Bush: It's 'liberating' to be out of office
ARTESIA, N.M. — It was a humbling moment for the former commander in chief: President George W. Bush was walking former first dog Barney in his new Dallas neighborhood when it stopped in a neighbor's yard for relief.
"And there I was, former president of the United States of America, with a plastic bag on my hand," he told a group of graduating high school students in New Mexico on Thursday. "Life is returning back to normal."
Bush, in one of his few public appearances since leaving office in January, told the students that leaving office lifted a heavy burden.
"I no longer feel that great sense of responsibility that I had when I was in the Oval Office. And frankly, it's a liberating feeling," he told seniors from Artesia High School.
He received a warm welcome in the southeastern New Mexico community, the Roswell Daily Record reported. Bush declined interviews and no video cameras were allowed inside.
The crowd gave him multiple standing ovations and after his speech he was presented with a sculpture of an eagle taking flight from a torch. The sculpture will be dedicated at City Hall on Memorial Day in honor of Bush and America's veterans.
Bush invoked an Iraq veteran's story to motivate the students to continue their educations. He described visiting Army Staff Sgt. Christian Bagge, a soldier from Oregon who lost both legs in combat.
When he visited Bagge at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Bush told him that someday Bagge would get out of his bed and run.
Then, one day, an aide went into Bush's office and said Bagge was waiting on the South Lawn and wanted to go running with the president.
If Bagge could do that, Bush told the students: "You can go to college."
Bush made his first public speech since leaving office in Canada back in March. Bush said he hoped President Barack Obama's administration would be successful. He also said he was writing a book about some of the difficult decisions he made while in office.
May 29, 2009 at 11:40 a.m.
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With soldiers like RAF and DizzyGirl protecting liberty who needs enemies?
May 29, 2009 at 12:09 a.m.
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"the goon squad can call everyone...socialists"
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Seeing you are a self admitted socialist [called your self one many times] you must be a member of this so called goon squad you write about.
May 28, 2009 at 5:43 p.m.
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DizzyGirl I just pointed out that RAF is too effort and cognitively impaired to actually copy the entire quote. (I used the slang versions.) Evidently the truth is the first casualty of the goon squad. They also remove you if you use the H--ler word. So, apparently the goon squad can call everyone they disagree with socialists and Stalin but I guess they have to be protected by mommy Gazette.
May 27, 2009 at 7:49 p.m.
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Looks like you comprehend as well as you read...hope you didn't spend too much on that "advanced degree".
May 27, 2009 at 5:13 p.m.
May 27, 2009 at 9:55 a.m.
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"did you know that..."
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If I wanted your complete and utter useless quote I would have copied it all.
May 27, 2009 at 7:52 a.m.
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RAF, did you know that if you continue holding down the mouse button while moving the mouse to the right you will actually get then entire quote. Instead of just the part you can read.
May 27, 2009 at 7:25 a.m.
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"RAF I didn't realize..."
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Big suprise (to you only) that you didn't know something else.
May 27, 2009 at 6:47 a.m.
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Reagan sold weapons to our enemies to raise money to build a private army to kill innocent civilians. That sounds about right for DizzyGirl.
RAF I didn't realize Republicans and Conservatives actually laughed. Oh, must be an evil laugh.
May 27, 2009 at 3:06 a.m.
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bobb1951 nice colored glasses you are wearing. Just 7 days ago you stated don't blame the current President instead blame congress, on a different thread. Now you state all the past problems are only related to the past President...I love the consistency of the bush bashers; makes me laugh! btw, who's fault is it now that gas prices are going up?
May 27, 2009 at 2:35 a.m.
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It's funny to hear all the people touting the Bush lied line. Like what politician today does NOT lie? I believe it was H.L. Mencken who was credited with a very famous political quote that said:
"The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the greatest liars. The men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth."
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Presidents like Abe Lincoln, and Harry Truman who are considered to be some of your most honest straight forward presidents were DESPISED when they were in office with dismal approval ratings. It was not till many years later that they were considered to be great presidents. In today's day and age, I seriously don't think you will EVER see another great President. The whole process has become an American idol contest, based on self images that are built on on false premise and distortion (a fancy way to say LIES). A good friend of mine has coined a fitting slogan: "Welcome to the 21st century!".
May 26, 2009 at 1:48 p.m.
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I'd rather be "RIGHT" than politically correct!
May 26, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.
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This argument cracks me up because both sides actually believe they don't do this.
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Both sides celebrate and rip the former president when the former president represents the opposing party.
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I remember watching Rush on Letterman. Letterman asked Rush to name one positive accomplishment of the Clinton administration...He could/would not.
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Of course, it is easier to rip a failed President. A President who left this country with 2 wars (one based on lies), a huge deficit and out of control economic problems.
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Personally, I voted for GW twice and he failed me. He did not stand by his word, lied to me and failed to make this country better than when he took office. I felt the same way about Clinton, whom I voted for twice, he lied to me and was part of the failure of 9/11/2001.
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The partisan people make me sick. I do not understand it and attempt to say away from it. Sometimes I fail, especially when dealing with someone who is blindly partisan.
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Clinton, GW, Obama, etc... should all be held to an unrealistic standard. I have yet to see a great president leave office. I hope I do before I die.
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I also agree with several of the comments about respect for a former president because he is human, a US citizen and the former President of the United States. I have repsect for every former president even though none have truly met my standards.
May 25, 2009 at 8:50 a.m.
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"The means may be likened to the seed the end to the tree. There is the same involuable connection between the means and the end as there is between the seed and the tree. One is not likely to obtain the result flowing from the worship of God by laying themselves prostrate before Satan."
Mohanda Gandhi
I do think you are reading too much into Mill's "fight". Fight could mean anything and I highly doubt he ever imagined that children would be or could be vaporized by the bombs of that "fight".
May 24, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
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The fascist goon squad comes out in force.
The Goon Squad:
Don't listen to someone who doesn't wear a uniform or carry a gun. Violence and killing lead to peace. Bombs to love. Listen to us because we speak for the dead. It is altogether morally convenient to put our words in their mouths and to use their deaths to promote our cause of death. You are open-minded only if you listen to and obey us.
Maybe you should have cared for them before they died instead of sending them off to a war that was a lie and without the proper armor.
May 24, 2009 at 2:33 p.m.
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Some will never know the sacrifices required for freedom (darwin1), and will only get it once those freedoms are taken away. You might not agree with the policies of the war machine, but never disagree with a patriotic soldier who gives his all to all who give. I honor those on Memorial day who gave what they could to this great country. Regardless of the President and their party.
May 24, 2009 at 11:08 a.m.
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darwin1..here's a suggestion if you don't like the way things are done here....SWIM TO CUBA and see how good you have it.
May 24, 2009 at 10:50 a.m.
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Quite predictable (and tiring) how some people reply to this article by Bush-bashing. The first 100 days are over, let's give Obama full credit, and blame, for HIS actions.
I see good ole "darwin1" mentioned in a few posts. Save yourself some time and do as I do. Skip over his/her posts, this person is a waste of cyberspace.
Kudos to DiGriz, RAF and all of our veterans! For those who have not served, you may want to read their posts twice with the time you save by skipping "darwin1" :O) They have something important to say if you are open-minded enough to hear it.
Enjoy the holiday all!
May 24, 2009 at 10:09 a.m.
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"Yes, we can have a government run military but nothing else. Thanks hypocrites."
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Did that fancy school not teach you the US constitution?
May 24, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.
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Yes, we can have a government run military but nothing else. Thanks hypocrites.
May 24, 2009 at 8:18 a.m.
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From the self professed socialist, there is now a quota on educational degrees. Guess this administration is moving faster than we all thought.
May 24, 2009 at 7:59 a.m.
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That's upside down underwater basket weaving to you buddy. Well I wanted a degree in Friendly Fire, Killing Innocent Civilians or Petty Dictatorship but they were all taken by military people.
May 24, 2009 at 6:30 a.m.
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Gosh, I though it was underwater basket weaving. Well, we were both right on the artsy side of it...
May 24, 2009 at 12:55 a.m.
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DiGriz, you know he can explain it. After all he is not just a pseudo intellectual he has an advanced degree.
May 23, 2009 at 9:41 p.m.
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darwin - he didn't "dictate" that you remain silent. He asked that out of respect, you wait until Tuesday to defiantly dish out shame to those who serve their country and sacrifice their life so that others can say, do, and act as they please. There isn't any room for convienent patriotism in my book, so any person who has served in the military has the right and room to voice their opinion first, then individuals who mimic our creator by identifying themselves as an evolutionist.
May 23, 2009 at 8:02 p.m.
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"My silence...would do nothing but show disrespect for ALL those who have died in the defense of liberty and justice for ALL."
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Silence would show disrespect to those that died? I am so proud that our country has provided enough eduction to elevate you to a level of self-professed "advanced-degree" and not just a pseudo intellectual to make you think this. This leaves little doubt the billions in education dollars this country has spent was done without waste.
May 23, 2009 at 6:09 p.m.
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You claim to protect freedom but then dictate what I should say and when I should say it. Sadly, you know nothing about me but make judgments because I find war, violence and those who perpetuate it no friend of liberty. I am sorry if I do not kowtow before the almighty uniform you wear and worship at the alter of the war machine you serve. My silence at your command would do nothing but show disrespect for ALL those who have died in the defense of liberty and justice for ALL.
May 23, 2009 at 4:39 p.m.
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ms sassy~ Amen to that. Our freedoms have been taken away slowly and without notice to most. Our brave men and women that have defended this country over the years deserve so much better than this. We're at a tipping point now where people can't help but notice these freedoms going away. The problem is, by the time the masses wake up, it's going to be too late. You and I may take personal responsibility on our shoulders, but what about the rest?!
May 23, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.
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DiGriz and others: Thank you for your service to our great country! Not all Americans understand and respect what the Armed Forces have done to ensure the freedoms we have. Unfortunately, many Americans don't take responsibility for the actions they take but are quick to say they have freedoms and "rights". It's easy to take them for granted, but I know they did not come easily or without a fight.
Thank you again, Veterans and Active Service men and women!
May 23, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.
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My only comment is how ironic it is that Bush was cleaning up his doggie's "do" while Obama is cleaning up Bush's "do".
I have a certain amount of respect for former president Bush, because he is a human, a citizen of the United States, and the former president of the United States of America.
However, I cannot help but hold him responsible (in part, if not wholly) for the recent downturn in the economy and the tragedies caused by the greedy (or just plain ignorant)people who supposedly "lead" our country. Seems more like the blind leading the blind than anything else.
I agree with Bush, though, and I think it's great that he is out of the oval office, too.
May 23, 2009 at 9:22 a.m.
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The U.S. is on a fastrack to be a socialist country and all people can do is dwell on George Bush and his ineffectiveness as president. I've never been a Bush cheerleader and I'm not starting now. I do know that for the mostpart, his ideals didn't go against the principles that have made this country great. Under the current regime, we're closer to losing our freedoms than in anytime over the last 200+ years. If that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, God help you.
May 23, 2009 at 7:05 a.m.
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We currently have one major party in control from top to bottom, and I don't see anything different or changed. Matter of fact, our military strategy is almost the same as the Bush administration. Could it be that Bush did the best he could with what he had? The only thing different lately, is less President bashing in the media.
May 23, 2009 at 6:28 a.m.
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kraut60, I pointed out the I-R-O-N-Y of you misspelling intelligence. Evidently, with your lack of intelligence you missed that.
May 23, 2009 at 6:27 a.m.
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I am sorry I was having problems seeing the blog because of the thousands of pictures of dead soldiers on my screen because of the GB's and the CIA's lies. Do you fascist gushers take requests? I hear Franco's estate is looking to up his image too. Maybe kraut60 and the rest of the goons could blame his victims and everyone else too. Bill Crystal admitted he was a Darth Vader guy too.
May 23, 2009 at 6:09 a.m.
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President Bush's first 100 days out of office, a 100 million for his library. WOW!!!
May 23, 2009 at 1:14 a.m.
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It is indeed a very small and unique club. It's always intriguing to hear what Presidents do after they are done serving. You see GW 41 at almost all the Houston Astro games. Nixon was a die hard NY Giants fan, and at every home game.
One story that I always got a laugh from was when Truman left office, and went back to his home state of Missouri. The story goes that he was driving down a country road, and came across a guy broke down on the side of the road with a flat tire. Truman stopped like the good Samaritan he was. Proceeded to help the guy change the flat, and upon leaving the guy turned to him with a strange glance and said "You know something, you look just like that son of a bitch Harry S Truman". In which Truman replied back as he walked away "that's because I am that son of a bitch!"
May 23, 2009 at 12:53 a.m.
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Sounds like this thread has more whining about liberals than it does actual liberals supposedly whining. Funny that.
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It is traditional and common for ex-Presidents to stand back and let their successor do their job. In fact the "club" is so small, and the experience so exclusive, there tends to be a bond that crosses party lines. In truth the only ex-Presidents that don't get along are Carter and Clinton, for complicated reasons.
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And if 63% approval is "self-destructing", I'll take it for $600, Alex.
http://www.pollster.com/polls/us/fav-oba...
May 23, 2009 at 12:31 a.m.
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Like a moth to a flame; mention Bush or Cheney and the ardent non-admires can't resist to restate their love and how much they miss them...while adding new names to the list.
May 22, 2009 at 11:09 p.m.
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This is great watching the Democrats self destruct, when the masses see what the cost of libralism will be, whom ever the Republicans put up will win in a landslide.
May 22, 2009 at 8:56 p.m.
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Figures a kraut would be a Republican right wing ranter. Don't you mean "Heil" instead of Hail?
May 22, 2009 at 5:34 p.m.
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Man, I can't think why anyone would want to be the President. Thanks President Bush for your service!
May 22, 2009 at 5:17 p.m.
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At least the left has some intelligence from which to draw. How ironic you spelled "inteligence" wrong. How can conservatives have so much certitude and yet be so incredibly wrong about EVERYTHING including being conservative?
May 22, 2009 at 3:28 p.m.
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No, its liberating for us. Regime change does begin at home.
May 22, 2009 at 2:32 p.m.
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People will be saying the same thing about Obama when his term is up.
Just wait and see. It always happens.
May 22, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.
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That is called a guilty conscious.
May 22, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.
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Bush + Cheney + 8 years = yes it is his fault. The buck stops there.
I just wish Cheney would get back on his Death Star and leave our universe alone.
May 22, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.
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I think it was liberating finally hearing from the President! He has kept himself away from the public so the new President could do his job. Unfortunatly people read more into it than that. Also I bet he didn't want to blame the new administration for some of the stupid things they are doing and some of the decisions that are being made, He's got more class than the new administration though, all you here from tham is it's all Bush's fault!
May 22, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
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What an excellent experience for these graduates!!!
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I wish Cheney would go ahead and "liberate" himself from the limelight...he can take his daughter with him.
May 22, 2009 at 10:29 a.m.
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"Liberating" for our nation too!
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