[Reprinted from May 2, 2020]
Former President George W. Bush has a message for our nation and, reminiscent of the days after 9-11, he offers compassion, comfort, and uplifting words as he reaches out to all Americans — all Americans — with his words of unity and hope in this 2.5-minute video message [1] (the transcript is below).
It is vintage W displaying all the empathy and compassion we saw during the terrorism attacks of 2001 … the GWB who led this country through that perilous time with a steady hand and determined will. But it was his understanding and sensitivity that calmed a nervous nation and helped prevent divisiveness between neighbors.
I miss that kind of leadership, and this message (audio [1]) is an example of exactly why I miss it. Thank you, President Bush….
A Message from Former President George W. Bush
“This is a challenging and solemn time in the life of our nation and world. A remorseless, invisible enemy threatens the elderly and vulnerable among us, a disease that can quickly take breath and life. Medical professionals are risking their own health for the health of others, and we’re deeply grateful.
“Officials at every level are setting out the requirements for public health to protect us all, and we all need to do our part. The disease also threatens broader damage … harm to our sense of safety, security, and community.
“The larger challenge we face is to confront an outbreak of fear and loneliness, and it is frustrating the many of the normal tools of compassion — a hug, a touch — can bring the opposite to the good we intend. In this case, we serve our neighbor by separating from them. We cannot allow physical separation to become emotional isolation. This requires us to be not only compassionate but creative in our outreach. And people across the nation are using the tools of technology in the cause of solidarity. In this time of testing we need to remember a few things.
“First, let us remember we have faced times of testing before. Following 9-11, I saw a great nation rise as one to honor the brave, to grieve with the grieving, and to embrace unavoidable new duties. And I have no doubt, none at all, that this spirit of service and sacrifice is alive and well in America.
“Second, let us remember that empathy and simple kindness are essential and powerful tools of national recovery. Even at an appropriate social distance, we can find ways to be present in the lives of others to ease their anxiety and share their burdens.
“Third, let’s remember that the suffering that we experience as a nation does not fall evenly. In the days to come it will be especially important to care in practical ways for the elderly, the ill, and the unemployed.
“Finally, let us remember how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat. In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants. We’re human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together … and we’re determined to rise. God bless you all.”
-George W. Bush (May 2, 2020, “The Call to Unite”)
Background:
-Axios: Former President Bush urges unity to overcome the coronavirus [2]