I came to the somewhat startling realization recently that George Bush has been President for over half of my adult life. His eight years as President constitute a full quarter of my entire life.
I recall very clearly the run up to the 2000 election and where I was on election night that Fall when the networks reversed their initial call and we all came to know the meaning of hanging chad.
While there’s a lot that can be said, and has been said, about the successes and failures of the Presidency of George W. Bush, one very positive thing that came out of the 2000 election and the Presidency of GWB is it encouraged me personally to take my involvement in politics to the next level.
I’m a firm believer that those who want to see things change need to work hard to effect the change they wish to see. Whether it’s in your neighborhood or at your job, if you want to see something done it’s important to get involved if you want to see anything happen.
All of the work and commitment and dedication that I and thousands others have put in over the past eight years finally bears it’s fruit tomorrow with the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
For me personally, it’s a proud moment in history. I also think that for our Country it’s a proud moment in our collective history. It’s an exciting time for America.
I live in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI with my wife Jen, our daughter Emerson, and sons Carter and Colton.
I remember the first inauguration of Eisenhower in January of 1953 when the nuns took us second graders to the school hall to watch it on a 12″ black and white television. Yikes, that was 56 years ago!
I miss Ike.