You have been the target of those who blame you for all of the economic problems of the world today.  Yet even in the beginning of the Reagan era which continued through the Clinton administration, our country has suffered multiple dilemmas with running inflation and the brink of recession. Yet today there is only blame and the lack of humility and responsibility.

You are truly a Southern Gentleman who did not have to profess what you have done for the world. Instead you accomplished whatever was necessary to protect those of whom you served, in a quiet jovial but strong manner.  Your demeanor was one of refinement, loyalty, and compassion but not withstanding strength of conviction and the ability to stand up to those who threatened us.  During your two terms in office you kept our Country safe and I wish to personally thank you.

With not only intellect, but logic (real intelligence which requires more complicated or advanced thought to determine correct steps of a larger picture), it must have been difficult to have been able to accomplish those measures you felt would assist our great Country.  I say this because the Congress during your term was comprised mainly of Democrats who did not share your ideals.  This required a great deal of persuasion on your part in order to accomplish your Presidential goals. You never placed us in jeopardy by utilizing eminent domain to your own benefit.

The Democratic Congress would not allow you to assist those young contributors to Social Security the opportunity of a retirement savings account, nor would they allow you to reform immigration laws.  Today, it may not even be criminals and cartels from Mexico threatening our boarders but radical Islam. I know you would have taken action immediately if one of your States, such as Arizona, had a problem with those illegally crossing our boarders.  You believed in all of us.

It was noted when you did not agree with Prime Minister Pooten’s decisions, you took the opportunity to discuss you views, even if the event was the Olympics. You stood by our allies, including Israel, whose people worked with our military in devising strategic protection measures which assist all of us. Your loyalties did not waiver.  You stood strong and represented our Great Country with pride and conviction.  Thank you for keeping our Country Safe.

It is noted how much love and compassion you have for people and our Military. You and former first Lady Laura Bush have visited many of our military personnel whether on the ground or in hospitals.  My niece Angela was on the Abe Lincoln for over six months protecting the waters of the Middle East.  She was one of many who had the opportunity to speak with you.  Through her eyes it was an amazing sight for her Commander and Chief to fly a plane onto the Abe Lincoln.  At a time when it was most difficult, you gave each the strength and the ability to understand how each plays a significant role in our Nation’s existence.  You not only spoke with those aboard as their protector and friend and as one with no pretenses…but as a man with compassion and insight into the problems each faced in protecting our country.  You always had time for those of us who needed you and you never backed down to stand before those who required your services.  You, yourself, provided dedication to those servicemen who were lost in protecting our country and personally gave your appreciation at Memorial services.

Your spouse Laura Bush may also be recognized as one of the greatest first ladies our country has ever had.  She gave service without the need for numerous courtiers or publications.  As a first lady, she did not seek recognition predicated upon her looks or what designer dress may have been fashionable for her to wear. Both inner and outer beauty bestowed her.  She served our country well through her worldwide efforts in education and literacy as well as assisting you in developing significant foreign-aid, particularly for those in Africa.

Had it not been for the Congressional restrictions against you, instead of finger pointing, it would have been realized you truly were one of our greatest presidents of the time. You not only had business acumen with your own franchise but sought investors to save the Texas Rangers.  You understood how important both small and large businesses are to make our Economy great. Without thriving businesses, there are no jobs.  It is not your fault that the banks which Congress protected were not regulated.  Nor is it your fault that the AIG which was to have been regulated to retain surplus similar to insurance companies’ surpluses did not do so which caused everything to fail.  It is my opinion that our Democratic Congress had much to do with these regulations or the lack thereof.

The Bush family has served our country well.  Although I had not lived in Florida during the time in which your brother Jeb Bush was the governor of the State of Florida, I soon learned how important he was to our state after taking a trip to Tallahassee’s capitol.

And for those of you reading this letter, who may just state that I am just another Republican, please let me correct you.  I was born into a Democratic family in an area where there were no prejudices of any kind.  My father served the military well and I was taught to respect others in the same manner in which I was respected.

 When I was a member of the Democratic’ party, I did not always vote my party lines.  I voted for the man or the woman who I felt would serve our Country best.  I voted for President Reagan and then for President Clinton.  Of course I voted for my favorite President, George W. Bush. 

When it was found that he/ you, would be a president for a second term, I wept for joy. And having realized how important Republicans are in facilitating growth to the country, I have now joined the Republican’ party.  Yet, I voted Republican in the last election because I believed primarily in Sarah Palin’s honesty and conviction.  I believe in a better world of free enterprise and the Republican’ party serves me best.

Although President Clinton stated “the Era of Big Government is over”, that has now been overturned.  I now understand how important the Republican principles are for the growth of business…not stating that certain Democrats do not have these same principles. Yet the majority rules! And if they do not rule, eminent domain seems to exist.

Enough has been said about me.

President Bush, I am impressed with your credentials as well as those of your family.  You are a wonderful strong individual who has served our country beyond that which would have been fathomed by anyone in the same set of circumstances.

You have served our country well,   Thank you for keeping our country safe.  And thank you for retaining our Christian-Judeo principles.  And thank you for your belief in all of us no matter what our race or our religious beliefs are.  You accepted each of us as part of your family.  You did not have to treat us as “bad children”, demanding that we must listen to your every word or else.  You instead treated us as equal members with equal rights.  You listened and you have always sought the larger picture to assist all of those in this Country.  

Thank you for keeping our Country safe.

I have included an original oil painting which you have inspired.  I can now look upon you as the bright light in this very sad and perplexing era from which conflict has again reared its ugly head. May you always know there are those of us who have always believed in you and your wonderful Southern’ principles.

My Best of Wishes to you, Laura and your family!

Karin A. Fleischhaker

 MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!  IN GOD WE TRUST!