"An Open Letter To Mr. Bush"

DEAR MR BUSH, It is January 20, 2009.  Senator Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States after election by a landslide, and you are now a private citizen.  As you retire to your home in Crawford, Texas; the Country is financially ruined and fighting three wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Waziristan.  Your exit leaves what remains of a once great Republic the daunting task of reinstatement. As a former President, you held the Office that commands respect and decorum from most Americans and citizens of the world.

Nevertheless, there is a growing international hullabaloo calling for your immediate arrest and imprisonment to face war crime charges. You can be certain of this...We The People will by no means permit a horde to prosecute a former American President.   Sir, we choose to believe that no matter how badly things have turned out for the Nation, that from the very start you genuinely had our best interest at heart and were committed to a more prosperous and secure America. 

This dream we all shared gradually turned into an interminable nightmare as your administration became disconnected from the average American; the middle class; the backbone of this Country, and further disconnected from the voices of true Patriots; in and out of uniform who articulated profound concerns and hesitation as to the direction of the Country.   Sir, why did you not regard the counsel of your top Generals and peers who confidently disagreed with your policies, who represented wisdom, integrity and understanding; but instead were dismissed and treated like the enemy? There is a wise proverb... that patriotism is the last bastion of tyrants. Under your watch, the Bush aficionada obstinately challenged the patriotism of the voices of America's watchmen.

The immeasurable arrogance of your administration drove a deep wedge between Americans, undermined our Republic and paved the way for the grand finale of "The Wall Street Bailout." At one time, the Taliban and Al Qaeda were reeling in defeat as the destruction or capture of Bin Laden and his entire terrorist network was imminent.  Just as we were closing in on our mortal enemies, the White House came down with a severe case of Saddam fever and off we went, rushing into Iraq which proved to be a ruinous diversion and gave our enemies more than five years to reconstitute. And how was it even possible, that the initial occupation of Iraq was executed with such mind-numbing ineptitude?  "Mission Accomplished," yet over 4,000 of our most excellent have been killed and an additional 30,000 wounded and/or maimed for life.  Sir, how can you reconcile this without acknowledging that there was moral failure at the highest levels? 

Sir, it is with mixed feelings...and relief...that we bid you farewell. Maybe someday soon, you'll sit down on your porch in Texas with the watchmen that were dismissed; those who took issue, but represented the very spirit of our Forefathers. We are left to wonder what might have been, if only the Constitution of the United States had been venerated by the Bush Administration. God be with you and your family.

11 October, 2008