First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:21:59 GMT

We are about to have a new President and a new Administration. Next week I reckon.
A few excerpts from Harry Truman's Farewell Speech:
Good Evening, My Fellow Americans:
Next Tuesday, General Eisenhower will be inaugurated as President of the United States. I will be on a train on my way home to Independence, Missouri to become a plain citizen. Inauguration Day will be a great demonstration of the Democratic Process. I am glad to be a part of the peaceful transfer of the vast power of the Presidency from my hands to his. There is no job like it on the face of the Earth. I want you all to realize how hard it is and to give Ike all the help he will need.
When Franklin Roosevelt died, I thought there must be a million men more qualified than I to take up the Presidential task. But the work was mine to do. But always, I knew that I was not alone. I knew that you were working with me.
_______________________________
Here’s to new beginnings.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

newdayDawning — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:25:51 GMT

Shrub leaving office cannot happen fast enough to save the country. He can ramble on in his delusional way all he wants to about his "principles" but the fact is he sent the country down the crapper. He should be held criminally liable for his crimes against this nation and the world.

Don't let the door hit you in the butt when you leave Shrub.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

HMI-MI — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:26:59 GMT

Obama is using Youtube to "go over the heads of the media"? Ohh, that is not a good idea. It's not good to bite the hand that feeds you. The media made Obama, and they can destroy him too.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Bernie Madoff, NYC — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:28:38 GMT

Paterson is playing this perfect. He'll get an extra million or two out of the Kennedy's for Princess Carolines appointment.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:31:09 GMT

I'm singing the old Beatles tune Eight Days a Week today as there are only 8 days left in the 8 year national nightmare that will be the legacy of perfidy of the bushleague administration - the Keystone Kops who couldn't shoot or talk straight.

The more repugnant ones retire and leave politics the better for our wrecked country. If they were truly patriotic they'd all resign in shame for their truly legendary screwing up of our once great secular democracy.

I just can't stand watching that King of the Kingdom of Fools do his last news conference. Only 8 more days until we get a brand new competent president!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Less Is More — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:33:13 GMT

It was interesting watching Fox yesterday, where North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad just got out of meeting with the Obama team on hammering out about a trillion dollar so called stimulous package. Conrad seemed all happy that he and the other Democrats are just about done spending a trillion dollars they don't have. Then, switch to CNN, who was showing a cut piece on how Bush had added to the deficit. And there was Kent Conrad again, running down the president for spending money he did not have. The irony.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Anna Molly — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:33:23 GMT

Bush just said that the question facing the president is not when the problem started, but what did you do about it.

Well. At least the answer is easy.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Ron Indiana — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:33:46 GMT

So many topics: Blago/Burris is still alive and kicking, and will remain so. Many Illinois politicians and Media reporters have used the term "crazy" to describle Blago. But he certainly is not schizophrenia and have symptoms of hallucinations and delusional thinking. So what is he? My guess is he has a personality disorder, probably antisocial type. These characters tend to do the unexpected, lie, break the rules. (like a lot of politicians). But the real point is that the condition is long enduring and very hard to treat. Translation: He will have to be impeached by the Illionis Senate and perhaps carried out by police to get him out of office. This problem will not go away. Guarentee it.

On a happier note, I am so glad this may be Bushs last news conference. He will try to rewrite history, but the pundits like Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow will keep the facts straight.

Eight days and 4 hours, but who is counting?

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

jdoe, idaho — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:34:57 GMT

eric, salinas ca, "I'm singing the old Beatles tune Eight Days a Week"

put it up on youtube. we could all use the laugh.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:36:01 GMT

The legacy of the worst president in history will be one of shame and incompetence. I am so glad this monster is going away from the halls of power and now Obama has to pick up the pieces of our wrecked economy. The past 8 years have been the poorest economic times for our country since the Great Depression. Heckuva Job Boy Georgie!

I hope the Democrats blow off the repugnant ones during the hearing and get Obama's picks confirmed ASAP. After the incompetent fools we've had the past 8 years it will be refreshing to ahve truly competent people doing the people's business instead of a bunch of clueless political hacks.

Prison for Tyrants Bush and Cheney!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Lets Make A Deal — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:38:26 GMT

Ron, Indiana: Many Illinois politicians and Media reporters have used the term "crazy" to describle Blago. But he certainly is not schizophrenia and have symptoms of hallucinations and delusional thinking. So what is he?

========

Blagojevich is the fall guy for the Democrats. He's the one that got caught. The trick now for the Democrats is to hope Blagojevich doesn't start telling prosecutors stories about other Democrats. Such as Dick Durbin, Mayorr Richard Daley, and the big guy himself, Barack Obama. This scandel is far from being over with Blagojevich's removal from office.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:39:00 GMT

As more information comes forward regarding the authorization of torture by the Bush Administration I don't see how the next Administration cannot pursue an investigation and possible prosecution of Bush and/or Cheney. I understand if the U.S. does not do so there are other countries preparing to bring suit that will place a tremendous amount of pressure on the U.S. to pursue this matter further. This will be interesting to watch.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:45:22 GMT

Next Tuesday will be a great historic day. We are all [republican, democrat, independent, etc.], fortunate to be living at and experiencing first hand, a monumental moment in history. It will be something our kids, and grandkids, and greatgrandkids, etc...will be reading in history books, but those fortunate to be alive next Tuesday will be able to say, I saw it happen! My suggestion to all - enjoy the feeling of euphoria, let it sweep over you, so that at least for one day, we can forget the challenges that we currently face, and show the world, how great and awsome it is to be American!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:48:43 GMT

ONE THING THAT IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR, GEORGE W. BUSH WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE "WORST" PRESIDENT IN OUR HISTORY. ASKED TODAY, WHAT WOULD HE SAY WAS HIS BIGGEST MISTAKE IN OFFICE. HE STATED,SOMTHING TO THE EFFECT. THAT PUTTING UP THE SIGN ON THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER STATING "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" WAS ONE OF HIS WORST MISTAKES. IS HE DILLUSIONAL OR WHAT ? HIS WHOLE PRESIDENCY WAS A MISTAKE FROM THE BEGINNING, GIVE ME A FRIGHIN' BREAK !

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

G. Thomas, Wisconsin — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:49:34 GMT

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Anna Molly — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:53:52 GMT

I hope everyone is watching this. This will be a TOTAL YouTube classic.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

MSierra, SF — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:54:08 GMT

Listening to Bush's last press conference...

Sorry, George 9/11 happened on YOUR WATCH

You're responsible for 9/11
You didn't listen to warning about a possible attack

YOU FAILED TO PROTECT AMERICA ON 9*11

9/11 is your responsibility

Your tax cuts for the rich RUINED the economy
Your tax cuts concentrated wealth even more tightly
You're RESPONSIBLE for the worst economic meltdown in the 'Great Depression'

Your policy of 'De-Regulation' FAILED
Your policy of 'Free Trade' FAILED

Sorry George, you're responsible for your catastrophic Administration

The WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Hit The Road, George! — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:54:17 GMT

Just leave! Just. Freakin'. LEAVE!!!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:54:19 GMT

Two thoughts, first isn't that a type in the Patterson's Choice paragraph? On Kennedy, ..."...If he has, that's news to us". Should say 'she', right?

And on Sam Brownback, he can have the governorship of Kansas - good luck with that - Let's run Kathleen Sebelius as the Senator,...She could win that one. She's been a great governor for the State and in spite of the 'redness' she is a Dem that could totally get it done. I just can't remember if Obama tapped her for anything? I leave for DC on Friday and I am really excited!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE : > ( — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:56:33 GMT

DURING TODAYS NEWS CONFERENCE PRESIDENT BUSH ( FOR ONLY 7 1/2 MORE DAYS "BUT WHO'S COUNTING" ? ) STATEED HE HAD "FUN" BEING PRESIDENT. NOT SO MUCH FUN FOR THE REST OF US !

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Jo Hallmark, TN — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:57:03 GMT

Personally, "I could give a big "#*@#" to what Bush has to say !! Couldn't he just leave now. Before that he might want to clue Lou Dobbs of CNN about the anti-immigrants.

With all this talk bout tax cuts and raised taxes, one thing that will not over big with non-smokers, is that I am tired of being taxed to death on a pack of cigarettes for various programs, namely SHIPS. I'm all for the SHIPS passage, but could Cokes, Liquor and junk food maybe take up some slack for a change !! Aren't they just as harmful???.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Ollie — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:58:08 GMT

He should have been impeached and imprisoned two years ago. The scum bag has ruined this country.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh PA — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:00:23 GMT

I think I have "Bush fatigue". The last 8 years have been so negative and draining with everything that they have done. That said, I see no reason to revisit them with trials over torture and the like. I want us to move on and I don't think any consequences they may face would change things. In fact, I suspect they would do it all again.
I'm actually surprising myself that I feel this way but I'm just so anxious to turn the page on this sad period of our history.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Mark Murray — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:01:11 GMT

Clara -- thanks for the catch.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:01:33 GMT

Thank God it's his LAST news conference! Can't stand listening to him babble on and on about nothing in incomplete sentences and usually incorrect grammer. What a moron with his snarky little smirk that is ever present. UGH! I'm NOT going to miss seeing him in front of a camera. 8 days. Single digits. A whole of hope on our next great administration.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Josh Larson, FL — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:03:31 GMT

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:10:53 GMT

The appropriate media role in the last Bush press conference would be not to show up. The man (and his minions) would never think to be straight with reporters; instead, they say only whatever advances the agenda du jour, and truth be damned.

Members of the White House press corps share a good deal of blame for the current mess. Giving Bush one last chance to lie about his record would be the last count in a long indictment of the current practice of journalism.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:13:08 GMT

Clara –

I knew there were bad feelings between Missouri and Kansas, but how could any compassionate human wish a "Governor Brownback" on anyone else?

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Juan, Ft. Lauderdale,FL — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:15:00 GMT

ENOUGH ALREADY. LEAVE YOU SORRY EXCUSE OF A HUMAN BEING!The mess you are leaving Obama is beyond belief. The U.S. tax payors will being paying for your incompetence for generations to come. For you kool aid drinkers keep deluding yourselves that history will absolve him. Face it The Shrub is the WORST.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:17:43 GMT

Steeler fan - don't you think it's time somebody in this freakin administration has to show accountability? Letting it go seems so wrong to me. I heard Cheney on Sirius yesterday admitting to waterboarding! If we don't prosecute, on the news they say other countries will go after them for unhumane acts of corruption which will be really, really bad for our already tainted by this administration country. Where does this kind of act stop?

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:18:26 GMT

Oh yeah, Clara and Pat - enjoy your trip!!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:19:10 GMT

G. Thomas, Wisconsin:

Sorry Thomas. Call it a waste of time if you wish, but before this country can move forawrd in repairing its reputation and trust around the world, someone is going to have to be held accountable for authorizing torture. You can complain about the time it takes all you want, but this matter has to be confronted. If we don't do it we will be forced to do it. And the U.S. would be much better off initiating such an investigation rather than being forced too.

We are not looking for witches Thomas. We are looking for someone to be held accountable for completely destroying this country's credibility around the world as well as attempting to rip apart the very fiber of this country that has always included a refusal to abuse humans and human rights.

Your response to belittle just how very serious such actions and most likely crimes against others and this country are puzzles those who might think you love your country.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Sandy Moore, Indy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:20:41 GMT

For those of you counting, and we know there are many out there, 1468 days (approximately) until Obama/Biden is out of here!

Be aware Obama only knows campaigns and elections so he will begin running his re-election campaign on Jan 21st, 2009. We will be forced to endure 4 more years of campaigning on what they will do in 2012.

1468 days and they can go away!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:20:56 GMT

To Pat in Boston;
Barack Obama hasn't even taken office yet, and you're comparing him to Harry S. Truman?

See what I mean folks?

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

J. Ellis, Virginia — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:21:17 GMT

During Brit Hume's Fox News interview of the Bush boys yesterday, Bush 41 said that his son was probably the most tested President in history and he passed the test admirably. Talk about a fairy tale! Bush 43 could not pass a test of any kind, particularly one about keeping us safe and about how to run a country. His entire tenure has been one photo op after another and the end result is a country on the verge of collapse. Thanks for the memories, Dubya!

BTW, Brit, please buy yourself a personality. I haven't seen such enthusiasm during an interview since the zombies premiered on Night of the Living Dead.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:23:24 GMT

Bush needs to apologize to the nation for his crimes and stupidity. The book he intends to write should be titled, "How I Ruined America and Killed Untold Thousands Without Really Trying." Good riddance to him.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:29:42 GMT

The repubs must be held to the fire over torture.Other country's are watching,we have to save face, or our troops will be the next ones boarded.This will be the only way we will have creds with the rest of the world.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Lawabiding — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:30:47 GMT

C A: agreed. What G. THomas seems to forget is that this administration broke most of the premises of the Geneva Conventions, which is a multinational agreement. If this country doen't investigate and prosecute these war crimes, then a whole host of other countries have the legal power and the moral authority to do so. I suggest that if we don't want any international tribunal filing a extraditional order against an expresident of ours, then we'd better get cracking

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:32:26 GMT

cindy, thank you! Clara, enjoy yourself as well. And to anyone else who will be making the trip to DC for the swearing in.

I gather that GWB will attend the swearing in. But is that it? Does he leave immediately after that to head home to Texas or does he attend the luncheon in the Capitol before the parade? I'm just curious.

I'm feeling a little sympathy for him right now. But it's good for all that this Administration is finally coming to an end.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:32:28 GMT

"...Sorry Thomas. Call it a waste of time if you wish, but before this country can move forawrd in repairing its reputation and trust around the world, someone is going to have to be held accountable for authorizing torture. ..."
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 10:19 AM)

HEAR HEAR! Let's find out just WHO authorized the 911 operation that TORTURED victims on airplanes, in the World Trade Center, and at the Pentagon with horrific pain, injury and death....and which caused LIFE LONG torture for family and friends who were left behind to forever grieve over the loss of a husband, wife father, son, daughter, sister, brother, grandchild...etc.

I really wish that assholes like you would be as concerned over torture, pain, injury and death that is caused to U.S. CITIZENS...as you are about those who inflict such things on us.

Why don't you post your email address for Sierra, he/she night invite you to a code pink rally where you can burn an American flag, and spit at soldiers returning home.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

G. Thomas, Wisconsin — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:35:43 GMT

We are not looking for witches Thomas.

Yes you are. Dems had the opportunity to manage oversight of the Administration for the past 8 years. They in fact voted FOR the war based on the same information the Bush Administration had. Democrats in fact had oversight responsibility over the banks which they neglected to do.

So go ahead, run your little show trials. Let's see how that works out for you.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Ed, San Antonio — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:37:04 GMT

W and his Gang believed there were WMD. How in the name of sanity did he take a country to war over what he believed?! You take a country to war over what you KNOW!

The country has "Mis-Underestimated me", says W. What in the world does that mean?

W is still trying to rewrite his history......NOT working!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Steeler fan Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:41:04 GMT

Cindy--
I normally would agree with you-that's why I said I was surprising myself. I think you and C.A. are correct-but I can't get over thinking that even if found legally accountable, the people who perpetrated these acts would defend them and in fact would do it over again. Can we heal from this situation if we revisit it for the next years?

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Dan, NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:41:32 GMT

For true political junkies, Campaign Diaries has just launched an exhaustive database of Senate recruitment, cataloging all the names (and status) of politicians that are mentioned as possible candidates in the 2010 midterms (yes, that includes races like Vermont's and Arkansas's): http://campaigndiaries.com/recruitment

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

New Age Voter — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:43:06 GMT

Why is it that First Read gives negative light to people leaving the Senate or the House? These positions are not for life, and certainly the people doing them have the ability to do something else. The Republicans realize this fact (mostly) while the Democrats think these are lifetime positions (mostly). The power of incumbancy just corrupts the incumbant. And can anyone truely say Robert Byrd is capable of doing the job anymore? Frank Lautenberg? Changing out the incumbents brings in new ideas. That should be celebrated.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Bentley in NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:45:04 GMT

In her AIDS-scarred South African township, Sweetness Mzolisa leads a chorus of praise for George W. Bush that echoes to the deserts of Namibia, the hills of Rwanda and the villages of Ethiopia.

Like countless Africans, Mzolisa says she will always be grateful to Bush for his war on AIDS, which has helped to treat more than 2 million Africans, support 10 million more and revitalize the global fight against the disease.

Democrats and Liberals hate this fact as it debunks the lies and hate they spread about President Bush.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 10:03 AM)

I don't hate him for his work in africa! I love the fact that he cared so much for complete strangers, the poor and the weak of other countries...my question is why couldn't he treat the american people like that? or maybe the rest of the world?????

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Dick LeBeau for Secretary of Defense! — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:48:19 GMT

Hey, Steeler Fan, it's just a warm feeling from the afterglow of yesterday! We'll forgive you but JUST THIS ONCE!!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Jackson, Seattle — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:58:14 GMT

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL - I don't see how the next Administration cannot pursue an investigation and possible prosecution of Bush and/or Cheney.

Yes, lets see both the Obama Administration and Congress spend gobs of time investigating the Republicans. It will be such fun to watch as all the party line votes come through in the Senate and the House. Republicans will be on all the Sunday talk shows pointing out that the Democrats are on their little witch hunts while real problems need to be solved in the country. Can Congress's approval rating go negative? I guess we'll find out.
G. Thomas, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 9:49 AM)
________________

And this would be different from the Republican investigations of Clinton how?

The "it is ok when the Republican Party does it, but not ok when the Democrats do it" hypocracy of the right wing never slows down, does it.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Donna, Owensboro KY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:01:05 GMT

I've never been much of a Bush fan, but I think a lot of presidents would be at the bottom of the list, even below him, if they had the intense 24 hour media coverage spotlighted on them.

That's not to say Dubya is great. He isn't. He made a lot of mistakes. Whether it was a bad judgment call or bad info from his advisors in any and all cases I have no idea. He's about gone, though.

I think probably the worst thing about Dubya is that he seemed to completely polarize the nation. Maybe I'm not seeing things clearly, but I really don't remember this level of vitriol rising when Clinton or George Sr. left office.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Karen, Florence, SC — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:02:30 GMT

President Bush has helped Americans more than what can be imagined. Here are two PDF file links to his legacy.

President Bush-100 Accomplishments: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/appendix_acc_for_web.pdf

President Bush-Accomplishments and Results Booklet

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/legacybooklet.pdf

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Jackson, Seattle — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:02:45 GMT

In her AIDS-scarred South African township, Sweetness Mzolisa leads a chorus of praise for George W. Bush that echoes to the deserts of Namibia, the hills of Rwanda and the villages of Ethiopia.

Like countless Africans, Mzolisa says she will always be grateful to Bush for his war on AIDS, which has helped to treat more than 2 million Africans, support 10 million more and revitalize the global fight against the disease.

Democrats and Liberals hate this fact as it debunks the lies and hate they spread about President Bush.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 10:03 AM)

_______________

Ooooh, Africa loves him. Great, he can go retire there. Pity the rest of the world doesn't look nearly as favorably on him, as the chanting in the streets all over the world was seen on election day.

Our economy has tanked, jobs are getting scarcer, retirement funds are drying up, houses are going into foreclosure, subpoenas were ignored. Just exactly what lies and hate is Africa debunking here?

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:08:06 GMT

Clara –

I knew there were bad feelings between Missouri and Kansas, but how could any compassionate human wish a "Governor Brownback" on anyone else?
Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 10:13 AM)

Fair enough, I spoke too hastily! I do think Sebelius is electable and would be good for Kansas. You're right, that was completely short sighted of me to move Brownback into the Governor's Mansion without further thought to the good citizens of Kansas. Do you think the LT Governor would run against him? A thousand apologies to my friends across the stateline!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

lynn — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:09:46 GMT

Since when is the President talking directly to the citizens of a country "going over the heads of the media"?

American media has become a soap opera full of so called Pundits trying to fill up air space with media driven "controversies" based on speculation, anonymous sources and ego driven analysis.

When the media starts to include fact based journalism that respects the intelligence of the voter to formulate their own opinion will they retain credibility.

The irony of the media complaining of their treatment by a politician is refreshing!!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

katiec Pekin, IL — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:12:38 GMT

Thank God we only have a few days left of arrogance, incompetence and the destroying of our country and middle class America.
Now, let's all look forward and give our support and trust to P.E. Barack Obama. He has a humongous job ahead of him and we must be patient as the diasters that occured these last eight years cannot be revolved overnight.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Karen, Florence, SC — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:26:51 GMT

Bush is an innovator. He helped America more than what most people realize. The problem is, they never knew where to look.

If you want to know where to find actual, credible information about President Bush, visit the White House website; www.whitehouse.gov

Here you can read two documents about President Bush's accomplishments, go to (slash)"infocus", (slash)Bush Record", (slash)documents. www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:27:39 GMT

"...Steeler fan - don't you think it's time somebody in this freakin administration has to show accountability? Letting it go seems so wrong to me. I heard Cheney on Sirius yesterday admitting to waterboarding! If we don't prosecute, on the news they say other countries will go after them for unhumane acts of corruption which will be really, really bad for our already tainted by this administration country. Where does this kind of act stop? ..."
cindy, Las Vegas, Nv (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 10:17 AM)

Let me ask you this cindy;
What country/international law enforcement body holds an indictment or a warrant for the arrest of those responsible for 911, other than the USA?

Who looks upon what was done to us as "brutal" or "uncivilized?"

Why on earth should we be oh-so-concerned about the discomfort of those who were involved in the injuring, maming, and MURDER our people on 911?

I think that your motivation is POLITICAL not patriotic, and your priorities are misplaced.

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

Joe Sepeda,Early,Texas — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:49:10 GMT

Our Marine DI told us the secret to winning a battle is to carefully lay out your plans and when you hit the beach throw them away. Everything will change once the President-Elect hits the "beach" and it will take strong leadership to adapt and overcome the new threats together. The Marines have been around longer than the country, so we must know what we're talking about. Semperfi America!!

First thoughts: Bush's farewell newser

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:51:07 GMT

J Merle Stanley - your point is taken. Doesn't mean I agree with it!! When I think about our 4,000 soldiers killed, over 30,000 with severe injuries, fighting a war we cannot win, I get a little peeved. I hope you can respect my opinion. As I do yours!