President George W. Bush

 

Easton Press George W. Bush books

A Charge to Keep - Signed First Edition for the Library of Presidents - 1999

 

President George W. Bush biography

George Walker Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, to George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. His entry into the political arena was seemingly predestined, given his familial connections to both politics and public service. George W. Bush spent his formative years in Texas, where his family eventually settled. After attending Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and later earning a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University, Bush took a detour from the family's political legacy to venture into the Texas oil industry. In the early 1970s, he obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School, marking the completion of his formal education. However, it wasn't long before George W. Bush's life took a turn back toward public service, influenced by his father's political career.

In 1994, Bush ran for and was elected the 46th Governor of Texas. His tenure as governor from 1995 to 2000 saw a focus on issues such as education reform, tort reform, and tax cuts. His leadership style, often characterized by a personal and affable demeanor, resonated with many Texans. The pivotal moment in George W. Bush's political career came in the 2000 presidential election. In a closely contested and highly controversial race, Bush faced off against Democrat Al Gore. The election ultimately hinged on the outcome in Florida, leading to legal battles and a Supreme Court decision that effectively secured Bush's victory.

Sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States on January 20, 2001, George W. Bush's presidency faced immediate and unexpected challenges. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, profoundly shaped his presidency, leading to the launch of the War on Terror and the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Domestically, Bush pursued a range of policy initiatives, including the No Child Left Behind Act, aimed at education reform, and tax cuts to stimulate economic growth. However, his presidency was also marked by controversies, including the handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the economic challenges that culminated in the financial crisis of 2008. As the leader of the nation during a period of significant global and domestic upheaval, George W. Bush's presidency was marked by its complexities and polarizing moments. His second term saw efforts to address immigration reform and a focus on the promotion of democracy in the Middle East.

After the 2000 presidential election, President George W. Bush kept his campaign promise to reform education with passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), a comprehensive education reform bill. The No Child Left Behind Act was signed into law by President Bush on January 8, 2002. The legislation aimed to address issues in the American education system and set ambitious goals for improving student achievement. While the No Child Left Behind Act aimed to address educational disparities and improve overall academic achievement, its implementation faced challenges and criticisms. Some argued that the emphasis on standardized testing created unintended consequences, and there were concerns about the level of federal involvement in education policy.

It's important to note that the No Child Left Behind Act was a significant legislative achievement during Bush's first term and represented an effort to fulfill his 2000 presidential election promise to improving education in the United States.

After leaving the presidency in 2009, George W. Bush largely withdrew from the political spotlight. He has since focused on philanthropy, including work on initiatives such as the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Bush Institute, which aims to advance policy research and leadership development. George W. Bush's legacy continues to be a subject of discussion and debate. While his presidency faced criticism, particularly related to the Iraq War and the handling of certain domestic issues, supporters praise his leadership during challenging times and his commitment to certain policy goals. The complexities of his presidency highlight the intricate nature of the office and the multifaceted challenges that confront those who hold it.

 

A Charge to Keep - My Journey to the White House

A Charge to Keep: My Journey to the White House offers a compelling and introspective account of the life and political career of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States. Authored by Bush himself, in collaboration with journalist Mickey Herskowitz, this autobiography provides readers with a firsthand perspective on the experiences and decisions that shaped his journey from a young Texan to the leader of the free world. Born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, George W. Bush was raised in a family deeply rooted in politics and public service. From an early age, he was instilled with the values of duty, honor, and faith, principles that would guide him throughout his life. In "A Charge to Keep," Bush reflects on his formative years, including his education at Yale University and his time as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard.

Central to Bush's narrative is his transformation from a successful businessman to a public servant. Drawing on his experiences as the governor of Texas, Bush offers insights into his leadership style and governing philosophy. He discusses his approach to issues such as education reform, healthcare, and taxation, highlighting his commitment to conservative principles and compassionate governance. Of course, the centerpiece of A Charge to Keep is Bush's tenure as President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Bush provides a candid account of the challenges and triumphs of his presidency, from the immediate aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He discusses his efforts to strengthen national security, promote democracy abroad, and revitalize the economy in the face of adversity.

Throughout the book, Bush reflects on the personal and spiritual dimensions of his journey, offering readers a glimpse into his faith and the role it played in shaping his decisions. He discusses the importance of family, friendship, and faith in times of crisis, revealing a deeply introspective and resilient leader.

In A Charge to Keep, George W. Bush invites readers to accompany him on a journey of self-discovery and public service. Through his engaging prose and candid reflections, Bush provides a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in the modern world. Whether recounting the trials of the campaign trail or the weighty decisions made in the Oval Office, Bush's memoir offers a compelling portrait of a man who sought to fulfill his "charge to keep" with integrity, courage, and humility.

George W. Bush quotes

"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."

"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on...shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best."

"I just want you to know that, when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace."

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

"You can't let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you."

"I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe—I believe what I believe is right."