From the “Moderate” Side by Jim Blessing
Although I tend to be a supporter of Democratic presidential candidates, I recognize there have also been strong Republican presidents including Presidents Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower. A more recent Republican president who deserves praise is President George H.W. Bush (the first President Bush). Although I certainly didn’t agree with all of his actions (especially during his presidential campaign), I consider him the best Republican president since I started voting in 1972. George H.W. Bush is a good and decent man and was an honorable president.
Some of his positive actions were:
- Steady leadership during the break-up of the Soviet Union;
- Mobilized a United Nations coalition of countries to free Kuwait during the first Gulf war and pulled the troops out of Iraq immediately after winning;
- Besides persuading non-participating countries (such as Japan) to finance a large part of the cost, the first President Bush signed a tax increase to pay for his Gulf war (unlike his son who cut taxes to “pay” for his wars). This increase, along with President Bill Clinton’s, led to rising revenues and budget surpluses by 1998;
- Signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which marked the end of the long weapons buildup; and
- Took action to resolve the savings and loan crisis, which his predecessor totally ignored.
Also, after NRA EVP Wayne LaPierre referred to federal law enforcement agents as “jack-booted thugs” who attack law abiding citizens (shortly after the Oklahoma City bombing), Mr. Bush expressed his outrage by resigning from the NRA.
Lastly, I have a personal reason to praise Mr. Bush. He signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. This Act opened up all kinds of opportunities for the disabled, including the deaf. I personally became profoundly deaf at age five from the measles (I got a cochlear implant in 2010 which greatly improved my hearing). This legislation provided me with the tools that I needed to do my job, as my hearing significantly worsened over time. Thank you President Bush!