George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States put a -30- on his administration today in an unprecedented, candid press conference.

He said, “There are people willing to murder to stop the advance of freedom.”  And, there is, “Still an enemy out there that want to harm Americans.”

“Do you remember what it was like around here after 9/11?  People wanted to know why we didn’t connect the dots.  Do you remember what the environment was like then?”

These responses came after a question on the moral standing of the United States in the world.  He said, “I disagree that it has been damaged.  I don’t agree that people view America with a dim light.”

There is no question his legacy will credit him for the actions he took to prevent any further terrorist attacks on this nation since 9/11.

With respect to the financial crisis he noted that he came into office with a recession in place and said that he will go out of office with one in place.

He wasn’t kind when it came to Wall Street.  He said, “Wall Street got drunk and we got the hangover.”

“We’ve taken extraordinary measures to correct the economy.  And, our actions have helped to thaw the credit markets,” he said.

Much like Frank Sinatra in the song “My Way” he said mistakes, I made a few.  He said that banner on the aircraft carrier “Mission Accomplished” sent the wrong message.

He said the lack of finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq was a disappointment, but noted that the world is a better place because we took out Saddam Hussein.

With respect to the incoming President, Barack Obama he said, “I wish him the best, and that is not a throw-away line.  He has a fabulous family, a great wife and two little girls who love him dearly.”

He noted that there were disappointments, but no regrets.  He said the burden of the office is overstated and there should never be room for self pity.

Interestingly he said, “Some of your biggest disappointments come from your so-called friends.”

He said that one of his disappointments was not getting three trade bills out of Congress.  He said, “Protectionism is a huge mistake.”  Noting that we need to compete globally.

Bush was asked when he thought Obama will feel the impact of the office.  He said he thought Obama would feel the effect the minute he walks into the oval office.

He was asked about the tone in Washington, noting that he wanted to be a uniter not a divider.

He said he hoped the tone would be better for Obama than it was for him.  He said the rhetoric got out of control.  “We need to treat people with respect,” he said.

But upon reflection, Bush said, “We built a team of really capable people and we had fun, and everyday has been joyous.”  But he noted that you can’t escape the presidency no matter where you are.

What’s up for tomorrow?  “I can’t see myself in a big straw hat sitting on a beach . . . especially since I stopped drinking.”  He said he was a type A personality and would be working quickly, but said, “When I leave office I will get off the stage,” seemingly taking a shot at former President Jimmy Carter, who never got off the stage.  Bush said, perhaps he would opine at times.

President Bush is a man governed by principle.  He did what he thought was right.  Critics be dammed, for if nothing else he kept you safe to speak your mind in a democracy.

A job well done George.