Dear President Bush,
As I watched you depart the Capitol aboard a Marine helicopter, and then Andrews AFB aboard an Air Force jet*, I couldn't help but marvel at the array of emotions that must have been washing over and coursing through you. Among countless others, I imagine there was significant relief, as well as nostalgia, maybe some sadness, and probably some uncertainty (about what's next**). The moment made me consider my feelings toward you as your time in office has come to an end.
The servant and patriot in me say "thank you." Thank you for the work that you did as the leader of our nation. I often disagreed with your ways of thinking and doing, but I appreciate the personal sacrifices you and your family made in order for you to hold this pressure-filled and lonely office, and I appreciate the effort you were putting forth to serve our nation, and to keep it safe and prosperous.
The comedian in me says "come back!" I miss you already. You were very helpful to me as I embarked upon a "career" as a stand-up comic and for that I am grateful. You made statements like, "I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future." As much as I feel for your staffers for the years that statements like that must have taken off their lives, you often made my day (albeit in a bit of a sad way). I find it hard to believe that President Obama will be as funny as you were, so please, don't be a stranger.
The human being/citizen of the world in me says "finally!" Quite frankly, it often felt as though Godzilla was occupying the Oval Office and that anything that displeased the giant lizard-in-chief or got in its way would be destroyed. I suspect that America's standing in the minds and hearts of most of the world's citizens has jumped significantly since President Obama's election and during the transition. That excites me very much, so please, be a stranger.
The leader in me says "good riddance." For the last eight years, it killed me that you so often appeared unable to recognize or admit a mistake, or to change course when something wasn't working. I think you listened to the wrong people (or didn't listen to the right ones or weren't good at deciding whom to listen to) and I suspect that poor decisions were made in processes that will be embarrassing to us all when your staff goes on to other jobs and the stories of the Bush West Wing are shared.
The optimist (and Rob Schneider impersonator) in me says "you can do it!" As an ex-President, you have wonderful opportunities to serve as an ambassador of our country and of noble causes. You have the chance to shed light on and continue to impact the way our nation is governed. You are in a unique position to speak out when something needs to be said or to act when something important needs to be done. You may even be endowed with certain super powers!***
The dude in me says "let's hang out some time." Through it all, you've always seemed like a guy with whom it's probably a lot of fun to watch a game and eat some bbq.
Finally, the blogger in me says "stop by and read up!" Perhaps you will be visitor number 21,000! While in office, you provided much material for the staff here at ZiggyBackRide and for all of our visitors. It wouldn't have been the same without you. I mean, it wouldn't have been a whole lot different. But definitely a little bit.
Thanks, Mr. President, and best wishes to you and Mrs. Bush. Onward and upward!
Sincerely (I tried "Love" first, but I thought it seemed a bit much),
Z
*The flying machines formerly known as Marine One and Air Force One. When you are not the sitting President, those names are not given your transports as I understand it.
**Insert your own W Presidential Library joke here. The comedian in me thinks I'll be seeing him headlining comedy clubs all over for his speaking tour.
***If SNL should choose to revive its old Ex-Presidents cartoon shorts.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Morning In America
This post, of course, is not to be confused with this one from October of 2005. This post, possibly the first of many today (but you never know; my blogging promises are hollow, indeed!), refers to the words of the famous "It's morning in America" campaign ad run in my much younger years by Ronald Reagan.
I unintentionally awoke at about 5:00 this morning and was unable to go back to sleep. I don't know if it was out of excitement for today's inauguration, because I went to bed early in preparation for an early morning workout, or just because I'm dumb. I was awake, though, for good and decided to go downstairs and see what inaugural coverage was already on. I was glued to the tv screen as I watched crowds pouring onto the National Mall as the sun rose behind the Capitol. It was an incredibly meaningful and moving view of hope and excitement, recommitment and joy inspired by the feel of a new day dawning. I think it's fair to say that I've never been choked up so many times before 6:30 a.m.
Eventually, I peeled myself away from the television and went to the gym, where I watched the coverage continue and the crowd in D.C. grow ever larger. In a moment that I still have not been able to fully mentally synthesize, hip-hop artist and actor Bow Wow offered commentary on the meaning of this day from CNN studios in the capital. One day, I'm sure I'll know what to make of that.
(Don't call him "Little") Bow Wow aside, I am so excited to see so many of my fellow Americans so fired up about our nation and our future. May the hope and pride of this day persevere to be part of every day to come for us and for people all over the world.
I unintentionally awoke at about 5:00 this morning and was unable to go back to sleep. I don't know if it was out of excitement for today's inauguration, because I went to bed early in preparation for an early morning workout, or just because I'm dumb. I was awake, though, for good and decided to go downstairs and see what inaugural coverage was already on. I was glued to the tv screen as I watched crowds pouring onto the National Mall as the sun rose behind the Capitol. It was an incredibly meaningful and moving view of hope and excitement, recommitment and joy inspired by the feel of a new day dawning. I think it's fair to say that I've never been choked up so many times before 6:30 a.m.
Eventually, I peeled myself away from the television and went to the gym, where I watched the coverage continue and the crowd in D.C. grow ever larger. In a moment that I still have not been able to fully mentally synthesize, hip-hop artist and actor Bow Wow offered commentary on the meaning of this day from CNN studios in the capital. One day, I'm sure I'll know what to make of that.
(Don't call him "Little") Bow Wow aside, I am so excited to see so many of my fellow Americans so fired up about our nation and our future. May the hope and pride of this day persevere to be part of every day to come for us and for people all over the world.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nothing Like It
There is nothing like a dream to create the future.
-Victor Hugo
MLK certainly would have agreed with Hugo on this, as he found it important to share his dream - not just in the famous speech, but in all his speeches and work - with his fellow citizens. And King's dream has, indeed, served to create the future - our present. That we are inaugurating Barack Obama President of The United States tomorrow is not proof of "the dream" realized, but it is undeniable proof that some dreams from days of old comprise today's reality - things that once could not be now are.
Dr. King would be proud of this progress, but would be quick to remind us that Obama's election (or anyone's, for that matter) to our highest office is meaningless if he doesn't lead with love, spiritual integrity, and an insatiable hunger for justice and peace. Consider MLK's words, below...
I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.
Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
The greatest connection between MLK's birthday, celebrated today, and tomorrow's inauguration is not that our first African-American President will be sworn into office. The connection is that we have elected a leader who recognizes the wisdom in MLK's words, who will illustrate those words with Presidential actions, and who will ask every American and every citizen of the world to do it, too.
Let us all join him in pursuing the dreams of prosperity and goodness, justice and peace. May God bless you (for reading ZiggyBackRide) and may God continue to shower blessing upon The United States of America.
-Victor Hugo
MLK certainly would have agreed with Hugo on this, as he found it important to share his dream - not just in the famous speech, but in all his speeches and work - with his fellow citizens. And King's dream has, indeed, served to create the future - our present. That we are inaugurating Barack Obama President of The United States tomorrow is not proof of "the dream" realized, but it is undeniable proof that some dreams from days of old comprise today's reality - things that once could not be now are.
Dr. King would be proud of this progress, but would be quick to remind us that Obama's election (or anyone's, for that matter) to our highest office is meaningless if he doesn't lead with love, spiritual integrity, and an insatiable hunger for justice and peace. Consider MLK's words, below...
I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.
Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
The greatest connection between MLK's birthday, celebrated today, and tomorrow's inauguration is not that our first African-American President will be sworn into office. The connection is that we have elected a leader who recognizes the wisdom in MLK's words, who will illustrate those words with Presidential actions, and who will ask every American and every citizen of the world to do it, too.
Let us all join him in pursuing the dreams of prosperity and goodness, justice and peace. May God bless you (for reading ZiggyBackRide) and may God continue to shower blessing upon The United States of America.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
3X = Charm?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one win away from another trip to the Super Bowl; two wins from another world championship.
This is the third time in less than a year that a favorite team of mine has been one of the last teams standing, within striking distance of an unforgettable championship.
With just over two minutes to play in the NCAA basketball championship last April, Memphis appeared headed for its first national title. We all know what happened there.
With two seconds remaining, the Texas Longhorns football team had the lead in a game against Texas Tech that proved to be its final regular season test. If the next second had gone differently, all evidence suggests Texas would have had the chance to play for the national championship. Much evidence suggests they should have anyway.
For such a successful sports year, it has certainly had its sour moments.
Here we go again. Let's see if the third time's a charm. If you have a Terrible Towel, wave it!
This is the third time in less than a year that a favorite team of mine has been one of the last teams standing, within striking distance of an unforgettable championship.
With just over two minutes to play in the NCAA basketball championship last April, Memphis appeared headed for its first national title. We all know what happened there.
With two seconds remaining, the Texas Longhorns football team had the lead in a game against Texas Tech that proved to be its final regular season test. If the next second had gone differently, all evidence suggests Texas would have had the chance to play for the national championship. Much evidence suggests they should have anyway.
For such a successful sports year, it has certainly had its sour moments.
Here we go again. Let's see if the third time's a charm. If you have a Terrible Towel, wave it!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
'Tis The Season No Longer
Happy 2009! We here at ZiggyBackRide hope that you enjoyed any holidays you may have been celebrating of late and that your new year is off to a fantastic start. Mine is. So far, '09 has included an evening of Latin dancing in celebration of a good friend's birthday, several days of computer use uninterrupted by malfunction (I hope that doesn't jinx anything!), and a fantastic Tostitos Fiesta Bowl victory by the Texas Longhorns.
What an exciting way the last-minute victory over Ohio State was to finish an unexpectedly great season! Has any school made more of its BCS bowl appearances? Texas has been to three, won all three, and been losing in the final minute of each of those games. Not that there would be anything wrong with blowing someone out once in a while, but it's pretty cool that the 'Horns have been not only victorious, but entertaining, to boot.
I am not worried about whether Texas may be voted AP national champions - I don't think there's any chance. I think that was an incredibly remote possibility to begin with and, now that USC earned the same record and an impressive bowl win and Utah finished a perfect season with an equally impressive victory, it would really make no sense now. I also believe that Utah has the biggest gripe of all teams not playing in tonight's national championship, as they were eliminated from title contention before the first play of the season because of their conference affiliation.
All that's left now is to hope that Oklahoma doesn't go out and embarrass the Big XII and waste the opportunity it was given to play in the big game. Usually, the Sooners will do anything, it seems, to screw Texas or make the conference look bad (see their last four BCS appearances). Hopefully, they'll put that pettiness aside tonight and actually try to win. I think - and it's hard to type this - that I'm rooting for them.*
It has been another fun, crazy, enjoyable season of my favorite sport. I'm already looking forward to late August when it will begin anew and the Longhorns will march, once again, toward college football greatness.**
My apologies for the lack of high-level, season-ending poetry like I offered here at the end of a previous season. Check back soon to find out who our 20,000th visitor was and what he/she gets for his/her fortunate timing!
*That's only if one of the teams must win. If there's a way for both to lose, that's my preference.
**And by greatness, I mean a national championship and a Heisman Trophy for Colt McCoy, though even if neither of those happens, there's really no avoiding greatness as long as you're wearing burnt orange.
.
What an exciting way the last-minute victory over Ohio State was to finish an unexpectedly great season! Has any school made more of its BCS bowl appearances? Texas has been to three, won all three, and been losing in the final minute of each of those games. Not that there would be anything wrong with blowing someone out once in a while, but it's pretty cool that the 'Horns have been not only victorious, but entertaining, to boot.
I am not worried about whether Texas may be voted AP national champions - I don't think there's any chance. I think that was an incredibly remote possibility to begin with and, now that USC earned the same record and an impressive bowl win and Utah finished a perfect season with an equally impressive victory, it would really make no sense now. I also believe that Utah has the biggest gripe of all teams not playing in tonight's national championship, as they were eliminated from title contention before the first play of the season because of their conference affiliation.
All that's left now is to hope that Oklahoma doesn't go out and embarrass the Big XII and waste the opportunity it was given to play in the big game. Usually, the Sooners will do anything, it seems, to screw Texas or make the conference look bad (see their last four BCS appearances). Hopefully, they'll put that pettiness aside tonight and actually try to win. I think - and it's hard to type this - that I'm rooting for them.*
It has been another fun, crazy, enjoyable season of my favorite sport. I'm already looking forward to late August when it will begin anew and the Longhorns will march, once again, toward college football greatness.**
My apologies for the lack of high-level, season-ending poetry like I offered here at the end of a previous season. Check back soon to find out who our 20,000th visitor was and what he/she gets for his/her fortunate timing!
*That's only if one of the teams must win. If there's a way for both to lose, that's my preference.
**And by greatness, I mean a national championship and a Heisman Trophy for Colt McCoy, though even if neither of those happens, there's really no avoiding greatness as long as you're wearing burnt orange.
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