Eulogies mostly highlight the warm and fuzzy parts of life, not the transgressions nor bad choices.
Still, public memories of former President George Herbert Walker Bush (a.k.a. 41) appear determined to ignore major character weaknesses…
Opportunistic Racism
Regarded by many Texas conservatives as an Eastern carpetbagger, Bush denounced the historic 1964 Civil Rights Act that outlawed racial discrimination in schools,the historic1964 Civil Rights Act that outlawed racial discrimination in schools, employment and public accommodations.employment and public accommodations.
Remember Willie Horton?
As Bush campaign director Lee Atwater bragged, “By the time we’re finished, they’re going to wonder whether Willie Horton is Dukakis’ running mate.”
The ads – which Bush never repudiated – prominently used high contrast black and white photos to make sure everyone knew Horton was black.
And, as Vice-President to Ronald Reagan, Bush supported law declaring crack cocaine 100 times as dangerous as powdered cocaine: crack got “marketed” in the press as the blacks’ drug while powdered coke became the understandable excess of good preppy (white) kids. As President, Bush sanctioned a set-up drug buy in Lafayette Park in front of the White House so he could have a prop for his edition of the war on drugs.
Family First
Raise your hands if you believe that “41’s” son, George W. Bush,would have become managing partner of the Texas Rangers after investing 6/10thsof 1% towards the purchase of the team if his dad wasn’t Vice-President and the Republican Party’s choice to be the next President? (If your hand is still up, please call me about a great deal on a pair of well maintained bridges over the Mississippi River.)
Worse, Neil Bush (brother to Jeb and W) swam in stink up to his eyebrows in Silverado Savings and Loan, a Denver based criminal enterprise. Among several reasons for not coming down hard on savings and load fraudsters, “41” had to protect his son – after he was indicted .
Her Name Is Jennifer
An open secret in Washington (Hillary Clinton even joked about it in 1992), for decades and across continents George H.W. Bush kept Jennifer Fitzgerald close at hand. Very close. Very, very close.
Pardonville
Working his way to the exit in the White House, “41” pardoned six people – including Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger – for their involvement in the Iran – Contra deal which sent weapons to Tehran.
By the way, the special prosecutor in that case, Lawrence Walsh admitted that George H.W. Bush was a “subject” of the Iran – Contra investigation.
And, perhaps the worst sin of all…
Dan Quayle
Out of 300 million Americans, George Herbert Walker Bush put an Indiana idiot one heart beat away from the presidency!
True, properly spelling ‘potato’ is not a job requirement for the President of The United States. Still…
This week America says good-bye to former President George H. W. Bush. While listening to the tributes, remember the rest of the story.
Hanukkah Update
On Friday I noted that the Dierbergs by my home in Oakville didn’t have any Hanukkah cards for sale: by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday they had a dozen types of Hanukkah cards on display. And, the Michelle Obama book display is still there.
Glenn Koenen