The recent passing of Barbara Bush might serve as a reminder, to all who remember her days in the White House, that civility and compassion were once the standard there.
Politics notwithstanding, George H.W. and Mrs. Bush were deserving of respect and admiration, if only for the class and grace which they brought to the White House and thereby, to the country. They never subjected our citizenry to the mean, egocentric and often childish comportment of the current president.
Today’s first lady appears to lack the fortitude or wherewithal, so apparent in Barbara Bush, Michelle Obama and others, to mitigate her husband’s more destructive behaviors.
My father, as I suspect did many fathers, often remembered times past as better times. A child of the ‘60s myself, I failed to fully appreciate his point of view. Having now reached my 60s, I find myself in his shoes, remembering better days and hoping they may return in my lifetime.
Stephen Lentner
Florence