A Thank-You Note to President Bush
As our nation’s 43rd President prepares to leave office this day, I would like to write him the following note of thanks. ¬†I doubt he will ever read it, but I’d like to write it, just the same.
Dear President Bush,
From the time you took office eight years ago, your administration has faced one battle after another. ¬†Did you ever really have a “honeymoon period” as President? ¬†The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, pretty much set your agenda for two full terms: ¬†protect America whatever the cost. ¬†That is, essentially, your primary responsibility as our Commander-in-Chief. ¬†With that in mind, I would like to thank you for several things:
Thank you for sticking by your convictions. ¬†Whether it had to do with the war on terror, pro-life legislation, or other issues, you didn’t waver under pressure. ¬†That’s not to say that I agreed with every decision you made, but I respected you for being a man of principle and letting the principle – not public opinion – determine your course of action.
Thank you for being a devoted husband. ¬†To see a President who has eyes for one woman only – his wife – sets a good moral example for America. ¬†On a side note, I also appreciate the manner in which Mrs. Bush respected and supported you as her husband. ¬†From everything I’ve seen, Mrs. Bush has been a wonderful complement to you in every way. ¬†God bless you both.
Thank you for being a man of integrity. ¬†Not only did you stick by your convictions when it came to making decisions, but you also preserved your character and reputation by avoiding scandal. ¬†You seem to have maintained a high level of personal morality throughout your time in office. ¬†Yet many a president’s tenure has been tarnished by moral impropriety, questionable conduct, and unethical behavior. ¬†Thank you for preserving the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States and for setting a good moral example for the American people.
Thank you for not taking yourself too seriously. ¬†Though you were dead-earnest about matters pertaining to our nation’s security and well-being, combatting terrorism, cracking down on corporate scandals, defending the life of the unborn, and the like, you had no problem enjoying a good laugh … at yourself. ¬†That was always a breath of fresh air and made you very likable, at least to me. ¬†I think it reflected a spirit of humility and, in an odd sort of way, upheld your dignity. ¬†You showed people that the hills to die on weren’t about you, but about the higher ideals which you were called to defend as an authority appointed by God for our good as a nation. ¬†By laughing at the little things, you endeared yourself to me and my family.
Much more could be said and really should be said by someone much more qualified than I to write such a note of gratitude to such a deserving man.  But I write as a common man to a man of uncommon valor, for whom I will always be grateful.  May our gracious and sovereign God continue to bless you and your dear family in your post-presidential years.
With heartfelt respect and appreciation,
Matt Fletcher 
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