Mourning the Loss of Presidential Dignity and Intergrity

Before going to bed Friday night I heard the news that the 41st President, George H.W. Bush, passed away at age 94.  It was just this past April that his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, died at 92 years old.  Saturday morning, I listened to Bush’s former White House staff talk about the man and the manner in which he served and led the nation.  Talk about a contrast to what we have now!  While I offer the Bush family my condolences as it is painful to lose a family member at any age, I hope the nation is mourning the loss of presidential dignity and integrity.   I’m not a Republican, however, I always liked and respected George H.W. Bush.  I trusted him.  I felt that he was sincere and that he truly cared about the nation and all its people.  I appreciated his military service and his dedication to his family.  I listened to all of his speeches without even a hint of disgust or trepidation because I had the sense that he was making decisions based on sound judgement and great advice.  I felt the nation was in good capable hands.  There were no scandals to set the nation on edge.  The voices of those who were closest to him confirmed all of that on CNN Saturday morning.

Colon Powell served under him as the head of the joint chiefs of staff for his full term in the White House and described President Bush as someone who treated every person with dignity and respect.  Bush, having served in the Navy in WWII, was someone who understood the sacrifice and danger of military service and made sure before going to Dessert Storm that the troops had everything they needed to win the war quickly and with minimal losses.  He visited the front lines.  He was a person who listened to his advisors before making a decision.  Powell described how loyalty went both ways with Bush.  He said that Bush was an experienced leader who understood and respected how government worked, having served as a Congressman, Ambassador, CIA director, vice president for eight years and then president.  Colon Powell had nothing but praise for both his leadership and his leadership style.

A speech writer for President Bush echoed Powell’s assessment of the late President, adding that he never bragged about his accomplishments and that he treated everyone with the same respectful care no matter their position.  She talked about how she would often hear laughter as she passed the Oval Office.  She described the work environment as a wonderful place to work.  She too, had remained on the job for the entire four year administration.

I wonder how many Republicans who voted for President Bush could stomach a vote for Donald Trump.  And I can’t help but wonder if they are feeling a bit ashamed of themselves this morning.  I know I would be.  Shame is not a bad thing.  It is the recognition and regret for having made a really bad choice because of one’s own poor character in the moment.   Shame comes with the understanding that a choice was made from a place of moral failing.

As we listen to people talk about the late President, it is impossible not to compare and contrast the character of President Bush against that of President Trump.  No one I listened to on CNN even mentioned Trump.  They didn’t need to.  The contrast between the character and behavior of the two presidents is  glaring and President Trump is exposed for the low person he is.

My hope is that as we spend the next week recognizing the life and legacy of our 41st President that the Republicans will feel the weight of their shameful votes and continued  support for President Trump and will desire to return the dignity and integrity that rightfully belongs in the White House and the Presidency.  They have the opportunity in 2020 to put forth such a candidate.  My fingers are crossed that they will.  Rest in peace, Barbara and George H.W. Bush.  Your lives and service were an example to us of what public service, especially the Presidency, should look like.