The latest high-profile casualty of the recent increase in U.S. unemployment is one George W. Bush. The final transition from Commander in Chief to Lame Duck to former resident of the White House was probably faster for him than it was for us.
And whilst I’m sure he will not be standing in line at the unemployment office to collect his benefits, I’m convinced he will be taking stock of where his life will be headed next.
For sure, there will be a brief meeting with a well versed pen-smith to help him write a memoir or Iraq ‘autobiography,’ the need to put those personal touches to his library, a number of rounds of golf, and I dare say some good honest days on the ranch preg-checking cattle (I’ll just say it involves a shoulder-length glove).
But the real question of “What do I do next?” will really haunt him.
Many will suggest that there is little the man is capable of doing, but I disagree, and have put together a few ideas which I am sure GW is suitably equipped for.
UN Peace Envoy
Move over George Clooney and Charlize Theron. There’s a new sheriff in town.
High profile celebrities have really made a difference. In fact, as the missiles flew between Israel and Palestine, I’m sure Daniel Barenboim (one of Israel’s most recognized musicians and UN Peace Envoy), would have wished for Bush’s swift and decisive foreign mindset.
If nothing else, could you imagine two warring neighbors being told George Bush was being sent to solve their problems? Immediate ceasefire guaranteed.
Death Row Chaplain
With his previous record as Governor of Texas (152 prisoners faced the death penalty, more than under any other governor in modern American history) and his religious strength, he’d be an excellent candidate in administering the Last Rites or merely offering words of advice and encouragement.
This is the same man who declared June 10th to be ‘Jesus Day’ in Texas, where he asked all Texans to “answer the call to serve those in need.”
Those inmates would be in great hands.
Overseas Real Estate Agent
With news today that the Obama administration is set to shut down the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, the US has a prime piece of real estate doing nothing. Who knows the place better than George (apart from its many occupants over the last few years, but then they were mostly blindfolded)?
Offering dazzling views of the South Eastern coast of Cuba, and Haiti only a stones throw away, Gitmo also offers a piece of home with Cuba’s only McDonald’s, Subway and KFC. Rest assured you’re protected at all times with a Naval Station situated on your doorstep.
I can even see an HGTV series in the offering, “Come GET SOME GITMO.”
Whatever you think of the former President, his options are endless and colorful. Travel, fun and variety await, and I’m sure we’d all wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavors.
For today at least, it’s a deserved chance for him to put his feet up and wait for history to judge his two terms in office.
Tags: Bush
