George W. 8-3-15

Hey there Campers;

Whew. We had a busy day downtown Dallas. There is still more to come. We ventured on Southern Methodist University (SMU) to the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.

The first thing I need to make clear. Even thought George W (GW). was not the candidate in my party and I did not vote for him, he was still our president. Getting the opportunity to visit his library is important to all of us. He said he had a Charge to Keep "I was not elected to serve one party, but to serve one nation. The President of the United States is the President of every single American of every race and every background. Whether you voted for me or not. I will do my best to serve your interests and I will work to earn your respect." What more can we ask of any one.

This library & museum was well done and a chance to see how the presidency works.

When you go to the information hall there is a unusual sphere. There is also a gallery that shows the gifts he was given by different nations and from the American people.

 

 

 

 

The museum starts off in the Orientation Theater with a movie about GW life as a kid through his presidency.

The next section was Creating Opportunity. This section is on his candidacy as a governor and run for the presidency. GW really had great quotes.

There is a photo gallery on different section of GW's life.

The Spirit of Texas  - GW & Laura grew up in Midland - a close knit West TX town where families worked hard to achieve the American Dream. GW learned  the oil business, became co-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team and was elected Governor. This life in TX instilled in GW and Laura values they would take with them on the presidential campaign trail: optimism, independence and responsibly  to others.

FAMILY - George was born July 6, 1946, in New Haven, CT to Barbara & George H.W. Bush. GW is the oldest of his five siblings: Robin (who died as a child from leukemia), John (Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy. GW and his father George H.W. Bush, are the second father and son to serve as President of the United States in history. In 1977, GW married Laura Welch, a teacher & librarian whom he met at a friend's backyard barbeque. In 1981, he and Laura had twin daughters, Barbara & Jenna.

You can tell he is a real family man. His said this about his wife "Laura knew she would be joining a large, competitive family, and that suited her just fine. As an only child, she got a kick out of the boisterous Bush clan."

He said about is dad: "Over the years there has been a lot of speculation about my relationship with Dad. I suppose that's natural for the first father and son presidents in 172 years. The simple truth is that I adore him. Throughout my life I have respected him, admired him, and been grateful for his love." I would hope my kids would have something similar to say about Lo and I. it is all about relationships.

The Power of Faith - GW has never been afraid to let people know he is a man of faith. He says "Faith changes lives. I know, because faith has changed mine." "I build my life on a foundation that will not shift. My faith frees me". GW rediscovered his faith in mid-life, finding renewed strength and purpose. Through reflection, discussion with family and friends and daily Bible reading. He developed a deeper belief in God. He was asked in a Presidential debate to name the philosopher that has most influenced him. He replied "Christ because he changed my heart." What more can one say?

GW and Laura as the Presidential candidate.

 

 

Campaign  of Character - The Bush family has a strong history of public service. GW's grandfather Prescott Bush was a U.S. Senator from CT. Father George H.W. Bush  served as VP and the 41st President. Both Bush's served as military pilots. GW left business to serve two terms as Governor of TX. He was the first TX Governor to be elected to consecutive four year terms. Boy Texans most be hard on their elected folk. Brother Jeb was elected Governor of FL in 1998.

We all know about the" hanging chads" in FL. Let's move on.

GW's believed in No Child Left Behind. He wanted o raise standards in public schools, lowering taxes strengthening national defense.

 

 

The 911 section gave a 10 day period in GW's life and how he responded. He said: "I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."

 

 

The Bush Doctrine - Take the Fight to the Enemy. Make no distinction between terrorist and the Nations that harbor them. Confront threats before they fully emerge. Advance Freedom.

 

The library has  replica of what the oval office looked like for GW. Surprising thing is everyone was encouraged to sit at the desk. They even had a photographer there to take your picture or you could do a selfie. We were encourage to sit on the couches.  

 

 

 

Those of us who are old enough remember, always heard about the box with the red button that could destroy nations. The red button box really was to the kitchen so they could bring what every the president wanted. Boy where we fooled. I guess you just cannot trust the movies.

The White House really is a working place. State dinners, summits, etc.

 

 

Did you know that any airplane that the President is on is called Air Force One? When the president is on US Marine Corps helicopter it is call Marine One. The Air Force One has more than 4,000 square feet of interior space. It includes an office & private quarters for the president as well as office staff, seating for members of the media, and a medical facility. Two galleys prepare food for up to 100 people. This is a flying house. OK. So the Harrison Ford movie Air Force One really had the plane details right. Remember he said '"get off my plane" to the terrorist as he kicked him out without a parachute. Well this is a great movie.

 

You have to give it to Laura. She is an elegant lady but down to earth. It takes a strong woman who can take criticism of her husband from many and still hold her head up. She knows the real GW.

Building a Hopeful World - This was a very interesting map. It is made up of real faces of HIV patients and depicts the nations of the world by volume of cases.

There is a section called Decision Points. It is an interactive center. You sit to the computer. GW on screen sets the scenarios. You are given a limited amount of time to come up with answers. After it is over GW will tell you what he did. This really shows you what the President has to do in a limited amount of time. It really gives you something to think about. It is easy for us to sit back and say I would have...

 

Section of volunteering.

Section on Hurricane Katrina, Financial Crisis.

 

There is a hilarious film on what GW and Laura are doing on the ranch since he as retired.

There is so much more to say but the blog can only hold so much. My recommendation, if you are in Dallas please put the GW Library & Museum of your must see list. You will thoroughly enjoy it.

There also was an exhibit of Baseball and the America's Presidents.

We took time to tour the SMU campus.

 

Remember we talked about the El Fenix Mexican restaurant in our last blog. So we ate at the sister location. I still don't see any difference in our Cally Mexican than Tex Mex.

Question of the Day:

George W was president number what?  

Bonus Question:

What other father & son were president of the U.S?

Well, until next time Campers

Lo & Bren