I was between 8 and 12 years old when George H.W. Bush was president. At that time, I followed politics about as closely as a meteorologist follows flurries in Buffalo. Pretty much all I remember about him during that time are: 1) His rather distinct voice; 2) "Read my lips - no new taxes;" 3) Desert Storm; and 4) That he was a Republican; and 5) Dana Carvey doing a spot-on impression of him on Saturday Night Live. So, safe to say, 99% of what I've learned about the man have come in the years after his presidency.
It's pretty amazing, in this day and age, to stand back and look at how the Republican Party has changed over the past several decades. Look at where they are today. Whether they like to admit it or not, Donald Trump has become the face of the party. His ideology now coincides with that of the GOP. While the party was shifting rightward during the late Bush's years as president, it was still in that transition stage between moderate, civil, respectable party and far-right, angry, embarrassing party. This is largely why, at least from a liberal's vantage point, the George H.W. Bush presidency is a such a perplexing one.
While the 41st president went to war in the Middle East, he also set forth a quicker, more cost-efficient plan than did his son. While he talked a big game about not raising taxes, he actually did. H.W. signed bills which helped to protect the environment and provide aid for the disabled. At the same time, he nominated Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, which may have largely paved the way for an individual like Brett Kavanaugh to be nominated. Bush penned a letter to the NRA, cancelling his membership. He was eloquent when passing over the reigns to his successor, Democrat Bill Clinton. Like I said, remembering George H.W. Bush's legacy is a complicated one, especially for a self-described progressive.
Sadly, when reflecting on the Republican Party, I'm probably beginning to sound like my parents with regard to music or technology: "I remember, back in the day..." The fact of the matter is, I rarely agreed with Bush when it came to his policies, yet even then, for some strange reason, I wish he and people like him were more representative of the Republican Party of today than the man we currently have in the Oval Office. For all of his flaws, George H.W. Bush was willing to work across the aisle with Democrats; he showed respect to members of the media; he was unafraid to stand up to conservative-dominated lobbyists and special interest groups on occasion; and he could laugh at himself. That may sound unimportant, but I like for the person in the highest office in the land to be confident and secure, yet to be able to display even the slightest semblance of humility. Donald Trump doesn't possess that. One joke at his expense and he lets loose on Twitter like a speed-induced cat on a ball of yarn. That's where we are today with the Republican Party. Donald Trump and his ilk have lowered standards to such a grand extent, any semblance of civility, security, and/or humility would be seen as a step up.
Even though I may have often disagreed with his politics, unlike the current president, George H.W. Bush actually attempted to serve the country and not just himself. He genuinely felt his decisions were the right ones to move our country forward, and especially in this day-and-age, I have to respect that. Thank you for your service, Mr. Bush. Rest in peace.
It's pretty amazing, in this day and age, to stand back and look at how the Republican Party has changed over the past several decades. Look at where they are today. Whether they like to admit it or not, Donald Trump has become the face of the party. His ideology now coincides with that of the GOP. While the party was shifting rightward during the late Bush's years as president, it was still in that transition stage between moderate, civil, respectable party and far-right, angry, embarrassing party. This is largely why, at least from a liberal's vantage point, the George H.W. Bush presidency is a such a perplexing one.
While the 41st president went to war in the Middle East, he also set forth a quicker, more cost-efficient plan than did his son. While he talked a big game about not raising taxes, he actually did. H.W. signed bills which helped to protect the environment and provide aid for the disabled. At the same time, he nominated Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, which may have largely paved the way for an individual like Brett Kavanaugh to be nominated. Bush penned a letter to the NRA, cancelling his membership. He was eloquent when passing over the reigns to his successor, Democrat Bill Clinton. Like I said, remembering George H.W. Bush's legacy is a complicated one, especially for a self-described progressive.
Sadly, when reflecting on the Republican Party, I'm probably beginning to sound like my parents with regard to music or technology: "I remember, back in the day..." The fact of the matter is, I rarely agreed with Bush when it came to his policies, yet even then, for some strange reason, I wish he and people like him were more representative of the Republican Party of today than the man we currently have in the Oval Office. For all of his flaws, George H.W. Bush was willing to work across the aisle with Democrats; he showed respect to members of the media; he was unafraid to stand up to conservative-dominated lobbyists and special interest groups on occasion; and he could laugh at himself. That may sound unimportant, but I like for the person in the highest office in the land to be confident and secure, yet to be able to display even the slightest semblance of humility. Donald Trump doesn't possess that. One joke at his expense and he lets loose on Twitter like a speed-induced cat on a ball of yarn. That's where we are today with the Republican Party. Donald Trump and his ilk have lowered standards to such a grand extent, any semblance of civility, security, and/or humility would be seen as a step up.
Even though I may have often disagreed with his politics, unlike the current president, George H.W. Bush actually attempted to serve the country and not just himself. He genuinely felt his decisions were the right ones to move our country forward, and especially in this day-and-age, I have to respect that. Thank you for your service, Mr. Bush. Rest in peace.
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