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.
Showing posts with label America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label America. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Welcome To The Bailout Ball
The Senate just passed a financial bailout plan by a vote of 75-24. I hope, very sincerely, that it does what it is meant to do and will bring financial peace to the citizens of our nation.
I am hopeful. And I am annoyed.
As I write, leaders of the Senate are taking turns patting one another on the back in press conferences for their great work on this. They are also extolling their own bipartisanship, proud of their ability to come to consensus within five weeks of an election.
Translation: It is accepted that they are usually willing to avoid doing what the country needs if doing so may result in electoral gain.
That is not leadership and that is not what we pay them for. ZiggyBackRiders, don't be so quick to join the party congratulating our lawmakers for this. Don't let them get away with trying to make us believe that that is how it should be.
I don't care if the election is fifty years away or thirty seconds away. Any lawmaker who would ever do anything other than what they think or know should be done for the good of the nation to gain something politically should be removed from office immediately, if not sooner.*
If we want more, we have to ask for it and keep asking, even demanding it, until we get it. And when we get it, we should, like any supervisor, show appreciation for a job well done, but we need not throw a party every time a senator does his or her job. Now, let's see if the Members of the House can do theirs.
* I would love, LOVE to see a list of every senator or representative whose vote had to be bought with the addition to this bill of some unrelated clause. Forget voting against them. We should consider trying them for treason.
I am hopeful. And I am annoyed.
As I write, leaders of the Senate are taking turns patting one another on the back in press conferences for their great work on this. They are also extolling their own bipartisanship, proud of their ability to come to consensus within five weeks of an election.
Translation: It is accepted that they are usually willing to avoid doing what the country needs if doing so may result in electoral gain.
That is not leadership and that is not what we pay them for. ZiggyBackRiders, don't be so quick to join the party congratulating our lawmakers for this. Don't let them get away with trying to make us believe that that is how it should be.
I don't care if the election is fifty years away or thirty seconds away. Any lawmaker who would ever do anything other than what they think or know should be done for the good of the nation to gain something politically should be removed from office immediately, if not sooner.*
If we want more, we have to ask for it and keep asking, even demanding it, until we get it. And when we get it, we should, like any supervisor, show appreciation for a job well done, but we need not throw a party every time a senator does his or her job. Now, let's see if the Members of the House can do theirs.
* I would love, LOVE to see a list of every senator or representative whose vote had to be bought with the addition to this bill of some unrelated clause. Forget voting against them. We should consider trying them for treason.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Why Wait?
This morning, I heard a local radio personality say, in reference to remembering 9/11, that "the best thing about America is how we come together when something bad happens."
I could not agree more. And less.
Our ability to unite for a common purpose is one of the wonderful things about America. The fact that we fail to do so until tragedy strikes is one of our worst qualities. Why wait?
Why not recognize that we have common wants and needs and goals and values every day? Yes, there are ideas that divide us; there are opinions about how to satisfy our needs and reach our goals about which we disagree, sometimes vehemently. But if we know that those differences won't stand in our way when it really matters, why would we let them ever stand in our way? Or why won't we recognize that it always really matters?
I have written before about the difficult beauty of America - of our incredible gifts and possibilities, and how those very things can stand in our way. Here, again, we are faced with the surprisingly difficult challenge of choosing and cherishing what is good and right, and we are challenged to do so of our own accord, without inspiration from evil-doers or mishap like we have, in so many cases, required.
When we notice a gap, now - not when the next hurricane hits - is the time to bridge it. When we encounter a wall that divides us for no reason, now - not when terrorists strike - is the time to tear it down. When families are estranged, now - and not at the next loved one's funeral - is the time to understand one another and heal.
We can come together whenever we decide we're ready. Why wait?
I could not agree more. And less.
Our ability to unite for a common purpose is one of the wonderful things about America. The fact that we fail to do so until tragedy strikes is one of our worst qualities. Why wait?
Why not recognize that we have common wants and needs and goals and values every day? Yes, there are ideas that divide us; there are opinions about how to satisfy our needs and reach our goals about which we disagree, sometimes vehemently. But if we know that those differences won't stand in our way when it really matters, why would we let them ever stand in our way? Or why won't we recognize that it always really matters?
I have written before about the difficult beauty of America - of our incredible gifts and possibilities, and how those very things can stand in our way. Here, again, we are faced with the surprisingly difficult challenge of choosing and cherishing what is good and right, and we are challenged to do so of our own accord, without inspiration from evil-doers or mishap like we have, in so many cases, required.
When we notice a gap, now - not when the next hurricane hits - is the time to bridge it. When we encounter a wall that divides us for no reason, now - not when terrorists strike - is the time to tear it down. When families are estranged, now - and not at the next loved one's funeral - is the time to understand one another and heal.
We can come together whenever we decide we're ready. Why wait?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Welcome To The Season
Election season is here. Football season is here. ZiggyBackRide's figurative head is ready to explode with excitement.
I thought Barack Obama's address at the Democratic National Convention in Denver was perfect. I believe, more and more each day, that he is the kind of leader he says he is and is willing to truly champion the kind of change about which he speaks. Granted, I was a supporter already and this may just be convention-related euphoria, but I'm trying to see through that.
He talks about things that I believe very firmly: going beyond policy to look at what kind of person each of us is and what kind of communities we can build together; putting party aside in favor of what can really help people, make America stronger, and make the world better.
It is his glorious commitment to loftiness for which I believe we should all be striving that I anticipate will make this election season so frustrating. I have already heard commentary from people who say he's thinking too big and that lofty is nice, but you have to get things done. I'm hearing these things from people who would be first in line to say how great America is. Why, then, would they want a candidate for President of this great country to shoot for anything other than lofty? If you reach for the stars, you may not reach them, but you won't end up with a handful of dirt either. Let's not be afraid to aim high!
John McCain selected Sarah Palin, this morning, as his running mate. I look at the two of them and my first impression says they will not win. I'm looking forward to finding out more about her, though, and hearing what they both have to say next week in the Twin Cities.
My congratulations to both candidates for classy moves early on, though. We might be in for a great campaign. I hope so! We'll see over the next few months.
With all the political goings-on, there has been less time for pre-football season preparations, but the season is upon us. The Texas Longhorns play their first game tomorrow night against an upstart Florida Atlantic team who won their conference last year and whose coach recently questioned the toughness of the Longhorns. Let's get it on.
Yesterday, I went on my first football season shopping trip of the year, procuring orange food and drink for gamedays and it's all set up in front of the tv, ready for the game...
Now, I know what you must be thinking and, deep down, I know you're right. The queso is really more yellowish than orange, but I feel confident that it has something to add to the effort! No, I know what you're REALLY thinking and don't worry, I didn't leave the carrot chips sitting in front of the tv. They're in the fridge. Okay, okay, I know what you're REALLY, REALLY thinking and I think it's going to be okay. Gatorade G2 can be just as effective in helping the Horns as Diet Rite Tangerine and Diet Sunkist have been in seasons past.
For some clarification on just what on earth I'm talking about, see these previous posts.
The Adventure Begins
My Stitions ARE Super!
I thought Barack Obama's address at the Democratic National Convention in Denver was perfect. I believe, more and more each day, that he is the kind of leader he says he is and is willing to truly champion the kind of change about which he speaks. Granted, I was a supporter already and this may just be convention-related euphoria, but I'm trying to see through that.
He talks about things that I believe very firmly: going beyond policy to look at what kind of person each of us is and what kind of communities we can build together; putting party aside in favor of what can really help people, make America stronger, and make the world better.
It is his glorious commitment to loftiness for which I believe we should all be striving that I anticipate will make this election season so frustrating. I have already heard commentary from people who say he's thinking too big and that lofty is nice, but you have to get things done. I'm hearing these things from people who would be first in line to say how great America is. Why, then, would they want a candidate for President of this great country to shoot for anything other than lofty? If you reach for the stars, you may not reach them, but you won't end up with a handful of dirt either. Let's not be afraid to aim high!
John McCain selected Sarah Palin, this morning, as his running mate. I look at the two of them and my first impression says they will not win. I'm looking forward to finding out more about her, though, and hearing what they both have to say next week in the Twin Cities.
My congratulations to both candidates for classy moves early on, though. We might be in for a great campaign. I hope so! We'll see over the next few months.
With all the political goings-on, there has been less time for pre-football season preparations, but the season is upon us. The Texas Longhorns play their first game tomorrow night against an upstart Florida Atlantic team who won their conference last year and whose coach recently questioned the toughness of the Longhorns. Let's get it on.
Yesterday, I went on my first football season shopping trip of the year, procuring orange food and drink for gamedays and it's all set up in front of the tv, ready for the game...
Now, I know what you must be thinking and, deep down, I know you're right. The queso is really more yellowish than orange, but I feel confident that it has something to add to the effort! No, I know what you're REALLY thinking and don't worry, I didn't leave the carrot chips sitting in front of the tv. They're in the fridge. Okay, okay, I know what you're REALLY, REALLY thinking and I think it's going to be okay. Gatorade G2 can be just as effective in helping the Horns as Diet Rite Tangerine and Diet Sunkist have been in seasons past.
For some clarification on just what on earth I'm talking about, see these previous posts.
The Adventure Begins
My Stitions ARE Super!
Friday, August 15, 2008
A Million Other Things, Part II
I checked back to proudly and vainly reread this morning's post (and, let's be honest, to see how many visitors had seen it) and I feel the need to clarify that I don't find reproductive rights to be a "dumb issue." I kind of made it sound that way, I thought. It - like many, many other things - is very important and worthy of thought and discussion. It's only a dumb issue when it is seen as the only issue or the most important issue.
Think of presidential administrations and vice presidencies as far back as you can recall, and try to name some ways that the opinions of those leaders on abortion affected the impact they had during their time in office. Has Dick Cheney's vice presidency been defined in any way by his beliefs on abortion? Would the last eight years have been different if he believed otherwise? How about Al Gore before him? (I mention the vice presidents because the article that set me off this morning was about potential running mates for McCain.)
In the scheme of what needs to be dealt with day-to-day in the White House, the Old Executive Office Building, the Capitol Building and Congressional office buildings, this issue is one of millions, and is not of a greater magnitude than many of its peers. Belief to the contrary has resulted in the unbelievably insane weight given to this issue in nominating and comfirming Supreme Court justices.
I may have more on this at another time, and I'm sure I'll comment on related issues as the election draws nearer. The staff here at ZiggyBackRide certainly welcomes and encourages your comments.
In other news that is slightly related to the last couple of posts, have you seen the pictures of President Bush with the women's beach volleyball team? Absolutely priceless. If I can, I'll post photos - or a link to some - here.
Think of presidential administrations and vice presidencies as far back as you can recall, and try to name some ways that the opinions of those leaders on abortion affected the impact they had during their time in office. Has Dick Cheney's vice presidency been defined in any way by his beliefs on abortion? Would the last eight years have been different if he believed otherwise? How about Al Gore before him? (I mention the vice presidents because the article that set me off this morning was about potential running mates for McCain.)
In the scheme of what needs to be dealt with day-to-day in the White House, the Old Executive Office Building, the Capitol Building and Congressional office buildings, this issue is one of millions, and is not of a greater magnitude than many of its peers. Belief to the contrary has resulted in the unbelievably insane weight given to this issue in nominating and comfirming Supreme Court justices.
I may have more on this at another time, and I'm sure I'll comment on related issues as the election draws nearer. The staff here at ZiggyBackRide certainly welcomes and encourages your comments.
In other news that is slightly related to the last couple of posts, have you seen the pictures of President Bush with the women's beach volleyball team? Absolutely priceless. If I can, I'll post photos - or a link to some - here.
It's A Million Other Things, Stupid!
One of the lead news stories that popped up on my internet home page this morning talks about whether a certain vice presidential nominee would kill John McCain's chances in this November's election. The following is an excerpt from that story:
"...McCain’s comments Wednesday to the Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes that former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge’s pro-abortion rights views wouldn’t necessarily rule him out quickly found their way into the in-boxes of Christian conservatives. For those who have been anxiously awaiting McCain’s pick as a signal of his ideological intentions, there was deep concern that their worst fears about the Arizona senator may be realized..."
Their worst fears? Are you kidding me? Is this what we're doing? AGAIN?!?
There is no bigger waste of time and energy in American politics than the abortion debate. Is it interesting to talk about? Yes. Is it really important to individuals who are or who could be faced with an unwanted pregnancy? No doubt. Is it it the most pressing issue that our next President will address? Absolutely not. Should it be? Absolutely not.
That so many people across the political spectrum have bought into the idea that this issue is so much more important than all others is incredible to me. We are at war. We are very likely in a recession. Social Security is in serious trouble. Health care is beyond the means of many in an aging population that will, increasingly, require access to it. These are just a few of the actual, everyday issues that legitimately affect citizens and the continued well-being of this nation. The idea that many vote (or don't vote) based solely on where candidates stand on abortion rights is absolutely appalling* to me.
Forget about it! Or at least put it into perspective. Look at the candidates and decide who might make the best leader for our country and our citizens, and for ALL of the issues that we do and will face. If you are passionate about the abortion issue, that's fine. Admirable, even. Just don't let it blind you to the real jobs of our elected officials, the real questions we need to answer, and the real tasks that await us.
I'll never forget the day I was campaigning at a local polling place for a candidate for Shelby County Commissioner (a member of the board of commissioners that vote on county budget, land use issues, etc.) and a woman stopped to talk with me. She was concerned because she had heard that my candidate was pro-choice. It took every ounce of restraint that I could muster to refrain from (1) raucously laughing in her face, and/or (2) grabbing her, shaking her, and yelling at her to use her brain as I explained to her that the county commission isn't - during this 4 years or any other - going to be deciding the abortion issue!
I'll say it again: There is no bigger waste of time and energy in American politics than the abortion debate. Think what you will about it, consider it amongst many issues, discuss it with your friends every now and then, but use your brain and open your eyes to what we really need... in our leaders and in our lives.
*appalling = appalling
"...McCain’s comments Wednesday to the Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes that former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge’s pro-abortion rights views wouldn’t necessarily rule him out quickly found their way into the in-boxes of Christian conservatives. For those who have been anxiously awaiting McCain’s pick as a signal of his ideological intentions, there was deep concern that their worst fears about the Arizona senator may be realized..."
Their worst fears? Are you kidding me? Is this what we're doing? AGAIN?!?
There is no bigger waste of time and energy in American politics than the abortion debate. Is it interesting to talk about? Yes. Is it really important to individuals who are or who could be faced with an unwanted pregnancy? No doubt. Is it it the most pressing issue that our next President will address? Absolutely not. Should it be? Absolutely not.
That so many people across the political spectrum have bought into the idea that this issue is so much more important than all others is incredible to me. We are at war. We are very likely in a recession. Social Security is in serious trouble. Health care is beyond the means of many in an aging population that will, increasingly, require access to it. These are just a few of the actual, everyday issues that legitimately affect citizens and the continued well-being of this nation. The idea that many vote (or don't vote) based solely on where candidates stand on abortion rights is absolutely appalling* to me.
Forget about it! Or at least put it into perspective. Look at the candidates and decide who might make the best leader for our country and our citizens, and for ALL of the issues that we do and will face. If you are passionate about the abortion issue, that's fine. Admirable, even. Just don't let it blind you to the real jobs of our elected officials, the real questions we need to answer, and the real tasks that await us.
I'll never forget the day I was campaigning at a local polling place for a candidate for Shelby County Commissioner (a member of the board of commissioners that vote on county budget, land use issues, etc.) and a woman stopped to talk with me. She was concerned because she had heard that my candidate was pro-choice. It took every ounce of restraint that I could muster to refrain from (1) raucously laughing in her face, and/or (2) grabbing her, shaking her, and yelling at her to use her brain as I explained to her that the county commission isn't - during this 4 years or any other - going to be deciding the abortion issue!
I'll say it again: There is no bigger waste of time and energy in American politics than the abortion debate. Think what you will about it, consider it amongst many issues, discuss it with your friends every now and then, but use your brain and open your eyes to what we really need... in our leaders and in our lives.
*appalling = appalling
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