George Bush turned out to be a one term President. He was a decent man, a good Veep to Reagan – able and experienced. But in 1992 America was looking for someone new. Someone younger, someone more charismatic, someone who would clearly draw the line under the generation of Reagan of which GHWB was part. Bill Clinton, 22 years his junior, was that man.
The letter was not released by Clinton until 2016, a couple of years before his predecessor died. That was the year that Donald Trump was elected to be the 45th President of the United States. The two men, Bush and Clinton, Republican and Democrat a generation apart were united by their service and their patriotism. And, without doubt, their aversion to the man who was shortly to move into the office they had honoured.
GHWB and his son George Bush Junior, both had different politics to the man who was in office between them. But that was on the margins. Both made mistakes personal and political. But at no point did they vulgarise their presidencies to the extent that Trump has. (And, no, I haven’t forgotten Monica and the consequences of Clinton’s foolish dalliance).
America desperately needs renewal. The Clinton/Bush letter shows how it should be. I have always honoured the Office of President of the United States. Years ago I toured the White House and went into the Oval Office and I realised then that there is a symbolism to the job of President that goes beyond America. We should all care about it. That’s why Trump is more than an aberration – he is an obscenity. He wouldn’t recognise “wonder and respect” in a million years. High time the world was rid of him.
Paddy’s Blogs in a crazy world 
The United States is a brash, vulgar, conservative country in many parts of the nation. Deep in the American psyche, a sizable number have no other human values but money creation, raw consumerism and noise. Trump is a natural choice for these people. They love him and feel at last they have someone who represents their view of the world. He’s their guy like no other. He understands them. They understand each other.
Fortunately, there is another America. The educated middle classes that realise human existence is more than money, burgers, baseball and a can of Coke. The racial minorities discriminated against since American existed and that Trump has managed to successfully alienate. Women with family values who can see Trump as the misogynist he is. A new generation of young educated climate activists appalled by Trump’s indifference.
There the two Americas divide. It’s an irreparable fault-line that runs through the heart of the nation.
That said do not be surprised to see the majority vote actually exists in the former, and sadly not the latter.
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Excellent summary. I am alternately impressed and appalled by the US.
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