George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Post

In light of recent events and the troubling news about former President Trump, it's clear that our nation stands at a critical crossroads. The divisions we face today echo the time when our country was on the brink of civil war. The intense polarization, the breakdown of civil discourse, and the growing distrust among fellow Americans are all reminiscent of the pre-Civil War era. We must seek common ground, and work towards our more perfect union.

Whither the “City Upon a Hill”? Donald Trump, America First, and American Exceptionalism - PDF: https://lnkd.in/g6g-mJmu In order to understand Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, we must examine the master narrative that underpins it. Trump breaks with all modern presidents not just because he challenges the postwar “liberal international order,” but because he rejects its underlying master narrative — American exceptionalism. America First relies instead on the narrative of Jacksonian nationalism. What makes America great, according to this narrative, is not a diverse nation unified in its adherence to certain liberal ideals, but rather ethnocultural homogeneity, material wealth, and military prowess. In this view, the United States is unexceptional, and therefore has no mission to pursue abroad. By shedding light on this alternative master narrative, we can better understand Trump’s presidency, his grand strategy, and why a return to the status quo ante after Trump is unlikely.

My thoughts of what makes America great 👍 it’s contain in this speech!

Check out my latest article with Europinion. In this article I discuss the life, accomplishments, and controversial legacy of prominent U.S. statesman Henry Kissinger.

A government official receives money. In turn, he ensures certain gains to the giver at the expense of the public he’s supposed to serve, or against their interest and will. What would you call this scheme? Do the words bribery and corruption come to mind? Surprisingly, this scenario is fair game in US politics under the name of interest groups. Take AIPAC for example. They fund the elections of politicians who are blindly in favor of unconditional US support to Israel. They fund the opponents of those who voice some criticism of Israel policies. The elected officials in turn help keep tax payers’ funds flowing to Israel with no strings attached, and regardless of the public opinion. I am aware of the notion from the founding fathers about absolute democracy, the way we understand it now. The notion that it is akin to mob rule, and that a buffer comprised of the elites is needed. But it has lead to perpetuating wars that benefits the weapons industry with no regard to morality, or even the US strategic benefit. Congress is the main branch that the public directly chooses. It should not be manipulated in such manner.

As we commemorate the 248th anniversary of our independence, it is important to reflect on the sacrifices and struggles that our forefathers endured to secure our freedom. We must remember that our liberty was not easily won, and we must always be vigilant in defending it against any threats or challenges. Throughout history, our nation has faced numerous obstacles and adversaries, but we have always stood strong and united in the face of adversity. Our founding principles of freedom, democracy, and equality continue to guide us as we strive to create a more perfect union. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us honor the brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our country. Let us also reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and ideals that make America a beacon of hope and opportunity for people around the world. In the words of President Ronald Reagan, "We will not go quietly into the night, we will not go without a fight." Let us continue to proudly celebrate our independence and stand as defenders of liberty for generations to come.

As we celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence that happened 248 years ago, CONSIDER THIS: The American flag does NOT fly because it represents one political party or another. Our flag and this holiday are a reminder of founding fathers and brave soldiers who fought for our nation’s INDEPENDENCE and the FREEDOM to self-govern under GENUINE DEMOCRACY. It is a reminder for ALL races of our nation’s enduring commitment to JUSTICE, LIBERTY, and the importance of INTEGRITY (in the public eye and behind closed doors). As we navigate the complexities of these times, may we ALL choose to engage in encouraging THOUGHTFUL reflection and DIALOGUE instead of divisiveness. As our pledge of allegiance says: We are ONE nation under God. Isn’t time we started acting like that? . . . #July4th #Independence #OneNationUnderGod

The Heart of America: A Daughter's Reflection on D-Day's 80th Anniversary Today, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the ceremony in Normandy serves as a powerful reminder of our national identity and the sacrifices made for our freedom. Watching President Joe Biden, representing every American, stand alongside the heroes of that fateful day, I am moved by the enduring spirit and unwavering patriotism that define America. Reflecting on my father, a proud US Navy veteran of World War II, I am reminded that true patriotism transcends political affiliations. His love for family and country and his unwavering dedication to service embody the American spirit of resilience and dedication. As we honor those who sacrificed everything for democracy, let us remember the values that unite us: honor and decency. Let us recommit to the principles that define our great nation and ensure that the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms were not in vain. In this hour of reflection, let us embrace America's true essence and uphold its legacy of courage, unity, and love of country. Let us reject those who attempt to divide us or use words like retribution to describe a future none of us would choose. Anything less would be a betrayal to those who stood the watch for us and to future generations. "The price of unchecked tyranny is the blood of the young and the brave. In their generation, in their hour of trial, the Allied forces of D-Day did their duty. Now the question for us is: In our hour of trial, will we do ours?" President Joe Biden (Normandy, June 6, 2024) #DDayAnniversary #NationalIdentity #Patriotism

On this 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to rescue Europe from evil, this call to awareness and action from Kentucky’s senior U.S. senator should be read and re-read. Though easy to ignore eight decades later, the post-WW2 truisms remain crystal clear: ▫️Totalitarianism anywhere threatens freedom and free enterprise everywhere. ▫️Our economic security and our national security are inseparable. ▫️Strength deters. ▫️Alliances with other democracies are vital to our national interest. ▫️We must grow America’s arsenal of democracy, our defense industrial base. ▫️In the long twilight struggle between good and evil, between democracy and dictatorship, America remains the indispensable nation for the Free World. #NeverForget 🇺🇸