George W Bush Jr - Will History Remember Him as a Great President?

George W Bush Jr. won his first Presidential term in 2000 defeating Al Gore in controversial circumstances. He was reelected in 2004 for a second term by defeating John Kerry and promised American's not to use military for his national building efforts and to reduce tax burden on the common man. He will be completing his term in January 2009 after completing two terms overseeing a tumultuous phase in American economy and world politics. Let us look at his performance during this period to know how history will judge him.

National Security : Bush's performance in this arena has him getting kudos from the common man. Most people (around 47%) agreed that America now has a better national security and Americans round the world are better protected especially after Bush's famous "war on terror" and "we will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail "speech. Many young Americans credit Bush for forcing Osama Bin Laden into hiding and giving the world notice that it is no longer business as usual.
International Armed Interventions : It is ironic that while Americans are happy that they feel secure, they do not endorse Bush's armed interventions in other country's, especially Iraq and Afghanistan. George Bush is facing his lowest popularity ratings ever with over 53% opposing his Iraq adventure.
Public Education : 32% Americans feel public education has been negatively affected by Bush's policies of school vouchers, sopping of grants and scholarships and other regressive measures.
Tax system : 40% Americans feel that tax system has become more complicated under Bush's regime and in effect has put them in a worse off situation than before.
Health Care : This is one area where Bush is criticized heavily. 43% of Americans say they can hardly afford health insurance and change in Medicaid and Mediclaim policies meant that seniors were deprived of critical state sponsored health care.
Social Security system : Bush with his policy favoring handing over social security funds to private pension houses and his attempts to privatize social security system has antagonized the major middle class and senior citizens. In any case, this is a regressive step.
Federal Budget Deficit : George Bush's Iraq misadventure has meant that he leaved behind a huge deficit for his successor and tough days ahead for his countrymen.

In addition, race relations have deteriorated and the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. There are many who are already branding George Bush Jr as the worst President in United State's history while others are ready to hail him as a hero and a great President for standing up to terror. History will announce its judgement in the next couple of decades. What about you?

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We Didn't Start the Fire - Obama Isn't the First Black President

The Black Question

Is President-elect Obama the first Black President? For that matter, was JFK the first Irish President? Was there ever a Jewish President? Was J. Edgar Hoover Black? Was there a Black Founding Father? How do you define Black?

The Preliminary

Before we get to the first Black President, let's discuss the other ethnic questions. JFK was not the first Irish President but the first Irish Catholic (or Green Irish) President. Actually, there were six other Irish Presidents before JFK who were Protestants (Orange Irish). In a similar fashion, there were Jewish Presidents - yep, precisely two Jewish Presidents - Teddy Roosevelt and FDR.

Say what?

I'm not mistaken - I am able to provide references and peer reviewed historical sources for my assertion. Both sides (paternal and maternal) of the Roosevelts were Jewish. This is important because a person is deemed Jewish only if his/her maternal line is Jewish or s/he converts to Judaism. For example, the Legendary Reggae Singer Hon. Robert Nesta Marley's father was Jewish (born in England of Syrian descent) but he would not qualify as a Jew because his mother is a Gentile (Afro-Jamaican). Similarly, Jamaican Rapper Sean Paul Henriques' (attended a private Jewish School - Hillel Academy located in Kingston, Jamaica) father is Jewish but his mother is a Gentile (Chinese Jamaican). As a matter of fact, Jamaica's Chief Rabbi Ainsley Cohen Henriques is Sean Paul's granduncle. Sean Paul wouldn't be considered Jewish unless he converts (or his mother converted before he was born) because of his maternal line as per the Orthodox Rabbinical Law. In my case, I am a Jew because my maternal line (mother's mother's mother) is Jewish although my paternal line (father's father's father) is Maroon. Sir Winston Churchill's was Jewish because his mother (born in Brooklyn, New York) was an Ashkenazi Jew. Great Britain's Prince Charles isn't a Jew although his paternal family tree contains a Jewish branch as well as an Indian branch and a Black (via Pushkin's daughter) branch. British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli was Jewish although he practiced the Christian religion since the day his father converted to Christianity due to a dispute with the English Jewish Community Leadership.

I digress; returning to the Roosevelts. The Roosevelt family is actually the Rosenfeld family (a Sephardic Jewish family) of Spain. They migrated from Spain to Holland (once under Spanish rule) before they finally migrated to New York. The rest is history as we would say.... I must add the Roosevelts worshiped at the Episcopalian Church during their lifetime. Let's not forget that former Republican Virginia Governor George "Macaca" Allen is Jewish because his mother was a Sephardic Jew born and raised in North Africa. As a matter of fact, Governor Allen's maternal grandfather was briefly detained by the Nazis because of his Jewish background. Today, Governor Allen practiced the Christian religion although some would argue that he is not exactly Christ-like. What would Jesus do in light of Governor Allen's 'Macaca' moments?

The Definition of Blackness

Before we return to the Black Presidents, let's look on Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Alexander Hamilton was an Octoroon (8 parts Black) who was born and raised in the British West Indies. J. Edgar Hoover was adopted by the Hoover family and was raised in Washington D.C. However, as per irrefutable documentation, J. Edgar Hoover had a Black biological grandfather who lived in the segregated South. I hope I didn't offend my fellow Blacks that one of us sabotaged the great Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey (my greatest personal hero since the Christ); Malcolm X, and MLK. Yes, Mr. Hoover was hiding a lot more in his "closet" besides the dresses, the Halloween fairy costumes, skeletons and buried bodies.

Spit it out already - the first Black President?

In the United States, the definition of Blackness is the one drop of blood rule, and you're Black by nature and not by nurture. If not, President-elect Obama would be White (50% White and 50% Black - nature; he was born and raised in a White home and with White values - nurture) instead of Black.

The preceding paragraph brings to mind, "Kittens born in an oven don't make them biscuits," responded William Butler Yeats to criticisms attacking him for distancing himself from his Irish heritage (he's of an Orange Irish background). At least it's not like Tiger Woods stating "I'm not Black. I'm just a quarter Black and three quarter Thai [his mother is full Thai and his late father is half Black and half Thai]." Or worse, a famous Brazilian personality trying to convince a foreign interviewer that Soccer Legend Pele is not Black -

Brazilian Personality: "Brazilians (White or otherwise) doesn't see Pele as a Negro. He is a national hero and a national treasure to the Brazilian people. We are colorblind as far as Pele is concerned."

Foreign Interviewer: "Would it have anything to do with the Latin/South American phrase (as it pertains to race relations in Latin America), 'Money whitens...?'"

Brazilian Personality: "No, Pele is very elevated in Brazil. As a matter of fact, Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan are so popular in your country that my White American friends stated that they don't see them as Negroes. Wouldn't you agree?"

Foreign Interviewer: "I wouldn't mistake their skin's color for a great tan." Would you?

The Solution - the Proof - the Drum Roll....

There were five Black Presidents before President-elect Barack Obama: Thomas Jefferson; Andrew Jackson; Abraham Lincoln; Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. No, Bill Clinton is not the first Black President although he is an honorary Black President. With all his warts, the Black community accepts him as a 'brother'- welcome to Harlem, Mr. President - we still love you.

First, Thomas Jefferson's mother was a half-Native Indian and his father had Black heritage. Second, Andrew Jackson's mother was Irish and his father had Black heritage (Andrew Jackson's brother was of a much darker complexion). Third, Abraham Lincoln's mother had Ethiopian heritage and there was a lot of contemporary media speculation about Lincoln's paternity (his father was sterile from childhood mumps and was later castrated; his real father was speculated to be Black) during his Presidential Campaign. He was nicknamed Africanus the First in the newspapers during his lifetime. Fourth, Warren Harding never denied his Black ancestry even when he was challenged in a public forum. According to Dr. Leroy Vaughn, M.D., M.B.A.,

"William Chancellor, a White professor of economics and politics at Wooster College in Ohio, wrote a book on the Harding family genealogy and identified Black ancestors among both parents of President Harding. Justice Department agents allegedly bought and destroyed all copies of this book. Chancellor also said that Harding's only academic credentials included education at Iberia College, which was founded in order to educate fugitive slaves."

Fifth, Calvin Coolidge mother's maiden name was Moor. She was of mixed Native Indian and Black ancestry from New England.

Dr. Leroy Vaughn, M.D., M.B.A. continued,

"All of the presidents mentioned were able to pass for White and never acknowledged their Black ancestry. Millions of other children who were descendants of former slaves have also been able to pass for White. American society has had so much interracial mixing that books such as "The Bell Curve"[co-authored by American Enterprise Institute's Dr. Charles Murray - the author of "Losing Ground"], discussing IQ evaluations based solely on race, are totally unrealistic."

I highly recommend his powerful book - Black People & their Place in World History: a Dynamic, Honest and Powerful View of Black History. Unfortunately it's not required reading in the American Public School system.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, science tells us that the Cradle of the Human Race is in Sub-Saharan Africa (exactly, Ethiopia - derived from the Greek for "Burnt Faces"). In addition, scientific study researchers discovered that "blue eyes are the result of a genetic mutation that likely occurred between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago." Copenhagen University's Prof. Hans Eiberg stated, "Originally, we all had brown eyes." As a matter fact, scientists postulate that all blue eyed individuals shared one common ancestor.

The Afterthought - the Barbarism of Racism (Reverse or Otherwise) as per this author

In closing, no one should sacrifice another 'identity' group on the altar of 'identity' ideology in the glorification of their 'identity' idol worship. To the point, no one (or group) should promote reverse discrimination (persecution and humiliation of other groups); often feels his/her racism (in spite of its inherent illegality, immorality and barbarity) is justified because of the "atrocities endured by their identity group." If not, he/she who racially discriminates against one individual discriminates against all humanity. After all, don't we belong to the human race? Didn't we descend from the 'cradle' (both Biblically and scientifically) of Mother Africa?

Hail Obama, the Next President of the Great U.S. of A.

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What Makes A Great President?

The same traits that make any good leader should be present in a good president. For example:

1. Strong-willed. A president must impose his will against the opposition of his most trusted advisers when his gut feeling says he is right. Eisenhower sent troops to the South to impose the new federal law regarding the end of segregation in public schools.

2. Willing to take risks. John F. Kennedy ordered the blockade of Cuba to prevent access by Soviet ships. This incident could have degenerated into a major confrontation between the two countries.

3. Ethical. Ethics must guide his every decision. William Jefferson Clinton showed his lack of ethics in both the Monica Lewinsky incident and his last minute pardon of a man facing criminal charges, Marc Rich. The presidency cannot be sullied by actions that betray the trust of the American people in this noble institution.

4. Charismatic. Though not a must quality, charisma has helped some presidents gain support among the American people for their key decisions. FDR galvanized male citizens into joining the Armed Forces when he gave his famous speech "Day of Infamy". John F. Kennedy persuaded the Soviet leadership that we would never back down as a nation when confronted during the missile crisis. He also gave a huge boost to the space program which culminated with our landing on the moon.

5. Skilled Negotiator. George W. Bush and his cabinet placed aggression before negotiations, resulting in a totally useless war, a very poor image on the international scene and a tottering economy. Nixon on the other hand, while lacking ethical values, proved his negotiating abilities in ending the Vietnam War and in establishing relations with China. Whether the merit rests with his Secretary of State Kissinger is another matter for discussion.

Jimmy Carter convinced Menachem Begin, the Israel leader, and Anwar el Sadat, President of Egypt, to agree to peace talks at Camp David. After negotiating with France, Jefferson persuaded Congress to acquire the then Louisiana Territory, increasing the size of the country immensely. Reagan successfully negotiated a reduction in nuclear missiles with Gorbachev, the head of the Soviet government.

These are examples of what diplomacy can accomplish whenever our leaders understand that force must be a last resort.

6. Role-Model in Their Personal Life. True enough, modern political campaigns tend to air dirty laundry and prevent scandal-laden candidates from reaching the presidency (exception: Bill Clinton, of course). Who can dispute the exemplary life of Eisenhower, George Washington and Harry Truman! We forgive peccadilloes; we understand human frailty. We admire frankness and public confessions, as was the case for the new governor of New York who had no compunction in venting his affairs during his first press conference.

However, would we elect Nixon nowadays, the master manipulator, or Lyndon Johnson, the sad-looking legislator from Texas? Would we elect Woodrow Wilson, the Baptist preacher, who nevertheless pushed through Congress valuable legislation such as the creation of the Federal Reserve? He unfortunately failed to convince the rest of the world to create the League of Nations.

Probably not, generating the question again: What makes a great president?

7. Honest Astuteness. We don't want a gullible president (Jimmy Carter?), and we don't want a malicious president who lies to the American people. We need a smart person who knows when not to reveal the truth - thus protecting innocent lives or significant and confidential negotiations - and when to come clean. Lying to Congress, Nixon and, again, Clinton, leads to impeachment. Lying to the American citizens results in a tarnished legacy and presidency. History has a way to put every President into the proper perspective.

8. Reflexive. The dictionary definition says:" Turned back on itself". We want a person who is able to analyze his/her own motives, emotions, traits, impulses, habits both good and bad, motivation and passions. A reflective president will avoid precipitous decisions which can harm the country, his own presidency and/or future generations. FDR could easily be a poster for reflection; he became famous for fireside chats on the radio ( Who nowadays listens to the current President's Saturday's radio address, a futile exercise from days past, when in modern times everybody pays attention to their Blackberry, computer or wi-fi cell phone?).

The opposite would be 'impulsive'. Again Nixon showed a total lack of control when he ordered the Watergate affair. Clinton could not keep his pants buttoned up when he met a pretty girl in the White House inner sanctum. The resulting scandal caused untold damage to our image worldwide.

9. Conscious of History. A President who has no historic vision, who has not learned from past lessons and mistakes, will repeat tragedies. Our present President got us involved in the Iraq mess, conveniently forgetting the Vietnam debacle. This president also failed to protect us adequately against terrorist attacks, i.e. 911, though his National Security Adviser had ample time to take the necessary measures after receiving warnings from FBI agents. We were the victims of several attacks before 9-11, one of them on the World Trade Center itself. Isn't there a think tank in Washington that analyzes all possible methods of attacks, including the kidnapping of commercial jets? Of course, there is; whether they advised the President or not of their conclusions is immaterial. "The buck stops here" isn't just a quaint expression; it is the true reflection of an immense responsibility. How many heads rolled after 9-11?

10. Good Judge of Character. The winning candidate should select his cabinet with only one purpose in mind: the best person for the job. Unfortunately, political debts are paid with powerful positions, thus resulting at times in the worst person for the job. Should we mention the deposed Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld probably chosen by Bush Sr. to push his agenda against Sadam Hussein?

How about Alphonso Jackson, the disgraced Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under George W. Bush. Or Warren G. Harding, who is famous for the corruption among his cronies.

If the cabinet positions are filled with incompetent and/or dishonest functionaries, the results can be catastrophic for the nation. Should we blame the federal government for the housing meltdown? Probably. Should we blame the government, i.e. the President for our disastrous foreign policy, a policy led by a very smart lady who hasn't shown the needed competence? Why get rid of Gen. Colin Powell? Was it because he disagreed with the President (gasp)?

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