A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Over at Power Line, Scott Johnson points out the striking contrast in character between Barack Obama and George W. Bush. While President Obama was busy playing games with the host of a reality show and cracking jokes on the set of Oprah's show, President Bush joined wounded veterans for a 100k bike ride through the desert trails of the Texas Big Bend National Park.
TERLINGUA, Texas (AP) — Kenneth Butler touched the metal end of his prosthetic arm instinctively as he recalled the horrors he witnessed in Iraq.
Four years after losing his limb when his vehicle was hit by a bomb in Baghdad, the retired army staff sergeant got his first chance this week to meet former President George W. Bush during a three-day bike ride in West Texas attended by more than a dozen other wounded veterans and cycling legend Lance Armstrong.
Bush rode in the event for a chance to meet with veterans and thank them for their sacrifice. But for Butler, he holds no ill-will toward the man who sent thousands of Americans to war in 2003.
"I feel his compassion," the retired parachute infantry squad leader said Wednesday, with a note of melancholy. "It feels like he really cares about us."
Bush and 15 wounded veterans were joined Wednesday in the last leg of a 62.5-mile ride through the rugged desert trails of Big Bend National Park by Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France champion.
Although Bush acknowledges struggling to keep up during the trek, he said he relished the opportunity.
"As a commander in chief, it was my decision to put them in harm's way in the first place," he said. "I feel a special bond toward them and I want them to know I'll never forget them."
I can not imagine a starker contrast in priorities, in integrity, in attitude than the one illustrated by these two men.
(Photo Credits: Charles Dharapak/AP; Paul Morse)
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Dec '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Though not perfect, former Pres. Bush is a stand up guy. Too bad this won't make the major news networks and even if it does it will cause some snarky comment from the left .. "Hey, looks like he finally threw away the training wheels.."
Bush has more class in his pinky than the current occupant of the White House has (or will ever have) in his entire body. Diane you provided an excellent (and striking)example. Thanks for sharing!
Jun '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
I remember the late Democrat Senator, Paul Wellstone, who liked to say, "I'm here to help the little-fellers, not the Rockefellers." Well, George W. Bush likes to spend his time with the "little-fellers," and Obama likes to spend his time with the "Rockefellers." So, who really supports who? I'd say, actions speak louder than words.
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
I can not imagine a starker contrast in priorities, in integrity, in attitude than the one illustrated by these two men.
Yup.
Apr '11
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
I have my issues with Bush on many of his decisions but as a human being i think he is an A+....he will never get the credit he deserves from the msm for sure and even from many conservatives but I think in time his decency and love of country will be appreciated
Jul '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
I wish someone could Photoshop Barack Obama on his blue girl bike into that photo.
With shiny tassels flying from the handle grips.
Jul '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Kenneth: I wish someone could Photoshop Barack Obama on his blue girl bike into that photo.
With shiny tassels flying from the handle grips. · Apr 28 at 12:15pm
Obama is even sitting like a girl.
May '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
LIKE!
Aug '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Nothing more perfectly illustrates the difference between 'progressives' and conservatives more than this. Outer gloss, charm, and gleam are what seduces the many who love dreams and fantasies more than gritty reality. The Left wants to legislate and order a new world in their own image. We want to take the real world as it is and improve it with wisdom and diligence as much as humanly possible.
When we say "Christ", they say "Darwin". When we say "Darwin", they say "Christ". Their is a lawless world of infinitely movable goalposts.
Jun '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
I was thinking earlier in the day about the contrast between the two. In 2000 when confronted with the possibility of unfavorable driving incidents and drinking, Mr. Bush came out and said "When I was young and stupid, I did stupid things." It was really hard to argue with that and even the MSM moved on.
Contrast that with this ridiculous birth certificate nonsense (thank you, Hillary Clinton). The dithering over the last two years is a complete waste of time. It could have been handled in Iowa and done.
As much as I deplored the Bush expenditures, I miss the man.
Jun '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
President Bush was far from the perfect president (Medicare Drug Coverage being his worst decision), but it irritates me to no end when people characterize him as evil. He was and is a good man, whose decisions, even the less than perfect ones, were motivated out of a sincere desire to do the right thing.
I wish I felt the same way about President Obama. Compare his condescending attitude (e.g, blithely telling a guy to go buy a new car that gets better gas mileage)to President Bush (e.g., immediately and quietly heading for Fort Hood after the massacre).
The fact that President Bush has not responded to the calumines heaped upon him by Obama and his cronies qualifies him for sainthood.
Dec '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Kenneth: I wish someone could Photoshop Barack Obama on his blue girl bike into that photo.
With shiny tassels flying from the handle grips. · Apr 28 at 12:15pm
LMAO - And let's not forget the fetching "MOM JEANS"
Edited on Apr 28, 2011 at 2:06pmJul '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Johannes Allert
Kenneth: I wish someone could Photoshop Barack Obama on his blue girl bike into that photo.
With shiny tassels flying from the handle grips. · Apr 28 at 12:15pm
LMAO - And let's not forget the fetching "MOM JEANS" · Apr 28 at 2:05pm
Edited on Apr 28 at 02:06 pm
And the sissy first pitch at the opening Major League Baseball game.
Aug '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
This is a President who holds a press conference to discuss his birth certificate while there are Tornadoes devastating parts of our country.
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Everything being said here about President Bush's character is true. Before I went to work for him, I thought him a decent man. After having worked for him, I think of him as one of the most decent on the planet.
Dec '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Related: When do you suppose President Obama will stop to take a look at the tornado devastation across the South and Southeast? So far, the White House issued a one-paragraph statement of sympathy for Alabama. Any plans for the President to actually, you know, SAY something to the people of the region? Or go to them and see for himself what happened?
Or does Barack Obama not care about Southern people?
EDIT: President Obama spoke on this subject at the White House on Thursday and will make a pit stop in Alabama on Friday on his way to the Space Shuttle launch.
Edited on Apr 28, 2011 at 3:11pmJul '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Stuart Creque: Any plans for the President to actually, you know, SAY something to the people of the region?
· Apr 28 at 2:46pm
Well, if history is any indication Obama will insist on a moratorium on harnessing wind energy.
May '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
I have the utmost respect and admiration for President Bush, and yes, I do miss him. A good, decent, brave, wise and humble man.
Aug '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
God Bless George Bush
Dec '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Exactlly, and why isn't the media all over his A$$ about it? He's made a public comment, that's it. At least a fly over...perhaps Michelle's broom stick is in for an oil change.
Yeah, I said it.
Dec '10
Re: A Study in Contrast: Obama vs. Bush
Well, Barrack had to fly to Chicago to help the "good fellas"