Finding Character

Name three living people you like to sit with at lunch? I love considering this question and three names
come to mind. First, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Along with learning how to be a good husband, parent, and friend, it
would be a wonderful spiritual experience and would assist in shaping my character. Second,
Jack Nicholson, an excellent actor. Jack is an original personality and lunch would have me rolling with
laughter throughout. Third, President George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.

I find President Bush to be fascinating and have a high deal of appreciation for him for many reasons.
I remember President Bush as the owner of the Texas Rangers. Being a huge baseball fan, I would
see him on TV attending games and commentators reported about his team involvement. I viewed
Bush as a conscientious businessman who cared about his players. I voted for him for President
because I saw him as a man of strong character.

The media portrayed President Bush as uneducated although he attended Ivy League schools, served
in the military, and started businesses. Bush ignored his critics and showed his inner strength and
courage. His character shown brightly with his response to the World Trade Center attacks.
Like Pearl Harbor, an attack took place on US soil. President Bush was bold with his response to this
strike. Like Roosevelt, Bush sent troops to eliminate the threat from future attacks. The critics ridiculed
his response, but he united the nation in a just cause.

A secret service shared his experience protecting Bush. The agent said, “I’m in the gym and hear
the alert POTUS is here.” President Bush entered the gym and took time to shake hands with the
agents. He stopped at the agent and Bush said with a smile, “Do they sell men’s clothing wear you
bought those workout clothes?” The agent smiled, and Bush continued on his way. A few months later,
the agent manned a post on Bush’s ranch in Texas. President Bush, an avid bicycle rider, stopped
by the agent’s post during a ride. The agent noticed Bush’s riding shorts, shook his hand and said,
“President, do they sell men’s clothing wear you bought those shorts.” The President, remembering
the earlier conversation in the gym, responded by laughing and acknowledging the payback for the
earlier comment. The agent also compared President Bush’s personality with other presidents he
served.

Many of my family members have served in the military. Members of our military will defend and
sacrifice all for our freedom. I served in the Army National Guard for 8 years. During my enlistment,
Desert Storm occurred, and my father served in Germany. My grandfather served in the Air Force
during World War II. President Bush showed a deep respect for military members, before, during,
and after his Presidency. President Bush showed his character, not in words, but in his actions.

Today, I read an article written by Joseph Curl in the Daily Wire. He shared his experience covering
President Bush while a reporter at the Washington Post. As a reporter, he traveled everywhere
President Bush went during his Presidency. Curl noticed, however, President Bush stayed at Camp
David before Christmas and traveled to his home in Texas the day after Christmas. He learned
President Bush wanted those around him to be home with their families on Christmas. When Bush
flew to Texas, the White House chartered a press plane and allowed the press to take family members
for a nominal fee. Curl noted this perk ended after President Bush left office. Again, President Bush
showed his character by actions and not words.

President Bush is not perfect in his private life or as president. It is what makes him a real person who
faced obstacles in life and learned to overcome them, both in and out of the spotlight. It is the reason
I would love to sit down and eat lunch with him. Much like President Holland, I would learn about
being a man and living a life so my true character shows in my actions.