Quotes for Today

Some quotes I hope may resonate with you.

Have a new Quotes for Today up on my Substack. As I've mentioned doing this as a way to thank those who have Subscribed. If you are a Subscriber - you should have received an email. Thanks.

Quotes for Today

Some quotes I hope may resonate with you.

Have a new Quotes for Today up on my Substack. As I've mentioned doing this as a way to thank those who have Subscribed. If you are a Subscriber - you should have received an email. Thanks.

George HW Bush

George Herbert Walker Bush has passed away at age 94. He was a true gentleman of great character who spent much of his life in service to his country whether it be in uniform as a Navy combat pilot during World War II or in various government or elected positions culminating with his service as the 41st President of the United States.

His passing comes just 8 months after the death of his beloved wife of 73 years Barbara Bush. The photo to the left is of George and Barbara on their wedding day.

As a simple example of how great a person George HW Bush was - five years ago he shaved his head in support of the son of a secret service agent battling cancer. It should be noted that George and Barbara lost their first daughter Robin to childhood leukemia.

Many of the articles you will read today will speak about 41 as a one term President. If those articles do not mention H. Ross Perot you can be sure that you are reading an article from an outlet that is biased or incompetent. Perot's entry into the 1992 election as a third-party candidate is what cost Bush re-election.

Perot won almost 19% of the popular vote that year (the most ever by a modern third-party candidate). So any eulogies that ignore that piece of history should make you think twice about ever trusting that media outlet again.

His feelings about Perot aside, Bush was gracious and classy in defeat as this note to Bill Clinton shows.

HBO has an excellent documentary on the life of George HW Bush named simply 41. The documentary is completely narrated by 41 and goes through every aspect of his life - from childhood to the Presidency. When Perot is mentioned you can hear that hatred still for the man who Bush blames for not having a second term as President. Perhaps the only person Bush had those feelings about.

George HW Bush and George W Bush, of course, were just the second father-son to hold the office of President. They joined John and John Quincy Adams in that rare accomplishment.

I think history will look very favorably on George HW Bush and on his Presidency.

One of my favorite what-ifs in history is the fact that before picking Dan Quayle as his Vice President, Bush briefly considered giving that slot to Clint Eastwood instead. That's 100% true. Can you imagine how history would have been different if that happened?

Rest in peace you great and honorable man. Barbara is waiting for you.

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

After seeing those Dominoes pizza insurance commercials I've come to the conclusion that I'm too smart and coordinated to buy their pizza. However, your self-esteem may allow you make a purchase... Snow in space? Would also be a good name for an intergalactic cocaine smuggling thriller... Just a reminder - Barack Obama did not attend Nancy Reagan's funeral. Given the bad blood between the Bush family and Donald Trump - I think the situation at Barbara's funeral was handled properly... People are calling this taunting? If so this has to be the most polite taunting in NBA history. Watch Duke home games to see proper taunting... US oil floods Europe hurting Russia and OPEC offerings. Was this what Trump meant when he said trade wars are good and easy to win?... Vanderbilt University and every college in Nashville should step up and offer James Shaw Jr's daughter a full-boat scholarship to thank him on behalf of the entire Nashville community for his heroics at the Waffle House. It's the least that should be done for the man...  On this day in 1915 the Armenian genocide was begun. How is it possible that the international community (including the US to our shame) still does not officially recognize that this happened?... 

Barbara Bush

That cartoon brought a tear to my eye.

This thread also helped exemplify the type of person Barbara Bush was.

RIP

Barbara Bush

George and Barbara Bush's wedding photo in 1945.

- Statement from President George W Bush on the passing of his mother.

- Statement from President and Mrs. Obama on the passing of Barbara Bush.

- A reminder on the type of person Barbara Bush was.

- General Chuck Yeager has a couple of anecdotes on how fine a person and how down to earth Barbara Bush was.

- Five years ago George HW Bush shaved his head in support of the son of a secret service agent. It should be remembered that George and Barbara lost their first daughter Robin to childhood leukemia. Now after 73-years of marriage George has lost the love of his life. Reportedly he was holding her hand as she passed.

My prayers are with George HW Bush and the rest of the Bush family.

Update on President H. W. Bush

Glad that President Bush and his lovely wife Barbara are both doing better. However, in my head as I read the press release I hear Dana Carvey's impersonation of Bush saying, "I'll be God-damned if I die before that little prick H. Ross Perot kicks the bucket! Not gonna do it!"

Top 5 - Presidential Marriages

On this day in 1919 - Harry Truman married Bess Wallace. Their marriage was absolute and the epitome of love honor and obey (Harry obeying Bess that is). Here are what I consider the top 5 love affairs between Presidents and first ladies in US history.

1. Harry and Bess Truman
2. Ron and Nancy Reagan
3. George and Martha Washington
4. John and Abigail Adams
5. (tie) Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter (tie) George and Barbara Bush

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Black Jack Pershing would be tried as a war criminal today instead of lauded as an effective leader dealing with barbarians in an effective manner. Not sure if I'd call that progress,

- Today would ave been Elvis' 80th birthday. Here's a great cover of him singing Bridge Over Troubled Water.

- I agree

- A day late but happy 70th wedding anniversary Mr and Mrs Bush

- Heh heh - karma is a pre-existing condition

- Increase in minimum wage forces Michigan non-profit restaurant to close

- How can you not love Pedro Martinez? "You tell Clemens, he hits one of mine, I take two of his."