I ran across this picture recently, somewhere, and for some reason it made me feel better, for a moment, that maybe one day, we'll have a president again. This was a snapshot taken by a reporter two weeks before the country's transfer of power, mind you, peaceful as usual, from Bush to Obama. Bush, a Republican and Obama, a democrat met privately for some time ahead of this gathering. Then later that day, former Presidents, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton, both democrats and George H.W. Bush, met both Bush and Obama in the ovel office to discuss many things, past on advice, and pick each other's brains, and to pass things from each to the incoming President. It was younger Bush's idea to do so, and it was the first time such a gathering of former heads of state took place at the White House in over 27 years.
The one thing I found about that day was a quote from President Bush." One message that I have, and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country," Bush said.
Boy how times have changed.
Back in the day when Presidents acted, you know…..presidential. Kind, Respectful, Honorable…… qualities lacking on today’s White House and in the general public.
ReplyDeleteweird how I don’t remember any of these presidents trying to sell me shoes, watches, phones, crypto, or bibles 🤔
ReplyDeleteSnake oil salesman!
DeleteTo think that Bush has now become a somewhat respected elder statesman. During his presidency I didn’t think we could go any lower.
ReplyDeleteTrue that. I never thought we was a bad man, just not the brightest crayon in the box to be a president. Unlike the current one, who blatantly said what he'd do, and take revenge on those who cost him his re-election.
DeleteDefinitely Presidential and not spoiled narcissistic criminality.
ReplyDeleteWe may not have liked all or some of them, but we should watch what we wish for. It CAN and DID get much worst. I'd take any of them back if it meant getting rid of trump.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more.
DeleteI would love to have a copy of this for my classroom! Awesome image of people working together for the benefit of the country. What an idea!! I have a classroom of children all 8 and 9 years old, and they talk of how scared they are of what they see and hear. How sad is that, that children are thinking of such things, and seeing it, instead of enjoying childhood things.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those days are gone, alas.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Debs. And I find that even more disturbing with the American citizen settle for these days. Americans are better than this and shouldn't be settling for this bull crap.
DeleteI miss these days. When we voted for our preferred candidate, and they lost, we were ok with that... and just said “Ok, well hopefully so and so does a great job running our country.” We agreed to disagree about candidates and/or issues. There was the peaceful transfer of power and none of the vitriol we have now. From here on, are we going to claim every president that loses, the election is rigged??? Can both sides ever work together on anything, and will the government always be run by one party? Well if so, that is not a true democracy.
ReplyDeleteThese are truly heartbreaking times.
I couldn't agree more with your comment.
DeleteA picture worth a thousand words and thoughts. So many things could be said.
ReplyDeleteThree years and three months to select the next President, Pete or Gavin need to get this right.
ReplyDeleteI like that the way you think!!!!! Anything could happen, but I doubt the US will elect a gay man yet. Even though he is FAR qualified!!!!!.And he'd be far better than Gavin. I not sure Gavin is as well liked. The party is worrying me to no end.
DeleteI think the issue is that when this photo was taken there was an Honor Code concerning being a president and sometimes being a politician that was tacitly accepted by everybody when these transfers of power took place that are not possible anymore. Not when the Repugs are now literally MAGAts lead by a corrupt, megalomaniac, thin-skinned, man-baby felon and the Dems are still the same people they were back then.
ReplyDeleteNot gonna work.
XOXO
Moving forward we're screwed. And I just saw something that Disturbed me about Corey Booker too. I can count on one hand the politicians that I like and think could do a good job.
DeleteSadly politics is getting too radicalised, particularly on the right, for there to be any possibility of working together. And why work together when what is agreed today is overturned before evening comes.
ReplyDeleteThat's another thing I always thought about Helen. You're correct. We're never going to move forward on anything, because each president only un-does everything the previous one did. So this point we're just going to keep going in circles.
DeleteOh, brother! how times have changed. The orange asswipe is just defecating on everything he can. He hates this country, he hates the people --- all people. But he especially hates anyone who is loved and respected around the world. Because HE is NOT. Therefore, it's the the grift and cruelty he loves. That's it. That's his whole story.
ReplyDeleteI think you just hit the nail on the head. He wants to be the popular girl and he's never going to be. And he only has his self to thank.
DeleteAs the photograph reminds us, all these men had lives of public service; the Bully is just a ruthless person. The idea of true public service teaches a person that he or she must always compromise and take advice from others, to gain and accomplish a goal
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure Trump even knows the definition of Public Service.
DeleteThat is a good picture, even if W is in it. These are presidents who, even though they might have not been the best, new their place in history. What we have now is a spawn of Satan spewing out hate and corruption.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I like about Trump is he's considering changing divorce laws so it's no longer a get rich quick scam for ladies. Otherwise I have no use for him.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I don't care what he changes or wants. Dead would be more ideal.
DeleteWe live in interesting times, sweetpea, and that is NOT where I want to be. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhere's a f*cking time machine when you need one?
ReplyDeleteInspiring. Never thought I would say that I miss those times, but...
ReplyDeleteExcellent photo. Shame for the USA that the electorate chose grift over statesmanship. Jx
ReplyDeleteThat speaks volumes indeed.
ReplyDelete