Hello, Goodbye

As our country embarks on a new journey in presidential history, we should reflect on the past as we look into the future. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a poignant day for me as I reflected and reminisced on my journey into my love for politics, which commenced on Sept. 11, 2001. I am so thankful that the right man was in the Oval Office that day eight years ago and during the years following.

No single person can deny at least these following two accomplishments of the George W. Bush presidency, which was for the benefit of all Americans and all people.

First, former President Bush protected this country after Sept. 11 as we all feared another attack would wreak havoc on our soil again.

Second, freedom has come to over 60 million people across the world. President Bush is a patriot. He willingly made the tough decisions when needed and necessary. He always led by his convictions and world views. He brought true respect back to the White House after it was embarrassingly lost from the previous administration. He endured a most polarizing climate entering into the White House and remained steadfast in his agenda for the people as some viciously, maliciously and disrespectfully attacked him while he was trying to honorably serve them.

They complained of the United States losing her place in the world but failed to recognize that they were helping perpetuate such a supposed loss with their lack of respect for the man and the office.

But, we now open a new chapter in presidential history where great expectations and high hopes push President Obama into the Oval Office. He enters the toughest job in the entire world to lead two wars, a struggling economy and a world that will be watching his every move.

I pray that direction and guidance will be granted him at the toughest of times. I pray that he will look to God for strength when he feels weak. I pray that he will find rest when weary, that he will find peace in the warring times, that he will find hope when it all seems lost.

I’m saddened to see President Bush leave office but am looking forward to the days to come. As the minority opinion, it will be the duty of conservative Republicans to represent our opinions respectfully and professionally fighting courageously for that which we believe yet giving credit where credit is due.

We will do a better job representing our opinions and world view than the Democrats did during the Bush presidency. It is the duty of us all to keep President Obama and his administration accountable for their campaign promises and pledges. We will truly discover if the media are doing their job properly as they greatly helped him into the presidency with their failure to deliver responsible, fair and unbiased news.

As we reflect on the past, be thankful for President Bush’s service; as we look to the future, put your hope in the cause of freedom and this country and not just in one man.