown Middle School is quoted on the front page of the Panama City News Herald "today proves the dream has become possible". This Principal and also a person of principle is further quoted; "Now, Barack Obama being president doesn't mean we don't have responsibility, we have more responsibility than ever. We have to tell those little brothers to pull up their pants, go get a job and take care of the children they create." Cheers,

early in Helprin's essay i was reminded of Cincinnatus interrupted while at his plowing....

GWB and the American people's liberation of 50 millions of people from the vilest rule imaginable has amassed great store of honour and grace for their Republic...

i felt affection and respect for Dubya from day one....i tremble when i think of algore or skerry having been at the helm for the last 8 years.....
the next period of time will prove to be very interesting indeed...look to your guns as they say.

Yes, that photo says it all. It's true, principles are eternal - and the focus on a man, an ordinary man, alone with only a man-made tool in contact with the natural elements, and yet, remaining both true to his principles - and simply a man, not a god, is perfect.

Salim Mansur has a column, Jan 16, in the Toronto Sun on Bush: A Fond Farewell

"But long after the critics of Bush have bitten dust and been forgotten, people will be talking about him, as they do about Truman, reflecting upon the consequences of his decision that brought freedom for 50 million people in the Arab-Muslim world. How these people build positively upon their freedom, or squander it, will be a commentary upon them and not Bush"

And "To believe in freedom, in any sense worthy of consideration, is to believe in setting other people free. This is to some extent within our power, and it is the greatest service we can render; even if it must be, at times, by the sacrifice of our own."

Bush will be remembered long past the quarrels of his time in office, as is Truman, Reagan and the three "great" presidents in American history, for serving with courage and conviction the cause of freedom".

Bush was one of America's greatest presidents, a man of principles, decency and humility. I can't even mention the name of this next president, who defines himself as a god-king, a regenerated mythic hero, in the same post.

Thank you, ET. And Kate.

Great piece, thanks for posting the link.

Not sure this is on topic but I wanted to share a letter I just write to my daughters overseas (ages 24 and 27)

I almost feel like crying, I feel so isolated. Every single "friend" of mine on Facebook, as well as in real life, is creaming their pants about Obama and I just can't understand the teary eyed excitment. I think Obama is a skilled speaker and a charismatic man....so what? It is indeed a triumph that a black man has been elected but that's not enough to make me jump up and down and write cheesy odes on Facebook. Imagine that this was Condoleeza Rice getting sworn in: a woman AND a black person. I can guarantee with absolute certainty that the excitment levels would be about 10%. Why? Because she is not part of the Liberal club. Sad, really.

What's also sad is that I can't say any of this out loud because liberal dogma has been accepted as gospel by white, guilt-ridden societies and anyone who is only slightly agin it, is adjudged to be a fool or a dangerous fascist Bush-ite.

Barak Obama being elected POTUS is a sign of GWB's success.

The fact that Americans saw fit to elect Barak Obama POTUS is a sign that Americans feel safe, and are ready to address domestic & social issues. It is reasonable to think that if Americans didn't feel safe today they would be inaugurating John McCain.

Good Luck Barak Obama and Thank-you George W Bush.

The criticisms of Bush 43 are overdone. Time will tell how his riskiets project plays out.

One commentator said, if 10 to 20 years from now Iraq is a thriving multi ethnic democracy that is an ally of the Us in the region then Bushes stock will rise immensely. If it falters and descends into chaos then so will his legacy.

It was a war of choice. there were many travellers included in that choice, what Bushes true intentions were will bcome clearer with time. Whether it was a long term successful gamble or folly is a seperate question from those intentions.

Bush 43 found his voice Sept 12th and successfully rallied his nation, led a proper response to the attacks that emenated from Afghanistan. His African Aids charity showed the grace he was capable of. That he never engaged in self pity was all to the best.

His opponents will list his errors and missteps, some of which I have some agreement with, but he should be thanked for the good things he did, the right decisions he made. His cooperation and transition and gracefulness in leaving the stage says much, especially in contrast to some.

Celebrate the peaceful change of power, the games can begin again tomorrow.

Having only recently watched Batman: Dark Knight, I gotta say that if you didn't know Hollywood better, you'd say that Batman = Bush. Both are accused of many things and used as scapegoats, even as both do deeds in the shadow that protect their people.

W. Bush made all the hard decisions after 9/11. All Obama has to do is coast along with Bush's security decisions, receiving all the accolades for their continued success and none of the blame for having installed them.

I respect and admire George W. Bush. I wish Obama a successful Presidency.

I will thank Bush for not allowing another 911, 912, 913, or 914, for that my Family and I are gratefull.

To ObamaNation, Good Luck, your gona need it.

Thank you for posting this. It is so easy to be spiteful and cruel, and takes no courage to mock someone already unpopular (ie, most comedians the past six to eight years). It takes courage to stand up for someone who is disliked. Thank you for your courage.

My brother wrote a letter of support to George W. when he was Govenor of Texas, the issue was the execution of a man who had cold bloodedly stabbed a 70 year old woman to death in the course of a robbery. The victim was bound with duct tape and could not defend herself. After a lengthy stay on death row it was discovered that the felon was a Canadian citizen and the Canadian embassy had (horrors) not been called. A "get out of jail card" no! not with George W. The execution proceeded. By and by my brother got a note signed by George W, He said simply that "as long as he was Govenor of Texas, he would obey the laws of Texas thank you for your support" I know this is an "hot button" issue and will cause some howling from "the usual suspects" It is also a snapshot of a man who so very clearly saw his role and duty, enjoy your retirement George W. Bush it is never easy to do the right thing it is however the differance between a leader, and a politician who simply "rides the polls" In 20 years no one will remember the snarky reporters, or doll stomping politicians, they will remember George W. Bush. I felt a little safer with him in charge. Thanks George.
Cheers Bubba

Good bye to a president that i think will someday be looked upon as a Great President, only history will tell.
To Obama,you have some mighty big shoes to fill.

Fritz: The VDH columm is a keeper.

The Rainmaker (1997)

Rudy Baylor: Objection. Your honor, he's leading the witness.
Judge Kipler: This is cross examination, leading is allowed. Overruled, as to leading.

President Bush the "Rainmaker", absolutely perfect photo!

"You remember what a rainmaker is, kid? The bucks are going to start falling from the sky."

Rainmaker: One who is known for achieving excellent results in a profession or field, such as business or politics.

Cheers

Hans-Christian Georg Rupprecht, Commander in Chief

Frankenstein Battalion
2nd Squadron: Ulanen-(Lancers) Regiment Großherzog Friedrich von Baden(Rheinisches) Nr.7(Saarbrucken)
Knecht Rupprecht Division
Hans Corps
1st Saint Nicolaas Army
Army Group “True North"

History will forget the chatterers.
History will not forget the tens of millions of people freed from tyrany by his strength of character.
May his successors be as well respected in history.

I add my tiny voice to the legions thanking President Bush today. I know he has been a great president, I hope I live long enough to see him vindicated. I have written him some weeks ago, I hope he gets all these messages.
I DO wish Americans and President Obama well, why wouldn't I? I pray that American liberals are led back to reason and sanity. Perhaps Obama is the man who will do that. Perhaps despite his campaign rhetoric he will lead the pendulum swing away from the loony left. I say this because I sense he has already learned the extent of the danger in his take-over briefings. I have sensed a hint of his concern. I heard tiny bits of reality in his inauguration speech wrapped in the leftist pap that the left wants to hear.
Thank You GWB, God Bless America, God Bless Canada and those who lead us.

GWB will go down in history as one of the greatest Presidents ever.As long as we keep the lefties away from writing history. Millions owe him a thank-you.
Kaplan....get rid of the wierd hairdo and go fellate Kotter some more.

"The fact that Americans saw fit to elect Barak Obama POTUS is a sign that Americans feel safe, and are ready to address domestic & social issues."

Translation- Fear tactics didn't work this time. People prefer liberal social policies.

"GWB will go down in history as one of the greatest Presidents ever."

As long as you've become completely detached from reality, why not pretend he still is president?

Kate, and others.. the rush to defend and praise George Bush is no less wrong than the rush to canonize Barack Obama.

On the plus - as Bush has stated, "Do you recall the state of the nation in the days following 9-11?" Easy now, as we bask in the relative safety following that event, to second-guess actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.. Bush took action, as anyone would have, and should have.

On the negative - the efforts to politicize the work of the Attorney General's office through Alberto Gonzales, the abject refusal to consider the value of opinions critical of his own, including Colin Powell, his willingness to subvert the rule of law and acceptance of the use of torture of detainees.. his refusal to continue to press for resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian dispute - the lynch-pin of mid-east tension.. there are many things not to admire about the former President - but, like Obama, he is just a man, a man who made mistakes.. and in the case of Obama, a man who will certainly make mistakes.

Better those of us who are the "thinkers" on the web not fall into the trap of becoming partisan mouth-pieces for the right, just as the MSM has, intentionally or otherwise, become a simple mouth-pice of the left.

"People prefer liberal social policies . . ."

Snort!

Trolls need to read: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjRhM2JkY2YwMTc5YjZiNDZiMjlhZjkzZmZiYWJhY2I=

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Good luck in your future endeavors Mister President. As long as sane minds prevail, George W Bush will go down as a great president, who was unafraid of criticism when it came to doing what he knew to be right, and he deserves to be treated with the same respect given to all other presidents who faced terrible choices, critics telling him he was damned if he did and damned if he didnt and fools who frothed at the mouth if his name was even mentioned.

I was 17 when Bush was elected (and believe me when I say I've been an active participant in politics since I was 13), and after seeing the disgrace that was the horndog before him, I have only thankful thoughts when I remember George Bush, because he restored my faith in America and in Americans.
George W Bush was my president, even though I could never cast a vote for him, and he will remain my president for the simple fact that HE was the one who brought me Hope.

Thanks for that, Kate. Wonderful photo, and Helprin's essay has a resonant quality of being both elegiac and hopeful:

"Principles are eternal. They stem not from our resolution or lack of it, but from elsewhere where, in patient and infinite ranks, they simply wait to be called. They can be read in history. They arise as if of their own accord when in the face of danger natural courage comes into play and honor and defiance are born. Things such as courage and honor are the mortal equivalent of certain laws written throughout the universe. The rules of symmetry and proportion, the laws of physics, the perfection of mathematics, even the principle of uncertainty, are encouragement, entirely independent of the vagaries of human will, that not only natural law but our own best aspirations have a life of their own. They have lasted through far greater abuse than abuses them now. They can be neglected, but they cannot be lost. They can be thrown down, but they cannot be broken."

"the rush to defend and praise George Bush is no less wrong than the rush to canonize Barack Obama"

And this makes sense to you Rob H? You call yourself a thinker? The rush to defend and thank comes from the "thinkers" who realize that Bush is in fact a mere man, having done one of the most difficult and complex and thankless jobs on the face of the earth. It comes from the "thinkers" who have tried to lead community groups, clubs, executives and held other offices who have learned how difficult these puny jobs can be and thus recognize just what this one man has faced.
And as for the bloggers becoming mouthpieces for The Right you obviously haven't thought your way through the differences between bloggers and MSM. Bloggers speak for themselves, each one alone. The MSM is is not free and it's purpose is to lead sheep.

Well said,Nettie.I would ask joebalonie to read your comment,but it is WAY above his/her/its ability to read and comprehend,let alone think independtley(sp?).

I was in a public school this morning. The euphoria about the inauguration was being loudly and publicly trumpeted in the hallways by teachers, who were setting up TVs to show it to all the students, obviously with the approval of the principal. Imagine the ruckus if a Republican supporter teacher had set up a TV to show the kids footage of anything remotely supportive of George W. Bush. (In November, 2004, I wore my Bush/Cheney button on the inside of my jacket! That day, I reminded any students of mine who felt free to diss Bush—they felt very free—that such language was unacceptable. Were they surprised!)

The arrogance of the left is reprehensible. I like all the teachers who were beside themselves with excitement about this president. What I don't like is their empty-headed confidence that they have the RIGHT to both publicly state their approval of Obama, in the school, AND proselytize their students. Imagine if I had rained on their parade and disagreed with their assessment, in front of the kids! (Actually, in order to be able to do any teaching again in that school, I kept my mouth shut. Please, Lord, let me win the lottery!!)

The public school system talks the anti-bullying talk all the time. Did it ever occur to the lefties who run the show that the kind of thing that happens to me and any other person in the system, who doesn’t toe the leftist party line, that, intellectually and emotionally, we are the ones being bullied? Do they not realize that this exclusivity and triumphalism is a form of abuse? These, of course, are rhetorical questions: lefties are totally insensitive to the rights, sensibilities, and feelings of anyone they deem to be a dissenter—make that a “denier”.

I’m an Obama “denier”. I think the man’s a dangerous empty suit. He talks the talk—sort of: I’m actually altogether unimpressed with his affect-less delivery of pretty, pro-forma words in a plummy baritone voice—but I don’t believe he walks the walk: like our own Mafia don, Chretien, just look at Obama’s closest associates.

Our trendy culture is so short on principle and gravitas (what are THEY?)—George Bush has both—far too many of us, just like Chesterton said, “will fall for anything”. (It’s a theme of mine, but I note that what Chesterton, George Bush, and I share is a committed, orthodox Christian faith. I don’t believe that it’s any surprise that, as we shed our noble Judeo-Christian heritage, which emphasizes love of God and neighbour in harmony with love of self, we become both more and more selfish and more and more gullible to shallowness and gibberish.)

I agree with the Anchoress: I will pray for the success of Obama’s presidency and for his good. But, from his track record so far, my confidence in this president is not high.

I liked President Bush from day 1. Still do. This new imposter will indeed have big shoes to fill.

As to you liberal trolls. STFU. I couldn't give a rat's ass what you think. All liberals are scum.

"It is difficult to deal with terrorism through non-violence."

"(The terrorists) are very brilliant and educated...but but a strong ill-feeling is bred in them. Their minds are closed."

"I love George Bush."

So said...wait for it....The Dalai Lama.

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/01/dalai-lama-stuns-audience-admits-i-love.html

Right on Ann

I wrote this to someone who was hating on GWB yesterday:

"As I've said before(not to you), like him or not, GWB was the best possible POTUS for the time. He shouldered the burden when know one else could. Think of him as the free-worlds "Dark Knight" doing what had to be done regardless of how he would be perceived."

oops

should say "no one"

Rob H.: Your pluses don't do justice to GWB's accomplishments, and I have to question whether a few of your negatives really belong there. I would however add Hurricane Katrina to the negatives -- not so much because of the substance of his actions, since I doubt that any administration could have done much better to rescue that basket-case state from the effects of a disaster like that, but rather because of his poor communications at the time and the "optics" of some of his decisions and actions.

Will judgements about Bush improve with time? Anyone who says "no" can be disregarded as completely lacking objectivity. The negative opinions about him that are held by a vast number of people are so irrational and unbalanced and so filled with fantasy that the clearer view provided by the passage of time will certainly result in a more positive assessment. Just how positive will depend especially on developments in the Middle East in the next 5-10 years and beyond, as well as events in the homeland (will those who hold that BHO can't be worse than GWB still say this if there's a significant, successful terrorist strike in the US in the next four years?).

I see no point in claiming that GWB will be viewed as one of the greatest presidents ever. That sounds like cheerleading -- which I'd say even if I thought this might be the judgement of history, which I don't. Those who are counting on history to vindicate GWB will need some patience. I would say though that his presidency will be seen as a significant one. That'll be enough to keep him far from the bottom of the best-president rankings.

President Bush kept America, and in the process much of the rest of the world, safe after September 11, 2001. Had he not done that, nothing else that he did would have mattered. We in the USA (and not only we in the USA) have been very lucky that he has been our President for the past eight years; I hope that I can say the same about President Obama eight years from now.

President Bush,
Thank you for the sacrifices you made. King Solomon made decisions that were not popular in his time, yet now is considered as wise man. Walk tall and proud Mr. President, and rest. The weight of the free world was a burden you dutifully bore. To do the right thing was your light, the sacrifice of popularity, a thought never considered. A Titan, succeeded by a pretty paper doll. Walk proud, history will be kind, job well done. I salute you, sir.

By way of saying Thank-you to President Bush, I offer a Prayer from Roy Rogers - the hero of myself and my brothers many long years ago - we are the same age as President Bush, we grew up with cattle and cowboys and WWI/WWII vets, on the North (NOT LEFT in those days) side of the Montana border - Montana is the state most like Texas, IMO.:

Roy Rogers Prayer

Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself,
I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me ride it straight the whole way through.

And when in the falling dusk I get that final call,
I do not care how many flowers they send,
Above all else, the happiest trail would be
For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend"
AMEN

God Bless you, President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush - and - God Bless Texas!! I thank-you both, with all my heart, for all you have done for all of us. We would be nothing without Freedom and you used the powers of your office to make sure we, and others, have our God-given right to live as Free men and women; beholden only to God. My praise for your dedication to establishing/maintaining/protecting Freedom for all people cannot be heaped high enough to show my gratitude.

Semper fi.

How about a word for Richard M. Cheney too, the man that the left loves to hate ... that alone makes him okay in my books.

Maybe Kaplan likes the sappy CNN headline better..."Obama raises hand, lifts a nation."

His raised hand didn't impress the markets too much. Dow down 332.13 to under 8,000.

As for Bush, a great many of his enemies were treasonously located within the borders of his own country. Had it not been for this sedition, things would look much different today.

Last I heard George W. Bush's approval rating was around 34%. That is considered very low.

The neo-socialist pro-Hamas New Democratic Party here in Canada has NEVER gotten over 20% at the ballot box.

So I guess it is fair to say that the NDP are even less popular in Canada than George W. Bush is in the United States.

The numbers don't lie.

'Anyone know how to send a note of thanks and appreciation to George W. Bush?

Do you think a note sent to President G.W. Bush, Crawford, Texas would do it? (Once a President, always a President.)

batb, that's where I plan to send mine!

Jema 54, thanks. And a hearty AMEN to your comments.

Looking ahead, can someone define for us all what precisely Obama's principles will consist of?!

Yes, well-said, Jema54. God bless George and Laura Bush.

'Guess, lookout, I'll send my thank you note % Crawford, Texas.

Apparently, in Midland, Texas, today, there's a HUGE Texas Welcome for President and Mrs. Bush, where thousands of Texans are lined up to welcome them home. I don't imagine this joyful occasion will be covered in the MSM.

On the other hand, in God's economy, crowd size is no legitimate measurement of a life.

Pres. Bush was seriously thrown off the game plan on 9/11. I think he responded correctly. Saddam was the weapon of mass destruction. He dealt with it while being vilified. Looks better now than before. I feel he played a major role in fighting terrorism everywhere.
It has been said one year as President is the equal of two years of ageing. The man served for 8 years. The photo says it all.