Written by Jeffrey Ryan Howell
Behind Harding University President David Burks, a familiar face sat on the stage of the Benson Auditorium Thursday night, April 22. Dressed in a blue suit coat, a white dress shirt, and blue-striped tie, he listened quietly in his chair as Burks familiarized the audience with this guest’s credentials, history and accomplishments.
The capacity crowd of nearly 4,000 in the Benson Auditorium awaited the closure of Burks’ introduction so they could see the recognizable figure, and hear the well-known voice that guided the United States through eight years of American history. Finally, it came.
“We are delighted this evening to welcome President George Bush to Harding,” said Burks as he stepped away from the podium, shook Bush’s hand and sat in his chair.
Bush addressed an audience that consisted of students, faculty, staff, donors and other guests of the university. He discussed the positives and negatives of being president, recounted personal experiences that illustrate important skills and qualifications one needs as president, and told some humorous stories about life after the presidency. He began by warming up the audience with a comical post-presidency story.
“I’m lying on my couch back in Texas, and I say to my wife, ‘Free at last,'” he said. “She turns to me and says, ‘You are now free to do the dishes,'” Bush continued. “Do you know that you are talking to a former president of the United States? She replied, ‘Just consider it your new domestic policy.'”
Members of the audience who came to hear Bush criticize President Barack Obama for the choices he has made as president, or to hear Bush explain how he would handle the current problems that face the country, were probably disappointed. Bush took the high road, recalling that he didn’t like being criticized when he was president.
“I have zero desire to second guess President Obama,” Bush said.
One of the attitudes that Bush said presidents must have is a spirit of optimism. It’s hard to lead if you have no confidence or hope for your country, Bush said.
He illustrated this point with a story about a Russian dignitary who visited the White House. As the Russian dignitary entered the Oval Office and saw the brilliance and beauty of the room, he said, “My God.” Bush said he thought, “We have a conversion on the spot.”
Bush transitioned to a topic that was surrounded by much controversy during his presidency: foreign policy.
“My foreign policy and actions in foreign affairs were strongly influenced by my belief that every human is entitled to freedom,” Bush said. And like the transformation that Japan experienced after World War II from dictatorship to democracy, Bush said he is confident that, because of the United States’ efforts, someday Middle Eastern countries will also someday enjoy democratic governments, making the world a safer place.
Bush didn’t spend much time talking about economics or the current economic crisis, but he did make one crowd-pleasing statement about his view towards economics.
“The principle I operate on is that you can spend your money better than the government,” Bush said to the applauding crowd.
The former president didn’t fail to address topics that were relevant to his audience, like academics and religion.
“If you want to read and learn, turn off the T.V.,” Bush said to the younger members of the crowd.
Bush explained to the audience that as he went deeper into his presidency, he became more reliant on God and his religious beliefs. He said the prayers of the people saw him through the tough times as president.
“I don’t know how you can be president without the belief of a being of higher power,” Bush said.
Bush finished his speech with this summary of his years as president: “I tried to strengthen the institution for eight glorious years. Thanks for having me.”
After the speech, Bush answered a few questions that audience members had submitted prior to the speech. Dr. Jim Carr, executive vice president of Harding University, read the questions.
When asked what was his biggest adjustment back to civilian life, Bush said, “Getting used to traffic. You are really pampered as president.”
Bush spent a significant amount of time answering a question about 9/11. He explained his reaction to this catastrophic event: “The first plane was an accident, the second plane was an attack and the third plane was a declaration of war.”
Bush finished his time of discussion by declaring to the Harding audience, “God is good, all the time.”
Before Bush left, Burks gave him two gifts: an Arkansas Traveler award and an engraved bison figurine. The audience also stood and sang “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” to the former president, who soaked in the moment with a smile on his face. When the song ended, Bush left the stage to the applause of the audience.
