Posted by
Terry Paulson on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 10:49:19 AM
I may not agree with President Bush's recent actions in bailing out the auto industry, but I need to note how much I respect him for his role as a caring, Commander in Chief.
It has recently been reported in the Washington Times (http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/dec/22/bush-cheney-comforted-troops-privately/) that President Bush has sent personal letters to the families of every one of the more than 4,000 troops who have died in the two wars. This enormous personal effort has consumed hours of his time and escaped public notice.
The task, along with meeting family members of troops killed in action, has been so wrenching. He's had to balance the anger, grief and pride of families coping with the loss symbolized by a flag-draped coffin and handle all of his other taxing duties as president.
President Bush said in an interview with a Washington Times reporter, "People say, 'Why would you do that?' And the answer is: This is my duty. The president is commander in chief, but the president is often comforter in chief, as well. It is my duty to be - to try to comfort as best as I humanly can a loved one who is in anguish."
The president often leaned on his faith and wife, Laura, for emotional support, but he knew it was his duty to do. I applaud him for his thoughtful commitment to make these contacts, and I wanted to acknowledge that action. Bush gets blamed for everything; he deserves far more accolades for what he has done in his eight years.