“You never know what you’re history is going to be like until long after you’re gone.”
Former president Bush said that back in 2006, and doesn’t it feel great to call him former President Bush. You kind of get the feeling that the entire world has breathed a collective sigh of relief now that Bush is gone. Lets just hope that the damage he has done is repairable.
I watched President Obama’s Inauguration along with millions across the world. He’s got a tough road ahead of him. His country, and indeed the world is in something of a shambles at the moment. I’m not suggesting he can fix it all, but you would have to admit that the President of the United States is uniquely placed to exert a great deal of influence. I for one feel better that there is now a man of considerable intellect in charge of the USA, rather than some trigger happy pseudo Texan.
So as we say goodbye to George ‘Dubya’ Bush, it seems only fitting that we send him off by looking back on some of the wisdom he shared with us.
“Will the highways on the internets become more few?”
“It’s important for us to explain to our nation that life is important. It’s not only life of babies, but it’s life of children living in, you know, the dark dungeons of the Internet.”
“Most imports are from outside of the country”
“Security is the essential roadblock to achieving the road map to peace.”
“Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?”
“They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it’s some kind of federal program.”
“One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures.”
“It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of numbers in it.”
And finally, showing what a true Statesman he was, I especially love the question he put to the Brazilian President Fernando Cardoso in November, 2001. “Do you have blacks too?”
Oh how we’ll miss insightful gems like that.
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[Video] The best of the Bushisms
[Video] President Bush on his regrets and mistakes
[Video] 8 years in 8 minutes
[Video] Playboy TV launch ‘No More Bush’ month
The Complete Bushisms compiled by Jacob Weisberg
Shoe thrown at President Bush
Hair removal company say “Goodbye Bush” in cheeky ad
Veet say Goodbye Bush
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:12 am
I’m afraid to say that at least three of the quotes are, in fact, misappropriated.
However, on all points – I am very glad to see Obama into office. I feel much safer and generally better about the world already. One way or another, Obama will be infinitely better than Bush.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:15 am
Really? Which quotes?
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:27 am
“The thing that’s wrong with the French is that they don’t have a word for entrepreneur.” is, unfortunately, not a G.W. Bush quote.
“It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of numbers in it.” is also, if I’m correct, not a Bush quote.
And I don’t think that he actually ever said “Most imports are from outside of the country” either.
In fact I was disappointed to find out that many Bush-isms are not in fact Bush quotes, merely re-attributed to him.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:49 am
A little research does indeed show that he never said the French quote, so I’ll remove that one and replace it with the Children Learning quote. :-)
However, the rest all check out to be the words of the man himself. Click here to see many MANY more!
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 4:17 am
You know I just feel deeply embarrassed that we allowed ourselves to be lead by this idiot! I think even the sober eye of history will look at Bush as a fumbling idiot who shamefully failed this nation and the world.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 7:53 am
An alien appears to have taken over my body.
Yesterday I watched the news and I caught myself praying, yes, praying, Obama turns out to be the best President in a 100 years.
Not only is it unusual to pray to a God I’m not sure exists, but usually such optomistic thoughts are crushed long before they ever reach the surface. I learnt a while back that life is basically a big pile of rhino dung and there’s only person responsible for helping you make more of it than that. (You. In case you’re wondering)
That said – please God – let this man be the best president we’ve had in a 100 years because GOD KNOWS WE NEED IT!
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 10:59 am
I do love the photos you chose for the header.
Great for a laugh. I suppose when it comes to Bush all you can do is laugh because I doubt any but a dedicated few take him seriously anymore…
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I was discussing this yesterday with some people here at work, and an American co-worker said that he thought Bush has “followed his heart” and that we should not blame him for that.
I asked them why and they said something like how the world didn’t need a President who only made decisions in his head.
Urgh!
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 12:56 pm
You know Bella, I’ve heard the same thing said and I suspect that I will hear people say that again too. My response would be to point out that most people who commit ‘crimes of passion’ are following their hearts, yet this makes their actions no less criminal, no less wrong, and no less inexcusable.
I wonder if your American co-worker who doesn’t want the President to only make logical thought out decisions was okay with Bill Clinton getting blown under the desk by Monica? You might want to ask them that. :)
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 12:56 pm
And did you see Bush’s outgoing address. He said something like “you may not agree with the decisions that I made, but I hope you can agree I was prepared to make those decisions.”
Someone obviously didn’t explain the job particularly well when he took office.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:24 pm
At least Bush managed to not fluff his lines at his inaugurations :-)
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 4:37 pm
#11 – That was totally on John Roberts.
All I can say (with some pride) is: My president’s black.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I knew that you would post something amusing about President Bush Simon.
I’m not a democrat, but there’s no denying that yesterday was indeed a special day. I was and am proud to be an American.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Oh, not too worry, I’m sure that President Barack H. (are we allowed to say “Hussein” now that he’s been elected?) Obama will give us plenty of good quotes to laugh at too. He’s not real quick on his feet himself. He definitely likes his questions scripted.
Oh crap I just spilled my coffee. That’s what I get for dissing the messiah.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Forget Bush, I’m just glad that the Dick (Cheney) has gone!
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I don’t know Todd. I don’t think I can agree with you there. I mean sure he has bumbled a bit here and there, but I don’t think it can be argued that President Obama is a man who has a far better command of basic spoken English than his predecessor.
Of course we’ll point out when Obama makes a gaff, but do you suppose there will be wall calendars available to buy with daily dumb ass quotes? I’ve had one on my desk at work for the last 2 years with a different stupid quote every single day of the week!
I’ll take a bet with you right now that at the end of his first term, it would be difficult to fill a daily calendar with stupid dumb ass Obama quotes.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 21, 2009 at 8:13 pm
“Ah, Bush impression. I will miss you the most.”
– John Stewart
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 1:38 am
I was only teasing, I know it was chief justice Roberts mistake. I couldn’t help but be impressed with what President Obama had to say today, the man is a credit to the Office of President and to your Country. Imagine what could be done if the G8 were run by similar men/women of integrity. I truely believe he will go down as one of the all time great Presidents.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 3:15 am
The man was a bad joke. Like the kind told at an inappropriate time by a drunk relative at a family gathering.
He was “Joe the President!”
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Okay, at the risk of saying something unpopular to a liberal like yourself Simon (Kidding!), I think there is something to be said for the “following your heart” approach.
As a commited Christian I follow the convictions of my faith which in many respects is exactly the same as following my heart. GWB is also a commited Christian from what I understand and so therefore I think he would have based many of his decisions upon the considerations of those advisors around him AS WELL AS how he felt lead by the spirit.
I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been to make some of the decisions he made, but I can’t critisize him for following his convistions and being able to make decisions. Yes, some of them were wrong, but hindsight is 20/20 and it’s easy to sit and judge the man based upon the mistakes he has made without taking the time to look at the circumstances in which he made them.
I hope, and like Peter, I pray that President Obama will be one of our greatest leaders and a real force for good in these turbulent times. I believe that all commited Christians should lift up thier leaders to the Lord REGARDLESS of their own political affiliations, and for this reason I am happy to pray for President Obama and the entire incoming administration.
Frankly I think I like the idea of people following their hearts and I’ll be honest Simon, after reading your blog for several months now (and not commenting much, sorry) I’m frankly surprised to read your take on that as you seem very much like a man who is lead by your heart and your convictions. Why else would you fly off to help hurricane victims or write posts like EASY TARGETS?
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Okay, perhaps I should clarify that I was not criticizing the practice of following ones heart, merely pointing out that it should not be used to excuse mistakes or poor decisions.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I think it’s good to laugh at our leaders idiosyncrasies and George W. sure gave everyone a lot to laugh at. I am a big fan of the word strategery myself. I think that history will view dubbya much different than we do now.
For example, Winston Churchill was very unpopular both before and after WWII, but is now viewed in history as a hero. His leadership was indispensable even though it was unpopular… a man who lead by conviction. I hope that Obama leads by conviction and not by popularity polls. He doesn’t seem to mind going against the grain and I like that.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 8:23 pm
David, I don’t mind people following their hearts, just as long as they don’t unplug their brains. This is all too common with the Christians I have met. The problem with Bush was that he trampled on some pretty well established principles established by the founding fathers, those checks and balances were there for good reason. When you follow your heart and go against these long standing principles, bad stuff happens. I was overjoyed to listen to Obama yesterday, reaffirming those truths and committing to open Government and accountability.
A humble man of intelligence looks at those principles and understands them, Bush wasn’t a clever guy and therefore he stamped all over them, you can see the results for yourself.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 22, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Super pictures!!!! I laugh with this telephone picture!!!
I still looking for pictures of Hong Kong. Maybe miss them?
I like your blog Simon. It is very beautiful with desighn that you make. I will come back and make blog like you say.
I like meeting you. Maybe it will again be soon.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 26, 2009 at 5:07 am
I agree with Max. Let’s all not forget to celebrate the exit of Dick Cheney.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 27, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Dick’s a good shot though.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 30, 2009 at 6:59 am
hahaha yes indeed.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 30, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Simon. Where have you gone? I’m tuned in here waiting to see the rest of the pictures from your trip.
Wrote the following comment on Jan 30, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Hi Bella. I’m still here. I’ve just been CRAZY mad busy with work since returning.
I still plan to write my blog posts from the trip, they are all in a draft format at the moment, just waiting the final work. Soon, I promise! :-)
Wrote the following comment on Mar 6, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Simon, you should have snoped your picture of Bush with the phone. Good to see your back safe and sound.
Wrote the following comment on Mar 6, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Oh come now Kevin, where would be the fun in telling everyone it was fake. I thought it was funnier to let it stand on it’s own, and the fact that people might have believed it surely says something doesn’t it. I see I couldn’t get it passed you though mate ;-)
Wrote the following comment on Oct 5, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Hey Simon… just popped by to see if you were as equally vocal on the worldwide joke of a president we now endure. Anyone that is intellectually honest will have to agree that AT BEST, he’s a disappointment… but more true – a collossal failure!
Personal pitch to IOC = Fail
Personal pitch to democratic controlled joint congress for healthcare = Fail
Changing the terrible tactics of the Bush administration on Iraq & Afghanistan = Fail
Being able to complete a coherent sentence without a teleprompter = Fail
Standing up tyrannical dictators inside the UN trying to limit free speech = Fail (actually stood WITH them)
Political Environment Change in Washington = FAIL – brought in the ultimate good ole boys network from Chicago – can we say corruption at staggering levels!?
Anywho… we’ve always disagreed on politics, but hope you’re doing well. Have a great one!
Topher
Wrote the following comment on Oct 9, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hey there Topher. I don’t think the world think he is a failure and speaking as someone looking from the outside in, he is HUGELY more popular than the imbecile that used to live in the White House.
Sadly I think that the political machines of the developed world, with all their corporate entanglements and interests, are fundamentally broken and could stifle the efforts of even the most impassioned and articulate individual who wants to make a change.
It’s funny though to see how the republicans are coming out so viciously against President Obama. It highlights just how divisive the whole system is, that there can’t even be any co-operation or even conversation about reforming healthcare and introducing a system that offers everyone in your country affordable healthcare. It would be laughable if it wasn’t so sad.
But hey, he’s the President, and I guess that republicans are feeling a little bruised from the bashing they had to endure because of President Bush who bumbled his way through eight long long years providing the world with endless material with which to ridicule him. So I’m hardly surprised that they’re now taking this opportunity to call the new President names.
It’s sad that politics is all about personality these days though isn’t it. Most people don’t like to actually take the time to seriously look at issues these days. We’ve all become so used to the celebrity culture thing that personality is always a bigger issue than whatever is being discussed. I mean heck, there are people who still go on about President Obama being black and from Kenya!
Anyway, great to hear from you mate. Thanks for popping by!