Well done, Mr. President. I did not vote for you, but I have come to admire you over the years. What a beautiful assessment of our first President. You made many salient points about how the president should not aspire to having “ near mythical powers “.
I agree with Kathleen. Because I am liberal I did not vote for you although I had respect for the Bush family legacy. You are an honorable man Mr. President. Thank you for coming to Substack.
Just the opposite for me. I voted for him twice. Those were bad votes. Same for his dad. Should have voted for Jack Kemp in 88. But I would not have voted for a Democrat because they r crazy Dangerous. George W Bush was a weak leader and a bad President. Not loyal to his people and would not stand by them. He also got people killed in Iraq for no reason at all. Good riddance to him. He should stay hidden and enjoy his trust fund money all made by past generations and given to him with a silver spoon. What Bush should have written about was how Washington dealt with the “ Whiskey Rebellion” in Pennsylvania during his Presidency. He showed the federal governments willingness to demand states follow federal laws. No fooling around. He marched the military into Pennsylvania and quelled any Insurrection.
I hear what you're saying John, but this is not the time or place for that. Instead, reflect on the optimism here in for our 250th Anneversary by going out and registering voters, becoming a election judge, teach a class on the Wiskey Rebellion and the Battle of Athens, TN. Get on the library board, city or county councils where you can become politically effective. DOL
You’re entitled to regret your vote. History sorts presidencies out in time But the essay was about Washington and the 250th anniversary of the republic — not a chance to vent old grievances about George W. Bush.
If you want to invoke Washington, then read him.
Read his Farewell Address. Read his insistence on moderation, union, restraint, and civic virtue. Read his warning against factional rage. Washington marched to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion, yes — but he did so reluctantly, with the purpose of preserving constitutional order, not scoring points or indulging contempt.
There’s a difference between serious criticism and personal bitterness. One builds a republic. The other erodes it.
The 250th anniversary is about the survival of ordered liberty across generations. If we’re going to invoke Washington, we might try imitating his civility for what you could find that he’s written as well as his resolve.
You view Washington your way and I’ll view him my way. I think he was great. He wasn’t too civil on the battlefield. When he marched about 15,000 soldiers into Pennsylvania he wasn’t too civil that day either. That was to let the insurrectionists know the federal government was going to enforce its tax on whiskey and the state was not going to be able to disobey this federal law. One of the great precedents Washington set during his administration. Federalism.
His ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
You're talking about the guy who did more to arrogate them to himself than any of his predecessors. Remember signing statements, for just one thing? While the i8nitary executive whad been kicking around for decades, in large part preserved by people he appointed to his cabinet -- and running mate -- it was in his administration that it became a front and center issue (thanks, John Yoo). And the powers claimed after 9/11 and never relinquished? Good God, how quickly they forget!
As someone who spent 15 years working under the Florida election laws that were on the books in 2000, I find it the height of hypocrisy for George W. Bush to praise George Washington for his humility and for relinquishing power because in 2000, George W. Bush did exactly the opposite. Bush waged an all-out assault on American democracy in Florida in 2000 with the help of his brother Jeb Bush/Florida's Governor, Katherine Harris/Bush Florida 2000 campaign co-chair/Florida Secretary of State and 5 unelected republican Supreme Court judges 4 of whom were appointed when Bush's father was Vice-President or President who prevented 170,000 legally cast Florida votes located in the most heavily democratic voting Florida counties from being counted. This was an unconstitutional power grab designed to thwart the will of the people and install Bush against the will of the people. It's the anti-democracy roadmap that Trump and the modern republican party continue to use to kill democracy in America. What Bush did in Florida in 2000 to kill American democracy must never be forgotten.
I voted for dubya his first term, then quickly realized my mistake. He was the president who turned me from a registered Republican to an Independent. I now know that I will never vote Republican ever again. I do hope we solve the “two party” problem after we get ourselves out of this fiasco. I want to be able to vote for the best candidate, not a party. I do think dubya hates trump, which is his one redeeming quality. I wish instead of him beating around the “bush” on this one, he would have spoken out more aggressively against the current regime. We don’t want a king NOW either, and he knows that’s what trump wants to be.
As a contributor to this project (my essay is still upcoming), I am extremely excited to read all the essays. (No, we didn’t get to see them in advance!)
For In Pursuit to succeed, he should not and does not directly criticize the current president. And his choice of humility is the most on-point criticism of our narcissist in the White House.
He, along with every other prominent voice that carries weight, should be shouting from the rooftops 24/7 that America is in drastic danger of falling. He needs to shout in on FOX, over and over again, until the lies get washed away and the truth is realized.
In context of your profile (making sure you were not a bot) - If you want everything to be the Democrat’s fault, then fine. It can be their fault. We don’t care. The majority of the American people don’t care. (Please don’t make me drag out the statistics).
What they do want is a strong, positive story where the Republic thrives, where autocrats (no matter their flavor) are mocked instead of uplifted as saviors, and to feel safe and economically secure. Ideally, the money of oligarchs becomes banned from buying policy and elections.
In context of your post - Mr. Bush never felt like he had to warn us of such extremes because he believed the American people understood where such talk leads. (Aka the era of McCarthyism.) The American people have always been wary of both extremes, but they are also wary of when people are only obsessed with one or the other.
Mr. Bush did, in fact, warn us of out control populism and nationalism. And he has been wise in navigating this landscape I feel.
Stop it. Did you read the piece? As Washington’s example illustrates, the most powerful way to effect change is to model the change you want to see. You don’t promote our better virtues by ranting on cable news and social media, constantly fighting fire with fire using the other side’s tactics. No, you engage by modeling the better behavior and knowing that at the end of the day it’s not all up to you. Thanks largely to the constitution and Washington’s leadership in translating parchment into real life institutions, the republic no longer rests upon one person. Thinking it’s all up to you alone and the ends justify the means is a big part of how we got into this mess in the first place.
Couldn’t agree more! I think what he does is MORE effective than yet another direct attach, to which we know 47 is immune. The only way to get to him is to question his legacy vis a vis the true greats.
Like so many critics of the current president, Brian makes a sweeping generalization without any examples.
I agree that humility is strongly lacking, but enforcing standing laws and our Constitution cannot be considered "ongoing destruction" of the office of the presidency.
The Constitution? How about an example? I have about a hundred. Here is one…The Fourth Amendment, part of the Bill of Rights, protects individuals against unreasonable government searches and seizures of persons, houses, papers, and effects. ICE violates this every day!
Don't think he needed to. His essay was definitely thought provoking and that's what we should all want. This Substack is a great opportunity for high school American History teachers to introduce or expand critical thinking in students.
That’s exactly what he did in a way that a true statesman does. Today’s name calling and vulgarity in office is astounding and what W, of whom I am not a fan, does brilliantly here is to re-establish the strongest of criticisms by highlighting what qualities enabled George Washington to be the greatest statesman we ever had. Now will someone send a copy of the manners book to 47 and make him read it?
His ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
President Bush’s reminder that humility is the ultimate strength of leadership feels especially fitting on Presidents Day. George Washington’s willingness to relinquish power, not once but twice, set the moral architecture of our republic. This project invites us to revisit those founding precedents with fresh eyes and renewed gratitude. If we want the next 250 years to be strong, it begins by remembering the character that shaped the first.
Thank you, President Bush, for this thoughtful and timely reflection.
His ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
So Mr. President - I read this and was waiting for the time where you bluntly talk about the danger that America faces - a danger that hasn't been faced since King George III and Jefferson Davis domestically. The difference between a great post president (Obama) and a bad one (you) is that they don't beat around the bush - they don't hide their concerns and criticisms in a subtle post on Substack about Washington that requires interpretation from people who will already understand subtlety. These are the people who already hate Trump.
For god's sakes, even Dick Cheney himself realized and publicly advocated how much of a danger Trump is to our democracy before you did! ICE is terrorizing communities and pulling away families while Trump's stooges build concentration camps, and without public voices like yours pushing back straightforwardly on the topic Trump will turn this secret police force against everyone, eventually including you.
Your power isn't an audience on Substack talking about George Washington. If you want to be worthy of even Washington's shadow, your power is getting on Twitter, getting your microphone back and touring, and saying Trump is America's biggest threat to democratic rule in modern times loudly and often. Put down the fucking paint brush, get on that microphone, and get your followers to ally with the Democrats in the pro democratic movement that will take down King Don I.
Be goddamned loud. Talk often. Take a page from Rick Wilson.
When the current president has raped children and likely has murdered them, as well as murdered his fellow human trafficking crime partner, not speaking out is pure cowardice. And it is that same silence to represent America’s apathetic that leads to the rise of fascism.
W has a unique opportunity to band together the minority who are Republicans afraid to speak truth to power against Trump even as they see that cruelty with their own eyes. W is squandering that opportunity every minute he keeps his silence against the most evil man who has ever been president so far.
" If you wait long enough by the river, the bodies of your enemies will float by you" - Sun Tzu
Ok, there never really was a Sun Tzu, he was am amalgam of Chinese generals. Kind of like Machievelli's " Prince".
That statement might seem irresponsible and passive, but things have to have time to come into focus.
America " the great experiment" might be " trying something new" with the Trump administration, and the jury is out but closing fast on ehether the American People like tjis new rental.
As for the Really dark stuff: Epstein et al., attempted fascist takeover, corruption and treason, if fact the case:
Remember George Bush is the President who killed Saddam Hussein. He is normt " the artist formerly known as Mr. President".
I haven't listened to " Goidbye Earl" live version by the Dixie Chicks for at least 12 hours, do im wriring from a calmer state of mind. I do fond it odd they were Against tge onvasion of Iraq. Saddam, Uday, Queeasay and Saddam's twrrible mother could collectively at least hold a candke to the Epstein network.
Clinton and Obama haven't exactly been screaming either. There are Republicans doind what is right and preparing for early retirement, which may prove not to be the case.
I appreciate your responding to me, there have been several others. It does not fall on deaf ears.
Not in this case. Right now it's a cowardly restraint! This isn't a movie, this is real life and our country is being destroyed. Look at the disaster Trump's created in one short year!! If those who still have power, a voice, a platform don't stand up and stand together and work to stop this menace threatening all of us, there won't be another year to do it. The time is now and to hell with “restraint!!”
I do not entirely disagree, and appreciate anyone who responds to anything i have to say (without threats ir personal attacks preferably 🙂)
I was mostly trying to explain George Bush. This seemed like a last appeal, but maybe just the beginning.
America " the great exoeriment" might be "trying something new" with the Trump administration, regarding some very serious topics. Jury is still out but closing fast as to whether the American people are liking the new rental.
As regards the very dark stuff still under review: Epstein et al , attempted fascist takeover, corruption and treason:
I must remind everyone George Bush is the president that killed Saddam Hussein, and Uday, and Queeasay the other one, and attempted his terrible mother. Those people could indeed collectively hold a candle to Epstein.
To calm down, made a point for a day of not listening to "Goodbye Earl" live version by the Dixie Chicks, who were curiously Against the war in Iraq.
Odd you said " this is not a movie". So true. And as I had nade a point of Not using any movie references which i commonly do, i found that rather astute.
Several others have responded negatively, but you get the long version.
" If you wait long enough by the river, the bodies of your enemies will float by you". - Sun Tzu. Maybe that's passive and irresponsible, but good to allow things to come into focus. George Bush might present himself as underestimatable, but he is not.
Sorry to carry on. Thank you, and don't let the fire go out.
Thank you for your wise, thoughtful reply, You made some excellent points that I completely agree with.
I do think most past presidents do often refrain on any opinion or rebuke of the current president. Not only is it presidential manners but necessary to let us pass from one leader to another.
I do think we are at an extraordinary situation where extraordinary action is needed. I do have trust in the past presidents still living. I think with their collective power they could be extremely helpful.
W's ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
Excited to see the launch of More Perfect's In Pursuit initiative to lift up one lesson in leadership from each of our former Presidents and select First Ladies. These are lessons not only for policymakers, but for each of us in our own lives. President Bush's essay on George Washington with its compelling lesson -- "For Leaders, humility is the ultimate strength" -- is such a valuable way to start this series.
Come on, President Bush. It is long past time you stand up and condemn Trump, his sycophants in the current administration, the billionaires funding the corruption, and the Republican enablers in Congress!
Late last year & early this year, I read three 800-pg books: Ron Chernow’s bios of Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, & Gordon S Wood’s “History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815”.
Washington is the central, all-defining presence in these books, as indeed he was of the age he lived in and beyond. Before I read Chernow’s bio, I knew little about Washington beyond his presence on the $1 bill, the cherry tree story (untrue), and that he owned slaves. After reading these books, I “get it” (an understatement!) on why serious historians, all of whom condemn his slaveholding, attribute to him the undisputed #1 status among Presidents, both in character and magnitude. The only co-equal would be Lincoln.
I just listened to this substack recording of Bush's tribute to Washington.
I can't imagine a more succinct, accurate, and fitting tribute that anyone else could write. He nailed it.
Though when he was President, I was an avid critic of Bush, my appreciation of him has increased. Yes, the Iraq War was a mistake costing many American lives, but few Americans know about PEPFAR and the 20 million or so lives saved in Africa and elsewhere due Bush’s leadership, that had no discernible upside for him politically at the time–It was an act of pure decency.
I also admire GWB’s dignity and humility in retirement. The only other recent example is Carter.
You solicited an essay from a corrupt Supreme Court Justice? The man leading efforts to gut the Voting Rights Act? An active member of the conspiracy on the Court to give Trump King like status? He voted to give Trump immunity to criminal prosecution for anything even murder? How did he address outright corruption in his court? He made support staff sign NDA’s. Yeah sure he’s a real patriot
Is it weird that I don't know if you're talking about Roberts or Alito? 😜
Whatever President nominated those two clowns to the supreme court must feel like a real idiot! Why they might even be doing damage control to downplay their direct role in bringing fascism to America right now! Somebody should check the Internet!
In the past I would have enjoyed the series. Today I’m seething that in 250 years no one found the means and the will to protect us from the Trump scourge. Nostalgia, subtlety, normalcy, history? Those romanticized ideals are not going to save us. If we can be saved
No, we’re here because our lawmakers failed us, shocking. Congress did absolutely nothing meaningful to protect and strengthen our democracy. Congress didn’t pass any laws that would’ve prevented the despicable and gross obscenity that is Donald Trump.
Congress had the power to do so much to prevent a demagogue from ever reaching the pinnacle of political power in our country, and it did nothing. After Donald Trump’s despicable actions on January 6, 2021, what laws did Congress pass to prevent that from ever happening again in our country? NONE!
Hillary Clinton wan’t the right candidate for 2016, but she’s not the reason why our democracy is in tatters and why we find ourselves spiraling into fascist authoritarianism.
Congress paved the way for all of this, and worst yet, now they’re aiding autocracy.
Agreed. I didn't blame Hillary, I blame the DNC. Plenty of institutions have contributed to this dark time for our Republic. I don't consider the "Republicans" in office to be Republicans. The disregard for our Consitution, the lack of shame, and the inability of Congress to stand for anything has created this mess. I truly believe the United States is greater than don and we will recover but this is a disgraceful low point for our country.
What good is having a country without the necessary laws to protect it? We need laws to protect and strengthen our constitution and our democracy. We let Trump march right back into the White House after inciting an insurrection because no laws prevented it, it's maddening and unbelievably outrageous. Needless to say, if we get out of this mess, REFORMS and lots of legislation is going to be needed to fix how broken all of this is.
We shouldn’t have to rely on a foreign court to enforce our own laws about war crimes, you blunt object. Bush benefitted from the succeeding administration’s failure to do so.
Your rudeness about it is just a sad fart smell accompanying your instinctive defense of crimes against humanity. An insult from the likes of you is an honor.
Someone who thrust us into a multi-trillion dollar war in Iraq based on lies in which hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians died should be humble. We can be thankful that President Bush is capable of self-examination, humility, taking another's perspective, and understanding the lessons of history, since not all our presidents have had those qualities. Still, there has been no public expression of regret or atonement for plunging us into a completely unnecessary war at a horrific cost.
That will be left, perhaps, for a future president who is not only humble but courageous, willing to speak clearly about the dangers of authoritarianism, overreach, and manifest destiny.
Well done, Mr. President. I did not vote for you, but I have come to admire you over the years. What a beautiful assessment of our first President. You made many salient points about how the president should not aspire to having “ near mythical powers “.
Agreed. I have evolved in the same way.
I agree with Kathleen. Because I am liberal I did not vote for you although I had respect for the Bush family legacy. You are an honorable man Mr. President. Thank you for coming to Substack.
Just the opposite for me. I voted for him twice. Those were bad votes. Same for his dad. Should have voted for Jack Kemp in 88. But I would not have voted for a Democrat because they r crazy Dangerous. George W Bush was a weak leader and a bad President. Not loyal to his people and would not stand by them. He also got people killed in Iraq for no reason at all. Good riddance to him. He should stay hidden and enjoy his trust fund money all made by past generations and given to him with a silver spoon. What Bush should have written about was how Washington dealt with the “ Whiskey Rebellion” in Pennsylvania during his Presidency. He showed the federal governments willingness to demand states follow federal laws. No fooling around. He marched the military into Pennsylvania and quelled any Insurrection.
I hear what you're saying John, but this is not the time or place for that. Instead, reflect on the optimism here in for our 250th Anneversary by going out and registering voters, becoming a election judge, teach a class on the Wiskey Rebellion and the Battle of Athens, TN. Get on the library board, city or county councils where you can become politically effective. DOL
👏👏👏👏👏
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⸻
You’re entitled to regret your vote. History sorts presidencies out in time But the essay was about Washington and the 250th anniversary of the republic — not a chance to vent old grievances about George W. Bush.
If you want to invoke Washington, then read him.
Read his Farewell Address. Read his insistence on moderation, union, restraint, and civic virtue. Read his warning against factional rage. Washington marched to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion, yes — but he did so reluctantly, with the purpose of preserving constitutional order, not scoring points or indulging contempt.
There’s a difference between serious criticism and personal bitterness. One builds a republic. The other erodes it.
The 250th anniversary is about the survival of ordered liberty across generations. If we’re going to invoke Washington, we might try imitating his civility for what you could find that he’s written as well as his resolve.
You view Washington your way and I’ll view him my way. I think he was great. He wasn’t too civil on the battlefield. When he marched about 15,000 soldiers into Pennsylvania he wasn’t too civil that day either. That was to let the insurrectionists know the federal government was going to enforce its tax on whiskey and the state was not going to be able to disobey this federal law. One of the great precedents Washington set during his administration. Federalism.
You really admire 9/11? Bleat for us some more.
Any thoughts on White House ballroom? Here is one https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/ode-on-a-whitehouse-ballroom-and
That is really none of his or your business. Go mind your own tasks.
His ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
He's just a rich buffoon.
You're talking about the guy who did more to arrogate them to himself than any of his predecessors. Remember signing statements, for just one thing? While the i8nitary executive whad been kicking around for decades, in large part preserved by people he appointed to his cabinet -- and running mate -- it was in his administration that it became a front and center issue (thanks, John Yoo). And the powers claimed after 9/11 and never relinquished? Good God, how quickly they forget!
As someone who spent 15 years working under the Florida election laws that were on the books in 2000, I find it the height of hypocrisy for George W. Bush to praise George Washington for his humility and for relinquishing power because in 2000, George W. Bush did exactly the opposite. Bush waged an all-out assault on American democracy in Florida in 2000 with the help of his brother Jeb Bush/Florida's Governor, Katherine Harris/Bush Florida 2000 campaign co-chair/Florida Secretary of State and 5 unelected republican Supreme Court judges 4 of whom were appointed when Bush's father was Vice-President or President who prevented 170,000 legally cast Florida votes located in the most heavily democratic voting Florida counties from being counted. This was an unconstitutional power grab designed to thwart the will of the people and install Bush against the will of the people. It's the anti-democracy roadmap that Trump and the modern republican party continue to use to kill democracy in America. What Bush did in Florida in 2000 to kill American democracy must never be forgotten.
I voted for dubya his first term, then quickly realized my mistake. He was the president who turned me from a registered Republican to an Independent. I now know that I will never vote Republican ever again. I do hope we solve the “two party” problem after we get ourselves out of this fiasco. I want to be able to vote for the best candidate, not a party. I do think dubya hates trump, which is his one redeeming quality. I wish instead of him beating around the “bush” on this one, he would have spoken out more aggressively against the current regime. We don’t want a king NOW either, and he knows that’s what trump wants to be.
Bush is loyal to the global cabal, not America. His actions prove it. Treason.
Same.
As a contributor to this project (my essay is still upcoming), I am extremely excited to read all the essays. (No, we didn’t get to see them in advance!)
Great essay, but President Bush should speak about the current president and the ongoing destruction of the office he loves.
For In Pursuit to succeed, he should not and does not directly criticize the current president. And his choice of humility is the most on-point criticism of our narcissist in the White House.
I think his closing paragraphs do that in a subtle but undeniable way.
He, along with every other prominent voice that carries weight, should be shouting from the rooftops 24/7 that America is in drastic danger of falling. He needs to shout in on FOX, over and over again, until the lies get washed away and the truth is realized.
Then he should be shouting about the fact that communists and psychopaths are in control of the Democrat Party establishment.
In context of your profile (making sure you were not a bot) - If you want everything to be the Democrat’s fault, then fine. It can be their fault. We don’t care. The majority of the American people don’t care. (Please don’t make me drag out the statistics).
What they do want is a strong, positive story where the Republic thrives, where autocrats (no matter their flavor) are mocked instead of uplifted as saviors, and to feel safe and economically secure. Ideally, the money of oligarchs becomes banned from buying policy and elections.
In context of your post - Mr. Bush never felt like he had to warn us of such extremes because he believed the American people understood where such talk leads. (Aka the era of McCarthyism.) The American people have always been wary of both extremes, but they are also wary of when people are only obsessed with one or the other.
Mr. Bush did, in fact, warn us of out control populism and nationalism. And he has been wise in navigating this landscape I feel.
You are hallucinating. Seek psychiatric treatment.
oh, ok. You aren’t interested in an actual conversation. Got it. Good luck convincing anyone of what you are trolling about then.
Stop it. Did you read the piece? As Washington’s example illustrates, the most powerful way to effect change is to model the change you want to see. You don’t promote our better virtues by ranting on cable news and social media, constantly fighting fire with fire using the other side’s tactics. No, you engage by modeling the better behavior and knowing that at the end of the day it’s not all up to you. Thanks largely to the constitution and Washington’s leadership in translating parchment into real life institutions, the republic no longer rests upon one person. Thinking it’s all up to you alone and the ends justify the means is a big part of how we got into this mess in the first place.
Your hysteria informs all that you live in a bubble that rides far aloft from truth.
Stop slurping the propaganda on CNN.
Chillax Karen.
He can go on tv and say it and not bury it in the last paragraph of a Substack. I like the guy! He has an important voice. He needs to use it.
I second this! All prior living presidents should speak out on stage together! If they truly love their country.
We are way past subtle! We need far more than that!
We need more of it absolutely. But he was asked to speak about George Washington’s leadership. And he does that in this essay.
Too subtle.
Subtle is safe. He be a scaredy cat!
He just did.
I’m sure he would have liked to, but refrained only out of decorum.
Bush has plenty of other vehicles for criticism, but he is not using them.
I agree. I wish he would.
This is not the time for decorum!!! Democracy is losing! The constitution has been lit on fire!!!!
We are past decorum now too!
Really? Decorum is more important now than speaking up to an authoritarian?
Couldn’t agree more! I think what he does is MORE effective than yet another direct attach, to which we know 47 is immune. The only way to get to him is to question his legacy vis a vis the true greats.
I think the essay invites the reader to use Washington as the measuring stick to judge all presidents and those who would seek to become presidents.
Then he should also speak about the insanity of the woke-identitarian-left which created the conditions for the rise of Trumpism. (see Richard Rorty)
Like so many critics of the current president, Brian makes a sweeping generalization without any examples.
I agree that humility is strongly lacking, but enforcing standing laws and our Constitution cannot be considered "ongoing destruction" of the office of the presidency.
The Constitution? How about an example? I have about a hundred. Here is one…The Fourth Amendment, part of the Bill of Rights, protects individuals against unreasonable government searches and seizures of persons, houses, papers, and effects. ICE violates this every day!
It's called enforcing existing law. If we don't want the law to be enforced, than we must change the law.
Another example?
Violating an amendment to the Constitution is enforcing the law? The rule of law is meaningless to you people.
I guess you have given up on the rule of law.
Another mindless communist, or similar.
You mean like enforcing the law divesting TikTok of Chinese control?
Oops.
Because he is a brainwashed communist, or close equivalent. Idiocracy doesn't need objective facts.
I think he does.
Don't think he needed to. His essay was definitely thought provoking and that's what we should all want. This Substack is a great opportunity for high school American History teachers to introduce or expand critical thinking in students.
If it was thought provoking, he didn't write it.
It seems like he has actually done that in this essay.
Oh, he certainly did.
He did, by default & between the lines.
That’s exactly what he did in a way that a true statesman does. Today’s name calling and vulgarity in office is astounding and what W, of whom I am not a fan, does brilliantly here is to re-establish the strongest of criticisms by highlighting what qualities enabled George Washington to be the greatest statesman we ever had. Now will someone send a copy of the manners book to 47 and make him read it?
His ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
He's just a rich buffoon.
I think he just did
President Bush’s reminder that humility is the ultimate strength of leadership feels especially fitting on Presidents Day. George Washington’s willingness to relinquish power, not once but twice, set the moral architecture of our republic. This project invites us to revisit those founding precedents with fresh eyes and renewed gratitude. If we want the next 250 years to be strong, it begins by remembering the character that shaped the first.
Thank you, President Bush, for this thoughtful and timely reflection.
…and thus starts a great project in Civics 101. Adhering to the constraint of being non-partisan, well done, Mr President.
Perfect!
And sadly something that the present occupant has zero understanding of ☹️
I’m grateful he pointed to Washington’s example instead of today’s headlines. It felt steady in a moment that needs steady.
Amen
You are a moron.
If whining makes you happy.
You are the one praising a murderer but I am the bad guy? Go fluff yourself.
👏👏👏👏👏
George Washington was an ego maniac. It was all he cared about. Read a book you kike
His ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
He's just a rich buffoon.
How much does it cost to rent this reaction bot?
So Mr. President - I read this and was waiting for the time where you bluntly talk about the danger that America faces - a danger that hasn't been faced since King George III and Jefferson Davis domestically. The difference between a great post president (Obama) and a bad one (you) is that they don't beat around the bush - they don't hide their concerns and criticisms in a subtle post on Substack about Washington that requires interpretation from people who will already understand subtlety. These are the people who already hate Trump.
For god's sakes, even Dick Cheney himself realized and publicly advocated how much of a danger Trump is to our democracy before you did! ICE is terrorizing communities and pulling away families while Trump's stooges build concentration camps, and without public voices like yours pushing back straightforwardly on the topic Trump will turn this secret police force against everyone, eventually including you.
Your power isn't an audience on Substack talking about George Washington. If you want to be worthy of even Washington's shadow, your power is getting on Twitter, getting your microphone back and touring, and saying Trump is America's biggest threat to democratic rule in modern times loudly and often. Put down the fucking paint brush, get on that microphone, and get your followers to ally with the Democrats in the pro democratic movement that will take down King Don I.
Be goddamned loud. Talk often. Take a page from Rick Wilson.
It’s like you just poured a teaspoon of water on a raging fire.
He's a fellow Cancerian. We do things a little differently. I get it.
He is also sticking to his own policy of not commenting on presidents after him. Particularly admirable restraint.
One man's "admirable restraint" is another's dereliction of duty.
💯
When the current president has raped children and likely has murdered them, as well as murdered his fellow human trafficking crime partner, not speaking out is pure cowardice. And it is that same silence to represent America’s apathetic that leads to the rise of fascism.
W has a unique opportunity to band together the minority who are Republicans afraid to speak truth to power against Trump even as they see that cruelty with their own eyes. W is squandering that opportunity every minute he keeps his silence against the most evil man who has ever been president so far.
Subtlety ain’t gonna cut it against Nazis.
communist. brainwashed by hyper toxic propaganda. leftard blocked.
What is with you? You are so absurdly over the top as to be laughable: fuck off.
America has found itself in a very strange place.
" If you wait long enough by the river, the bodies of your enemies will float by you" - Sun Tzu
Ok, there never really was a Sun Tzu, he was am amalgam of Chinese generals. Kind of like Machievelli's " Prince".
That statement might seem irresponsible and passive, but things have to have time to come into focus.
America " the great experiment" might be " trying something new" with the Trump administration, and the jury is out but closing fast on ehether the American People like tjis new rental.
As for the Really dark stuff: Epstein et al., attempted fascist takeover, corruption and treason, if fact the case:
Remember George Bush is the President who killed Saddam Hussein. He is normt " the artist formerly known as Mr. President".
I haven't listened to " Goidbye Earl" live version by the Dixie Chicks for at least 12 hours, do im wriring from a calmer state of mind. I do fond it odd they were Against tge onvasion of Iraq. Saddam, Uday, Queeasay and Saddam's twrrible mother could collectively at least hold a candke to the Epstein network.
Clinton and Obama haven't exactly been screaming either. There are Republicans doind what is right and preparing for early retirement, which may prove not to be the case.
I appreciate your responding to me, there have been several others. It does not fall on deaf ears.
Not in this case. Right now it's a cowardly restraint! This isn't a movie, this is real life and our country is being destroyed. Look at the disaster Trump's created in one short year!! If those who still have power, a voice, a platform don't stand up and stand together and work to stop this menace threatening all of us, there won't be another year to do it. The time is now and to hell with “restraint!!”
I do not entirely disagree, and appreciate anyone who responds to anything i have to say (without threats ir personal attacks preferably 🙂)
I was mostly trying to explain George Bush. This seemed like a last appeal, but maybe just the beginning.
America " the great exoeriment" might be "trying something new" with the Trump administration, regarding some very serious topics. Jury is still out but closing fast as to whether the American people are liking the new rental.
As regards the very dark stuff still under review: Epstein et al , attempted fascist takeover, corruption and treason:
I must remind everyone George Bush is the president that killed Saddam Hussein, and Uday, and Queeasay the other one, and attempted his terrible mother. Those people could indeed collectively hold a candle to Epstein.
To calm down, made a point for a day of not listening to "Goodbye Earl" live version by the Dixie Chicks, who were curiously Against the war in Iraq.
Odd you said " this is not a movie". So true. And as I had nade a point of Not using any movie references which i commonly do, i found that rather astute.
Several others have responded negatively, but you get the long version.
" If you wait long enough by the river, the bodies of your enemies will float by you". - Sun Tzu. Maybe that's passive and irresponsible, but good to allow things to come into focus. George Bush might present himself as underestimatable, but he is not.
Sorry to carry on. Thank you, and don't let the fire go out.
Thank you for your wise, thoughtful reply, You made some excellent points that I completely agree with.
I do think most past presidents do often refrain on any opinion or rebuke of the current president. Not only is it presidential manners but necessary to let us pass from one leader to another.
I do think we are at an extraordinary situation where extraordinary action is needed. I do have trust in the past presidents still living. I think with their collective power they could be extremely helpful.
Trumpism only exists because of the failures of identity-leftism/wokeism (see Rich Rorty).
Their failures were far better than Trump's best efforts: you're just lipsticking that corrupt pig of a human.
Oh c'mon. That is not why Trump is president. It's much more complex and deeper than that.
love you W. you took a lot of shit in 8 years.
never carried any of it around with you.
rumsfeld and cheney were the snakes.
love your spirit and a good mans soul.
was loving it that you discovered art
and great at it too.
im sorry that you found yourself in a position that you had to go with obama and rest. after jan6 etc.
you gave me confort and a feeling of being safe. when you were president.
thank you President George W Bush.
who did you have in mind to replace Trump with? do you have anything better than good ole joe to lead world and country?
im not being mean
just curious. i hear a lot of complaints but not one name as a better possible candidate or president.
Nicely said.
W's ability to badly read what somebody else writes for him isn't why he became president.
He became president because of his oligarchical, corrupt, nepotistic family... alongside his total disregard for the benefits and happiness of others.
It's EASY to gain "newfound respect" by insisting upon being judged by someone whom many consider to be the ultimate villain of our day. Whether he is or isn't it's not a matter that I'm going to address because it is entirely irrelevant to the fact that he is a "fortunate son" who is and was a member of the evil and fortunate class.
Judged next to Trump, Biden, Lincoln, Davis or his fake BFF George Warshington, may be his preference, especially if he can speak to the historically ignorant and repaint everyone with the colors of his own easel.
But the fact is that he is a nobody. Them too. Nobodies.
America had a couple of cool people who were presidents, but they were cool despite being presidents not because of it. Boiling 'em down we've got TR and Thomas J.
They held the same post that he held, but for them, that fact is a footnote. For him, it's his whole devildarn biography.
He took power from some 50 million Americans who could have done a better job. He knew it, he still knows it, he just doesn't care.
So he should please STFU and go back to painting his penis in the bathtub.
The people do not need any of them.
Humankind requires an ethos and (unfortunately, but apparently necessary) a leader who champions that ethos.
He's just a rich buffoon.
Wow you’re a retard.
Shut the fuck up, you absolute sheep.
Excited to see the launch of More Perfect's In Pursuit initiative to lift up one lesson in leadership from each of our former Presidents and select First Ladies. These are lessons not only for policymakers, but for each of us in our own lives. President Bush's essay on George Washington with its compelling lesson -- "For Leaders, humility is the ultimate strength" -- is such a valuable way to start this series.
Come on, President Bush. It is long past time you stand up and condemn Trump, his sycophants in the current administration, the billionaires funding the corruption, and the Republican enablers in Congress!
Read between the lines bubba
Right, because our current president is capable of that? Please.
Hallucinate, more like.
Perhaps we should all send the current occupant copies of the 100 rules of civility.
He doesn’t read.
Maybe you need to read them too...
Appreciating this project
Late last year & early this year, I read three 800-pg books: Ron Chernow’s bios of Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, & Gordon S Wood’s “History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815”.
Washington is the central, all-defining presence in these books, as indeed he was of the age he lived in and beyond. Before I read Chernow’s bio, I knew little about Washington beyond his presence on the $1 bill, the cherry tree story (untrue), and that he owned slaves. After reading these books, I “get it” (an understatement!) on why serious historians, all of whom condemn his slaveholding, attribute to him the undisputed #1 status among Presidents, both in character and magnitude. The only co-equal would be Lincoln.
I just listened to this substack recording of Bush's tribute to Washington.
I can't imagine a more succinct, accurate, and fitting tribute that anyone else could write. He nailed it.
Though when he was President, I was an avid critic of Bush, my appreciation of him has increased. Yes, the Iraq War was a mistake costing many American lives, but few Americans know about PEPFAR and the 20 million or so lives saved in Africa and elsewhere due Bush’s leadership, that had no discernible upside for him politically at the time–It was an act of pure decency.
I also admire GWB’s dignity and humility in retirement. The only other recent example is Carter.
George W Bush is a traitor to America. He either allowed 9/11 or encouraged it.
You solicited an essay from a corrupt Supreme Court Justice? The man leading efforts to gut the Voting Rights Act? An active member of the conspiracy on the Court to give Trump King like status? He voted to give Trump immunity to criminal prosecution for anything even murder? How did he address outright corruption in his court? He made support staff sign NDA’s. Yeah sure he’s a real patriot
You are a brainwashed muppet. Go suck on your binky so you stop crying all the time.
Is it weird that I don't know if you're talking about Roberts or Alito? 😜
Whatever President nominated those two clowns to the supreme court must feel like a real idiot! Why they might even be doing damage control to downplay their direct role in bringing fascism to America right now! Somebody should check the Internet!
In the past I would have enjoyed the series. Today I’m seething that in 250 years no one found the means and the will to protect us from the Trump scourge. Nostalgia, subtlety, normalcy, history? Those romanticized ideals are not going to save us. If we can be saved
We have to save ourselves. Trump is reflection of what voters think of this country. If the DNC hadn’t run Hilary we wouldn’t be here.
No, we’re here because our lawmakers failed us, shocking. Congress did absolutely nothing meaningful to protect and strengthen our democracy. Congress didn’t pass any laws that would’ve prevented the despicable and gross obscenity that is Donald Trump.
Congress had the power to do so much to prevent a demagogue from ever reaching the pinnacle of political power in our country, and it did nothing. After Donald Trump’s despicable actions on January 6, 2021, what laws did Congress pass to prevent that from ever happening again in our country? NONE!
Hillary Clinton wan’t the right candidate for 2016, but she’s not the reason why our democracy is in tatters and why we find ourselves spiraling into fascist authoritarianism.
Congress paved the way for all of this, and worst yet, now they’re aiding autocracy.
Agreed. I didn't blame Hillary, I blame the DNC. Plenty of institutions have contributed to this dark time for our Republic. I don't consider the "Republicans" in office to be Republicans. The disregard for our Consitution, the lack of shame, and the inability of Congress to stand for anything has created this mess. I truly believe the United States is greater than don and we will recover but this is a disgraceful low point for our country.
What good is having a country without the necessary laws to protect it? We need laws to protect and strengthen our constitution and our democracy. We let Trump march right back into the White House after inciting an insurrection because no laws prevented it, it's maddening and unbelievably outrageous. Needless to say, if we get out of this mess, REFORMS and lots of legislation is going to be needed to fix how broken all of this is.
Right on! How he wasn't convicted of inciting an insurrection I will never know. And I was (WAS) a lifelong Republican.
Shut up. You are a moron.
Indeed. Eminently qualified though she was, Hillary Clinton was not the candidate to run in 2016.
She is not qualified to run a lemonade stand. What are her "qualifications"?
Shut the fuck up. No one cares about your retardation.
Interesting that you refer to yourself as a “Patriot” and behave like a childish and vulgar bully behind a keyboard. Sounds familiar.
Me looking for the person who asked you?
Thank you, Mr. President. I will have my 8 year old listen to this today and remember why we celebrate this day!! God bless you and your family💗🫡
Stop corrupting your child. Sick freak.
Remember, hate ages you.
Remember, no one asked you.
That's the beauty of free speech. No one needs to be given permission to speak.
You do not have any right to speak to me. Your right to speech protects you from Government limits, not mine. Now shut the ... up.
Look how ugly hate makes you.
"As president, I found great comfort and inspiration in reading about my predecessors and the qualities they embodied."
If only this practice of reflection was still occuring in the White House...
If only you were not a brainwashed moron.
Can you provide any examples of President Trump having moments of deep self-reflection and taking the learnings of those who came before him to heart?
Can you go fuck yourself?
Now that’s the level of discourse I’ve come to expect from today’s conservative movement! Brilliant insight.
What conservative movement? My opinions are my own. Who the fuck do you think you are besides a moron who is praising a demon? Buzz off loser
Please don’t forget to subscribe! My posts are free.
I would be interested in anything George W. Bush has to say in testimony at The Hague.
Sorry. We don't adhere to foreign courts... nice try loser.
We shouldn’t have to rely on a foreign court to enforce our own laws about war crimes, you blunt object. Bush benefitted from the succeeding administration’s failure to do so.
Your rudeness about it is just a sad fart smell accompanying your instinctive defense of crimes against humanity. An insult from the likes of you is an honor.
Once again. The Hague has no authority in a sovereign United States. Your fairy-tale dreams notwithstanding.
Someone who thrust us into a multi-trillion dollar war in Iraq based on lies in which hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians died should be humble. We can be thankful that President Bush is capable of self-examination, humility, taking another's perspective, and understanding the lessons of history, since not all our presidents have had those qualities. Still, there has been no public expression of regret or atonement for plunging us into a completely unnecessary war at a horrific cost.
That will be left, perhaps, for a future president who is not only humble but courageous, willing to speak clearly about the dangers of authoritarianism, overreach, and manifest destiny.