WASHINGTON, D.C. - As George W. Bush's days as president draw to a close, people around the world have offered their highest praise to the United States of America. Offering our highest position to a man with special needs, they say, represents a giant step forward. Electing Bush to lead our country signifies that America has left behind many of its prejudices against these valuable members of the community.
World leaders presented the United States with a commemorative certificate, praising it for finally living up to its reputation as being a land of opportunity. Nearly every leader in the free world signed the symbolic document, presenting it to President Bush with glowing pride.
In the past, people like Bush have typically had to settle for bottom-tier jobs like sacking groceries, rounding up shopping carts, washing dishes or handing out circulars. While employment prospects like these may appear on the surface to be somewhat menial, they do at least allow people who might otherwise have none a chance at self sufficiency and an opportunity to be participating members in the American economy. George W. Bush, however, took it to the next level, the highest level in fact, becoming the so-called "leader of the free world" for not just four, but eight whole years.
There were some awkward moments along the way. Many Americans doubted the soundness of trusting Bush with such important responsibilities when, after planes crashed into the World Trade Center, he appeared to be too engrossed in children's literature to react appropriately. Though slow to do so, he eventually stepped up to the plate. Once again, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Americans doubted the abilities of Bush, who initially seemed oblivious to the disaster, but once more, he reacted appropriately, and just a few short days later. And he also showed how fiercely loyal he could be when he valiantly stood beside Dick Cheney after his good friend the vice president accidentally shot a lawyer in the face at point blank range with a shotgun.
Mr. Bush also showed a surprising propensity for learning while in office. Eight years ago, many did not believe he had the capacity for language arts, world geography, economics and political science that might allow him to lead America in an increasingly interconnected global society. At first, he seemed most interested in lunch and recess. But Bush surprised everyone, learning more and more with each passing day. He now knows more about these subjects than most public high school graduates. This is one child that refused to be left behind. It's enough to make one's heart swell with pride.
The Bush presidency has restored America's good standing in the world community and its faith in itself. Many had previously believed that things like the American Dream and the idea that the United States is a "land of opportunity" were merely posturing, platitudes that rang hollow, having little meaning in the real world. Having President Bush lead the country has proven these assumptions wrong. Anyone can achieve anything here. This truly is a land of opportunity.
"This presidency indicates a whole new level of respect for people with special needs on the part of the American people," says the boy's father, George H. W. Bush with a tear in his eye. "We never thought little Dubya would amount to a hill of beans, but he got to be president for two whole terms! This many," he said, holding up two fingers as if he were talking to his beloved son. "I only got one!"
