As the spouse of the former President of the United States and as a prominent Republican and conservative, Laura Bush sees the issue from both sides of the coin. So if she can get past the pettiness of partisan politics, why can't the rest of us?
Her words of support for President Obama's address to the nation's schoolchildren exemplifies grace, courage, and the insight of a former schoolteacher who understands the challenges facing our educational system.
Why is this a women's issue? According to statistics compiled in 2005 and 2006, of the nearly 4 million educators in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary education, 82% of public school teachers are female. Of those who have less than 5 years' experience, 84% are female. It is primarily women who are guiding the future generation of leaders, legislators, inventors, engineers, scientists, doctors and teachers in our schools. Their numbers are growing, and their impressions matter.
As Laura Bush told CNN, "I think it's also really important for everyone to respect the President of the United States." She also shared her disappointment in the partisan atmosphere in Washington, D.C. -- a situation that was evident during her husband's two terms and continues today -- and urged lawmakers to come together in order to address critical issues.
Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for not letting a teachable moment go by.
Photo of Laura Bush
© Jemal Countess/Getty Images
Comments
All Americans should at least have respect for the President of the United States. To think someone of President Obama’s statue in our world would give negative advice to our leaders of tomorrow is sad. He represents our nation and the world, and we voted him into office. To those who have gotten on the band wagon of hysteria should make sure their children understand that respect is important and words of encouragement from the highest office in ournation is worth listening to, there may be something to learn.
Laura Bush feels able to give a generous opinion untinged by insecurity because she is a woman and, with few exceptions, women are naturally more generous and secure about what is right and wrong. As a non-American, I find it heartbreaking that Republicans and their right wing friends are succeeding in making such fast inroads into the positive, happy and hopeful feelings surrounding President Obama’s election. Please will you, Linda, use the power of your pen to return that situation back to its proper state, and urge your colleagues to do the same?