With just over one week left in his administration, President George W. Bush gave his final press conference. Then, with only four full days remaining in his presidency, Bush 43 made his Farewell Address to the nation. In both cases, Fox News was among the few sources I found that, simply, published the transcripts of these events. Otherwise, most mainstream media outlets published their own particular slant on these occasions. Not surprisingly, those who are known Bush-bashers crafted their reports in ways that suited their predetermined summaries. As a Bush-supporter, of course, my inclination was to refute those reports, presenting the details in a "clearer light". In reflecting on this, however, the obvious struck me ... if the mainstream media are unable to be positive about this President up to this point, its unlikely that anything (including my brilliance) will change that now. With that in mind, I just want to add my personal point of view, along with my assessment of whether I got what I "bargained for", as one who chose to vote for "W".

Since I've already stated that I'm a Bush-supporter, it will come as no surprise that my assessment of this presidency is positive. What's somewhat surprising (at least to me) is that my positive evaluation is based on the same issues that Bush-bashers point to most consistently, in making their negative assessment ... 9/11 and Iraq. For me, the way that President Bush met these challenges provides the most clear-cut evidence for my affirmative review. Both of these daunting trials called for someone who was willing to step up to the plate and unflinchingly do what was right for the country. In deciding to vote for this Bush, as President, I sensed that he was this sort of guy. In his Farewell Address, he reaffirmed this when he said,

"... freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God ... liberty and justice light the path to peace." "This is the belief that gave birth to our nation."

and

"... America must maintain our moral clarity ... good and evil are present in this world." "We must always be willing to act ... to advance the cause of peace."

That is what I "bargained for". Moreover, it exemplifies the sort of moral-fiber I sensed I could not count on from either Gore or Kerry.

Typically, Bush-detractors will jump in to say, "But, there were mistakes!" I say, I didn't expect perfection. That's not what I "bargained for!"

Considering the current state of the U.S.Economy, I did expect this topic to be at the top of the list with the Bush-fault-finders. It wasn't. Frankly, it is with me. Bush is far from being solely to blame for this. But, I didn't get what I "bargained for." I was looking to him, as the Leader of the Republican Party, to assure that it continued to stand for all the principals that Ronald Reagan communicated, in turning me from Blue to Red. As I said, I didn't expect perfection but I was expecting a much stronger performance in this regard.

In closing, however, I want to note that there were numerous significant ways that this Bush presidency delivered more than I "bargained for". Generally, these were cases of "going beyond the call of duty." The classy way in which the GWB Administration has handled the transition to the BHO Administration is a good example. This was typified in GWB's Farewell Address when he spoke of the Obama inauguration as, "... a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation."

So, in general, this sums up my assessment of our nation's 43rd presidency. Beyond that, I simply want to say, "Mister President, you gave me what I "bargained for" and then some. Thank you! And, Farewell!"