I'm put off by the blatant partisanship of this reporting that goes over several statements she'd made that offended people. I noticed when Marion Barry died the anti-Asian comments he'd made a few years early were never mentioned. Amiri Baraka's anti-Semitism wasn't mentioned in his obituary in this paper. Ditto for Helen Thomas whose article in this paper after her death briefly mentioned some controversy but didn't go into too much detail. There are many people this paper has interviewed as "anti-racist" experts- Trevor Noah, Linda Sarsour, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton- who have said far more offensive things than Mrs. Bush and yet it's never brought up. I am sure she's not perfect but in a country where Louis Farrakhan is celebrated by Democratic anti-racist activists, congresspeople, senators, and mayors the left really needs to stop nit pickings others and take the plank out of it's own eye.
3
Why did the news media think her joke about the mother who drank and smoked during pregnancy and therefore ended up with a son who had deficiencies, was funny?
3
I grew up in the same preppy community as Popp y Bush, but I'm a Democrat with a capital D, an outlier in a Connecticut suburb where my friends automatically assumed I was a Republican until I said I supported the ERA, abortion, and affirmative action. And yet I always respected Barbara Bush, even when I wished that she would state frankly that she was pro-choice. To me it was obvious--she wouldn't take guff from anyone, women or men.
Family friends, also blue-blood Democrats, once paid a visit to Kennebunkport. The dad played tennis with Poppy. Barbara turned to the female half of this couple and said, "I've got better things to do than watch my husband play tennis--I'm going to clip the hedges." To me, that was Barbara Bush, a doer who never had to apologize for the work she did, raising a family, promoting literacy, and genuinely caring about others.
3
I will always remember this at the beginning of the Iraq War: "‘Why should we hear about body bags and deaths? It’s not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?’"
7
A marvelous wife, mother, first lady and human being, Barbara was one in a million. Unpretentious, classy, and reserved, her self-deprecating nature made her ever more beloved.
Condolences to the Bush family, esp. her life partner, President George Bush.
May she Rest In Peace.
Thank you for all that you brought America, Barbara!
3
Concerning George Sr's anti-abortion stance -- he was publicly pro-choice until the moment Reagan chose him to be his running mate. And he couldn't stand anti-abortion protesters, as he made clear in a broadcast radio interview in Bala Cynwyd, PA, in March, 1980. That is, until he joined the ticket a few months later.
3
To the Bush Family.
Please do not invite anyone from the Trump family to attend any forum celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. She detested Trump as he represented all that she hated.
If anyone from his family to include his wife attends..pictures of his wife will be "validate" Trump was an accepted "member" of the Bush family.
If you agree, please comment...
8
I feel for Mrs. Bush's family, especially her husband, but I'm sorry. I will never forget "rhymes with witch;" a newspaper interview in which she demeaned Eleanor Roosevelt by saying that growing up her family disliked her (something to that effect and didn't counter it); her remarks during Katrina. First Mother? I'm a citizen and don't feel that way.
5
Stop! Please judge a person by the total of their good.
2
'First Mother.' An apt title. There aren't many of those without simultaneous cries of monarchy, aristocracy, or privilege. I fancy that Ms. Bush wore blue jeans.
1
Classy lady who understood both the dignity of the presidency and White House and how to stay loyal to your own family without seeming crass. Never voted for her husband or son, but how I wish either were in the WH today instead of its current occupant.
6
My sympathies and condolences to the Bush family. Yes, Barbara Bush was a force to be reckoned with, but I cannot forget her "let them eat cake" remark after Hurricane Katrina. You know, that debacle her son presided over and did nothing about.
1
Her 1990 Speech with Raisa Gorbachev was really, really cool!
Oh to pick Mrs. Bush brain for the details of all the history she was privy. Wow!
Gracious woman. Funny woman. True States-person. Which is something we fail to honor...how integral to events, and their husbands reactions to same, these FLOTUS's have been in recent history. Up till now, this nation has been blessed with stellar women in the unappreciated, unpaid, position of FLOTUS. (now we have a huge dud)
I did hear her quoted as saying that she was blessed by marrying George, and by the life he provided her. I would correct that a little. What a lucky guy George was to have married such a strong woman. Not sure he'd have been as successful without her...
Both of them were a classic example of an old-school romantic couple. Steeped in honor, integrity, tradition and humor. Sorely missed in this age.
3
I always rather liked Barbara Bsh. However, the name Bush -- no matter what first name is attached to it -- will forever be associated with all those who are dead and permanently disabled because of her son's shameful, ego-driven war in Iraq. ISIS is just one of the dividends.
So when I see videos of Barbara Bush campaigning for her son, that is what I think of.
That family has blood and shame attached to it, permanently. Barbara seemed a cut above them, however.
3
Rest in Peace. Gentle Lady. You were a rich girl who made good.
Like everyone else, I have my George Bush story; But I won't tell it without his permission. Suffice to say, he was smart but not brilliant. He was chilly while Bill Clinton was magnetic. George lost too many elections and only served in the House because it was a safe seat. He was likable but not electable.
To this day, I can still see her walking around and over Katrina evacuees at the Astrodome in Houston.
"Some of these people have it better now than they did before the storm," she said.
She. Said. That.
8
It is moving to see the onrush of warmth, affection and respect for Barbara Bush that has emanated from these pages over the last few days. In some ways I am surprised but then wonder if the swell is in part a reflection of the positive in all of us, not the anger, vituperation & disappointment that have been awash in our land for more than a year. Mrs. Bush's passing brought Americans together again in a way that we have not felt for a long time; sharing our thoughts & feelings for the passing of a great lady.
Simply, she was a good woman. And that sums up how she would wish to be remembered. Godspeed Mrs. Bush....
Barbara Bush was the greatest first lady and will be missed by all.
I was glad that the end came on her terms as opposed to be hooked up and wired in some hospital.
She died with the dignity that was her whole life. She will be missed not just by the country but the world.
While I think she is a fine woman in many ways, we need to remember that her loyalty was not to the country, it was to winning. What her family's political operatives did to make that happen--destroying John McCain's reputation to win South Carolina, for example--is unconscionable. While she and her husband were moderate Presbyterians, they promoted, on their son's behalf, a wacko, far-right version of Christianity to secure the votes that Poppy lost due to his moderation. She was pro-choice personally, but hid that politically because it, again, would hurt the family's chances of winning. Yes, she was down-to-earth, kind, and a great granny. No, she was not the embodiment of a kinder, gentler, let's-comprise-and-find-a-solution Republican party that never existed in the first place.
4
I will always remember Mrs. Bush for her empathy when visiting the Evacuees from Katrina who ended up in the Houston Stadium. She was told they had lost everything and she responded "Well, they had nothing to begin with"
This cemented my opinion of Mrs. Bush. If I only had a roof and Bed it would be all I needed and all I could loose.
3
We should all miss Barbara Bush. She was an icon of strength with civility that would be most welcome in today's dysfunctional government and life in general.
I voted for 41 and had marked political differences with 43, but I never questioned their honesty or civility.
Barbara Bush's legacy is her literacy initiative. She understood that to be an whole person and a valuable citizen, education is critical. We have digressed from that to an unprecedented low in America, the poster boy of which is The Dotard. His minion, Betsy DeVos, would do well to learn more about Barbara Bush and her legacy for she is steadily destroying what this great woman has accomplished, as is her boss.
2
One of the many benefits of attending high school in the Washington, DC. area was exposure to outside speakers at morning assemblies before class. Some I would snooze through. To this day, however, I will never forget our most engaging morning speaker--Barbara Bush. She spoke to us about Chinese culture and her life in Beijing while George Bush served as Chief of the US Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. Mrs. Bush gave us a riveting glimpse of China behind the Bamboo Curtain. Thank you, Mrs. Bush.
1
Dutiful wife and mother to two presidents who bumbled into unnecessary wars, drove us further into debt, ruined the economies they inherited, and promoted kleptocracy while espousing family values and upholding her as an icon.
2
I hate to be a Debbie downer and I know it's poor manners to speak ill of the dead, but this woman was the matriarch of a family that went so deeply into the pocket of Saudi Arabia that the safety of the nation was placed at risk. I for one decry the pursuit of money over nation especially by a former president with the presumed knowledge of his spouse ( and entire family including W) who benefited from being bought. That she may have done some good does not change my opinion
5
Nice LADY. May God rest her soul in peace and light.
1
While I have only contempt for George Bush's decision to abdicate intelligence in support of 'voodoo economics, Mrs. Bush conducted herself with a graceful dignity that the current vulgarians completely lack. I am sorry her memorial services will be soiled by the presence of any trumps.
Big crime families like to have a matriarch to manage their public image (like the former secretary of defense posing for photos with his Labrador retriever) and in order to disguise and deflect their intentions. That was her role. She played it well. Otherwise, when will the US outgrow political families? The pretension to dynasty that so many aspire to, is a major source of political dysfunction and economic corruption. In some cases, it extends into true constitutional treason.
3
I am sorry folks but I really had enough with the Bushes.
To be fair, I didn’t know her and while she is said to be one of kind and a respectable woman, I can’t wait to see her name Bush out of the news.
Like I said, I had enough with the Bushes, no disrespect Mme Barbara Bush.
4
She reminded me of Livia, Tiberius’ mother in I Claudius. Don’t eat the figs.
5
We've generally always had wonderful First Ladies irrespective of which party was in office. But when the slope of the oligarchy-increase-of- wealth parabola was not nearly vertical, we actually had wonderful presidents.
1
Back in the 1980s, in the late morning, I was out in Memorial Park (Houston, TX) jogging. Mrs. Bush and her dog were walking the trail I was on. The dog crossed my path as I went by, and I had to jump over the leash to not break my stride. I kept going and she was still apologizing when I was almost half a mile away. The lady had good manners. All the truly great people do.
3
Deepest condolences to President Bush and the Bush family on the loss of Mrs. Bush. She had a wonderful laugh and all who met her found her sense of humor and directness infectious.
A life well lived!
In '92 many of were exhausted by 12 years of Republican rule, but I always appreciated Barbara Bush's apparent grounding in common sense. When she said, referring to abortion specifically and probably the culture wars generally, that some things just don't belong in a party platform, it was a refreshing moment.
1
Too bad she could not pass her talents on to "The Unwise" #43. It's we shouldn't have hereditary power. it does not reliably transfer from generation to generation.
2
How time changes a perspective and the woman's role in society. My condolences on the personal loss to the family. My congratulations to the well employed public relations team who have carefully constructed a public persona of great magnitude and will likely continue to do so. My wonderment is in how differently the public female personas of the Bush spouses have been treated than either the spouse of Bill Clinton or Obama. I wonder how Barbara Bush would have fared under similar treatment.
1
People related to her because she seemed like that nice older co from church, whom you could invite for a meal after services. Someone around whom you would be totally comfortable. Fake pearls, a figure shared by many women, and a natural hair color. She was distinctly different from Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan, whom women knew they could never emulate,
I understand her reaction to the women's movement. I experienced it in graduate school in women's studies classes. Women who waned to marry and have children are regarded traitors. Why would one want a traditional lifestyle when women could have an education, and a professional life? Traitors is an excellent description. Personal happiness wasn't part of the equation.
She was the epitome of grace, intelligence, stability, and class. I wish more women, particularly in politics, would use her as an example, The world would be a better place.
1
I’ve accessorized with a multi/strand pearl necklace today. In her honor. Class act.
It's amazing how pretty much every person that dies is suddenly classified as the nicest, bravest, smartest, classiest, best human being ever. That is just not realistic. She was not the saint that people have some need to portray her as now. If her life really means anything, we should learn from her what NOT to do.
4
As a reminder to America: she died at 92 and although she may have been a very decent and graceful lady, to many people outside the US she is only the mother of a son (George Bush junior) who waged a war that brought disaster to millions of people in the middle east, many of them are dead by now and did not have a chance to live that long.
2
Barbara Bush was a politician’s wife who refused to be handled. She was natural, unvarnished, charming, and a woman who thoroughly enjoyed her children and grandchildren. She had many stand-out qualities.
However, it was a deeply sad moment for people who admired her, to hear Mrs. Bush’s ungenerous, shocking, tone-deaf, and completely out of touch comments made in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Her white privilege blinded her to the despair and challenges the less fortunate must deal with on a daily basis, let alone during a natural disaster....
3
We have all benefited from this incredible woman of grace, candor and leadership. Her words made us stop and think about others and remind us of the importance of kindness, everyday.
1
Condolences to the Bush family, one of my favorite American families. Mrs. Bush's life inspires me to continue to be the best wife and mother possible, as out of style as it seems to be. We definitely need more first ladies like her, not just in the United States, but around the world: First ladies that care for the less fortunate and champion great causes like literacy. May this remarkable lady rest in peace.
1
My prayers are with the Bush family. Thank you for standing up for the rights adults who need to be able to read and write. If you are not sure how to be humble this woman is an excellent example of how to achieve it. Thank you for sharing you life with us.
1
Barbara Bush and Abigail Adams died two hundred years apart, Abigail in 1818 and Barbara 2018, yet they were as one, not only because they were the only two women who held the distinction of being the wife of one president and the mother of another, but because in both of them rested greatness that foretold the future for women and all human beings - enduring struggles, proving their worth, setting examples for history, to wonder why it took us so long to recognize in women what these two women knew all along.
The greatest tribute to Barbara Bush (as it likely was for Abigail Adams) was for all of the country to pursue the ideals and respect for human beings - and especially for women - that both championed throughout their lives.
As we remembered Abigail Adams from 200 years ago, in 200 years from now Barbara Bush will be remembered as well.
6
Abigail Adams sacrificed and suffered throughout many of the years of John's public service and many years of their marriage -- holding down the family farm, income, raising their children often alone, etc. Come ON, Barbara Bush did not suffer as Abigail did, not by a long chalk. She was raised in wealth, had nannies for her child care, traveled the world with her husband, and never did without, ever. Abigail, indeed, championed a life as you so describe much more than Babs ever did or could. Bush wanted to be known as a wife, mother and grandmother and that is exactly how I will remember her. Certainly not in the same league as great American as Abigail Adams!!!!
2
Holy mackerel! A 92 year old woman dies, and all day long it's about her. This is no matriarchy. This is a man's America. Barbara Bush was a woman who knew her place. She had little to do with the direction of America aside from being married to the last respectable Republican.
9
She was a lady. She so obviously placed her family first - thereby allowing her family members to serve well in their positions to the United States. She was a rock . . . for all. Bless you Mrs. Bush and thank you.
5
Too bad she was not a better critic of her husband and son's gusto for illegal wars and bloodshed.
18
A scholarly literary take on GHW & Barbara in history was written by the brilliant British author Martin Amis in, "Phantom of the Opera" delivered by Amis at the 92cd St Y, and concerning his observations of the whole GOP milieu during the 1988 GOP convention in New Orleans.
As incise an essay as you will find, it is a proper starting point for consideration of what we have in fact lost as some of the old guard pass. Scroll forward to 13:30 to get right into his thoughts on GHW's long affair with another woman in DC:
http://92yondemand.org/martin-amis-phantom-of-the-opera
3
I'm wearing pearls today in honor of Mrs. Bush.
10
gack
11
Watching all of the commentary on Barbara Bush last night, one could not help but be struck by the contrast between the grace, dignity and class of Barbara and George H. W. Bush compared to the current occupant denigrating the White House.
7
Nasal Voiced "Wouldn't be prudent" finger wagging George was NOT known for dignity, and the heavyset Barbara is not known for grace. George was known for puking in the Japanese ambassadors LAP at a state dinner and for his clandestine activities promoted through his old agency, the CIA. Barbara is best remembered for her 'let them eat cake' comment after the hurricane.
5
April 18, 2018
My prayers for the family - R.I.P. Barbara Bush.
Exemplary life and of the finest role model for all women, and always with love for family and dedication to America's best endeavors for showcase to honor and grace.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
3
A lady I admired. I always took great pride in knowing that she was the First Lady of the United States of America. (And I'm a Democrat.) Grace, American-style charm, savvy, a sense of purpose...Barbara Bush had it all. We're not likely to see her likes again. All I can offer are my condolences to the Bush family and offer my goodbye with heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Bush.
4
One fine day in the Summer of 1989, in the midst of assisting over 100 photographers within 5 years, I flew down to D.C. as Steven Green-Armytage's assistant for a cover shoot of Barbara Bush for Good Housekeeping magazine. During a rare lull in setting up lights, to my surprise, First Lady Barbara Bush introduced herself and we chatted for a few. I was kinda blown away - she was absolutely one of the nicest and most personable women I'd ever met. But I was nervous she would notice my rebel Soviet-made watch so I put my right hand over it and was as polite as I could be while being taken in by her charm. After the shoot, while I was packing up gear in one of the long hallways of the White House, the Bush's pet dog Millie came up to me with her slobbery ripped up tennis ball for about the fifth time. I figured - what the heck - I'll probably never get this chance in my life again so I threw the ball as far as I could down the empty hallway. Millie never came back. Rest in Peace Barbara - you were one of my favorite Republicans.
10
Barbara Bush provided modern First Ladies with an excellent role model. She stood beside her husband, not behind him, and she never stole the spotlight. She was no Nancy Reagan, and that's one reason I loved her so much. She was a no-nonsense woman who supported her husband and her sons, but spoke her mind on causes and issues that were important to her. She reminded me of my own grandmother, and while I didn't always agree with her husband (and almost never agreed with her son), I was very fond of her as a person.
Sending my condolences to the Bush family, and deepest regrets to George H.W. Their love story is one for the ages.
4
many of them “were underprivileged anyway” and that their Astrodome stay — though the living conditions there were dire — was “working very well for them.”
Before this statement after Katrina, my impression of her was that she was a haughty WASP. After this statement, I was pretty much sure.
18
Typical Republican Plutocrat/She raised a family that ONLY cares about their own "CLASS".Her son George Knew full well that Starting war w Iraq was totally unnecasary War started to benefit IRAN & leave Americans horrible in debt only to benefit Halliburton & Oil traders.
Jeb recently said the Africans Americans are all doing fine so & there for Equal Opportunity Act should be ended!
11
Thank you, Peter S., for reminding us of Jeb!'s commentary on the Equal Opportunity Act.
I remember her Commencement Address at Wellesley College in 1990. There was a lot of controversy regarding her selection as Commencement speaker because she did not typify a Wellesley Woman, having drop-out of Smith College to be the wife of a scion of Yankee Connecticut family, and then housewife/homemaker. I watched the talk carried live on Boston local television and I was hoping she would flop. In fact, she did not. She did a magnificent job with a closing line that has become famous since. If she was a Republican, then she was a Republican along the lines of the late Senator Charles Mathias, Governor Nelson Rockefeller at least in demeanor and not your red meat culture warrior Rush Limbo type.
I did not like her husband, nor her sons, but she herself comported herself in a very dignified way that is completely absent in the WH now.
Whereas she was not stylish, in fact she was anti-stylish, and she gave stature to frumpy (Angela Merkel say thank you). She was thrusted into being a FLOTUS, nothing she probably wanted to be, but because she was a dutiful wife she accepted the role and she executed it gracefully. She was a complete 360, to the 12th power than our current FLOTUS, who openly rejects the publicly role of being a FLOTUS, who despite claiming "cyber-bullying"as her cause celebre, cannot contain her "rogue" (popularly known as her husband) housemate.
The 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 POTUS/FLOTUS were not perfect people, but they are a far cry from DJT & Co
3
RIP, Barbara. You were our pride and joy. You made us all not only proud but made us look good too.
6
A role model we could all use today.
6
Condolences to her family, but what keeps resonating in my mind is the way she talked about the people who were in Houston after Hurricane Katrina for some reason.
6
It seems quaint and insignificant now, however, when Mrs. Bush hugged babies and an adult with HIV/AIDS in 1989 (after years of Reagan's silence), it sent a powerful message. RIP Mrs. Bush.
6
I always got the feeling that Barbara Bush was a difficult woman. Difficult women are usually harder on themselves than on others which makes for a hard life.
Mrs. Bush was a welcome change from Nancy Reagan. Apparently there was no love lost between them, probably because Barbara Bush was what Nancy Reagan pretended to be; old-money. I'm sure Mrs. Bush never let Mrs. Reagan forget it.
Mrs. Bush was 'ride or die'. She was loyal to a husband who, rumour has it, caused her pain during their marriage. Looking at the picture of young George Bush...he was HOT! Imagine being married to a man like that, especially if you don't value your own beauty.
Up until 2017, Barbara Bush's son was the worst president ever. I won't lay his failures as president at her feet because he was a grown man, responsible for his actions, not his mommy. But she aided and abetted. I've often wondered if her cruel comments about Katrina victims were a deliberate attempt to take some of the heat off her son.
Stories are pouring in about how well Mrs. Bush treated people who worked for her. That might be mere noblesse oblige but to be polite and gracious to people who are 'under' you shows a decency that shouldn't be dismissed. The Bush family didn't need non-disclosure agreements for their employees.
Barabara Bush left the world on her own terms and that's a blessing. Losing such a strong woman will leave a hole in her family. May she rest in peace.
4
We mourn the passing of a lady who weathered so much for her family and country. She reminds us in a time of scandalous, embarrassing headlines what real commitment is between a husband and wife.
5
Mrs. Bush was at her most candid when she said she was surprised her eldest child was 'elected' president, thinking the younger, brighter one would get there first. She was quite a matriarchal force in that patriarchy. May she rest in peace and may we be done with hereditary presidencies.
2
Hard-headed, hard-hearted, with a helmet for a haircut, and with no credentials other than she gave birth and was really really rich - she epitomized the kind of republican woman I dislike. Bye, Barbara Bush, I hope we learn compassion from your lack.
13
When she came to speak at the alma mater we shared (Smith), I was a skeptical teenager who had been taught to ignore and dislike whatever any member of the Bush family had to say. In spite of myself, Mrs. Bush won me over with a speech I found much more inspirational than I had expected, and she herself was as gregarious and charming among the young students as anyone could have been. After that day, I supported most everything she did, and I found a lot that I could lean on years later that as I balanced my life as a mother first, ambition second- which is pretty antithetical to what we learned at Smith in the 90s. Yes, some of the things she said in her later years were tone deaf in nature, but since I also grew up in Rye, I can't say they were too far off from what anyone who grows up in Westchester County might hear. I truly admired her, and I wish the Bush family nothing but loving thoughts as they mourn what is undoubtedly an enormous loss.
9
Fellow Smithie - love your story!
1
The best Bush and the most admired and respected Bush has passed away. She will remembered one of the most distinguished first and second ladies of the past century. Her stand on pro-choice was commendable. Her final courageous declaration to take a chance on leaving the world peacefully and refusing further medical treatment will immortalize her and exemplify a decision in life when one says enough is enough. Rest in peace grand mother of America.
4
Barbara Bush reminds us of what "the dignity of the office" used to mean. I did not agree with her politically but I had respect for her and the way she represented our nation. Just a few short years ago the United States was a much different country that it is today. We have descended from the heights of Barbara Bush to the depths of Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and Donald Trump.
4
has it escaped anyone that the sitting POTUS has not issued any tribute to BB..
wonder why?
7
I don't think that's admirable to shrink from a public stance on what you believe in.
1
You miss the bigger picture. Think of the media response had she said she disagreed with her husband on an issue, and how that disagreement would reflect on, and weaken, the view of her husband, especially if his was the correct stance. Marriage is a partnership, and her hisband's role required a supportive wife, not a combative one. She had her own views, and she chose not too publicize her opinions. I am sure there were times they voted differently on issues, but those disagreements were between her and her husband.
The couples I know with successful marriages operate as a team or partnership, not as individuals, which each doing as they wish. They do not argue in public, to include negative comments of their spouse. Marriage doesn't necessarily mean adopting your husband's viewpoint, but it also doesn't mean publicly disagreeing with each other.
1
I have to believe that there are still a majority of Republicans who would fall into the Barbara Bush category. Civil. Respectful of others and willing to listen. Putting the country ahead of self.
7
Why do you have to believe that? Evidence says otherwise.
4
I believe it and I have concrete evidence in my own life.
My two parents are of the same Republican vintage of the Bushes and my mother especially, a Mexican native who only last decade finally finished the process of naturalizing, has greatly struggled with the brutal, racist, and especially crass direction the party is taking. The problem is that, despite a religious and Republican upbringing, they ended up producing five daughters who are of Democratic vintage of varying degrees, from Clinton to Antifa. For some reason, goodhearted reasonable Republicans like the Bushes and my very own parents may be a dying breed and I dread the future because of it.
I met her once when I was a photographers assistant and my boss was photographing her. I spent the day with her and she was absolutely horrible. Just mean and rude and horrible.
12
A very good woman with fine principles. I wish there were more like her in the political environment
3
It is so nice to read so many kind condolences and comments from so many NY Times readers. Even those who did not share her political philosophy are saying very nice things about her. It is really difficult not to like and respect a lady like Barbara Bush. She was one in a million especially in today's political climate. How refreshing.
7
I'm an Independent and believe all of us regardless of political affiliations and beliefs have a responsibility to acknowledge authenticity, timeless decency, and the champions for access and opportunity as it relates to the importance in education and what that provides as a benefit to society beyond the individual. Barbara Bush has been the finest example of such a soul. She had class and strived for the betterment of education and literacy. We all need to stand up, nod in acknowledgment out of respect, and clap as an appreciation for all of her efforts and the type of person she was.
1
I felt proud to have her be our First Lady -- this was a woman who could meet the great and small, and treat each with equal respect.
3
She was a kind and generous spirit who was not afraid to be herself. She put her family and country first and said family values were how you defined family. Her commitment to literacy opened doors and improved the lives of countless Americans. My sincere condolences to her loved ones. We have lost a great lady, and she will be missed tremendously.
2
I met Barbara Bush when she came to speak at an agency where I volunteered. The agency supported women on welfare who were seeking jobs. My impression of her then, and after was of a mean, condescending woman. But why be surprised at that? One only needs to look at Dubya's presidency to see what she was really like. She did do some good things, but she raised one of he worst presidents in American history. A man responsible for the unnecessary deaths and maiming of thousands.
18
Two observations about the remarkable Barbara Bush:
1) Her life reminds us that the phrase "Greatest Generation" applies to women as well as men
2) As noted in many of the comments, her poise, grace and self-deprecating humor were defining character traits made all the more remarkable by the absence of same in current political figures. Have those traits become quaint and unattractive in today's political climate? I hope not.
5
Wait a second- she was in no way a groundbreaking woman. I'm sure she was a good mother and grandmother but that doesn't make her great. If she were not rich or married to a politician, what would she have been? A woman who married at 18 and had a bunch of kids.
5
By all accounts, it's the Bush women -- from Barbara and Laura on down to Jenna and Barbara Jr. -- who had the real brains, strength, grace and wit in the family. So why oh why aren’t they ruling the world??
13
Barbara Bush didn't always please, but she will long be remembered and respected for her honesty and fair dealing. She was a strong woman and served as a fine example for other first ladies. May she rest in peace.
6
I think even Marie Antoinette would blush at the sheepish servility and pitiful obsequiousness of Americans who love to be ruled as long as the ruler has something called "class."
18
I became close to a man who retired from the secret service working at the White House for his entire carrier.I pushed him for inside stories, juicy tid bits for no avail.What he knew had to kept quiet.one day I asked him at least you can tell me who was your favorite.He obliged it was the Bush's for their decency and consideration to all.
6
I'm sure she did some good things but this high praise makes me nervous. She was gifted with power and money and did not hesitate to use it. I think she was pretty much oblivious to the average person's plight. And it sounds like she said some not so kind things about people and humanity. I think it is important to be aware of people like this who expect high praise but there is some darkness underneath it.
29
Barbara Bush didn`t quite realize the implications of eliminating illiteracy in the United States. If it weren`t for white working class illiteracy, the GOP wouldn`t be in power right today.
15
I can't even respond to the stupidity of this comment.
4
The real First Lady. She lives as she died with dignity and love.
She will be miss.
Real ... as opposed to Jacky? Nancy / Hilary / Laura? Or for that matter Abigail, Eleanor, Mary Todd and the rest of them??
Barbara Bush was hard has nails and ran the family dynasty with an iron fist. The White House Staff was terrified of her. As a wife and mother, she might rank as the most successful in history.
2
Huh? Have you heard of Rose Kennedy?
4
When I think of BB I will always remember her remark about Geraldine Ferraro.
17
Barbara Bush seemed very human and it is disrespectful to speak of the dead in unflattering ways. She has been receiving much praise from people from all walks of life and she was respected by those from both political parties. She is to be given much credit for raising a fine family and she truly loved and supported them. There was not a hint of scandal which is rare in politics today. We need more Barbara Bushes in our society who lived a life of dignity and grace. She is one of a rare breed today and that is so unfortunate. She will be fondly remembered by our country as a lovely and generous person.
10
While serving as our First Lady, our Girl Scout troop chose to send her a handwritten letter. First Lady Bush responded. A lesson in how our First Ladies have shared of themselves with our nation's citizenry. I am sorry for our nation's loss and grateful for her lifetime of service.
6
There comes a time when political party affiliation doesn't matter. What matters is the dignity and integrity with which one conducts themselves. Former First Lady Barbara Bush conducted herself with dignity and a great deal of class.
She was the very definition of a First Lady and a force with which to be reckoned. Her presence on the world stage will be missed.
6
The picture of her with Jeb and George is so beautiful, and I think it speaks volumes about her role - clearly a force to reckon with but a smiling, loving mother of a force. We should all be so lucky.
My condolences to the entire Bush family. The loss of a loving mother reshapes us, but they have a fantastic role model in how to deal with challenges.
5
Her husband and sons may have engaged in influence peddling, fraud, given us wars, trickle up that failed, and deficits, but she loved them anyhow. Noblesse oblige... She wanted the little people who ultimately paid for her family's wealth to be able to read! https://www.publicintegrity.org/2000/01/18/3313/how-george-w-bush-scored...
17
Why does the NYT continue to promulgate the pieced, out of context, and therefore completely incorrect quote from the Astrodome. Mrs. Bush began her comments noting that it was sad that the people from the 9th Ward considered the Astrodome to be an upgrade from their day-to-day existence, a view which liberal politicians were loathe to admit at the time, given the billions of dollars wasted by Nagin with nothing to show for it, but is now well documented. She then went on to say they appeared to be doing well, all things considered. And of course Mrs. Bush spent an incredible amount of time assisting and talking to people in the Astrodome, something the Times reporters at the time did not do. So the Times perpetuates their horrendous reporting at the time, and does not even mention what an 80 year old women was doing there.
16
She had what is sorely missing these days in our leaders: Class.
7
If you mean money, yeah, she had that.
5
It blows my mind how some hateful liberals never miss a chance to say hateful things about people with whom they disagree. This comment thread is a case in point.
Barbara and George, Laura and George W. No matter what you thought of their politics, any fair person would salute their unfailing graciousness and personal warmth to all people. I pray that one day we will again have leadership capable of this.
6
I can't speak for whatever the concept of "Liberals" means to you. People around the world hate the Bushes and their ilk because they start wars that end up killing people they love. Self-described conservatives often fail to understand this. For you and I it might be a disagreement about politics, but for the thousands of people in Iraq (or Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Vietnam) whose children have been blown up by American bombs, it is something else altogether. The people who bring up these facts do not hate America, they are just trying to interject a little reality into the nonstop backslapping hurrahs and self-congratulations. That is why we balk at phrases like, "any fair person would salute their unfailing graciousness and personal warmth to all people".
15
‘Why should we hear about body bags and deaths? It’s not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?’
-- Barbara Bush (March 2003)
Yeah, nice lady.
And I refuse to participate in the bizarre, ahistorical rehabilitation of George W. Bush. The Patriot Act, attacking Iraq for WMDs that didn't exist, not holding Saudi Arabia to account for 9/11, AUMF leading to never ending war, social down-punching, irresponsible tax cuts, recession ... jeez, the list goes on and on. In his defense though, he did manage to do all that with a smile on his face. Hmm, now that I think about it, he might've been smirking, not smiling.
30
I'm a liberal and I liked and admired her very much, thank you. I appreciate her (yes) class and dignity, unlike the inhabitants we currently have in the WH. RIP Barbara.
3
Grace, class, and respect. Mrs. Bush personified so much of what is missing in today's political discourse. Condolences to her family, and may she rest in peace. A grateful nation will remember her service to our country and her family forever.
6
Did the "class" include her sneering unforgettable putdown directed to the suffering victims of Katrina that "they never had it so good"? What Kool-Aid have you drunk today Jasphil?
21
Go listen to the audio - that is not what she said in the least. A complete mis-characterization.
3
This Democrat has always admired Barbara Bush for her gracious down to earth spirit and practicality. She embraced education and equality; something today's Republicans could learn from her.
My own Mother passed away in late February also on her own terms like Barbara Bush. She was the same age. I could not help but draw comparisons between the two women. Like Barbara Bush she was tough, compassionate, and believed in treating all with dignity and fairness. She also had a passion for learning. Their dwindling generation has a resiliency of spirit that seems sorely lacking today.
May you rest in peace Mrs. Bush. Condolences to the family.
43
What's with this near-deification of Barbara Bush that I see in the media? It's hard to forget some of the things she said (about Katrina refugees and Geraldine Ferraro)...and the less-than-lovely Bush Boys didn't come from a vacuum. Or does the New Standard of Vileness make saints of those who came before? For those interested, a reminder about our habit of National Forgetting:
https://www.ranker.com/list/dark-barbara-bush-stories/melissa-sartore
33
Barbara and George, Laura and George W. No matter what you thought of the Bushes politically, you have to agree that they epitomized a time when we could count on our leaders to be gracious human beings. I pray that we can somehow, someday get back to that.
9
A remarkable, substantive, independent woman, appreciated and admired across party lines. Whatever else one may think of him George made a great choice in her as a wife. RIP and condolences.
2
I suppose that one must not speak ill of the dead, but there are exceptions. As far as this reader is concerned, the following is the key paragraph in this fawning obituary:
"Her candor occasionally got her into trouble. In 2005, while visiting victims of Hurricane Katrina at the Houston Astrodome, where they were being temporarily housed, she remarked that many of them 'were underprivileged anyway' and that their Astrodome stay — though the living conditions there were dire — was 'working very well for them.'
"The comments, coming at a time when her son’s administration was being roundly criticized over its response to the storm, were widely heard as insensitive and condescending."
These were vile statements, which amply demonstrated the true values of this woman. Shame on her.
27
“Vile statements!” Oh, the horror! Someone said that there are people who live BENEATH them...oh god, what ever shall we do???
2
Some of us will manage to have compassion for those people who live BENEATH [us].
What is the point of your nasty comment?
1
I'll be the bad mannered one in the room. At the end of the day, she raised - and championed - a son who led us into a phony war, resulting in the death and injury of many Americans and many more Iraqis. Her son's administration was one that talked about "compassionate conservatism" while being anything but compassionate. In its lying to the American public, it helped pave the way for today's Orwellian administration.
Parents aren't completely responsible for the actions of their children. But she did raise a privileged son who had no empathy for people who were less wealthy or connected. And she campaigned actively for him.
So spare me from knee-jerk "wasn't she wonderful to the servants" reporting.
180
This is what I have been thinking but didn't have the courage to point out.
16
Also, I found it odd, if not creepy, that somehow her request to no longer be treated for her illness made it to every news media front page - online and in paper. Who contacts the media about a persons pending demise? Hey, guess what, my mom/dad/friend is going to die soon. Thought you all should know so we can get a little press and, ahem, of course, prepare the world for the inevitable event. Again, odd and creepy.
9
Agreed. And her comment about not wasting her beautiful mind thinking about the casualties of war are quite chilling and shocking. Quite a woman of privilege.
17
My favorite Barbara Bush quote: "we've had enough Bushes and Clinton's in the Whitehouse." Amen! I'd also like to cite her generous donation made to a Katrina disaster relief fund in the form of a purchase and donation to the Houston School district of her son Jeb's dubious educational software products.
A true Bush to the end.
11
One of our greatest First Ladies. I didn't agree with everything she said, but she spoke her mind. She was a true champion for causes she believed in especially literacy. May she rest in peace.
2
Watching film clips of the Bush family last night, particularly, Barbara Bush, I realize what we are missing today. Genuine folk who care about others. They had class, gravitas, and emotional connection to the people they represented. Mrs Bush exuded grace, affection for her husband and children. She was a dedicated woman who will remain in our minds. One can see it, in the rear window so to say, and suddenly the current vacuous family assaults us. What a darn shame. How did we ever get here?
2
We got here because in 1980 George Bush sold out to become Ronald Reagan's vice president despite knowing what a fraud Reagan was. We got here because of two Bush wars in Irag to protect the various petro-states that were funding the same terrorists that would attack us on 09/11. Donald Trump is the logical consequence of the Bush / Reagan years & all that they did and let happen Genuine folk? right! Perhaps to the people they represented IE the privileged class, to the rest of us, not so much.
7
"Watching film clips of the Bush family last night, particularly, Barbara Bush, I realize what we are missing today. Genuine folk who care about others."....
Unless they are black Americans sufferings after a violent hurricane.... or Iraqis slaughtered on the basis of a lie.
As for the "genuine folk" bit.... Please be serious.
6
A most gracious lady. So very sorry to hear that we've lost her. Condolences to all.
Everyone loved and respected this exemplary lady.
She will be missed.
2
“He’s said terrible things about women, terrible things about the military...I don’t understand why people are for him.”
Hear hear.
For whatever lifestyle choice she had made in her life, you can fault her for doing what she loved, which was to focus on her family first. Modern day women like HRC who are more career-minded could not have fathom a life taking backseat while their husbands take the lead. Yet, for all the differences, the basic principles in life, civility, decency, integrity, remain the same. It was thus that even though I'm no fan of many a policy of GOP, to hear Barbara Bush uttered those famous words on Trump that all the men in the room seemed incapable or too gutless to say it out loud. It's a voice of reasons that we seem to be lacking these days. Very sad.
7
God speed, ma'am. As were many FLOTUSes before and after, you were a beacon of light and grace within the White House and beyond.
4
Condolences to the Bush family, and especially to 41. She's been by his side every day for 73 years. I will miss her grace, outspokenness, and her undeniable dedication to her family.
2
I never trusted any of the Bushes and have never read anything to cause me to change my mind about that, this article included. Our emotional reactions to the death of a white, privileged self made matriarch who occasionally made rather easy efforts to improve the lives of some Americans speaks to the remnants of our old longing for a monarchy. We were drawn in by her more down to earth and seemingly authentic persona but I suspect she was in fact a brilliant behind the scenes manipulator and motivator of the not so brilliant men in her life. Perhaps I'm totally off base; only her family knows the real Barbara Bush. But I'm sure we will continue to romanticize her life and their long marriage even more so following her death.
17
Exactly.
One would hope a woman with so much wealth and privilege would do a bit of philanthropy, and championing literacy is clean and easy. It's not like she was digging up old land mines or putting ointment on leprosy patients with her bare hands.
Let's stop with the canonization of a very ordinary, rather self-absorbed woman who had a far easier life than most Americans ever did or will.
10
Thank you.
3
What I what is striking to me is how much the expectations of women have changed so quickly. Reading about Barbara Bush’s early life - it is so different than what is considered “normal”today. Barbara Bush was quite typical of a mid century upper class woman - her “career” was to marry and have kids. In about two generations that completely changed.
5
Some of the nasty comments here are truly appalling.
Trump certainly has won.
8
A victory given us in part by the Bush family. Thanks for nothing, eh.
6
Agreed. I'm a left leaning Democrat and I always liked Barbara Bush. She had class, dignity and grace and she always spoke her mind. Yes she was born to privilege, yes she expressed what is now considered outdated views on the role of women, so what? She was 92 for heaven's sake! I always heard she was well loved by the WH household staff because she treated them with dignity and respect, something I could never imagine the current inhabitant of the WH doing. So yes, class does matter. It matters because Barbara, who came from 'old' money (vs.tRump) didn't have to prove anything to anybody. She knew who she was and never hid it. RIP Barbara.
4
Celebrate! Her condescending slip-ups revealed her true character. She just hid it pretty well. And now, one less walking the face of the earth.
7
We human beings are complex creatures and virtually each of us is better than the sum of his worst day.
Today I think of the elder President Bush turning to the person who was by his side for 73 years and finding an empty chair.
Compassion, in the end, isn't so much about the receiver as it is about the giver. -- thegamesmenplay.com
4
I can’t help but think of President Bush. He has lost the love of his life, his partner, best friend, confidante, and soulmate. He and Barbara are the true personification of the meaning behind the wedding vows. Seventy-three years.
May that love and his memories of a life together well lived sustain him in the difficult days to come.
5
Some 20 years ago I spent an hour watching Mrs. Bush display amazing patience and kindness under circumstances where she would have been forgiven had she been miffed. If she was, she never showed it, remaining clam, gracious and kindly throughout. It left a lasting impression with me and I was her partisan from that day forward. You did not throw shade on Mrs. Bush in my presence.
3
Well, bless my soul, such a wonderful hagiography!
One can only imagine what we shall receive from the NYT when Hillary Clinton passes. To be fair, as we always should be!, Ms. Clinton was a senator and secretary of state and advocate for the rights of children and academically accomplished and a proponent of accessible healthcare. So perhaps we'd be better served just to note that Ms. Clinton was shrill and Ms. Bush was properly matronly.
The stain of your election coverage will never wash away.
16
Perhaps you'd be better served to remember that the obituary of this fine lady is not the place to air your grievances about this paper's coverage of Mrs. Clinton.
For the record, I am not a Republican and I always felt Mrs. Clinton was strong, smart, and erroneously described as "shrill". But the passing of Barbara Bush, another former First Lady of dignity, is not the time for you to gnash your teeth and throw a barb or two at the Times. It's insulting to her memory, to the grief of her family, and to the role of First Lady, a difficult job that many women have tackled with grace and fortitude over the years. Have a little class - God knows, Mrs. Bush did.
4
Such an unnecessary, spiteful, and assumptive comment is not needed in an obituary about any great American.
4
Mrs. Bush was quite a lady. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.
3
My mother hosted an event, in her home, for George Bush. Barbara Bush came and when she went into my mother's powder room she noticed my mother had a basket of toilet paper; beautifully arranged, and tied with a ribbon. When Barbara Bush wrote a thank you note to my mother she mentioned how "impressed" she was with the basket of toilet paper. My mother framed the letter and hung it in the powder room. She was a woman of great intelligence, humor and etiquette. May she rest in peace.
3
I've never read or seen praise for a deceased person based upon a thank you note that person wrote, for how impressed they were on a basket of toilet paper they found on visiting a friend's bathroom!
7
I am sorry for this loss for the Bush family and the country. I know she embodied a lot of goodness as a mother/grandmother and her strong advocacy of literacy causes is commendable.
Lest we forget her insensitive comments about Hurricane Katrina victims as mostly underprivileged anyway, so living in the Astrodome isn't so bad. Also she made statements about wasting her beautiful mind thinking about fallen soldiers returning from Iraq. If these were said in public, can you imagine what she said privately and thought about? Can anyone imagine Michelle Obama thinking or saying such things?
Lastly, if she was so strong, astute and patriotic as many of the tributes read, she should have put country over family and never let someone as unfit as her eldest son run for president (btw, while I disagree with his politics, her 2nd eldest son was/is fit to be president).
10
George W. and Jeb Bush were respectively 71 and 65 years old at the time of their mother's death yesterday. Good for them, having a mother who was still living when they became senior citizens. Very few men who have ever lived can claim the same thing about their mothers (by comparison, Barack Obama was just 34 years old when his mother passed away in 1995). Implacably opposed in their political careers to the adoption of universal health insurance in the United States, I hope the late Mrs. Bush's two oldest sons pause today to think about how government-provided health care and insurance played at least some role in their mother's longevity. Between the ages of 55 and 67 at least (1981 to 1993), Barbara Bush as the wife of first the vice president and then the president of the United States had unlimited access to the most lavish public health care and insurance system in the world. No doubt in my mind that helped her live for another 25 years as an ex-First Lady.
Maybe it's too much to expect children of extreme privilege to think about such things, but one can always hope.
17
Excellent points, AR.
5
George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, and John McCain, and Mitt Romney all did not attend the Republican convention the Summer before last. This is a very severe warning that we ignore at our peril.
2
Barbara Bush transcends politics and lived her life authentically as a role model to all, especially women. May her legacy continue, sorry Barbara, you can't rest now-we need you!
4
@Peggy Lamb: I beg to differ with you. She was not my idea of a role model.
I don't get how people love her so much considering the vile things she has said.
14
And the fact that her son George's personality was supposed to be just like hers. I'm surprised at all the "she was such a lady and so genteel and kind" comments. Remember what she said about Geraldine Ferraro when she ran against her husband? "I can't say it but it rhymes with rich"? And what she said about the Katrina victims? Yes a real lady......
11
92! God bless! For just a moment can we strip away the political and gender commentaries on Mrs. Bush and thus obit and celebrate getting to spend that much time with a loved one here on earth?
RIP
3
No!
4
She was a "thing-unto-herself" for sure, a woman most would be able to like, it seems to me, who did many good things, and thus not to be judged according to the actions taken by her husband or her son, some of which were pretty awful. There was the Gulf War for her husband, followed by his "National Victory Parade" down Pennsylvania Avenue afterwards to erase the stigma of the "Vietnam Syndrome" so that the USA could go to wars again. Then came the disastrous Iraq War and the approving of torture by her son. Both Bush wars, unleashing unfathomable carnage and still with us today, were largely prompted by a thirst for oil by our nation and these oil and gas wildcatting Presidents. That is the legacy of the two men she no doubt loved with all her heart as wife and mother, and so, well, let's just let that be in this time of her passing, not allowing ourselves to ask whether they ever talked "business" at the Bush family table; and let's not think about whether she approved of what they did, saying all this quietly in a comment to the NY Times, saying it with with all due respect to her and all involved in the sinful actions of three Bush Administrations. I ask God to have mercy on my soul, and so I pray the same for her and all her family.
4
I was on a trip from Alabama with a group of 8th graders. We were in line at the White House...making our way through security. At one point we were along a wrought iron fence, about waist high, and out comes Mrs. Bush with the family dogs. She came right over to the kids...just like a mother. You could see it in her eyes. I'll never forget that moment.
3
Whether you agreed with Bush politics or not, Barbara Bush deserves much praise for succeeding in all realms of life. She was a loving spouse, a strong, devoted mother, a patriotic American, a First Lady who led as a role model, and a formidable matriarch of a political dynasty. Mrs. Bush was a truly self actualized person who represented the best of the Greatest Generation. May she rest in peace and may her family find comfort in their memories of her at this sad time.
1
Barbara Bush changed the world for thousands of people. She did not do it through politics or religion. She did it by working to help adults learn to read and write and have advantages they would never have otherwise.
If there is any memorial for her, it should be first and foremost this. To save one person is to save the world, and saving them from a life of ignorance has to be the highest calling.
(glass raised) To Mrs. Bush!
2
A thoughtful, respectful and balanced testimony to a great woman from a news service that is considered fake, failing and incredibly biased in its views by the present administration in Washington.
3
"During that campaign, he was repeatedly derided in personal terms by the eventual nominee and now president, Donald J. Trump, prompting Mrs. Bush, who was never shy about expressing her views, to lash back, suggesting in television interviews that Mr. Trump was a misogynist and a hatemonger."
The Times will always add in a shot at Trump no matter what, even in an obituary.
2
My heart-felt condolences to the Bush family. Mrs. Bush died at home on her own terms, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a real lady who embodied the best of American values as a mother and grandmother, a champion of decency and common sense. Rest In Peace.
1
By ALL accounts, BarBush was a wonderful person - to everybody. Perhaps if SHE was the Bush who occupied the Oval Office, our history would have been changed for much the better.
Partners of elected officials should be of little public interest. We didn't chose them, but we should be extremely interested in the ones to whom we gave our vote.
2
It is a great loss for the family when anyone dies. Let's not forget that people have their dark sides, too. I used to admire the George H.W. Bushes until a) George called Clinton and Gore "bozos" during a presidential debate and b) I met Barbara at one of her book signings and she looked me up and down, calculating if I could be of any use to her besides buying her book. That said, I do appreciate her work to eradicate adult literacy.
5
RIP- another great person from the “Greatest Generation” has passed. I miss the way things were; examples set, integrity, humbleness, respect; civil discourse. Each passing of the GG removes us from a civilized society.
She did such an amazing job raising her boys, didn't she? Her husband help Reagan begin dismantling the nation and one of her offspring was responsible for the deaths of thousands globally.
Someone had to say it amidst all of the gushing here.
12
Agreed. But she didn't bother her "beautiful mind" with such trivia as others' deaths and suffering -- by her own admission.
10
Who can be bothered with the deaths of all those leetle people? Yeah, really nice lady, such class.
3
NORMALLY WHEN ONE IS CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO BUSHES LIFE IS UNCOMFORTABLE BUT HERE IT WAS A PLEAURE FOR HER FIRST BEING THE FIRST LADY IN WHITE HOUSE AND SECOND AS MOTHER OF THE SON PRESIDENT .
SHE AVOIDED CONTROVERSIES AND WAS A CLEAR HEART COMPASSIONATE LADY .WHO WOULD OTHERWISE TAKE UP TEACHING CHILDREN .
SHE LIVED A RICH LIFE AND ENRICHED THE NATION BY HER CONTRIBUTIONS
MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE
Rest in Peace Mrs. Bush, and thank you.
1
My condolences to the Bush family. My mother passed away last year in October. She would have shared her condolences as well.
1
I think her comments about "the disadvantaged" New Orleans people after Katrina were meant with a sentiment that many of the displaced people had a hard life, but still endured, and would endure the Katrina catastrophe as well. I think she was in awe of their true grit in life. She didn't mean it in a demeaning way.
The picture with Barbara holding a book, and listening to children reading in the elementary school, reminded me of her President son George, sitting in a similar 4th grade class to encourage reading, probably thinking that he was happy carrying on with this mother's inspiring work, when the planes struck. He'll have his mother's legacy to create new inspiration in himself now to carry on her good works.
Barbara Bush's lament about feeling inadequate watching the women's movement, could be shared by all of us at some time in our lives. Similarly, Schindler in the movie Schindler's List, laments that he wishes he had done more to save more people and children from the Holocaust. This is certainly a lesson for the living today. Barbara Bush, I think, was trying to tell others not to have regret or lament at the end of life about what we could have done to improve other peoples lives. Certainly, Mrs. Bush did a great deal to help others in her life.
2
Mr. Shaw, your comment moved me to tears, especially the part where you mentioned President Bush being in that 4th grade classroom when the planes hit. I will never forget the expression of his face. How he was able to manage such composure having being told what had happened is the kind of inner strength he got from his mother. Thank you so kindly for your moving and tender comment.
3
@Marge Keller: GWB's expression as he looked up from reading "The Pet Goat" on September 11 displayed as much composure as that of a deer caught in high beam headlights.
Get real.
6
Gus, I’m sure you would’ve done a better job at that moment.
3
Condolences to the family and to all the good work she did.
However, one area, even though it was her own son, she should have talked out against that was not political was Bush 2 use of torture after 9/11.
He was the only president in US history to employe torture an an official policy of the US gov't.
Even many brutal dictators who torture do not do this, announce they will do it and that it is gov't official policy.
8
That was a person with character, intelligence, and courage . . . qualities presently lacking in the White House.
1
Addenda to all of the praise for Barbara Bush, and heartfelt condolences to her family.
I think she would appreciate it if people also remembered - as her husband always reminded us - that she could be prickly, even barbed, in her comments. Sometimes, even to her own family. She demonstrated that real loyalty and love doesn't mean sacrificing your intelligence and values - or opinions.
She was another of the strong women who broke through the curtains that mute the voice of the First Lady.
Her last lines at the 1990 Wellesley graduation, from the speech which implored the graduates to "believe in something larger than themselves" ended with a sly jab:
"Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the President's spouse.
I wish him well!"
5
She produced children who grew up to have not very much ethical fiber. Remember the campaign of George W. vs. McCain and its breathtaking viciousness? I*d be pretty ashamed if a child of mine indulged in that.
She was a strong and interesting person and had some very worthwhile interests and concerns as First Lady. But one*s children are one*s legacy.
9
Perhaps, but one is also not responsible for the actions of one's adult children. If W. behaved like a jerk as an adult, the fault was entirely W.'s, not his mother's. He was old enough to know better.
I was no fan of W., but as for the "breathtaking viciousness" of which you speak, I think there's far more examples of that being spewed out by the current trashy administration than by W. during his tenure.
2
Actually, Lindsay K, one*s choices pre-conception and pre-natally, as well as afterwards, can have profound lifelong effects on one*s children. Mrs. Bush acknowledged that her smoking and drinking while pregnant with George W. *made him the way he was.*
Do you have any evidence that she said this? If so, please provide it, and from a legitimate news source.
I'm well aware that one's choices while pregnant directly impact the developing baby, and that women of Mrs. Bush's generation may not have been aware of this while carrying their own children. Many women of that time smoked and drank while pregnant - there's a photo somewhere of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis smoking while pregnant - and an entire generation didn't turn out moronic despite the now-documented risks that such behaviors pose. But are you seriously trying to tell me that W. acting like an idiot as a middle-aged adult is Mrs. Bush's fault because of what she may have done while pregnant with him 50 years before? This is about the behavior of an adult man, not serious disabilities or impaired quality of life in babies and children that may result from excessive drinking, smoking, or other perilous activities their mothers engaged in while pregnant with them. All of us act like idiots from time to time: do we not own those faults? Must we shove yet another thing onto our mothers, those people we're happy to scapegoat when we're not lionizing them unrealistically?
If Mrs. Bush made bad parenting choices after her children entered the world, they certainly didn't have to let that color their lives when they became adults. The glory of becoming an adult is that you get to chart your own course, one over which your parents, for better or worse, have no control.
She was likable I suppose but other than parade her privilege I'm not sure what she really did that is so praiseworthy. The need for charities, literacy programs, and thrift shops are a result of the policies of a government of which her lineage is an integral part. The best I can say about Barbra Bush was she wore her pretension well. I will never get past the fact that she was part and parcel of the Republican party that led us straight to the political, social and cultural disaster we now have.
24
Speak no evil of the recently departed
People remember Willie Horton and the Dukakis tank ads, but during the 1988 campaign, I largely credit (blame?) Barbara Bush for getting her husband elected. In the final days, the campaign ran an ad that was narrated by her: "If people could see my husband as I see him..." It was unusual at the time, but highly effective at humanizing Bush.
She was a fierce loyalist but also not afraid to speak her mind. She'll be remembered well.
2
Fine lady. We appreciated her extreme disdain for the current office holder of president, disagreed with her son's disastrous policies but respected her none the less.
7
A class act and a role model for public decency, Barbara Bush will be missed. Condolences to the Bush family.
8
A Classy Lady....
Mrs. Barbara Bush was a true credit to this country, to common sense and supporting compromise in our national agenda for education, practical engagement on a host of issues that affected both Republican and Democrats alike. I salute her, a really classy lady. May her reunion with Our Lord bring such Joy. To the members of the Bush family, Thank you for sharing your wife, mother and grandmother. Everyone could identify with Barbara.
May you be comforted in a life well lived, and Thank you for allowing us to know this incredible woman of strength.
2
God bless her.
I am a Republican and a one time eager volunteer for many Republican causes.
My first memory of this great lady is during Mr. Reagan's first inauguration where I had been invited on account of my volunteer activities.
We were at a celebratory event in a large auditorium for Texans. There were many sporting big time cowboy hats, boots and highly dressed women.
In walks Mrs Bush with hardly any security detail.
With her silver hair and trade mark pearls - she gave put a big time Texan greeting "How ya'll?"
Everyone stood and applauded.
She sat down without any more fuss and the program went on.
And then, in last few years, you could see her with the president behind the home plate at Astros Minute Maid park.
You could never miss her with that silver hairdo.
Quite a lady she was.
2
A lovely lady, who acted with compassion, dignity and had a sense of humor. She had a great long life and I'm sure she has peace now.
My sympathies to her husband and family for their loss.
2
May I say that loving one's family is usual. How well she loved her family is their's to decide. That she did so while being closely scrutinized in the political crucible, and while promoting literacy, diversity and the well-being of others, makes her worthy of our admiration. May she rest in peace.
2
She was a person of substance, integrity and purpose. There are many ways to be a woman in this world. She chose her path and lived a good life and was always her own person. I have to imagine that dinner conversation was interesting with Barbara at the table.
1
Did not know much about her while First Lady but every time I see her picture, I see a woman who was the strongest and the most dignified that she could be as a mother in her era. It takes strength to maintain dignity and not get down in the dirt during and after being in the public spotlight as Second Lady, First Lady and First mother. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
1
A gracious, caring, dignified First Lady who felt like a mother to our nation. She will be sorely missed.
2
This is an excellent obituary for a remarkable woman. Telling details, like the descriptions of Mrs. Bush's commitment to literacy education and her insistence that her press secretary be black, highlight her sense of fairness, decency and civility. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
3
As a photographer initially based in Kennebunkport ME, I had the privilege to have taken many a photo of Mrs Bush over the years. My favorite story of her happened on the occasion of her husband’s 80th birthday celebration. He was about to skydive (piggyback with an army elite group) and some one wanted to know her thoughts on this feat. She answered,” Well, one way or the other, this is going to be the last time that he does this!”
113
Barbara Bush was a champion of adult literacy. I'm proud to have known and worked with her on this still important cause in our nation. What an amazing woman, a moderate Republican who embraced Democrats and those of other political persuasion. She was active in adult literacy to the end. I met her when she and the President, then Vice President, lived in the V.P.'s mansion in Washington. She was a friend of Harold McGraw, Jr., who funded the founding of the Business Council for Effective Literacy and the Council for Advancement of Adult literacy, where I was fortunate enough to serve as operating head. In fact Harold once told me that he became engaged in adult literacy because of his friendship with Barbara. I last saw her at a luncheon of literacy leaders held in her honor in Houston two years ago. She was agile, witty and good humored, and inspiring as the keynote speaker. She loved pearls; we presented her with a new strand that day. My heart goes out to the President.I know he suffers her loss deeply, as does her entire family. The nation has lost a dedicated warrior. Her heart was filled with kindness and her actions were filled with generosity, caring, love, humility, and integrity. I am deeply honored to have known her. This world will be a lesser place without her, but the lives of those who have known Barbara and who have benefited from her leadership and example are richer indeed. Rest in peace, great Lady! You will be deeply missed!
59
One Sunday morning in the late 1980s I couldn't sleep, and was up very early dialing past several Washington DC area radio stations tp pass some time. I stumbled across a college-graduation speech by Barbara Bush, being replayed --I don't think it was the Wellesley speech mentioned by another commenter. I will take a guess that it was George Mason, in Virginia. Toward the end of the speech, Barbara Bush talked about taking the time to be (at the end of a list of roles like wife, mother, daughter) someone's best friend, and she paused for emphasis. My guess is that she had added that phrase herself, and I still remember it. Thank you, Barbara Bush.
4
Barbara Bush was most level-headed, straightforward and straight-shooting of the whole extended Bush family. If America, especially its comatose political elites, had listened to her wise advice, in 2015-16, about the country being better off without another Bush or another Clinton for president, we might have had, for example, a solid and educational set of presidential debates on key national issues between Republican nominee John Kasich and Democratic nominee Bernie Sanders.
Barbara Bush might have been a pioneering female political leader on the strength of her own clarity, inspiration and conviction, but had too much integrity to let personal ambition take a higher priority than doing and saying she knew to be right and best for country.
60
Fare thee well Barbara (and sadly I’m sure George too soon, as these things go). You all were not my ideal political family but you sure came close. You reflected the best of most of us, and you were normal Americans, so unlike the freakish creatures now inhabiting the White House.
12
My parents had the great honor of being guests Bush guests at Kennebunkport....they will always remember that trip. Kind, gracious and down-to-earth we’re the adjectives - Barbara Bush embodied the best of America.
65
My condolences to the Bush family. Barbara Bush was a great American and I mourn her passing.
5
Condolences, love and respect to the Bush family from mine.
4
What’s with American always portrait First Lady as if the queen being support of the king. Isn’t this kind of mentality result seeing woman being the support role rather than a leader?
11
Rest in peace, Barbara. You will be missed. One very classy First Lady.
5
The male dominated NYT and its obituary desk has done so little to honor, even identify and name women who are accomplished in their own right, and yet again always allow plenty of glorified real estate and remarks for the wife of, mother of, and my favorite, daughter of... A life in sacrifice of... again driving home the cultural and institutional message that women only matter, they're only valued, and celebrated for their service to others, as an appendage of others. I have no idea who Barbara Bush was as an individual, and the NYT's flowery piece didn't change that. How sad.
10
Barbara Bush had brains, spine and class, and that is an example we'd like more to follow. And for all of it, she was both liked and respected. What better way is there to leave life, than to leave it with people wishing for more time with you, and more people like you?
7
Why wouldn't she? She won the birth lottery and never had to want for anything throughout her entire life.
7
The difference between H and W was Barbara Bush's genes.
And I can never forget her interview after Katrina saying that "they" had never had it so good with the free accommodation in the Stadium.
RIP.
23
It was nasty.
5
Of course, why waste ones “beautiful mind” on “body bags and death” when one has no relative or loved one that will be dying or suffering a life changing injury in Iraq courtesy of her clueless son.
It sad when anyone dies and my condolences to her family, but rich, white and insulated from the problems faced by the large majority of people in this country pretty much describes the life of Mrs. Bush.
30
And all other members of that political class that are in reach of access to the Oval Office including the Clintons and the Obamas.
Barbara Bush led, and loved, by example...
3
RIP Barbara Bush; you were utmost enduring & reckoned the the family unit. I embraced your influence & integretiy regardless of party affiliation. Gosh, I wish either your husband or son(s) were in office right now opposed to the degenerate whom festers on everything beyond the job entitlement & duties.
This does not merit a headline. Her literacy campaign is a joke if you compare it to the efforts to almost unknown women activists for the same cause. There was no real merit beyond being born and having died rich and well-connected.
25
Yes. Precisely. Thank you for saying it.
7
Except she wasn’t unknown, she was the First Lady. Just like Michelle Obama’s admirable campaign to fight childhood obesity. Are there other women (date I say men, too) more dedicated and involved in fighting literacy and obesity? Yes. But they also don’t live a political life at the apex of American and international politics.
1
Barbara Bush may have ben an assset to George HW Bush but she also insisted that George W be the presidential candidate and we all know what happened. However all her good works on literacy are not to be forgotten.
6
I will remember her for standing by while GHW Bush would not pronounce the "L" word. Then GHW Bush gave us Clarence Thomas. Crickets.
15
Great Obit. Interesting woman.
3
One of Donnie Radcliffe's favorites at The Washington Post. Rest in peace.
2
This is probably not the appropriate time to make this observation, but in today's political atmosphere, it's almost impossible not to. Barbara Bush brought to the country and the White House all the qualities that are so sorely lacking. Grace. Class. Decency. Dignity. And most important, Honesty.
6
Mrs. Bush did America a great disservice: we got accustomed to decent, prudent, honest, intelligent, First Ladies...What an exemplary legacy for the Nation and the Bush Family.
1
Pat Nixon and Betty Ford were the last Republican first ladies who came from and reflected the average working rather than the uber-rich.
15
I can't believe she's gone.
Thank you Mrs. Bush for all of your hard work, devotion and time spent on the literacy issue. A topic so basic yet often ignored or taken for granted was brought to light and life because of your efforts.
Deepest condolences to the Bush family. Mrs. Bush was a class act.
3
I will always be ashamed of the ugly and lowbrow humor aimed at the Bush family first mom and first , first lady. I am a Democrat and have always voted Democrat but I always thought familes were outside the range of legitimate comment. Far too many so called pundits and humorists took cheap shots at Mrs Bush because her husband seemd so youthful and vital and she did not seem 20 years younger. The fact is that her husband ,GHW Bush, was the last best GOP President-probably better than any of the 2 alleged Democrats since then, too. Mrs Bush was ideally suited for her position as first lady and her husband was a decent and kind man.
I will always remember the Bush family(GHW) and Barbara Bush as the last decent people we had in the White House-of any persuasion.
I have always greatly regretted that both GHW Bush and Mr. Carter, each 1 term Presidents, didn't meet and invent a fusion ticket, together-they could have run the country on alternate days, as the last, good & decent men who also knew what they were about. Such men and women are in desperately short supply. . . had Teddy R. listened to his friends, we'd never have had any decent people at 1600 Penn Ave. in the 20th century. WE can do better by being more like we were, once.
5
A lovely, classy lady. She will be missed. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Bush.
2
I can't think of anything, not one single thing, to admire about this woman. She's seems like a non-entity to me - a privileged political spouse, ensconced in her out of touch life of extreme wealth. I disagree with her destructive views, but don't really care much about them because she remained in the background, with no distinctive views of her own. It was her awful husband and son who did so much damage, destroyed so many lives. She was...not really worth noticing, so far as I could tell. Meh.
18
I am a lifelong Democrat, never voted for any Bush, am appalled by the current Oval Office occupant and the state of the Republican Party (and yes, a two-party democracy needs two functioning parties to remain vital). That said, please show a bit of decency and restraint. Someone just passed from this world. She wasn't perfect, but she also wasn't Hitler or Pol Pot or Stalin.
That someone has a family who are mourning and grieving. Is it not possible to show some respect?
If there is ever a time to follow the adage that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, that time would be now. Figuratively spitting on someone's grave is a pretty classless thing to do.
4
Human Life "does create some Wonderful Offspring" take a small moment and "inhale Kindness Like this Wonderful Woman"
She was perhaps one of the few GOP party members to tell the world what she really thought of Trump. Kudos to her.
8
Why such fuss? This is the death of a gracious but not unusual woman--not Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Winnie Mandela, or for that matter Margaret Thatcher. Speak louder for women speak louder as women.
4
I think it's because we all need a break from the other breaking news . . .
1
Barbara Bush should have been an object lesson to Republicans in dignity, grace, compassion and decency. She was the best of the Bushes. I am greatly saddened to hear of her passing. A great human being is no longer among us. And the object lesson remains unlearned, to the detriment of us all.
1
Great American. Lot to be admired there and to be emulated. Wife of one President , Mother of another President and still down to Earth till the last, which I think is what people liked so much about her. Mom and wife first and foremost and proud of it.
2
Barbara Bush and Eleanor Roosevelt were very special 'first ladies'; one was dedicated to improving literacy - the other to improving housing and general welfare in mining communities and laborers in NYC. Sad to say, the country continues to lag behind in basic education and living conditions remain intolerable in too many areas of this 'rich' country.
3
Another Democrat who can’t believe how fond I feel towards the Bushes after the current White House occupant. Barbara Bush was a wonderful First Lady who served our country well in many capacities. Condolences to her family.
43
I remember when early in her husband's presidency someone asked her why she didn't dye her hair. She said she had dyed her hair dark, but that it would become a big mess in the pool and other places, and she just didn't like maintaining it so she basically said the hell with it and went natural. I liked her for that.
36
Barbara Bush always reminded me that her husband, George H.W. Bush (41), was a good judge of character. As a result, this Democrat always gave Herbert Walker the benefit of the doubt. Barbara Bush led by example, and I will miss her leadership.
21
So sorry to hear that. She was the mother of the United States to some extent.
9
Speak for yourself. Barbara Bush was a plute whose real religion was the Almighty Dollar, in her case trust fund money. And her son 43 was no credit to his raising. The Bush (originally Boucher) family wanted to establish a pharaonic dynasty to the detriment of our democracy. They failed. She's gone. Get over it.
2
Mrs. Bush spoke very candidly about health problems. She suffered for many years from Graves Disease. For those who are unaware, Graves is not an easy illness. It creates havoc in all areas of someone's life: physical and emotional. Relationships suffer--so it's surprising the Bushs' relationship survived 73 years. It's a constant roller coaster illness, and patients usually suffer for years without a proper diagnosis and treatment.
The first time I started considering maybe I too had a thyroid illness was when Mrs. Bush described her life with the illness. I think Mr. Bush also lives with Thyroid disease--Hypothyroid, which is the opposite of Graves.
Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for being so open about your health issues. It helped me tremendously. I didn't feel so alone knowing the First Lady had health struggles like mine. Her openness started me on my own path to awareness and healing.
28
Without Barbara Bush, I doubt her husband would ever have been president. Most men who have gotten to that high office owe their wives immeasurable gratitude for support and encouragement and, most importantly, having a different point of view that they could express to their husbands and help change and moderate. We will see a woman president before long and many women in the office over the next 100 years.
The Bush family represented the last of the old line, northeastern moderate or liberal Republicans. They, to the faithful in the party, were the embodiment of third or fourth generation wealth, the kind of "right people", born to wealth and enormous advantage, that Republicans traditionally liked to see in high office. That the first George Bush rose after losing a U.S. Senate race in Texas in 1970 was due to Richard Nixon and Bob Dole, who wanted him in government.
The Bush family represented the wealthiest class of Americans with no apologies, though they threw some benefits the way of the not so rich, such as G.W. Bush's prescription drug payment plan for seniors and his program to fight AIDS in Africa and elsewhere.
To the Bush family, conservative politics meant preserving the benefits and wealth of the wealthy. How could it be otherwise? They were raised in and to wealth. Barbara Bush, whom I did not know personally although I met other family members over the years, should get full credit for being forthright and unpretentious, a real person. Who compares?
18
After all these years, I still remember four facts about Barbara Bush that I loved:
1. She stopped dying her hair because she liked to swim more than she cared about her gray hair.
2.) She hauled around a tapestry rug that she worked on for years no matter where they lived, and unfortunately someone spilled something on it and the stain wouldn't come out. She still put it on the floor in the White House because she loved it.
3.) She said she always wore those pearls to hide her aging neck, and laughed about it.
4.) Originally, she was not happy that Clinton won, not at ALL. Eventually, after Clinton and Bush Sr. did their tour of the Indonesian disaster together, she became very close to him and called him her additional son.
I will miss her.
44
Thank you for those lovely recollections. Barbara Bush will be missed. Would that more of us practiced the civility and humor that she demonstrated so naturally.
She had a lot of gumption, which I admired.
But sadly, I will mostly remember her jab at Geraldine Ferraro in 1984...and her wretched comments in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
To whom much has been given, much is expected. And that includes the honing of a humanistic point of view that enables one to see all of humanity on an equal footing. Whether she was merely a victim of the era in which she was raised, or the ethos at home, Barbara Bush failed miserably at attuning her sensibilities to individuals far less lucky and fortunate as she consciously labeled herself.
So it's mixed emotions. Very sad in that regard.
46
Barbara was the Queen mother of American politics and people loved her
10
I want to thank Barbara Bush for her last, great gift to the American People. Watching videos of her grace and composure lead to an all too brief respite from Muller, Sessions, Cohen, Russia, Comey, FBI, Kellyanne Conway, Dark Web, Collusion, Obstruction, Hannity, Stormy Daniels, Rosenstein, the Dossier, et al.
24
She may have been brought up in "considerable affluence." She may have been a distant relative of Franklin Pierce, and she may have been widely admired. But Mrs. Bush knew what mattered most in life - the love of family.
22
No matter what the family does, apparently.
2
We come from different parties, but the same path forward. I celebrate Mrs. Bush for her tremendous work for literacy, her forthright opinion on choice and her family's enormous contributions to charity. Godspeed, Mrs. Bush.
16
it was good to know that Barbara Bush supported Planned Parenthood. she was an example of a woman of principal and good heart. best wishes to her family and friends
30
I'm a Democrat and am so saddened by the loss of this amazing, classy woman. She was a GREAT First Lady, and I admired her sense of humor and total lack of pretension. Thank you for representing our country so well around the world. I know your husband will miss you greatly.
27
What a beautiful tribute to a remarkable woman. I imagine she found racism just as profoundly stupid, if not stupider, than I can. I miss her and her family’s brand of Republicanism; although I’m nowhere near being an R, they carried that R with compassion, dignity and a moral standing that is SORELY lacking if not completely diminished in this day and age. RIP, good lady.
23
You know ... I thought the lady was immortal.
I remember the "witch" comment about Geraldine Ferraro very well. I laughed, always convinced that a woman, to be both interesting AND survivable in what certainly at that time still was very much a man's world, NEEDED to be at least 20% "witch". Mrs. Ferraro certainly qualified ... but, then, so did Barbara Bush (and I admired her for it).
Barbara Bush: RIP.
15
I'm absolutely NO fan of the men in the Bush political family, and I think Barbara Bush outclassed them all, hands down.
Had she ever faced the rigors of direct political/electoral combat, who knows what would have happened, but I have little doubt that she would have provided a huge inspiration to all who love our country.
12
What an oxymoron.
A life well lived. May she rest in peace.
18
It broke my heart to hear the news of Mrs. Bush’s passing today. As a child of the late 80’s and early 90’s, I grew up with so much respect for Mrs. Bush and her contributions to society.
My personal experience of the Bush’s was when I was in the 5th grade and the Bush’s selected my dad’s small drywall business to be one of the contractors for their new home to be built in Houston after they departed from The White House. Once construction on the home was complete, the Bush’s had everyone involved in the construction of their new home over for lunch. To this day, I still have the photo my dad and President Bush standing on the Bush’s front porch with President Bush’s arm around my father displayed in my home. My dad still tells the story of how incredibly well he and the other construction workers and crews were treated that day at the Bush’s home. He remembers sitting down on the sofa with Mrs. Bush, her dog beside her, and discussing the final product, her new home in Houston. I’ve always respected the Bush’s for the generosity they showed my father that day.
We will miss you Mrs. Bush. For those who are not from Houston and may not know, Mrs. Bush was a huge fan of the Houston Astros. I’m thrilled that before her passing she was able to see history made with her Houston Astros winning the World Series this past year. I can only imagine the smile she must of had on her face. I’ll miss seeing her sitting behind home plate at the Houston Astros games as she had done.
53
thanks for sharing an insightful story; such good people!
7
Barbara Bush was an expert needlepointer; she made a world class rug, beginning in China I believe. I loved her for this, a great achievement
10
Much to admire in her priorities. She put her family first. Definitely not vain about her hair color--says alot.......
15
My condolences to her family for their great loss. No doubt a great wife and mother, but not more than that. At a time when few women had a chance to make a difference, she had her chance. No-one can fault her for her adult literacy drive, when the power to influence was thrust upon her. Each first lady was expected to have a project and she genuinely went beyond just the trappings of that. But at a time of continuing inequality for minorities and women, she represented the status quo and did not lift a finger to change that. Few would lift a finger in her position. Thus, she was ordinary and good at (mostly) being inoffensive. She stood quiet during the tragedies and evil hatreds that were perpetrated by her husband and son in the name of their Party. Her greatest asset was not being Nancy Reagan. We can be thankful that she did not pour twisted rubbish into the ear of the President, as Nancy Reagan did.
12
Mere words can not describe the height and depth and breath of Mrs. Bush's soul molded through a life of service to the American people. My hope and prayer is that future First Ladies strive to emulate her.
Barbara Bush',s legacy leaves no child behind as she strove to enlighten a generation of children through the simple act of supporting libraries financially as well as working with her talented daughter in law Mrs. Laura Bush.
11
We have a holiday dedicated to our presidents. I think it is time we establish a First Lady holiday to honor all of our great, wonderful, inspiring women like Barbara Bush.
20
RIP Barbara Bush. Your singing of the national anthem with Shirley Jones at a campaign event in New York was one of the highlights of the 1992 presidential campaign.
6
I would have given anything for her hair, sparkling eyes, and wonderful taste in all things from sweaters to gardens. Also, I will cherish her bright light, intelligence, sharpness, spirit, and quick and lightning humor. She was a force to be reckoned with and close to nature. She had extraordinaryly warm heart as big as Texas and Maine. An American Individual like no other. RIP Barb. I cherish my middle name because of you. A great life, she remarked. What a wonderful thought to pass along to her family.
11
Lucky to have her as first lady. She embodied the word class. She will be missed as a voice in the American conversation. We could probably use a few thousand women just like her.
10
RIP Mrs. Bush.
4
A quote from Barbara Bush states she wanted to be remembered "as a wife, a mother and grandmother for this is what I'm. And a a person who cares deeply for people and wanted to make America more literate."
I loved that Mr. Bush, spoke publicly about not being able to vote for Donald! I admired her spunk, honesty and...that she was...pro- choice!
America lost a good woman! Rest In Peace.
15
Its good to remember what class; character; and service to one's country mean.
RIP Barbara Bush.
12
My mother was long and fast friends with Barbara and once made fun of the Bush's Texas "residence", which was a PO Box at The Houstonian. Babs quickly responded, "Oh, Sarah, we've just had to downsize, what with this economy." Great lady.
9
She was a wonderful public figure as First Lady. Very candid, thoughtful, humble and interesting in her public statements. Clearly a wonderful mother and wife. Her memoir is a terrific read. Everyone liked her.
5
Mrs. Bush served our nation with honor class style and distinction. May she rest in peace. She was loved by all, GOP and Democrats, including this liberal.
11
I saw her speak in a local park in Rye, NY back in 1988. Politics aside, I thought she was lovely and gracious.
R.I.P.
8
She was terrific. Nancy was brittle and Barbara was a warm family woman. She was funny and sometimes tart about raising her "kids," but I had the strong feeling that they were lucky children and that her husband was a lucky man. Goodnight and good luck (I don't think she'll need it in the afterlife, after a lifetime of looking out for a big family) Mrs GW Bush. And God bless and condolences to her family.
4
May god rest her soul. It has been my life’ long dream to meet her husband and shake his hand. It matters to me, GHWB was first president I voted against. For a naturalized American, who lived here longer than I lived in my native country, it still matters to me to shake the hand of the person that I voted against without losing my head.
8
I'm always saddened by the death of a First Lady. They often didn't relish the job, one that was unpaid, in which every move and statement was scrutinized in the glare of the media, who were expected to be a role model for the country. And yet, spouses like Barbara Bush stepped up to the plate and left their own personal imprints during their time as First Lady. My heart goes out to President G. H. W. Bush, all of his children, children-in-law, and grandchildren. Barbara Bush was a great lady and in the end demonstrated the same strength and dignity as she did throughout her time in the public eye.
19
At least she was pro-choice.
33
A wonderful lady who will be missed by all who knew her.
8
The world is worse off without Barbara Bush, an epitome of dignity, class, and grace. She will be missed.
10
She was a rarity in American public life: a genuine person who always spoke her mind without resorting to phoniness or cliches, while always exemplifying class and style.
17
I am no fan of her son, but I have always respected Barbara Bush. She said three things that I always remember and agree with completely. One, women can have everything, just not at the same time. Two, you will never regret that you didn’t attend more business meetings but you will regret not spending more time with your children. Three, it is not accurate for men to claim that they are babysitting their own children. She was a strong woman and role model. Pro choice and a champion of the power of literacy. To top it off, she wondered publicly who in good conscience could vote for Trump. Good question.
36
A woman who exuded class, dignity and grace.
And she could be quite feisty when defending her husband and children. Tell me what woman would not do the same.
God bless Mrs. Bush. RIP.
7
She was forthright, gracious, and humorous. Her occasional lapses just added to her reputation for lack of pretension. I remember her saying in an interview that at her son's first inauguration she kept looking at Al Gore and thinking about how hard it must have been for him to be there when he had come so close. I admired that she could be so compassionate to her son's adversary after that bitter battle. I hope her family finds some solace in their fond memories of her.
17
I've seen much about the late Barbara Bush this evening. Some define her in terms of the men in her life. Others define her in terms of the woman she was, with the men playing important roles, but defined in terms of her. Everything I've seen has been respectful. Regardless, the latter approach should be standard. Barbara, or any woman for that matter, deserves to be the focus in the closing of her own life story.
16
Far from sadness, let us celebrate the conclusion, on her own terms, of a life of philanthropy, service, honesty, and grace.
26
Barbara Bush was always a dignified FLOTUS, as are the remaining four living former FLOTUS'. She definitely defined the important position. She will be missed.
9
Rest In Peace dear Mrs. Bush. You were a classy lady.
11
Mrs. Bush was Motherhood personified.
11
Barbara Bush managed to overcome, for the most part, her rich white girl upbringing. Like Betty Ford before her, she was refreshingly candid about her foibles, and was a decent, thoughtful, caring human being. Needless to say, her impact as First Lady pales in comparison with, e.g., Eleanor Roosevelt, but overall she made some positive contributions.
7
My deepest sympathy to the Bush family. Mrs. Bush was a remarkable woman. Thank you NYT for such a beautiful tribute and for the amazing pictures.
12
......and her pearls, don't forget them. Such a lady. Thank you ,"Miss Barbara".
Rest in peace and keep America in your prayers.
10
My condolences to the Bush family.
The White House issued a statement from Trump on the passing of the former First Lady. The incompetents in this administration can't even give this sad occasion the care and attention it deserves. The statement is dated April, 17, 2017. That's right. The Trump White House can't even get the date right.
16
I was at an inner circle Republican Dinner back when George W Bush was president. It was a large gathering and I was fortunate to be close to the front table. As the President and Mrs Bush was leaving, I happened to catch the First Ladies eye. I waved at her and she smiled so warmly and waved back. I have never forgot that brief moment. I see it like it just happened. It meant that much to me. I know she is with the angels.
11
I mixed initials for President George H W Bush for his son President George W Bush. I sincerely apologize for that error. Mrs Bush still is apart of my heart.
2
Likewise Mr.Muller...
❤ :’(
My respectful prayer to the US First Lady. What a life.
10
Adios, Mrs. Bush. Thanks for never being pretentious.
22
Wonderful Lady. Thanks for the dignity, respect and grace you brought to our nation.
14
A bleeding heart liberal (who worked on Bill Clinton's 92 campaign as a 17 year old), I still always had the utmost regard for Mrs. Barbara Bush. A lady of class, dignity, intelligence and grace, she will be sorely missed.
My condolences to the entire Bush family.
RIP Barbara Bush
33
As an old sixties Lefty I’ve had my share of differences with the Bush clan, but Barbara Bush was a throwback to an earlier era in a most wonderful way in terms of her graciousness and loyalty to both her family and the country. And she was well ahead of her time—and party—when it came to civil rights and literacy. I hope members of her family will read and derive solace from the comments here that seek to honor her.
60
I can’t remember all the specifics anymore but I do remember that Mrs. Bush said some—ahem—pithy comments about Mrs. Clinton.
And Bill Clinton laughed and said something to the effect that who could even guess what his mother would have said back at her.
So even if I’m mixing up delightful story elements I really like my version and I’ll never forget laughing loud and long at a nifty story of people who didn’t get their knickers in a knot over a tart comment from a woman who knew her mind and sometimes said things out loud that others perhaps dreamed of saying.
Safe travels. May your memory be for a blessing. L
17
Muscatine , Iowa! My Grandfather paved those state road highways way back . If Swede was still alive (passed in '72) , he'd be enamoured with Barbara Bush.
2
The great First Lady - showing us the definition of goodness and grace.
12
Some of us also remember that not so graceful "rhymes with witch" comment. She needs to be remembered "warts and all."
23
Rest in Peace, Mrs. Bush
8
We were blessed to have a woman of her dignity, compassion, and intelligence in public life for so long. Mrs. Bush did a lot for our country..most of it behind the scenes. She will be well-remembered. My sympathies to the ambush family and all who knew her and loved her.
8
I didn't vote for her husband or her son, and I was appalled at her comments to victims of Katrina in New Orleans, but she spoke her mind, never seemed duplicitous, and she deeply loved her family. Last week was the 4th anniversary of my mother's death, and next week will be he 10th anniversary of my dad's. They were the same vintage as Barbara Bush. Losing a parent or spouse is one of the hardest things to have to get though. Love and light and best wishes to the Bush family. The loss is devastating. So sorry.
274
Very painful to review the pictures and particularly the last one "to make America more literate". She seemed a fine lady, from a generation who knew about dignity and grace, but also the power of speaking one's mind. Her life has much to teach all - including those presently inhabiting the White House.
19
You are who you are, Mrs. Bush, and that makes you an amazing and admirable woman.
You will be missed.
15
Well we all knew she wasn't referring to "witch" when she referred to Geraldine Ferraro as "rhymes with rich." It was another word, and a pretty offensive one. However, I thank you for this story - there seems to be a lot more to Barbara Bush than I had encountered over the years. She led a long and rich life, and I hope she is now reunited with her beloved Robin. Rest in peace. With pearls.
15
One of those New England Republicans that I, as a lifelong Democrat, have remembered fondly. But it is strange to hear about her depression and that she blamed it, in part, on the women's movement. It was widely known that her husband, during the China sojourn, was having an affair. Maybe she was just being proper in not attributing the depression--at least a little bit of it--to such personal things, but it seems like a kind of patrician dishonesty. If you're the candid sort, as she is so often described, be candid.
28
Very poor form, Eric.
13
what about it is poor form Tom W?
7
It's the platitudes and broad brush that I object to.
5
An amazing woman who transcended politics. All my of respect and condolences to the Bush family.
18
A true example of class, intelligence, and noblesse oblige. What a stunning example of what her party once was. A genuine loss.
25
The coverage of this woman’s life is Trumpian. Richard Nixon once called her “the nastiest person he ever met”. Richard Nixon. This is a woman, born of financial privilege who spent her life railing against the poor. Her comments after Hurricane Katrina about poor New Orleans residents who were forced to move to Texas reveal her racist and class prejudices. In reality she Is yet another Republican who was a direct line to Donald Trump.
68
This is what a First Lady is. How sad that our country has lost a woman with her class, work ethic, and love of country. Apparently, you are happy with our current useless First Lady.
11
Although her comments about the Hurricane Katrina victims were insensitive, inappropriate, and terribly tone-deaf given their suffering and the conditions under which they labored, I think Mrs. Bush generally tried to live a life of class and dignity and in that regard, the current administration could take a page or two out of her book. As for Nixon calling her "the nastiest person he ever met", keep in mind that this was Nixon giving that estimation: not exactly the nicest, most honest, and most upstanding individual himself, so I'm more inclined to take his estimation of Mrs. Bush with a grain of salt. Had it been, say, Jimmy Carter who'd said that, I might be more inclined to say that the character judgement had merit. Although President Carter, being the type of man he is, probably wouldn't have said that about Mrs. Bush anyway even if he actively disliked her. I suspect that Mrs. Bush probably thought Nixon was pretty nasty himself, and that might have fueled the fire of Nixon's dislike and paranoia. The guy wasn't exactly playing with a full deck although, compared to the not-so-stable genius we're currently dealing with, he looks downright sane.
Regardless of how one feels about the Bushes, to say that Mrs. Bush was just another "direct line to Donald Trump" is to cast undeserved blame upon her memory. You're confusing her with the likes of McConnell, Ryan, and other truly awful Republicans who put party before country and let the Trump train roar on through.
What a wonderful woman and she will be sorely missed. Thank you Barbara Bush for your genuineness, love, and humor. You always made me smile and for that I'm forever greatly.
14
Although I didn't vote for her husband or her son, I always liked Barbara Bush. Tough and sassy, she was no walk-in-the-park kind of gal.
21
She was a woman of substance.
20
Though I dearly wish her husband and her son had never made it to the Oval Office, I will nonetheless mourn the loss of a laudable lady.
My heart goes out to her family.
30
Tough, smart, honest, dignified and calmly self-confident. Her demeanor inspired trust and was that of a leader. She might have been a wonderful President.
15
I’ve read the obituary & many of the positive comments about Barbara Bush here. Undoubtedly much of it is true, never the less I remember her comments in the aftermath of Katrina as well as her dismissive view of the unnecessary death & destruction unleashed by her sons war in Iraq. Mrs Bush was part of the aristocracy here in America that is disdainful of poverty & indifferent to the wars their class sends others to fight & die in. Sorry but it’s true, we would all have been better off if her husband & son had found something else to occupy their time with other than wars in Iraq.
221
The Iraq War is entirely irrelevant to her passing. But since you decided to bring up those who died in the Iraq War (irrelevant), it also bears noting that George W. Bush should be credited with saving 11+ million people through his creation of PEPFAR (irrelevant). Just saying . . . .
8
Indeed - i suspect the same well wishes will not be said about her husband or sons. She somehow gets a pass...
8
I brook no sympathy for the racism of the American aristocracy. That said, I consider assaulting the dead to be as reprehensible as the clueless bigotry of the WASP ascendancy. I can understand that Mrs. Bush’s transgressions may overwhelm her positive accomplishments in the minds of some. But those people do their cause no good with statements that are classless in their timing and clueless in their immaturity. Better to say nothing: “De mortuis nihil nisi bonum.”
6
Barbara Bush had grace, and class, and dignity. I disagree with the politics of her clan (although, sadly, I wish that they were back in power--dull is better than dangerous).
12
She and her husband, Bush 41, exuded class and morality and respect. 73 years of marriage. My parents, 88 and 93, are working on 69 years. Like H.W., my father is a WWII veteran. And like Mrs. Bush, my mother knew when to remain in the background and when to be outspoken with a quick wit. I wish her Godspeed. RIP.
19
Death is intrinsic to life. Nevertheless, a terribly sad day for the country and for the Bush family.
14
My sincere condolences to the entire Bush family. I am not yet in my 90s like Mrs. Bush, but I am old enough, and I've been married long enough, to know how devastating this blow will be for her husband. I am so sorry.
252
A First Lady of substance and class. It takes grace and strength to not conform to ~ "The Fashion" ~ (in those days) She was comfortable enough in her own skin to wear her beautiful silver hair and pearls with pride!
Mrs Bush's work for universal literacy is an important legacy.
Her love of family, and a long marriage speaks volumes of
deep love and devotion.
Condolences to the family.
May she rest in peace.
18
So she cared deeply about America's literacy. I will donate to donorchoice.org or find another way to donate to one of our public schools in her name.
16
Her decision to forego medical treatment was brave and practical. Just like her. RIP, Mrs. Bush.
29
A Class Act.
16
Mrs. Bush walked the walk and talked the talk with dignity and grace. Goodbye Barbara Bush.
13
Rest in peace. My condolences to the Bush family.
8
They just don't make them like Barbara Bush any more. Farewell to a classy and kind lady.
18
Heartfelt condolences to the Bush family. She was a woman of integrity and grace. That I may not have always agreed with her views never stood in the way of my admiration of her. She was a thoroughbred.
20
My condolences to the entire Bush family.
10
The triple strand of pearls will always be her signature.
Rest in Peace Mrs. B.
17
Rest in peace, Ms. Bush. 92 is a long time to live, and you put in some effort to make the country a better place.
15
I didn't agree with her politically but Barbara Bush was a class act.
20
Barbara Bush was a great lady in the fullest sense of that phrase. She was amazingly well liked/well thought of by most, which is ever more of a rare quality in public life.
16
Yes, she was a class act. I was not for either her husband or son for office, but I was a big fan of Barbara Bush.
27
Ineffable class. Standards to aspire to. In the current political slough, she's a paradigm to be emulated..... She emphasized education....that is essential. She and her ilk will be missed.
14
RIP Mrs. Bush. My deepest condolences to President Bush and the Bush family,
11
I have learned to appreciate this superb American classic family in which Barbara Bush was the Rock. RIP
9
Very nice lady. I wonder had she been a smoker - so many people of her generation were? And if so, did it contribute to her illness? It probably did for Jackie Kennedy who was a smoker. Smoking can cause illness decades after a person quits.
1
She was 92.
12
Maybe I’ll start smoking so I can live to 92.
6
I read somewhere that her hair prematurely turned white after her husband decided to go into politics. People rarely consider the sacrifices a woman makes when their husbands go into politics, or even government service, or the military. There is a lot that people don't hear about or openly discuss.
9
I had heard it went white when their baby died of leukemia.
9
I don't think it went white when their daughter died (in 1953). I have seen photos of her much later with her family -- like the 1960s -- and she still had dark hair, maybe with some grey, but not white.
A class act.
10
Sorry to learn that Barbara Bush had just past away. I send my deepest condolences to President George H.W. Bush and his family.
It was a great honor for me to have a brief encounter with then Ambassador Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush in front of their residence in Beijing, China. While I was waiting for my friend to come out to meet me the Bushes were just returned from their daily bicycle rides in Beijing City. They invited me inside the front gate and we exchange a few greeting sentences. Both were young and energetic and I will always remember this brief but happy encounter. I will remember this brief meeting as long as I live. In 1982 when Vice-President Bush was hosting a dinner/reception in a D.C. hotel for visiting Chinese premier Zhao Ziyang and I was invited by the White House social secretary to attend this reception. I had photo together with Vice-President Bush and I still keep it until today. President George H.W. Bush will be remembered by Chinese leaders and Chinese people as a great friend of China. After 1989 June 4th Tiananmen Incident, President Bush sent Acting Secretary of State Larry Eagleberger and General Brent Scowcoff to China to reassure Deng Xiaoping and the Chinese leaders that U.S. will continue a normal relationship with China. This kind gesture restored the stability of China's internal situation and make China able to continue its economic reform programs. I am sure Chinese people will always remember the former First Lady Barbara Bush.
19
Barbara Pierce Bush was comfortable in her own skin. Having the maiden name of Pierce and a younger sister with the name of Barbara, I always felt an affinity to the former First Lady despite being a lifelong Democrat. Family was her top priority, a tenant I always adhered to. My heart goes out to her husband and surviving children.
17
Would that SHE have been President.
As all contribute, a class act. During my time as a White House intern (1982-83), it was common knowledge in Washington that VP George Bush Sr. was living with Jennifer Fitzgerald. But she cherished and honored her duty to the country.
RIP Mrs. Bush.
8
I am a dyed in the wool Democrat. My most vivid memory is of Barbara Bush speaking at Wellesley College's Commencement in 1990 when she said the following:
"At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or a parent."
I was engaged to be married, yet to have children and I had a successful career in the making, but I always remembered her sentiment from that speech. And while she was a homemaker, in the more traditional mode, she grasped what life was really about. Love. Partners, parents, siblings, children and friends.
I paraphrased/condensed her quote to: at the end of one's life no one said I wish I spent more time at the office. They always said I wish I spent more time with my family.
I disagreed with Barbara Bush politically, but that one speech always stuck in my mind, and I lived out that ideal when I retired early to be with my children after my husband (their father) passed away at an unexpectedly early age.
Sometimes I miss my work. But I accomplished so much more in raising two wonderful people who I love, who love me and will also contribute to the world in fantastic and amazing ways. Mother: job done. Career: successful while it lasted.
Thank you Barbara Bush for all that you have given to us. I was truly saddened when I heard of your passing. My deepest condolences to your entire family.
119
Thank you for also recognizing what really matters. Motherhood gets a really bad rap these days. It's still the most important and one of the hardest jobs out there. There is no substitute for a good mom, for kid, or for the rest of us.
1
Very sad. Her husband and son are two of the three Presidents I've seen in person. Simply, an amazing American.
6
I was no supporter her son's war policies, but even he displayed a sense of decorum commensurate with his position, a sense so appallingly lacking in the current occupant of the White House.
The Bushes' respect for propriety, well represented in Barbara, was something one just assumed of the family. It never occurred to me that I was taking for granted something that might someday might be missing at the highest level of American politics. As the song says: "You don't miss your water till the well runs dry."
Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for the dignity, grace and humor you brought to your role in American politics and passed on to your children. My gratitude is too belated, and those qualities are sorely missed.
22
She was First Lady when I was living in America... I think of all the First Ladies, Barbara Bush had the most motherly touch. She looked a genuinely kind and a caring person. God bless her.
14
This from a lovely 2001 interview with then-FLOTUS Laura Bush:
"Asked if she draws on her mother-in-law to guide her as first lady, Mrs. Bush laughs. 'Barbara Bush is really pretty careful not to give advice,' she says, 'mainly because I think she doesn't want any herself.'"
I have big disagreements with both Bush presidencies, but I still love that comment.
26
A gracious woman indeed. I’m a staunch progressive Democrat, but I always thought highly of Mrs. Bush. She will be missed by all. RIP Mrs. Bush.
10
Mrs Bush was an amazing role model and First Lady. I loved her ability to laugh at herself and take life with a grain of salt. She did in fact state she was pro-choice in an interview with Barbara Walters years ago that was showed on television tonight. She is part of a generation of women that did so much to make the world better and got little credit.
10
Family members who have friends who served in the Secret Service reiterate that Mrs. Barbara Bush was as good-humored, self-effacing, and classy as she seemed to be to those of us in the public. Godspeed, Mrs. B.!
17
My favorite Barbara Bush ism - Nancy Regan is a size 4, and so is my left leg! Rest in peace.
72
I admired Mrs. Bush until she attacked President Trump when her son Jeb lost to him in a humiliating defeat.
Until then, she had been a sage woman who was a loyal Republican. Attacking Trump was very bad form.
You’re joking, right? How many times did 45 attack her son and the family as a whole?
22
It appears to be lost on you that this “sage woman”’s first loyalty was to her country, not to the Republican party, and that, as an American, she had every right to criticize whomever she chose for whatever reason without being accused of disloyalty to anyone, let alone the almighty buffoon that is Trump, who doesn’t have as much class in his whole body as this lady had in her little finger.
By the way, the only thing she said about Trump was that he was against women and the military and she didn’t see how anyone could support him. Given the high-level insults, lies, and hideous nonsense that Trump spews every day, the late Mrs. Bush’s remarks hardly amount to “bad form” criticism, and if either Trump or you thinks it does, then both of you need the grow much thicker skins.
14
Why don't you try to compile a partially complete list of the people whom Trump has viciously attacked? You'll probably need a couple of days; it'll take some time.
11
Barbara Bush was a kind, intelligent woman. I hope national reflection at her death will provide an opportunity to remember what classy Republicans were like.
20
Although she cultivated her public image, of course, I don't think one can be far off in saying she was genuinely herself: plain spoken, honest, very likable, quick to admit a mistake, but also tough when needed. I remember during the 1992 election when her husband referred to Clinton-Gore as "bozos." She was having none of it and promptly told her husband that was beneath his dignity. Oh, how I long for those days again.
Condolences to her very large family.
22
Oh, for a return to standards such as hers. Do you think such things can be taught?
9
when do we get more Republicans as wonderful and responsible as the Bushes -- that goes for Barbara and for her husband.
the nation desperately needs their dedication
12
Wondering why there aren't more people in the world like Barbara Bush, and wishing there were.
15
She was like, like America’s mother.
13
My heartfelt condolences to the Bush family.
7
It just stinks that she's gone. She was exceptional.
9
She is a class act..........in every aspect.....thank you for a well written obituary
11
God speed, Mrs. Bush.
She was a class act, and her efforts to promote literacy and to make a mark on the lives of others in a positive way did not go unnoticed by the American people. She was not perfect - none of us are - but her examples of grace, class, quiet dignity, and devotion to her husband and family were things anyone from any political party can and should hold in high esteem, particularly in today’s rabid, back-biting political environment. I’m not a Republican and I didn’t agree with many of her son’s policies, but I always thought she deserved to be numbered among our many dignified First Ladies. My condolences to her family on their tremendous loss.
13
Barbara Bush was a blueblood Yankee woman who brought a touch of class to Texas. How can one mourn a monument? RIP, with fondest hopes for the country she loved.
10
Rest In Peace Mrs. Bush. You will be remembered as a lady of style and grace.
7
A fine lady. RIP.
7
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family. She was a wonderful matriarch. My heart goes out to her husband of 73 years. What an incredible achievement.
11
To Him we belong and to Him we will return. A great human, a great mother, a great wife and what a humble lady, will miss her. My condolences to the Bush family.
13
Amen!
3
The "Silver Fox" has left the field.
Farewell!
19
Thank you for your service, Ma'am.
18
Barbara Bush was a strong, classy woman. She certainly appeared to be a good wife, mother and grandmother. I send condolences to the entire Bush family. You all must admit this woman had a blessed and very interesting life in many ways and she is now at peace. How many of us all make it to 92 and be with our husbands for 73 years? Good for her!
16
Such a sad day for America. However, it is so wonderful that she had a full life with her wonderful family, enjoyed her 70 years married to her sweetheart, and was surrounded by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although you can never forget the loss of a child, she left a wonderful legacy and lived a life that fulfilled her. You will always be remembered by many, Mrs. Bush. Our deepest condolences to the Bush family.
15
lovely lady rest in peace
13
God Bless you and rest in peace.
11
As a grade school student in the DC suburbs in the 1980s, I'll always remember Mrs. Bush for her advocacy of school literacy and volunteer programs in the area. I'll never forget the much needed reading buddies program and sign language lessons that our district had. Mrs. Bush was an honorable First Lady and admirable human being. God bless, may she rest in peace.
18
A nicely written piece. I am a life long Democrat, but never felt any animosity at all towards Mrs. Bush, who always seemed to be a truly DECENT person.
48
Mike, I agree with you. I too am a liberal, life-long Democrat. I thought Barbara Bush had class and grace. I wish the family well, especially her husband, George HW Bush. Apparently they had a wonderful marriage.
8
She was always so understated and that little twinkle in her eyes made her so endearingly human. My condolences to her family, and the rest of us - she will be missed.
31
Rest in peace. Thank you for all you have done for the country. May God bless.
15
Despite the success of her family, she remained grounded and humble. She spoke her mind and acted with integrity. My condolences to the Bush family and Americans in general.
22
Indeed! Good integrity.
3
Barbara Bush was perhaps the greatest First Lady of my life time; her compassion, love of family, and her fierce sense of independence made her a model for all Americans. If nothing else, Mrs. bush taught us all how to become good human beings, let alone, good Americans...
12
Dear Bush Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I send condolences to you. Your mother/grandmother/mother-in-law/wife, was an extraordinary American. She committed herself, her life's work, to the betterment of all. In her view, each voter had an individual right to further our shared democratic agenda.
You have lost your mom for which there are no words. That is a terrible loss. But we as a country have lost a leader. Whether one's leanings were Republican or Democratic, your mom served us all. She was truly leader, a voice of the people. May her legacy spread far and wide as was the reach of her voice.
With solemnity and sincerity,
Jessica Pate
Omaha NE
252
Lovely woman. Class act. Not many of her caliber around these days.
20
She was a classy Woman. Sincere condolences.
13
I always respected her, even if I didn’t agree with her family’s politics. She was a lovely, funny, utterly classy woman and she represented our nation so honorably and well. My sincerest condolences to her family.
39
A very fine and gracious lady. May she rest in peace.
14
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family and friends. May her love and legacy live on.
15
Barbara Bush always reminded me of my grandmother, a women I admired and loved for her independence, unpretentiousness, wit and compassion. When I read that she had opted to end her medical care, I was again reminded of my grandmother, who facing her own end did the same with great grace and courage, the same traits Barbara Bush now doubt showed.
Barbara Bush was exceptional, and like my grandmom, we are all better for the journey she made with us.
22
She had a great run; especially only since 4.5% of the population makes it to age 90.
14
Only 1% of the population can afford to.
15
Official Member of the greatest generation, wife of the Vice President for 8 years, First Lady for 4 years , mother of the President for 8 years, happily married to her high school sweethearts for 73 years, raised a billion dollar for charity, she packed a whole lot of living into those 92 years , one of the most down to earth and respected First Ladies , the kind of person that treated everybody the same from Presidents to taxi drivers with respect and expected the same in return. A part of American life since 1980, a sincere and indomitable spirit and a very nice lady. The lady named Barbara.
45
I am originally from Houston, and several friends working in restaurants and retail stores encountered Mrs. Bush over the years. They all described her the same way, “ A down to earth class act”. When service workers describe you this way, that is saying something. May she Rest In Peace.
294
A beautiful stately lady with class. Condolences to the Bush family.
20
A classy woman. A devoted mother and partner. A First Lady in the truest sense. I didn't always agree with her views, but I could always admire her dedication to her family and the causes she brought attention to. Also, her pearls were iconic! Condolences to the Bush family.
34
Married for 71 years. Now there’s a feather in both their caps.
Condolences to the Bush family unit.
11
Actually, 73 years. The Bushes were married in January 1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt was president of the United States.
10
Slate, Sept. 1, 2008, the late, great Christopher Hitchens:
"I count myself as something of an expert on what writer Joyce Cary once called 'tumbrel remarks'. A tumbrel remark is an unguarded comment by an uncontrollably rich person, of such crass insensitivity that it makes the workers and peasants think of lampposts and guillotines... Barbara Bush, acting the gracious hostess to refugees from New Orleans after the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, managed to say that since many of them were underprivileged, life in a Texas sports stadium was 'working very well for them'. One sees what she was perhaps attempting to say."
49
Curious. The Hitchens article you quote was about how the cheap, partisan attacks on people for being wealthy were tiresome and pointless. So not only have you taken the occasion of a woman's death to criticize her, you've misunderstood or misrepresented the man you were quoting in the process. You may note how many people on these pages describe Mrs. Bush as classy. And you might invest in a mirror.
3
You will note that I included Hitchens' remark about how one could see what she was trying to say. I have a mirror. Would you care to borrow it?
9
I very much appreciate this comment. While I certainly take no joy in anyone's death and wish suffering on no one, I find it deeply upsetting when we forget the cruelty and callousness of the ruling class in a mindless lionizing of someone who I personally met and was, as Al Franken said in one of his books, not a nice person. She was a patrician in the worst sense of the word, and when we act as though she was a lady of dignity because she happened to be born to tremendous privilege our moral compass becomes meaningless.
4
Barbara Bush seemed like a great person, I wish I could have met her! I'm sorry to see her pass and my condolences to the Bush family and Mr. Bush especially, 73 years is a long time!
11
I’m not a fan of the men in the Bush family, but Barbara Bush, she was a class act. May she rest in peace.
21
She was a Woman of Substance. Joining others in extending condolences to her husband, Former President George Bush, and to her family.
13
A well balanced account of her person and character. Not perfect but genuine and admirable. Despite leading a priviledged life she seems to have genuinely cared about the less fortunate and clearly was not a racist. My condolences to her family. May we return to more civil minded times in the future.
17
A very quiet, subtle, vibrant, humble, salt of the earth ICON is gone.
10
This is a sad day, it does not matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican, this woman conducted herself with class and grace. She is what a First Lady should be like.
42
Aww, man. What a drag! She was a real classy lady. I'll miss her.
8
Thank you First Lady Mrs. Bush for your kind support, the same for the second First Lady Mrs. Bush gave me. I am sad to say that I do not feel as if we will ever see the the likes of you again in the White House. You were twice over a Lady and will always be appreciated. My condolences to the Bush family.
11
A great lady and a real loss. So she said some things I didn't like, who cares. She handled the awful job of first lady with a wonderful style that elevated the self-image of millions of women and did it with such frankness and freshness that we could all smile, bless her and root her on. Thank you and rest in peace.
422
An awful job? Yeah, living in the White House is just like working in the mines or slaughtering cows for eight dollars an hour.
2
Strength and grace, two words that one doesn't see in politics very often, certainly not today. Thank you for the example you set.
24
She was well loved by her family. And really, isn’t that what counts? RIP
35
“I believe it made me feel inadequate,” she said. “I’m not quite sure how. You were made to feel demeaned a little bit.”
That brought tears. That this tower of strength, of devotion, with decades of accomplishment, should feel that way, after all she accomplished . . .
I was not a native Texan. Now I am.
19
Rest In Peace Mrs. Bush. You will be remembered for your impact on literacy in America, an essential skill and certainly representative of your practical thinking. You set an example that is sorely missed in our current environment, a relevant First Lady on a mission of importance.
24
Barbara Bush; you were a dynamic, unpretentious, & very well out -spoken.Never mind the conservative political family; you spoke, agreed , & embraced many women issues unsupported per the republican male genre. It was sad you weren't able to promote Hillary (once Jeb was out of the running) Your family has remained friends with the Clintons for many years thru out the Bush's & Clinton Presidencies. I'm saddened you weren't able to promote, assist ,& expedite Our First woman President. You were "true blue " Mrs. Bush, Rest in peace , you will not be forgotten!
13
No matter how unscrupulous and villainous politics have become this woman always managed to maintain her dignity and class. For that she will always be remembered.
36
Met her almost 20 years ago and still remember her smile and dignity. RIP Mrs Bush, you were a credit to the Presidency.
14
Barbara Bush suffered through depression and thought the women's movement may have been the cause. She didn't have a career. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, nothing more, some people would say. She gave her time caring for her family, and many others. What higher calling could there possibly be? Of course she had the money to do this, but this does not negate what she choose to do.
Perhaps if more people who are financially able choose to spend time at home, tending to the nest, so to speak, there might not be the the thousands of children and teens searching for that quick fix. Somebody has to mind the next. Even animals understand this.
14
She was her own person and she grew on me.
16
Rest in Peace and condolences to the Bush family.
Signed, a liberal from Los Angeles.
14
A strong, beautiful woman with a commanding presence. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to her family and everyone who was close to her.
10
A life well lived. She was very admired. May she rest in peace.
12
Barbara Bush was at her core a Progressive Republican and a free thinker. As an individual she never conformed to the litmus tests for Conservative Females of her era. Her influence on her family was far greater than most people understand. She lamented the idea of war and had a lasting influence on the judgement shown by her husband during the Gulf War to push Iraq out of Kuwait. “ What real purpose would America have in marching on through to capture Baghdad, the costs would not be rational and it would not be worth the debt and conflict that would follow back in the United States, I am pleased and very proud of the restraint shown by our military and admire my husband’s decision to show restraint as modest President even more so”.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Obama and Barbra Bush were far more contributing to change in America than even Hillary Clinton.
17
Barbara Bush was graceful, modest, independent in her thinking and a wonderful First Lady. My sympathies to her family members. May she rest in peace.
21
I thought she as an outstanding wife, mother, and lady! GOD bless her.
15
Her love of family, inspiring work for literacy, humor, graciousness, and strong nature made he widely respected and admired. She will be missed.
20
She will leave a long shadow here in Maine, where the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital has treated thousands of kids over the past two-plus decades. She was born in New York and lived in Texas, but Mrs. Bush always exemplified a certain Maine way of life: understated, practical, and plain-spoken. She will be missed.
577
God bless and Godspeed. One classy lady.
14
Thank you, Barbara Bush, for your service to the United States and its citizens for so many years. You were a class act who will be missed, all the more so in our current political climate.
26
A class act, all the way.
15
This is what a president's family should be. What a loss.
89
My heart breaks for her family, in particular her husband. Such a wonderful marriage. May she Rest In Peace and may their faith sustain them.
27
Barbara Bush complained, “I think it’s been the worst campaign I’ve ever seen in my life. I hate that people think compromise is a dirty word. It’s not a dirty word. . . .
“I think the rest of the world is looking at us these days and saying, ‘What are you doing?’”
And that was in 2013!
Too bad that the same Republicans who are surely lionizing the Silver Fox today were thoroughly unable to heed her wisdom from 2013 and on.
More importantly, they should have definitely listened when she said of Trump during the primaries:
"He doesn't give many answers to how he would solve problems. He sort of makes faces and says insulting things. He's said terrible things about women, terrible things about the military. I don't understand why people are for him, for that reason."
291
During the campaign, I told a co-worker who was thinking about voting Trump about Barbara Bush's interviews and comments about Trump and she was like: "wHAAAT????" I said just google it....Barbara Bush is NOT a fan of Mr. Trump's in any way, shape or form. No matter what, may she rest in peace...down-to-earth, unassuming nice lady.
10
@Valerie724- New Yorkers know a shady deal when they see it. For all that she lived in Texas for many years, Mrs. Bush was a born and raised New Yorker, and she obviously saw Trump for who he was: the shadiest of shady deals.
9
Class and insight. Too bad that so few in "the party" shared her attributes then and now.
10
Condolences to the family...she was a wonderful, refreshing and candid lady. She will be missed but deeply remembered.
188
I always loved her twinkling eyes. How fortunate we were to watch her well-lived life. Tender condolences to her family and friends.
50
Farewell to First Lady Barbara Bush. I’ve enjoyed learning about her in the recent biography of her husband by Jon Meacham. I was also very moved by the loss of their small daughter Robin to leukemia.
23
I'm an Independent and a Black male. Mrs Bush gave our world two great human beings/AmericanPresidents"; Bush Sr and Bush Jr.,...Godspeed!
11
A woman of great character has passed from our midst today. God's speed Mrs. Bush.
32
I understand the personal loss felt by the family, even after her long, accomplished life. I also agree with Mrs. Bush about Trump (a little tame for my taste but she was old fashioned). What I can't abide is her family remaining Republican and her son buying and perpetuating the neocon arsenal of lies, hate, and racism. Nothing excuses that.
15
Well, I don't notice that Democrats are paragons of virtue either. It would be good for all the moderate Republicans to rear up and toss out the ultra-conservative crazies that have taken over the party.
Not that it hasn't been going on since at least the 1980s.
Why don't we just let's say that Mrs. Bush didn't always agree with her husband or her son, but was wise enough to know that publicly disagreeing with them would do little good.
4
May the Bush family find comfort and peace.
13
"I’d like to be known as someone who really cared about people and worked very, very hard to make America more literate."
A fine epitaph.
270
Republican efforst to cut welfare had already started by then. No first-lady pet project can counter the damage of the post-Reagan years on poverty, which is strongly correlated with illiteracy.
3
Such an admirable woman. As a life-long Democrat, I could not help but respect, admire and love Barbara Bush for her honesty, compassion, empathy and style. God speed First Lady Barbara Bush. You will be missed.
27
I'm sure I would have liked this woman. May she find eternal peace.
11
A woman of many parts. A clear example of decency and integrity.
22
Substance not flash. A great lady who will be missed.
43
no matter your political views it can be said of Mrs. Bush, "they just don't make 'em like that anymore"
55
She set and example of class and grace that will be sorely missed.
62
A class act. We will miss you!
16
Thank you for your selfless service to us all. May you now rest in peace, dear First Lady, Mrs. Bush. Condolences to your loving family.
227
A matriarch of the first order. A life lived well. Condolences.
20
A kind and gracious lady from a more elegant time. We will miss her and all she stood for.
20
i was hoping she would outlive her husband. she realized that the great moments of love were with her children and grand babies.
7
The benefit of hindsight allows me to see her family's influence on our nation's politics more clearly. And while my assessment of this influence is largely negative, I always respected Barbara Bush for her clear intelligence, manner, and class. Boy, how I miss those attributes now considering the tawdry stories emanating from the White House daily.
97
There can be no doubt Mrs. Bush's passing will be hard for her husband, but I hope he and the rest of the family can take comfort in the knowledge that hers was a life worth celebrating.
98
God Bless, Barbara.
9
The most likable of all the Bushes.
I won't her responsible for the 2000 immorality of her two sons in overthrowing American democracy.
So long, Babs !
69
So crates, you are often a witty and thoughtful writer but let’s face it, Gore flat out tanked the lead Billy gave him and handed the election to W.
That said, Barbara Bush was a first rate First Lady and called out the current fraud in the Oval for what he is.
2
SN....that's largely correct, SN, bit I don't take kindly to voter suppression, central voter file purges and suppressing citizens' votes, and neither should any self-respecting American citizen.
http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/vote2000/report/exesum.htm
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that the problems Florida had during the 2000 presidential election were serious and not isolated. In many cases, they were foreseeable and should have been prevented. The failure to do so resulted in an extraordinarily high and inexcusable level of disenfranchisement, with a significantly disproportionate impact on African American voters. The causes include the following: (1) a general failure of leadership from those with responsibility for ensuring elections are properly planned and executed; (2) inadequate resources for voter education, training of poll workers, and for Election Day trouble-shooting and problem solving; (3) inferior voting equipment and/or ballot design; (4) failure to anticipate and account for the expected high volumes of voters, including inexperienced voters; (5) a poorly designed and even more poorly executed purge system; and (6) a resource allocation system that often left poorer counties, which often were counties with the highest percentage of black voters, adversely affected.
Babs' two sons love a rigged vote.
Deplorable.
15
Time and place, people.
4
My condolences to her family.
6
Mrs Bush won me over when she stood up for a women’s right to choose as a long time Republican.
56
Sincere condolences to Pres. H.W. ... 72 years...a tough loss. Condolences to her children, grandchildren and great grand children.
Wish more women would be like her when it came to bring comfortable in their own skin. I suppose that’s too much to ask in the age of Botox, fish lips, face lifts and the like.
Rest In Peace Mrs. Bush.
65
May Mrs. Bush be at peace.
May her family take solace that she passed away on her terms, at home with loved ones, knowing she was charting the course for her last days.
302
@NM -- yes my friend. Mrs. Bush was truly blessed to have a long and rewarding life. As a wife and mother of two presidents and a governor, her pedigree says as much about her as of the Bush family. America is less for her passing.
2
God Bless...She changed my opinion on broccoli
15
Condolences. She really was a great First Lady, one to be so admired.
How sad and strange she had to live and die with the White House in the situation it’s in now.
7
A truly classy lady. Millie is probably jumping for joy! Thank you and Rest In Peace.
16
A legend in American politics has passed.........
7
I’m Democrate but who could not admire your Yankee Spunk. Rest In Peace good women.
9
Mrs. Bush always seemed the strongest out of all of her family. Debutante with a whole lotta Texas grit, no nonsense. Rest In Peace.
9
She is someone who I wished I had known. R.I.P.
8
Mrs. Bush was a role model and mentor to many. Thank you Mrs. Bush.
7
Rest in peace, Mrs. Bush.
5
Godspeed Mrs. Bush. You made a difference.
8
Just one word to describe Barbara Bush. Classy!
9
RIP, Mrs. Bush.
4
She often made self-deprecating comments about being perceived as "America's Grandmother," but that is how it has felt for a very long time. Her passing feels like a personal, familial loss.
A good, elegant, smart, dignified, eloquent, and funny lady, who is/was respected and admired by millions of Americans, and will be missed by all of us.
My sincere condolences to President George HW Bush, and the entire Bush family.
14
Truly, a great lady. An inspiration to all. God did richly bless her.
7
For all the privileges Barbara Bush enjoyed in life, she didn't seem cut out for political living. Mrs. Bush was a private person and was protective of her husband and children in their public capacity. The same realm which offered Barbara Bush privilege and opportunity seemed also to encumber her.
And ultimately, she was a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; in other words, a person who most valued the same things as most people.
11
A fine human being and one who showed a great sense of humor and duty to the nation. May she rest in peace as she deserves it.
333
A real First Lady - God bless and Rest in Peace
27
God bless. I didn't always appreciate her view, but I did always appreciate her candor. Condolences to the Bush family.
91
I wish I had the confidence she had that must have given her great peace -- but I think she and Robin just had a glorious reunion. RIP Mrs Bush and condolences to the family.
21
I did not support most of her husband's policies, but she always seemed like a genuine, honorable person. I am saddened by her death.
18
My condolences to the family. It must have been terrible for her when she lost her first daughter, Robin, to leukemia. I know she had an aortic valve replacement several years ago. I always admired her. I did not vote the way she would have wished in the elections most important her but she always had my respect.
23
Total and complete lady in every sense, and a warm and wonderful human being.
She would have made a great President.
16
May Her Soul Rest with the Lord. And to he Loved ones remain Strong as she did
3
We'll leave politics out this evening. Mrs. Bush seemed to be a very kind, but tough love, breed of mother and grandmother/great-grandmother. My sympathies to her family and I'm thankful she was fortunate to pass peacefully and quietly and on her own terms. Rest in Peace Mrs. Bush
149
Father please comfort her family in this time of need. She was a class act!
8
Blessedly fast. She had a long life, well-lived, well-loved.
17
I've always admired Mrs. Bush. She was compassionate, smart, fearless, loyal, and a very beautiful human being. Condolences to her family and friends.
15
Her politics were not my politics, but I always felt Barbara Bush was a woman I'd enjoy knowing.
That was a time when different politics didn't preclude friendship.
Condolences to the Bush family on the loss of their matriarch.
54
Her head was in the air and her feet were on the ground. She saw much, inspired many, and led her family through much. When GWB came home and said of his baseball game "I won", she chided him pointing out he was a member of a team, that the team won. When guest visited the Maine home they were politely encouraged to use towels more than once. Down home, and down to earth. RIP
47
As a lifelong Democrat I can say I always had respect for her. May she Rest In Peace.
13
Behind every great man, is a great woman. Indeed. RIP
8
What an incredible woman! Well ahead of her time!
Our nation needs more leaders like her!
3
Rest in peace to this incredible woman, such an inspiration to all she came across, showing kindness, humor, and having a cup half full of everything she did. She will be missed.
6
I'm a Democrat who loves biographies and memoirs about our presidents and their wives. I've never read one that didn't talk about how gracious Mrs. Bush was to household staff and how respectfully she treated them. She also championed one of my favorite causes, programs to eradicate adult illiteracy.
746
What nonsense. Politeness should not be mistaken for affinity or empathy. These patrician old-money family lines exist to lord over the vast majority.
Barbara Bush’s final gift to us may be for one hour, one day we can put aside all the issues that divide us and join in celebrating a wonderful life. I think she would like that.
16
Rest In Peace. The thoughts and prayers of millions of Americans are with you and your family. May God bless you and provide comfort to all of your loved ones during this time.
5
God bless you, Barbara Bush, and may you have a special place on The Other Side. I liked you, dear lady. You were my kind of woman...honest, strong, forthright, while having what I like to say, real class and grace.
To the family, I extend my deepest sympathy. Please know that so many of us have gone through what you are now enduring. She will always live on in your hearts and minds, and I can assure you those memories will always console you with an inner peace.
9
Rest In Peace. Beautiful, strong and courageous. She made us all a little better.
23
What an amazing, incredible woman. I am in awe of her strength and resilience.
Condolences to the Bush family, and may she rest in peace.
82
Most sincere condolences. A life well-lived. Godspeed Barbara.
46
God bless you, First Lady. Peace and blessings, too, to the presidents, father and son, of this extraordinary American woman.
41
Admired her, respected her, loved her. She will be missed.
66
Goodbye to a strong woman, with a well-developed sense of self, gratitude, and humor.
246
Truly one of the Great Dames of our generation. Although I seldom agreed with the family politics, I never questioned their patriotism. Our nation is much better because of this strong woman.
6
Rest in peace.
79
Rest in peace, Mrs. Bush. Sincere condolences to her family.
69