Bush speaks of presidency on campus

Former President George W. Bush speakes at R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center on Oct 19. Photo by Haley Bauman

Former President George W. Bush approached the podium on at R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center to a standing ovation and began his speech with a description of an afternoon walk with his dog Barney.

"There I was 10 days out of the presidency with a plastic bag on my hand, picking up what I had been dodging for eight years," Bush said.
He spoke Oct. 19 before a sold-out crowd of students and supporters at the Cowan Center about his recent tenure in the Oval Office, as well as his upcoming book, "Decision Points."

Bush, who took office for his first term in January of 2001 after a controversial ballot count, said jokingly that it was "the first election in which he had to win five times before being sworn in."

As president, Bush said his initial vision was to "make sure the education system worked, and there was entrepreneurship; so the people were well educated, and there was a good economy." He said he initiated this by enhancing the educational programs in the United States by instituting the "No Child Left Behind" Act.

Less than a year into the presidency, the World Trade Center underwent attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, he was observing the effects of the "No Child Left Behind" Act at a school in Florida. The children were reading to him when he was informed of the first attack, he said.

"I had been in the air force before as a pilot, so at first, I thought it was a pilot's error," Bush said.

While in the classroom, he said he received another call informing him of the second plane hitting one of the twin towers.

"The first plane was an accident," he said. "The second, an attack, and the third, a declaration of war. My immediate response was to protect the American people. That was how I handled the rest of my term."

During his presidency, Bush received criticism toward his decisions concerning the nation and foreign aid. In the question-and-answer period after the speech, University President Rodney Mabry asked what Bush's response is to those who believed he was not conservative enough as a politician.

"You can't satisfy all the people all the time, and frankly, I don't give a damn," Bush said. "You do the best you can do. The key thing in life is to have a set of beliefs and to not sell your soul. Listen to the people because their opinions matter, but stand by your beliefs."

Dr. Mabry also asked Bush how he maintained such great strength while under the pressure of the media during his presidency.

"I would listen, but I wouldn't hear," Bush said. "All presidents have it tough, but free press is important in society."

Bush spoke of the oval office, giving a colorful description of it. He entrusted his wife Laura with the selection of the rug. His only requirement was "that it screamed optimism."

Bush said he placed paintings featuring Texas icons in the office to remind him of his roots. He said he also requested a picture of former President Abraham Lincoln, who he felt was the most influential president.

"He set priorities to accomplish great things," Bush said. "Lincoln had a vision of the United States of America to have peace with the South and keep the country united. Serving something greater than yourself is noble."

During his time in office, Bush said he read 12 biographies about Lincoln.

"It was interesting to read about history and make history at the same time," he said.

While in office, he said he adamantly stuck to his principles, particularly the universality of freedom, the importance of helping those less fortunate, marketing, that all life is precious, and to whom much is given, much is required.

Regarding religion, Bush said he believed in God and prayer, but insisted the government should not influence the citizens on who or what to believe in.

"The president of the U.S. should never, ever tell you how to worship," he said. "Religion should never become the state. However, I don't see how someone can be president without religion."

During his time in office, he said he was "sustained by faith, family, and friends."

Bush said he misses the pampering, Air Force One, and being Commander in Chief. He said he has no desire to be in the limelight and has tried to avoid media coverage since leaving office.

He is currently developing the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he plans to house all the archives from his terms in office.

He said he also plans for the center to promote initiatives in human freedom, education, economic opportunity, global health and social entrepreneurship, as well as a women's initiative.

Bush's book "Decision Points" is scheduled for release on Nov. 9.