I’m currently reading through former president George W. Bush’s book, Decision Points.  It’s the first presidential autobiography that I’ve ever read, and the first of any kind in a while.  An insightful read, I have learned several lessons thumbing through its pages.

I’ve been overwhelmed at my ignorance of the events that took place during the longest-termed president of my adult life.  I have realized how many times I rushed to judgment over his policies and decisions without knowing the full story.  Like so many Americans, I received my news piecemeal, occasionally catching the daily news or perusing the newspaper.  On a rare occasion, like when I went to the dentist, I may have even read a story from a major news magazine.

The behind-the-scenes look at the events surrounding the major decisions and situations during Bush’s presidency is, in a word, awesome.  He has given us the opportunity to climb inside his head and see the events from his perspective.  I am troubled that I, like so many, draw conclusions on issues that we really know very little about.  We cast our political leaders in such a negative light, and though many are well deserved of their dubious recognition, most have to make tough decisions that a lot of people won’t like.  Politics is dirty business and no one is affected more by it’s venom than the president.  And so, be it one I agree or disagree with, I have gained new respect for the office and the individual who holds it.  I will be slower to rush to ill-informed conclusions and to make judgments on the president’s character without having ample opportunity and information with which to base that judgment on.

Additionally, I’ve been challenged to pay greater attention to news and world events.  Many of the topics and issues discussed in the book are ones with which I am familiar by name only.  I have a general knowledge of many of these topics, but there is so much I didn’t know.  Around the clock cable news is great, but it also has it’s problems.  The fact that the news is always on means that there has to always be a story.  That will often give way to overreaction and misrepresentation.

Finally, I’ve been encouraged to read more biographies!  So much can be learned by observing the world through someone else’s eyes.  I have learned from President Bush’s successes and failures.  Furthermore, I have gained much greater respect for him as a person, and as a former president.  Without reluctance I can say that I greatly admire him and am so thankful that we were blessed to have him as our president for eight tumultuous years.  I believe he served well and I hope that his successors emulate his courage and character and love for our great country.

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