by Vicki Phipps

Created on: October 17, 2009

I'd just written a political Blog titled, "Maybe we need to change our name to "The Divided States of America," but in spite of the DSA, I heard words that took my breath away when I listened to President Obama's speech at Texas A&M University yesterday, right after I listened to the former President Bush Senior's speech. The conclusion seemed to be the same for me as it was for most of the news reports. "It was nothing short of a miracle."

Both men and Presidents of these divided states within America spoke of nothing but the truth and both looked through a view of human value. They placed their human values above and beyond their political differences, and the result was nothing short of amazing. To be the witness of a standing ovation for both men who finally stood up for what is right and wise, just blew my mind! That's why, as for me, sitting at home alone in my own living room, I stood and shouted out, "BRAVO," when I heard words that represent the truth, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, based upon the amazing grace only God gives to men who choose to place their country above and beyond their politics.

I'll quote the Washington Post:

For eight months, President Obama has been methodically moving to overturn his predecessor's policies, turn back his eight-year imprint on government and undo his legacy. George W. Bush loyalists have been left to quietly fume as their former boss has retreated to the solitude of a private life.

But Friday, Obama stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Bush's father, the 41st president, in a joint celebration of volunteer-ism and civic involvement that hinted at a possible thaw that might yet emerge between the two camps.

At Texas A&M University, during a commemoration of George H.W. Bush's call to service in his 1989 inaugural address, Obama heaped praise on the former president for offering a "vision that's changed lives across this country."

Bush, walking slowly and with a cane, returned the admiration. He described his first encounter with Obama in 2005, when the then-senator arrived in Houston to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

"He came without fanfare, and I could quickly see he was someone who genuinely cared about helping others," said Bush, whose presidential library and foundation are based at the university. "I salute the president for his leadership on this issue."

Nick Shapiro, a spokesman for Obama, said the president "shares President Bush's belief that serving one's community is a core American value which transcends the partisanship that too often dominates public life in Washington."

But, though stark policy differences between the two camps remain, it was difficult to ignore the striking image of the two men - the 85-year-old former Republican president and the Democrat who became president in part by criticizing his son. On stage in front of more than 2,500 people, they shook hands firmly. After Obama's speech, they embraced and walked off the stage together to military hymns. "Politics is politics," Kaufman said. "But some things are bigger than that."

That's the end of the Washington post quote, but personally, my hope and faith in Americans living in and within the UNITED STATES, has once again been restored, so I hope my Blog post has resorted yours too. The only thing left to say is,"God bless the United States of America and may God bless the Presidents who restore our faith in the USA.

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