This Christmas I got a lot of iTunes gift cards and spent some buying George W. Bush's book Decision Points. In the book he chronicles the major decisions of his presidency. I'll admit, politics are interesting to me, but I'm far from an "informed" american. As I listened to the book in the car over the course of the past three months I journeyed with the President through his decision to stop drinking, 911, Iraq and Katrina. how easily we forget just how turbulent those eight years really were.
While he never admits handling everything perfectly, I admired him for making decisions in crisis, standing by his decisions and admitting his mistakes. One of the highlights for me was hearing how his faith in Jesus shaped him as a man and leader. While SNL and talkshows painted the picture of blundering fool, the book painted a different picture. Many could argue different courses of action he could have taken, his wit, character, humor and intelligence aren't up for debate. I simply refuse to believe that an idiot could rise to the highest office in american government.
While it was painfully long, I came out respecting the office of the presidency, the man and our country even more. It reminded me of my responsibility to pray for our leaders and to give them the respect they deserve. Despite political views, they are still our leaders. Their job isn't easy and it isn't a job I would want to do. In fact, I think few would. Bush may have not been a perfect president, but his leadership was invaluable in a time when America faced some of the biggest issues in her history. Terrorism, war, financial crisis, natural disasters, one would have defined his presidency, instead he was responsible for answering them all. To be honest, I respect him for not quitting!
Thanks to my family for the iTunes gift cards!
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