I have just finished watching President George W. Bush's final address to the nation. I have not always agreed with his decisions; most noticeably on illegal immigration and the failure to control government spending. I have though, always thought him to be a good man who was doing what he thought was right. I was honored to meet him on the White House lawn and felt like a kid at Christmas when he knew my name. He shook my hand and thanked me for my service as an infantryman and as a veteran's advocate. I was cheered to see him defend himself, finally, last night for the things he did get right. Whatever else the Bush haters will say, we have not suffered another terrorist attack on U.S. soil in 2,684 days.
That is absolutely not a coincidence. Should the veracity of the statement be called into question I would suggest that we simply listen to the President-Elect's current positions. He has decided to keep SecDef Robert Gates. He has said it will take time to close Gitmo and that we need to move cautiously in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those are all positions maintained by President Bush. Gone is President Elect Obama's rhetoric concerning a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq. Why? Because he has finally seen the intelligence reports that President Bush has been privy to for all these years.
I did not vote for President Elect Obama. In fact, I worked hard for his opponent, Sen. John McCain. I, like most American citizens, though will be proud and cheered to see President Obama sworn in next week. It will, indeed, be a good day for the country to have a black man become President. It will go a long way to soothing wounds that have long festered. I can only hope that the smooth transition, which has been solely because of the outgoing President, gives our new President pause for thought.
I know President Elect Obama is a bright man, and I believe he will be thoughtful. I only ask that as his days get ever harder that he look back on the man he replaced and realize that the tough decisions will have to be made, regardless of public opinion. I am certain W has told our incoming President to call and I hope he will. I am hopeful for the country because I am on our team: the United States of America's team and I support my Commander in Chief. On the day after the election, I got up and saluted the Flag as I do every other day. Next Tuesday will be no different. So, as one President goes home to resume his life and another begins the hardest task on Earth I say to them both: Thank you for shouldering the responsibilities gentlemen. Goodbye Mr. Bush, private American citizen, and Hello President Obama. Remember our brave men and women in uniform because they belong to you both now.
