By Mark for the TIB Network:
As I became more involved in the 2004 campaign for President, I decided that I should read up on my chosen candidate, George W. Bush. I knew quite a bit about him, but I figured I should go back and read his 2000 campaign autobiography, A Charge to Keep, written with Karen Hughes. I found the book to be enlightening and affirming in the beliefs and solid record of this statesman.
I was taken with the straightforwardness and candor of this book. Unlike Kerry/Edwards's campaign book, this one focuses on Mr. Bush's background and provides a humble look at his family and accomplishments. At times it seems as much as testimony as a campaign book.
This book discusses Bush's background, including the traumatic loss of his sister to leukemia at a young age. Through the relating of this story, this book shows the beginnings of the compassionate person GWB would grow up to be. His efforts at attempting to cheer up his mother at the cost of his childhood are very touching. He goes on to discuss his youth, growing up as a Texas hayseed in a New England family. Bush always seemed a little different than his more moderate and even liberal dad. He seemed to be much more straightforward and direct. This has led many to the conclusion that Bush is arrogant or that he is simpleminded. Few things could be further from the truth.
A Charge to Keep discusses in detail Bush's efforts at making HIS OWN way in the oil industry and wildcatting around for wells. During this time, we are exposed to Bush as a drinker. We are also exposed to Bush's faith. It is obvious that GWB is a man of faith. He wears his faith on his sleeve. He trusts in God. That makes him very dangerous to the Left. It makes him incomprehensible to the Left.
What is striking about this autobiography is the candor about his drinking. Granted, Bush's candor is not the handwringing variety. It is typical Midwestern--straightforward, direct, and not full of unseemly details. His victory over drinking alcohol is widely made fun of, but it should be praised.
Another striking thing is his outstanding record as governor of Texas, as well as the number of Texas Congressmen of the Democratic persuasion who worked with him. Bush truly was a uniter and not a divider. He was one to work with both sides. He wanted to solve problems, who cares who came up with it, as long as it addresses problems. Again, this is another reason the Left hates him. They hate the fact he is willing to listen to all sides, that he wants to solve problems more than anything else.
A Charge to Keep, however, is typical of the campaign autobiography. It goes along at almost a steady drumbeat of the message of teh campaign. However, what was refreshing about this book was the look inside Mr. Bush's life, and to read about his views on his father's term, his testimony of faith, and his views on political service and serving the nation. I would recommend it as a good background book on the President, to find where exactly he came from other than the Lefty screeds about being Daddy's boy, etc. It is a first person account, told direct in that West Texas way.
