Bush Hails "Peaceful Transfer Of Power"

(AP Photo)

President George W. Bush has released a New Year's message stating that it is an exciting time in America, "as the peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy."

"We are preparing to welcome a new President into office, and we celebrate in a spirit of unity: one Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all," the president adds.

Mr. Bush then goes on to thank the American people for trusting him to serve as president and to talk about his accomplishments.

"It has been a tremendous privilege, and together we have accomplished a great deal," he says. "Among other things, we have advanced the cause of human freedom; we have strengthened our military and our Nation's security; we have empowered parents to demand educational excellence for their children; and we have revolutionized the fight against poverty, corruption, and the scourge of disease around the world."

The president also says he is working hard to accomplish his goal of a "sprint to the finish" of his presidency. Full message below.


THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary (Crawford, Texas)

For Immediate Release December 31, 2008

New Year's Day, 2009

New Year's Day is an opportunity to remember the events of the past and look forward with hope to the year ahead.

This New Year is an exciting time for our country, as the peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. We are preparing to welcome a new President into office, and we celebrate in a spirit of unity: one Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.

As my time in office comes to a close, I thank the American people for trusting me with the honor of serving our great country. It has been a tremendous privilege, and together we have accomplished a great deal. Among other things, we have advanced the cause of human freedom; we have strengthened our military and our Nation's security; we have empowered parents to demand educational excellence for their children; and we have revolutionized the fight against poverty, corruption, and the scourge of disease around the world.

Earlier this year, I promised that I would sprint to the finish of my time as President. We are working hard to keep that promise. Despite the challenges we face, nothing encourages me more than the character of the American people, whose acts of courage and service sustain our free society and make this the greatest country on Earth.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy New Year. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.

GEORGE W. BUSH

[mae221]

It''s all well and good that everyone thinks Bush did a **** poor job as president but there are a few things that shouldn''t be said about Bush:
It should never be said that Bush "let 9/11 happen on [his] watch". He never "let" it happen, he did all he could do to prevent any additional attacks on our soil, he even went to war against the people behind the attacks. Whether the war is going according to plan or not does not come into play here either, nobody can control the knowledge and power that terrorists have in their countries.
Bush has done the best job he could do (when it comes to the war) with the cards he was dealt.

[mae221]

It''s all well and good that everyone thinks Bush did a **** poor job as president but there are a few things that shouldn''t be said about Bush:
It should never be said that Bush "let 9/11 happen on [his] watch". He never "let" it happen, he did all he could do to prevent any additional attacks on our soil, he even went to war against the people behind the attacks. Whether the war is going according to plan or not does not come into play here either, nobody can control the knowledge and power that terrorists have in their countries.
Bush has done the best job he could with the cards he was dealt.

[endrepubs]

A little late for the peaceful transition remark Bush. Your presidency has been anything but peaceful. You let 9/11 happen on your watch. You started two wars. You raised the deficit and national debt to stratospheric heights. You ruined our economy with your de-regulatory approach to banks. You ruined our reputation around the world.
A few things you DID do.
You lowered taxes on the super rich and helped them enormously.
You widened the gap between the rich and poor to levels not seen since the early 1900''s. You helped your buddies in the oil and military industrial complex. Gasoline reached an all-time high on your watch. You have the worst approval rating of any President ever. Your inability to speak proper English was the butt on many jokes, and made the U.S. the joke of the world. I can go on and on but I am limited to 1500 characters on this site.

[lindh4]

Does this mean Bush will be surprised when he is arrested following the swearing in ceremonies?