Farewell Mr. President!

I have not always been a fan of President George W. Bush's policies, but I have always respected him. He won that, if for no other reason than the way he faced a storm of criticism the minute he took office and handled it with grace, class and aplomb every day thereafter.

To a public that was largely ungracious and crass to him, he showed grace and dignity. He upheld the dignity of his office, his family, his nation and his job; even when the media, celebrities (those political experts) and the ever-present hecklers pounded him.

I am totally convinced he did what he felt was right and necessary at every moment of his career in the White House. We may agree or disagree over his handling of the wars, the economy, or the congress but I don't think an honest person can doubt his sincerity. Though an often-hated one, he was a true guide in a dark time. Though to some a captain Bligh, he held a firm hand on the tiller. Unlike his predecessor, he did not bow to the fickle breezes of public opinion. He gave to the nation (and the world) a kind of unconscious confidence a resolute parent gives by being true to principle, even though at the times the family moans about the choices. Usually kids from such a family only recognize the high value of such leadership after they leave home, or maybe only after that parent is gone forever.

One thing that always amazed me was the way he and his wife greeted and genuinely embraced his political opponents and detractors. The amazing transition his team performed for the Obama presidential team is unprecedented in history.

A fitting symbol for me is something that happened Sunday. I was with my family on the Mall to watch the concert with Barak Obama at the Lincoln memorial. My wife, an independent, is not a strong Obama fan but she is absolutely nuts about U2. When she heard they were playing, we decided we would brave the cold and go. (I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the concert and the speeches and give a hat's off to the people who put it on. It truly was an American moment).

While we were waiting for the concert to start, my 3 year old son and I were playing in the grassy field next to the memorial to get away from the huge pressing crowd next to the reflecting pool. We heard helicopters and looked back and saw 3 Marine 1's flying across the mall towards the White House. (I read later the Bushes were returning from their last Camp David trip). As they approached the White House, one of them broke away and flew over the far side of the reflecting pool, then dipped lower and cut across the pool straight towards us. As they banked again, they were fairly low and we could see smiling faces at the window. My son and I were practically the only ones on that part of the field so they were certainly waving at us and he was waving back. I was too much in shock to do anything ( and no time to grab the camera). I am sure the lady on the inside seat was Laura Bush. I could not see the face at the window as it was too dark but I assume it was our president.

It was magnificent - The first family not only flying over to see the huge crowd celebrating their replacements, but smiling and waving and showing their typical friendliness. I am really going to miss that about them.

(My wife jokes that they flew over to find the only Republican on the Mall that day and wave goodbye! I correct her and say "TWO" Republicans. The boy may not be old enough to vote but he can campaign!).

Be that the case or not -

Farewell Mr. President and Mrs. Bush! May your lives be good and your memories sweet. May history shame your harshest critics.

Thank You.