George W. Bush Presidential Center – Dallas, Texas
<blank" >target="_blank" >figure class="wp-block-image size-large">Approaching the Presidential Center one is struck by the squat design and the glossary/geometric/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="02cf3c941d076abac64a7e1a10c0e68d" target="_blank" >geometric massing. Stone-clad piers somewhat resemble columns as they reach out to people approaching. This geometric organization of the finish/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="b7fc4184b5bfaa02ddf6636d8f6eb38f" target="_blank" >exterior is reflected in the main atrium space inside. A multi-story opening has a wood ceiling/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="ef1bde9b326292bcc1927454225342a9" target="_blank" >coffered ceiling high above floor-level/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="80119a3c18c756db7eb912a0bf50c722" target="_blank" >floor level. Along the side walls videos are projected illustrating people and themes that resonate with the Bush presidency.
Inside one of the permanent exhibits is titled “Freedom Matters.” Freedom, according to the interpretation, is “the permanent hope of mankind, the hunger in dark places, the longing of the soul.” The responsibility of defending freedom is then the shared responsibility of free people. Upon entering the visitor is posed by three questions about where freedom comes from. Does freedom come from God? Does freedom come from human nature? Does freedom come from society?
In response to these questions the exhibit continues to explain that democracy has its roots in ancient civilization. The word comes from the term “demos” meaning the people and “kratia” meaning power or authority. Democracy therefore is a form of government that gives power to the people.
Various moments in the growth of power by people are then presented from The Magna Carta, to the Declaration of Independence to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.
Democracy is then fittingly presented as the alternative to dictatorship, tyranny, and authoritarian governments.
quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">I believe that freedom is a gift from God and in the hope of every human heart. Freedom inspired our founders and preserved our union through Civil War and secured the promise of civil rights. Freedom sustains dissidents bound by chains, believers huddled in underground churches, and voters who risk their lives to cast their ballots. Freedom unleashes creativity, rewards innovation, and replaces poverty with prosperity, and ultimately freedom lights the path to peace. – George W. Bush
Another permanent exhibition gets into the biographical details of George W. Bush and his time as President. Faith is an organizing theme of his life with panels on the power of faith, the strength of family, and the call to service.
From optimistic words of the inauguration in January, it was only a short time until events that would redefine the Bush presidency.
The most important moment of the Bush presidency was undoubtedly the attack on 9/11. Artifacts connecting with that are part of the steel structure from the World Trade Center, and a handwritten note from the President on the day that the last piece of debris was removed from Ground Zero. Understandably, much of the museum deals with the response to 9/11 and the global War on Terror.
At the core of the exhibits and actions undertaken is what became known as “The Bush Doctrine.”
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- Take the Fight to the Enemy
- Make No Distinction Between Terrorists and the Nations That Harbor Them
- Confront Threats Before They Fully Emerge
- Advance Freedom
Among the artifacts are playing cards of key regime figures to be captured or killed and the pistol that Sadaam Hussein had when he was captured.
Beyond the War on Terror was the work to take on the challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease in the US and globally. Accomplishments of the administration were highlighted to reduce poverty, corruption, and disease. Delivery of foreign aid was modernized, insisting on transparency, accountability, effectiveness, and results. Work to expand economic opportunity, open trade, and increase investment in countries committed to improving the lives of their citizens. Of note is how First Lady Laura Bush traveled to all 50 states and 75 countries to advance opportunities for young people, champion the power of education and health, and promote human rights, particularly for women and children.
Finally, two quotes capture the arc from the start to the end of the Bush presidency. There is an optimism inherent in both and reverence for the opportunity that America provides.
To close, more than anything else I was struck by the compact nature of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. All exhibits could easily be seen in a little under one hour. It was helpful to see the eight years that George W. Bush was President summarized in such a way. Just like each president being unique, each presidential museum and library are also unique. That is certainly true here as one grapples with the enduring legacy of the first years of the 21st century.
