George W. Bush: 'On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I join our fellow citizens in honoring our 35th President'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKin3zS0h5gtmXCfQecN5WEiFInp4RBpHOJKnAzY-_9UjBQikvgnmbkAZloi6LUzM9ILmMnWhfWezlnQ7PY-OPwHxXKatiz1Gwoevtpka7TRIDruui2ILPjDiO2QOROFSWvZRIOS5TnNH/s1600/JFK+funeral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKin3zS0h5gtmXCfQecN5WEiFInp4RBpHOJKnAzY-_9UjBQikvgnmbkAZloi6LUzM9ILmMnWhfWezlnQ7PY-OPwHxXKatiz1Gwoevtpka7TRIDruui2ILPjDiO2QOROFSWvZRIOS5TnNH/s400/JFK+funeral.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />From Dallas, former President George W. Bush commented on the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy:<br /><blockquote>"Today we remember a dark episode in our Nation's history, and we remember the leader whose life was cut short 50 years ago. John F. Kennedy dedicated himself to public service, and his example moved Americans to do more for our country. He believed in the greatness of the United States and the righteousness of liberty, and he defended them. On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I join our fellow citizens in honoring our 35th President."</blockquote>

assassination of John F. Kennedy George W. Bush John F. Kennedy Laura Bush George W. Bush: 'On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I join our fellow citizens in honoring our 35th President'

From Dallas, former President George W. Bush commented on the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy: "...

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W appears as guest of Jay Leno and jokes, 'You're about to head out to pasture'

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/u-ke6wKzPwM" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />It was vintage George W. Bush Tuesday night as the former president and first lady appeared with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show." The opening exchange went something like this:<br /><blockquote><b>Jay Leno:</b> "I know you've tried to stay out of the spotlight for the past few years so I was actually pleasantly surprised you accepted our invitation."<br /><br /><b>President George W. Bush:</b> "Only because of you. (laughter) I mean you're about to head out to pasture (laughter) ... just wanted to see what you looked like before you got to the gate." (laughter)</blockquote>Talking about a variety of subjects during the twenty-minute interview, W and Leno joked back and forth before being joined by Mrs. Bush to discuss the humanitarian work the Bushes do around the world and at home.<br /><br />The former president emphasized his belief in laying low after leaving office:<br /><blockquote><b>Leno:</b> "I know you've avoided talking policy for the last six or seven years. Explain why." <br /><br /><b>W:</b> "I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor."</blockquote>W didn't show up empty-handed and presented Jay with a caricature painting of Leno as they talked about the president's hobby of painting since leaving office.<br /><br />The classy Bush family values would go far in today's toxic political atmosphere. He is missed. To see the entire 20-minute interview, check out the links:<br /><br />President George W. Bush with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show":<br /> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-ke6wKzPwM" target="_blank">Part 1</a><br /> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMJv4e3TAq0" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br /> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j40U0euplzk" target="_blank">Part 3</a><br /> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwNehNnZRLE" target="_blank">Part 4</a> <br /><br />For archives of the Bush Administration and the humanitarian work the president is still doing, check out these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bushcenter.org/george-w-bush-institute%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">George W. Bush Institute</a><br /><a href="http://www.georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu/" target="_blank">George W. Bush Presidential Library</a><br /><a href="http://www.bushcenter.org/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">George W. Bush Center</a>

George W. Bush George W. Bush Center George W. Bush Institute George W. Bush Presidential Library humanitarian work Jay Leno Laura Bush NBC Tonight Show W appears as guest of Jay Leno and jokes, 'You're about to head out to pasture'

It was vintage George W. Bush Tuesday night as the former president and first lady appeared with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show.&q...

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Jenna Bush Hager reveals 5 life lessons learned from her grandparents

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bsE6rsJGcnkGSvJyhVDGaGZhiMd7lWuTy5VSHNVlKaoqltlJLe0agF0aj9FjwtFUKlziO9cY_fsTAnVJi4eZTE1UawjBfmsTPwo7INgkTskSBlc-bsGXVCxoqTNrMG5hVqFg-zZQYXiq/s1600/Jenna+Bush+2+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bsE6rsJGcnkGSvJyhVDGaGZhiMd7lWuTy5VSHNVlKaoqltlJLe0agF0aj9FjwtFUKlziO9cY_fsTAnVJi4eZTE1UawjBfmsTPwo7INgkTskSBlc-bsGXVCxoqTNrMG5hVqFg-zZQYXiq/s320/Jenna+Bush+2+baby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jenna Bush Hager, one of the twin daughters of former President George W. and Laura Bush who is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia's former Lieutenant Governor John Hager, recently shared <a href="http://www.today.com/allday/jenna-bush-hager-5-things-i-learned-my-grandfather-grandmother-1C8819779">five life lessons</a> that were passed along from her grandparents. Those grandparents are former President George H.W.  and Barbara Bush.<br /><br />Be sure to <a href="http://www.today.com/allday/jenna-bush-hager-5-things-i-learned-my-grandfather-grandmother-1C8819779">read Jenna's article</a> for her expanded explanations of the five life lessons passed along from George and Barbara: <br /><br />1. Don't talk too much about yourself.<br />2. Have lots of loyal friends -- and be one.<br />3. Laugh.<br />4. Love.<br />5. Write handwritten notes.

Barbara Bush family friendship George H.W. Bush George W. Bush Henry Hager Jenna Bush Hager John Hager Laura Bush Jenna Bush Hager reveals 5 life lessons learned from her grandparents

Jenna Bush Hager, one of the twin daughters of former President George W. and Laura Bush who is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia'...

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Video: Humorous ABC News interview with George W. and Laura Bush

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BJbUXw87j0A" width="560"></iframe> </div><br />President George W. Bush is a gracious man with the wisdom of one who has observed, listened, and learned along his life's journey. This humorous, light-hearted <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbUXw87j0A">ABC News interview</a> that was taped after the President and Mrs. Bush returned from their African trip shows the genuine, witty, caring personality of #43, something the other side of the political aisle overlooked in their continual bashing of him during his eight years in the White House.<br /><br />Because of GWB's gracious nature, and my observation of years of abuse from his political enemies, I have tempered my own public criticism of President Barack Obama, realizing the hurt it causes not only to the Obama family but to his supporters. Too bad the extremists on all sides of the aisle can't tone down the rhetoric and try to work together.<br /><br />Robin Beres's article in Sunday's Richmond Times-Dispatch, <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/our-opinion/columnists-blogs/robin-beres/the-expanding-legacy-of-george-w-bush/article_b2875325-1bee-520c-879c-2fe7451d64a5.html">"The expanding legacy of George W. Bush,"</a> touched on Bush's just-completed humanitarian trip to Africa, his continued involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project, and his overall giving-back to America during his retirement years:<br /><blockquote>In an interview with CNN on July 1, Bush was questioned about the Obama administration and accusations about the White House’s invasions into Americans’ privacy. But, as ever, he refused to criticize Obama. “I don’t think it does any good,” he said. “It’s a hard job. He’s got plenty on his agenda. It’s difficult. A former president doesn’t need to make it any harder. Other presidents have taken different decisions; that’s mine.”<br /><br />The difference in the two men’s political views has always been apparent. Unfortunately, another difference that is obvious is the content of their characters. Despite attacks and accusations by the Obama administration, Bush has kept his silence.<br /><br />Even as he watched the successful surge in Iraq go for naught and the Middle East fall apart, he said nothing. Even as he stood and listened to Obama’s backhanded compliments at the George W. Bush Presidential Library dedication, he held his peace. He has been the picture of graciousness and tact. These are traits that the self-absorbed Obama should study – and perhaps try to emulate.</blockquote>GWB brought class to the office of President, something he learned from his parents and that is, sadly, lacking in others. His self-deprecating humor is legendary, and his modesty was ingrained by a strong mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who taught her children not be be "braggadociouses."<br /><br />George W. Bush ... boy, do I miss his leadership.

ABC News Africa CNN George W. Bush humanitarian mission Laura Bush Presidency Richmond Times-Dispatch Robin Beres White House Video: Humorous ABC News interview with George W. and Laura Bush

President George W. Bush is a gracious man with the wisdom of one who has observed, listened, and learned along his life's journey. Thi...

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George W. Bush carries on humanitarian work in Africa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBqtra2un3iwzBg5ctWeAPoOH0hCYD91eInC9kohk9L2eXaxtrCehzkS1PoC4MEXLAxTNmudAxke_mXW7Ed1M62AHuGo1FJc4yAjxF7F04LUBJXLLk9WZyY8hyphenhyphenG58YLFeTqLwT8Hx4Euj/s570/George+W.+Bush+33+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBqtra2un3iwzBg5ctWeAPoOH0hCYD91eInC9kohk9L2eXaxtrCehzkS1PoC4MEXLAxTNmudAxke_mXW7Ed1M62AHuGo1FJc4yAjxF7F04LUBJXLLk9WZyY8hyphenhyphenG58YLFeTqLwT8Hx4Euj/s640/George+W.+Bush+33+Africa.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmdbAArQL4PgP0QJsWH11CcfA8bQrIJi3bJX0IyO2poeFuMdYZtAIjLo6OGwLchMjBRDtpTC29Bgh2T5McvNy1pAPHLANTq8Rehd8wTs9aLS_Z8wE6u4hzf1neQff5p7KXd5q7chC2nvD/s720/George+W.+Bush+20+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmdbAArQL4PgP0QJsWH11CcfA8bQrIJi3bJX0IyO2poeFuMdYZtAIjLo6OGwLchMjBRDtpTC29Bgh2T5McvNy1pAPHLANTq8Rehd8wTs9aLS_Z8wE6u4hzf1neQff5p7KXd5q7chC2nvD/s400/George+W.+Bush+20+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After a week of renovating, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush opened the Mosi-Oa-Tunya clinic, a cervical cancer facility in Livingstone, Zambia. <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/wapost-obama-yet-to-leave-lasting.html">The trip demonstrates their continued commitment</a> to the people of Africa through the work of the global health initiative at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBushCenter?fref=ts">George W. Bush Institute</a>. June 30-July 1, 2013 </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-vvODqLSQGgUmSMTZA9ILgndtw2pV3usUIx920eBDgmGqssXsnwssmeP0P9R4UzFdPBOrdgcKKHycLrsACCH-Krcgfm5IRxeelqWD0HOBehrCbvNX8rou_3SY9-vqMnTxrPg0VHhlfQy/s640/George+W.+Bush+21+Afrida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-vvODqLSQGgUmSMTZA9ILgndtw2pV3usUIx920eBDgmGqssXsnwssmeP0P9R4UzFdPBOrdgcKKHycLrsACCH-Krcgfm5IRxeelqWD0HOBehrCbvNX8rou_3SY9-vqMnTxrPg0VHhlfQy/s400/George+W.+Bush+21+Afrida.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">GWB has spent his time traveling the country and the world on behalf of human freedom, global health, education, economic freedom, and <a href="http://newbusinessethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=653:former-us-president-to-visit-ethiopia-tanzania-zambia-&catid=27:health&Itemid=52">AIDs research in Africa</a>, something <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/15/georgebush.usa">he began while President</a>. In 2008, he received the <a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2008-11-13-voa5-66795107.html"><span lang="X-NONE">Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Award</span></a> for his work in Africa, and in December 2011 he and Mrs. Bush traveled to <a href="http://www.bushcenter.com/africa-trip">Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zambia</a> in their continued commitment to the people. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5govGzE1CqkoKqKpPc-h8ydtEDv3V-Dh8NdCk0cO1DJRV5Qv8ZkEk0T-IKZ6Gut9ERKaqgXvRS4xJD411Ms7dulVu8r2HB5PLf7UHA29UECS5xkOTt5OVapOH8tlxKgA0IAkUNs55qdU3/s960/George+W.+Bush+22+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5govGzE1CqkoKqKpPc-h8ydtEDv3V-Dh8NdCk0cO1DJRV5Qv8ZkEk0T-IKZ6Gut9ERKaqgXvRS4xJD411Ms7dulVu8r2HB5PLf7UHA29UECS5xkOTt5OVapOH8tlxKgA0IAkUNs55qdU3/s400/George+W.+Bush+22+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not many are aware of <a href="http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2011/07/19/bono-praises-george-w-bush-saving-millions-africa-prendergast-credits">Bush’s humanitarian work</a> in other parts of the world. In the summer of 2011, Bono of the rock group U-2 praised Bush for his fight against AIDs in Africa, a stand that has saved over five million lives during the past eight years. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3QqlEqaJkAkM-Elx6-_8_cg5tDcgzpxel5vEPVjluoGVSbtJBWDzZNtOh-vaMUIELssYQH4ZfwCtJZF3gepufxDgAnMZkppF17UidXBUEYfKrMxqeNYts8dYe7LO05WaB4VbViOXKyYJ/s960/George+W.+Bush+23+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3QqlEqaJkAkM-Elx6-_8_cg5tDcgzpxel5vEPVjluoGVSbtJBWDzZNtOh-vaMUIELssYQH4ZfwCtJZF3gepufxDgAnMZkppF17UidXBUEYfKrMxqeNYts8dYe7LO05WaB4VbViOXKyYJ/s400/George+W.+Bush+23+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In addition, human rights activist John Prendegast noted that it was during Bush’s administration and with the help of America’s influence that South Sudan was able to successfully obtain peace with the north. Democratic consultant and Fox News contributor Bob Beckel, co-host on Fox News Channel’s “The Five,” <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/02/democrat-bob-beckel-picks-george-w-bush.html">praised Bush’s African work</a> and picked him as one of his two all-time favorite presidents.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps2o5pq3Sk2GEb7D8XBGAUXxPOFMjq3TqyCZLaJ229kZ4RDYiQ6pwaa9VuzHQ3tlHsm1ZUhyphenhyphenHG-iTkbXG7rJqf13jf9Tg7fBmowfw5A1CIXxTdDvMKpp-0U8QvFTndIobvQUH9l6URGBF/s960/George+W.+Bush+24+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps2o5pq3Sk2GEb7D8XBGAUXxPOFMjq3TqyCZLaJ229kZ4RDYiQ6pwaa9VuzHQ3tlHsm1ZUhyphenhyphenHG-iTkbXG7rJqf13jf9Tg7fBmowfw5A1CIXxTdDvMKpp-0U8QvFTndIobvQUH9l6URGBF/s400/George+W.+Bush+24+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The President's tee shirt in this photo is a reminder that on the home front, most of the time he has spent with America’s military members is unknown to the public as he greets solders at airports when they return home from service overseas, reaches out to individual families, and works with injured military veterans and the <a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/">Wounded Warrior Project</a> including the <a href="http://www.bushcenter.org/military-service-initiative/w100k%E2%80%8E">W 100K mountain bike ride</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtBoJC3jJoWAj-fB-SSBZRobWr92-pmpN2L1K9SIzA6hyphenhyphenad4gL6Bkdxc19aydtq2t1Kkun3p-clDQzeB2qdKNPwllCiVnHkTE55auS8Qyl6RGOCFwoRMDuA9xbEz_m-0iSjafefuK1Zhf/s960/George+W.+Bush+25+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtBoJC3jJoWAj-fB-SSBZRobWr92-pmpN2L1K9SIzA6hyphenhyphenad4gL6Bkdxc19aydtq2t1Kkun3p-clDQzeB2qdKNPwllCiVnHkTE55auS8Qyl6RGOCFwoRMDuA9xbEz_m-0iSjafefuK1Zhf/s400/George+W.+Bush+25+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38skE0MMda-OwczQ72xXvryt0sZ9Xhg22ICRjdL610yKSDXecsLDQRrH8JxSVkRICqYuKk97Gr3rzRHECNEz0JQXx3JtvBsL-3Xx6rzS-oED4DbSoFIfdfqXQXgnD1aCI4Kxx0H8F-uRE/s960/George+W.+Bush+26+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38skE0MMda-OwczQ72xXvryt0sZ9Xhg22ICRjdL610yKSDXecsLDQRrH8JxSVkRICqYuKk97Gr3rzRHECNEz0JQXx3JtvBsL-3Xx6rzS-oED4DbSoFIfdfqXQXgnD1aCI4Kxx0H8F-uRE/s400/George+W.+Bush+26+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexZCO7QEjAtH9dvaWzK0aw9oxMRU7e4caBDPpF3oog5mYezkEmHjqUARjhla2S2wieKjyXzxLCVnTVsziD8EyitU7oFLFiUnmd0Wouqd-IMjz1ULZY7pSoC49U2hanzUDD6VVi00R8EhJ/s960/George+W.+Bush+27+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexZCO7QEjAtH9dvaWzK0aw9oxMRU7e4caBDPpF3oog5mYezkEmHjqUARjhla2S2wieKjyXzxLCVnTVsziD8EyitU7oFLFiUnmd0Wouqd-IMjz1ULZY7pSoC49U2hanzUDD6VVi00R8EhJ/s400/George+W.+Bush+27+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw40XhYgpbjcmh_sagZtj6BSUg_1oykBVF4bPRwElRL9uJX3SiR_ZN2736zt8q9HfWwEzB1jVDvrLcUkdHO4OCjeSQdi-3uga8pHsPYQH9hGIOw6u4C6rNhdaGQDPua6p3dN7BqrRworw/s960/George+W.+Bush+28+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw40XhYgpbjcmh_sagZtj6BSUg_1oykBVF4bPRwElRL9uJX3SiR_ZN2736zt8q9HfWwEzB1jVDvrLcUkdHO4OCjeSQdi-3uga8pHsPYQH9hGIOw6u4C6rNhdaGQDPua6p3dN7BqrRworw/s400/George+W.+Bush+28+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMSGk2KxnPMBVPmvwL830OIw3a9IHehHxmjsxhhmYMmltcLuXeHBkASB6_-Y9SLlnfgCjpgeJ3bVBvDaLzsIQfOjwDhU3n9BWroAvNLcv1BDMIoyHt9ZypCYZ9PAyzKXmiWJdIK4SzIAX/s960/George+W.+Bush+29+Africa+Laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMSGk2KxnPMBVPmvwL830OIw3a9IHehHxmjsxhhmYMmltcLuXeHBkASB6_-Y9SLlnfgCjpgeJ3bVBvDaLzsIQfOjwDhU3n9BWroAvNLcv1BDMIoyHt9ZypCYZ9PAyzKXmiWJdIK4SzIAX/s400/George+W.+Bush+29+Africa+Laura.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOrBMoluByQjvhzXleYJ9QCHDa4S-9O0MmWxywlDF6gA1HvqBSkrsLQHdPQGzslnddzBNZrZK8iHd2YhQDSn0ycPX40o09Ba0W9PQG33aN8eDIY3_ScPuIazcdM9Xl01g97m6gzz1DbGS/s960/George+W.+Bush+30+Africa+Laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOrBMoluByQjvhzXleYJ9QCHDa4S-9O0MmWxywlDF6gA1HvqBSkrsLQHdPQGzslnddzBNZrZK8iHd2YhQDSn0ycPX40o09Ba0W9PQG33aN8eDIY3_ScPuIazcdM9Xl01g97m6gzz1DbGS/s400/George+W.+Bush+30+Africa+Laura.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y6CNF_qj5f9E3pcUwr5W234HwD_zaltjxodqmGLU4eVGdK_KjWuMdMmOUw9YLJioMKN5ZTmvWK8vQusvPLDwJq7z3TeF-pP-nQoX76vSzi_MltMcwK6ZJICBvq0-EJJq-LNhmcHN_cE0/s960/George+W.+Bush+31+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y6CNF_qj5f9E3pcUwr5W234HwD_zaltjxodqmGLU4eVGdK_KjWuMdMmOUw9YLJioMKN5ZTmvWK8vQusvPLDwJq7z3TeF-pP-nQoX76vSzi_MltMcwK6ZJICBvq0-EJJq-LNhmcHN_cE0/s400/George+W.+Bush+31+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFMeYl-ASUQvWBiBB3A5DXH_RLhG3wYFTCC-4-YrDqNpPwVDbzeo528dqiGcClIyaEgHO56KVgzyqoWAD0UcRciKqMNelI03Y_q97NNvcf1xQJ33kyoQVlpATTn5I35VuK4TtkSWfWycw/s960/George+W.+Bush+32+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFMeYl-ASUQvWBiBB3A5DXH_RLhG3wYFTCC-4-YrDqNpPwVDbzeo528dqiGcClIyaEgHO56KVgzyqoWAD0UcRciKqMNelI03Y_q97NNvcf1xQJ33kyoQVlpATTn5I35VuK4TtkSWfWycw/s400/George+W.+Bush+32+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More about George and Laura Bush's work in Africa can be seen <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/wapost-obama-yet-to-leave-lasting.html">here</a> and <a href="http://bearingdrift.com/2012/04/03/george-w-bush-not-endorsing-in-presidential-primary-is-no-mystery/">here.</a></div><br /><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><i>Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.politicalpineapple.com/">Va Political Pineapple</a></i> </span></span><br /><br /><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Photos by Paul Morse</span></span><br /><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">For the <a href="http://www.bushcenter.org/">George W. Bush Presidential Center</a></span></span>

Africa AIDS Relief George W. Bush George W. Bush Institute global health initiative humanitarian mission Laura Bush Tanzania Zambia George W. Bush carries on humanitarian work in Africa

After a week of renovating, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush opened the Mosi-Oa-Tunya clinic, a cervical cancer facility in Livingsto...

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WaPost: 'Obama yet to leave a lasting legacy for Africa on the scale of Bush and Clinton'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-xLr7IN3Q3pN_zBAieochku5BCuOXMS5FbJNwShAVcFCMaetejkbB0qCSEet0Bw3WoWol9KUBhQ2XS1gMH_jAaYdyKNc6Pxnf7SH6b5Qnm-xsb_7W2HJDBR43tw1OwJ0XMJlW9s3kxc9/s720/George+W.+Bush+20+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-xLr7IN3Q3pN_zBAieochku5BCuOXMS5FbJNwShAVcFCMaetejkbB0qCSEet0Bw3WoWol9KUBhQ2XS1gMH_jAaYdyKNc6Pxnf7SH6b5Qnm-xsb_7W2HJDBR43tw1OwJ0XMJlW9s3kxc9/s400/George+W.+Bush+20+Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Laura and George W. Bush in Zambia, June 30, 2013.</i></div><br />The pictures are all over Facebook showing Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura traveling Africa this week as they continue their humanitarian mission that began before leaving the White House four years ago.<br /><br />Slowly but surely liberals have begrudingly had to admit GWB has played a large role in <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/bush-aids-policies-shadow-obama-in-africa/2013/06/30/0c8e023c-e1ac-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html?tid=pm_world_pop">AIDs relief</a> that has been credited with saving millions of lives. The Bushes have been <a href="http://bearingdrift.com/2012/04/03/george-w-bush-not-endorsing-in-presidential-primary-is-no-mystery/">instrumental in other global health advances</a>, too, and are almost revered in that part of the world. <br /><br />President Barack Obama? Not so much, and the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/obama-yet-to-leave-a-lasting-legacy-for-africa-on-the-scale-of-bush-and-clinton/2013/06/28/2d47d9f2-dfc3-11e2-8cf3-35c1113cfcc5_story_1.html">Washington Post</a> has noticed:<br /><blockquote>Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush passed innovative Africa initiatives while in the White House and passionately continue their development work in the region in their presidential afterlife. Obama’s efforts here have not been so ambitious, despite his personal ties to the continent.</blockquote>It must be a tad awkward for Obama to find himself in Bush's shadow after spending the first four years of his administration blaming his predecessor for everything that went wrong in America. The Post notes that Obama is five years into his administration and just now on a major tour of Africa, just the second time while President:<br /><blockquote>His first major tour of Africa as president is coming just now, in his fifth year, while Bush and Clinton are frequent fliers to Africa. Bush even will be in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, next week at the same time as Obama, although they have no plans to meet. Instead, their wives plan to appear together at a summit on empowering African women organized by the George W. Bush Institute, with the former president in attendance.</blockquote>The people of Africa had expected more from America's first black president after he told them in his first year, "I have the blood of Africa in me."<br /><br />Meanwhile, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush captured the heart of Africa with work that continues to this day:<br /><blockquote>Clinton first drew extensive attention to Africa in 1998 when he made the longest trip ever by a U.S. president, with stops in six countries that had never before been visited by any occupant of the Oval Office. Bush’s trip this week is his third in 19 months to promote his Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon partnership to combat breast and cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. On this visit, he and his wife, Laura, plan to help renovate a cervical cancer screening and treatment clinic in Zambia before heading to Tanzania for the African First Ladies Summit advocating investment in programs for women and girls.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI7N-R5ei14mySuFZE6ERRnUWTtuuULYNs3nQMCoTgzejuA9JbBUdOvurO4dnEkuOCLX3eMm3x8MbuVPiWd0d_X1Xvz9h83rTxg-ghPiSX_ynUoTUBiHfeG0mETAI7-4yIUgnpbEHa5jU/s640/George+W.+Bush+21+Afrida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI7N-R5ei14mySuFZE6ERRnUWTtuuULYNs3nQMCoTgzejuA9JbBUdOvurO4dnEkuOCLX3eMm3x8MbuVPiWd0d_X1Xvz9h83rTxg-ghPiSX_ynUoTUBiHfeG0mETAI7-4yIUgnpbEHa5jU/s400/George+W.+Bush+21+Afrida.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>After a week of renovating, President and Mrs. Bush opened the Mosi-Oa-Tunya clinic, a cervical cancer facility in Livingstone, Zambia. Their trip demonstrates their continued commitment to the people of Africa through the work of the global health initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. June 30, 2013</i></div><br />Photos from the <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBushCenter?fref=ts">George W. Bush Presidential Center</a></i>

Africa AIDS Relief Barack Obama Bill Clinton George W. Bush George W. Bush Presidential Center humanitarian mission Laura Bush Washington Post Zambia WaPost: 'Obama yet to leave a lasting legacy for Africa on the scale of Bush and Clinton'

Laura and George W. Bush in Zambia, June 30, 2013. The pictures are all over Facebook showing Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura...

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