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    George W. Bush Says Being Calm on 9/11 was the Key

    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
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    COMMENTARY | On Sept. 11, 2001, then-President George W. Bush was sitting in school classroom in Florida waiting to talk with some children when White House Chief of Staff Andy Card whispered in his ear that two jets had struck the World Trade Center buildings in New York City. Almost everyone has seen the iconic photo of Bush receiving the news and many have debated his reaction -- or lack of reaction.

    The former president was interviewed for a National Geographic Channel special that will air in September and, for the first time, discussed his demeanor at that moment. Bush told Reuters that he wanted to project "sense of calm" in front of the children, especially since he was aware that the television cameras in the back were focused on him.

    I've always felt Bush got a bum rap on how he reacted on that historic day. He's been criticized for not leaving the classroom immediately, for failing to return to Washington right away, for hiding in different locations around the country. All of that is hyperbole not worthy of comment.

    He was the leader of the free world. On that day, Americans did not know if we were under a major attack or an isolated incident. The Secret Service and U.S. military did what they had to do to protect the leader of our country and the commander-in-chief. And, as soon as events were better understood, Bush returned to Washington. Let's not forget that in this modern day an American president is able to conduct military operations anywhere and, most certainly, on board Air Force One.

    The National Geographic show will air in September and I'm looking forward to watching it. I want to hear what Bush was thinking in his own words. He was never one of my favorite presidents and certainly had more than his fair share of questionable moments, but 9/11 was not one of them. I respect the job he did on 9/11 and the quiet role he has played as a former president. Others -- Bill Clinton -- could learn a lesson from his example.

     

    9 comments

    • TanyaP  •  9 mths ago
      Will go down as one of the best presidents. Bush restored honor and dignity to the office of the presidency. All his intentions were for the overall good of the country, especially as he tried to keep us safe. No, he wasn't always right, I've yet to see an earthly being who is. He showed great self control and sensitivity on that horrible day. He reacted the way a true leader should. There's some who should take lessons from him-could start by learning how to walk without the arrogance!
      • Arctic Cat 9 mths ago
        and I will go as one of the best space shuttle astronauts.
    • Ruzik M  •  9 mths ago
      Bush looked totally lost that day and for a few days after. It was Guliani that held us all together!
      • David Bradshaw 9 mths ago
        Funny, I held up and I think Guliani is a disgusting political opportunist.

        What held our country together was the people, not the incompetent politicians.
    • Cookie  •  9 mths ago
      I can see Obama being there, he took out OBL. I can see Rudy there, he worked his butt off after the attacks. But W? No way. All he did was smirk and pat himself on the back. Then he got us into two wars, one he left undone to invade iraq and leave us in this mess. Disgusting.
    • Cannibal  •  9 mths ago
      I remember, he was worried about how Clinton handle the unfunded war in 1998
    • slatibarfarst  •  9 mths ago
      We were under attack. The problem is that bush was behind it. The towers and the other buildings were destroyed by controlled demolitions. Bush used the alleged attack on the US by the Saudi's as an excuse to invade Iraq. That doesn't even make sense but he got away with it. He and Cheney blocked any real investigation. The video survelliance tapes still are not available to the public.
      • David Bradshaw 9 mths ago
        Slat, as a liberal, I quote Bill Clinton regarding the 9 11 conspiracy theorists:

        SHAME ON YOU!

        I don't like Republicans, but the 9 11 conspiracy talk is paranoid and simply not supported by the facts.
      • hobomonky 9 mths ago
        apparently there are those who refuse to believe that American leaders are not capable of pulling off a false flag event, despite history showing it has been done. Theses are the same people who believe that the Federal reserve is a government office who answers to us and the recent debt crisis is now over. LOL fact is Slat is right no one in Bush's admin or any federal bank rep has had to answer anything or be accountable to anyone. It makes me sad to see so much ignorance, for if every US citizen new what has happened since the country was formed and what is going on this minute, they would have pitch forks in hand and on the white house lawn demanding their country back!
      • Mel 9 mths ago
        Did you mean to say that there are those who refuse to believe that American leaders ARE capable of pulling off a false flag event? That would make more sense (if only in the context of a response) You are correct, ignorance IS rampant in this country.
    • Houston Hammer  •  9 mths ago
      President Obama released a statement Monday marking Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.
      Very nice of you Barry, now come all the way out the closet and just admit you are a muslim.
      • David Bradshaw 9 mths ago
        Hammer, we are a multi-ethnic and cultural society. I remember the Obama's holding a Jewish passover feast, so that must make them Jewish.

        Think first, then hammer.
      • The truth Police 9 mths ago
        What do you expect. He bows to king of Saudi, He gives his big speech in Egypt, No one knows where his church is. He brought our country to the brink of economical destruction and he had a birthday bash last night, each plate $40,000.00. These are bunch of leftist, who are bbbbbbbbbillioners, and don't want give a penny to help the country, they are the union boss. Let's call him from now on the money raiser and chief! Isn't all that he does? Sorry he plays golf. Haven't you figure him out yet. Always crises, and always in the last minute solving it. He 's busy, busy, busy with work of the country, like vacationing , fund raising, golfing playing basketball, eating ice cream, ...
    • Blue Planet  •  9 mths ago
      9-11 was terroist act. It was not a blank check for war nor was it an open invitation to decimate the Constitution.

      But Bush and the Neo-Cons took advantage of our national tragedy and did both. Look where we are today. Sad, sad state of affairs.

      Thanks W, now go crawl back under your cow patty and leave us alone.
      • The truth Police 9 mths ago
        President Bush did what any sane president would do. Why don't you (Bush haters) leave him alone. He did the best job possible. His rating went up to the roof, until the fight of Congress and washington began.
    • David Bradshaw  •  9 mths ago
      I think Bush was contemplating the August memo that warned the government that a strike was imminent. He thought, "Oh no, I should have been paying attention." Amazingly, he has never been held accountable for ignoring the warning.
    • Milton  •  9 mths ago
      New York is a blue state so what's the heck he thought.
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