Incredibly big shoes to fill

"As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe."He did just that...and more.

I had a pretty long piece lined up detailing his term in office, the absurdity of his critics and the scourge that is BDS - but there's a lot of articles out there saying most of the same things I would have (though even many of the more glowing ones don't give him the credit he deserves).  I'm thinking a simple expression of gratitude is best.

I am truly grateful we had a man of his integrity, resolve, humility and wisdom in office when our nation needed him most. A lot of people were saying 2008 was the most important election in our lifetime, but I thought more was a stake in 2004 and we got darn lucky that Bush prevailed.  

He is a moderate Muslim's best friend - especially moderate Muslim women. He has absorbed a tremendous amount of hate from all over, but kept his eye on the ball and remained a class act.  Despite what the critics think, he brought honor and dignity back to the Oval Office.  He protected every American with unyielding vigor, whether they suffered from BDS, drawing horns and swastikas on his likeness, cursing his name or whether they admired him like I did.  Often, he seemed to be the only adult in a Beltway of children.  I hope his successor appreciates everything he's done and builds on his successes.

A good name for a ship

Today was a proud day for the US Navy. The last of the Nimitz class carriers, the USS George H W Bush, was commissioned and is projected to spend the next 50 years protecting America.