George W. Bush was here

NOTE: To all my dear friends who have strong political views.  It’s okay. THIS IS NOT A PRO or ANTI-BUSH STORY.

Dallas, Texas---I don’t know if I have ever walked into a building and two hours later walked out feeling more patriotic than ever before but that is how I felt after visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. It was only day two of the library’s opening and I had never been to any presidential library. Now I want to go to them all.  Located on the edge of the SMU campus, the building was unassuming in design. He had surprised some school children and been there the day before.

It was reported that past president George W. did not want the library to be all about him but to be about the presidency for the American public.

There is plenty about him, don’t think there’s not, but I did not come away feeling pride in Bush-ism. It was patriotism.

There were gifts to the American public from foreign countries that he had visited and dresses that Laura had worn.  Several video rooms, one with a video done by "the twins" and a hall with the history of the medals of honor during his years.

I had not read up on what would be in the Library so when I walked into the 9-11 display I was struck hard by the two twisted metal columns in the center of that area. Three small video screens played different scenes from the second plane to the collapsing towers on a loop  behind this display along with all the names of the victims etched into the marble walls around it. My eyes kept going back and forth from the twisted metal to the video screens and suddenly tears were falling.  I guess after the years have passed, it all becomes numb. But this felt so close and personal. 

The next area showed the initial reaction from around the world. The actual copy of the President’s speech on the evening of September 11, 2001 was on display showing his hand writing in the columns: crossing out phrases or adding words. I remember exactly where I was and the friends I was with listening to this very speech. Like everyone else feeling so helpless, I badly needed to hear what he had to say to us that night.

It seemed surreal to see those words now on the paper he read from in front of me.

 













The other area I loved was the recreation of the Oval Office. It seemed smaller that I imagined but everything was there.

One amazing tribute was a video shot in the round shown on the upper four walls of an atrium. It showed landscapes and then evolved into people from all walks and cultures who represent the United States.

All this followed by the great American past time: Shopping.  A large gift shop was attached where you could find some Bush related treasures. My favorite: the “George W. Bush and his Family Paper Dolls.”  Really? Who wants to see the x-president in tighty-whities? Personally I’m disappointed; I took him for a boxer kind of president.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I left the paper dolls behind and invested in a $15 “Peace Cord” bracelet made by Afghanistan women out of parachute cord and military uniform buttons. Written on the package; “100% of proceeds go to empower Afghan women and support projects carried out by our troops that directly benefit the Afghan people.” 

I hope so.

Right or wrong, left or right, there still is hope.