Heads of state deserve respect for decisions
I recently read “A World Transformed,” a memoir written by former President George H.W. Bush and his National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft. The book focuses on the difficult decisions faced by Bush during the fall of the Soviet Union, the first Iraq War and the Tiananmen Square massacre. While we have the benefit of hindsight, this account, especially with its excerpts from the President’s diary, illustrates the difficult decisions he had to make with limited information and an uncertain future.
Similarly, former President George W. Bush’s memoir, “Decisions Points” focuses on his major decisions as president. Throughout his administration, George W. Bush faced many challenges including: the Sept. 11 attacks, the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis. During Bush’s presidency, it was quite common for his political opponents to mock him as an idiot. However, looking at the history of his presidency as a whole, one begins to realize that only the strongest people can handle challenges like these.
Obama too has faced unwarranted and absurd criticism during his presidency. For some reason, his opponents not only need to disagree with his policies, but also frame him as an evil socialist intent on upending American democracy. While this lack of respect harms the presidency, I do believe he will follow the path of those who have come before him and eventually be respected for his leadership.
Presidents should be held in higher regard than any other American politician. They are constantly
confronted with the world’s most difficult and consequential decisions and ultimately represent something deeper than just a manager of the executive branch. The Head of State guides Americans, and often the world, through hard times and becomes the symbol of the American people abroad.
Whether it’s mockery of George W. Bush for being “stupid” or conspiracy theories claiming Obama is intentionally trying to undermine the United States, vitriolic criticism of sitting U.S. Presidents is unfortunately common. This partisan demonization of presidents is not only unhelpful, but also harms the institution of the president.
Presidential memoirs allow readers to understand what the president knew at the time, and why he made the decisions he did. Certainly the wrong choice may have been made. Perhaps the invasion of Iraq was a misstep and Hurricane Katrina was handled poorly. Presidents don’t always make the right choices, but they are the one who must make the hard choices. For this, they should be respected.
When you’re tempted to disregard the president as a fool or bad person, pick up a previous president’s memoir. You’ll quickly realize that presidents are not only well intentioned, but also the best decision makers and leaders America has. Living with a cynical view of the presidents robs you of a great reason to be optimistic about our country and our future.