Saturday, September 10, 2011

George W. Bush – Flight 93 Memorial Speech

Yes, I admit it: I miss President Bush.

I miss the calm, the selflessness and leadership he displayed at this nation’s darkest hour.

There is no doubt in my mind or heart that this is the best speech he’s ever given.  Compare and contrast the thoughtfulness and compassion which this speech was given, never once mentioning the word “I” a single time. 

Unlike the current occupant of the White House, President Bush knows today and tomorrow are not about him.

For the record, one could also say the same thing about Vice President Biden’s speech today.  Generally speaking, the man is typically a bumbling gaffe track.  But today, I have to say, Vice President Biden spoke from his heart.  It was easy to see he wasn’t reading from a teleprompter.  His speech may have been largely memorized, but it was evident that parts were impromptu and from his heart. 

There was no faking his getting choked up at one point when he talked about the “sudden call” he received telling him a loved one was gone as he connected with the families of Flight 93, and those of us watching.  It was truly a moving moment.

While President Bush’s speech made me long for his Presidency, today Vice President Biden cast a long, long shadow over Barack Hussein Obama.  Biden connected with the American people today in a way Obama hasn’t.

Thank you President Bush and Vice President Biden for capturing what today and tomorrow was all about: those who sacrificed themselves on Flight 93 to save others in the classic, American spirit.

God Bless and Keep their souls, and God Bless and keep their families safe and from all harm.

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