The Legacy Of George W. Bush
By Tom Barrett (01/25/05)
As we approached the second Presidential Inauguration of George Walker Bush, pundits of every stripe have been debating endlessly the question of his legacy. "What will history say of the accomplishments of George W. Bush?" they inquire. I have studied this man, his words and his deeds, for years. I have come to the conclusion that he doesn't much care what future historians or his current constituents think of his performance as President. He is much more concerned with whether he has pleased God the Father.
We can see the truth of this in the words of his Inaugural address. "From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom? And did our character bring credit to that cause?"
Our character. His character. Character is what guides our actions when no one but God can see us. The President realizes that he answers to the people of the United States. But ultimately he will stand befor his Heavenly Father and give an accounting of his actions and inactions as President. And he is accutely aware of this fact.
On Thursday, January 20, 2005 he spoke these words: "From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth." The Constitution did not give us any rights; it recognized the rights that God gave us. In the same way, whatever documents emerge to guide the nations we have helped on the path to freedom cannot afford their people any rights. They have rights and dignity, in the words of Mr. Bush, ".because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth."
Bush threw down the gauntlet of character when he proclaimed, "We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America's belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty."
We cannot permanently change the way other nations treat their people by force of arms. That will work in the short run, but unless nations change from the inside they are destined to return to their old ways. Bush's character, forged by his encounters with the living God and guided by His Word, will continue to influence our national character, which will in turn influence the charcter of the nations we help.
He made it clear that principle is far more important than trade or diplomatic relations or even peace. "The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: 'Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.'" Better a short conflict followed by peace than eternal turmoil and injustice.
Our President has accomplished much in the legislative arena by working with both parties, and he will accomplish more in this term. But I believe he finds more satisfaction when he considers the march of freedom around the world that he has helped to propel than any legislative success:
"Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well - a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world."
God has instilled in every man and woman the desire for freedom and dignity.
Oppressors attempt to crush those God-given desires for their own gain. By using the power of his office to help people around the world attain what God has taught them to seek, he is pleasing his boss, the Creator of the Universe.
Given the choice of being honored by every man, woman and child on the planet and receiving every accolade and distinction that man can offer, George Walker Bush would rather hear his Father say, "Well done, faithful servant." That is the legacy that our President seeks. And our nation will be blessed because we have such a leader.
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