BY DOMINICK DICARLO | STAFF WRITER
There are only a few rare moments in American political life where most people can forget about the partisan bickering and recognize true greatness. President George H.W. Bush passed away yesterday at the age of 94. Thankfully, it seems like this is one of those moments in American history where we have all come together to honor the life of a true patriot. President Bush has one of the greatest American stories in our history.
At a young age, President Bush left Yale University to enlist in the U.S. Navy and serve in World War II. Later on in his life, he served in the United States Congress as the CIA Director, became head of the Republican National Committee, and eventually became President Ronald Reagan’s Vice President. Finally, in 1988, he defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis to become President of the United States. Many historians say that President Bush was one of the most successful one-term Presidents that this country has ever seen. When in office, President Bush oversaw one of the most successful United States military operations in history, kept a steady hand as the Soviet Union collapsed in on itself, and was immeasurably gracious when he was defeated by Democratic presidential challenger, Bill Clinton. His work in serving the country he loved knew no bounds and his wit and charm were seen by everybody around him.
In a political world that was becoming increasingly partisan, President Bush was a calming, rational leader who exercised caution while understanding that swift action was also sometimes necessary. President Bush never really talked himself up much which is a quality we do not see today from most politicians. He was always very shy to discuss his record of service and he never bragged or showed off to others. He always knew when to be relaxed and when to use his political power to get things done. This mindset came out in how he went about dealing with all of the problems that come with being the most powerful man on Earth.
In my humble opinion, he deserved a second term in office so he could continue to move America in the right direction. Sadly, the winds turned against him and Republicans in 1992 when the economy took a downward turn. Bush continued to get unlucky when he had to run against then-Governor Bill Clinton and billionaire Ross Perot in the presidential election. He used his time in the office well and is remembered by Republicans as a strong figure to follow President Reagan. Bush is also well respected by Democrats, even when they had disagreements with him on policy. He was a true statesman who was respected at home and abroad in everything he did.
I am going to remember President Bush very fondly, he was a true patriot and a member of a new wave of Republicans in the latter half of the twentieth century. He spent his entire life serving his nation in some capacity. This is truly inspiring to myself, and hopefully to other young people who are growing up in an increasingly partisan age, where we often see lofty and unfounded criticisms of America at every turn. President Bush took the torch from President Reagan and launched a political dynasty which still permeates throughout politics today. With his passing, we are seeing the end of a Republican legacy. He loved his family with every fiber of his being and also loved his country just as much. President Bush was firm in a time where America needed a leader with a strong moral compass to light the way forward. I do not think you could have picked a better man to get us through the end of the Cold War in a peaceful manner.
Thank you, President Bush.
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