Curmudgeon's Corner

The Former President...

Posted by Al Campbell on Jan. 21, 2009

Potpourri, Quality of Life, U.S.

I watched as much of the inauguration yesterday as was possible, given that it was a work day.  It was grandiose and befitting the induction of Barack Obama into the most exclusive 'club' in the world, that of the people who have been the President of the United States of America.

I also, almost by accident, found myself watching the 'homecoming' of former President Bush and Laura to Midland, Texas.

At the risk of attracting a lot of flack, I found the latter more captivating than the former.  Admittedly, I am a conservative, although there were quite a few times that I shook my head at what I had seen our former President do and what I had heard him say.

I found, however, that I will miss him and his gracious wife, one of the best First ladies we've had in my lifetime.  I listened as he related how they felt upon their return to Texas...and I saw how welcomed they were by their fellow Texans, many of whom no doubt didn't always agree with what he had done or said.

I will feel a place in my heart for the former President and his wife for many, many years.  They were and are very genuine people.  They are devout Christians.  They wear their hearts on their sleeves and that isn't all bad.  I believe that they took very good care of our "house" and that they did all within their power to avoid desecrating it and what it stands for in our minds.

They are, simply, real Americans who were not markedly changed by their experience as President and First Lady other than for their memories and experiences.  They are the same kind, thoughtful and caring people they were when they first arrived in Washington some eight years ago.  And they came back to Texas not much the worse for wear and with the same deep spiritual values, and knowing they had done their best in trying times.

And he looks forward to making a cup of coffee for Laura on their first morning out of the White House...if he can find the coffee and remember how to make it.

What great, common, ordinary, fantastic Americans!

Thank you both for your service...and for your examples.