Laura Bush: Separating children from their parents at the border breaks my heart

[pnwmom]

Last edited Mon Jun 18, 2018, 01:56 PM - Edit history (3)

Source: WA Post

On Sunday, a day we as a nation set aside to honor fathers and the bonds of family, I was among the millions of Americans who watched images of children who have been torn from their parents. In the six weeks between April 19 and May 31, the Department of Homeland Security has sent nearly 2,000 children to mass detention centers or foster care. More than 100 of these children are younger than 4 years old. The reason for these separations is a zero-tolerance policy for their parents, who are accused of illegally crossing our borders.

I live in a border state. I appreciate the need to enforce and protect our international boundaries, but this zero-tolerance policy is cruel. It is immoral. And it breaks my heart.

Our government should not be in the business of warehousing children in converted box stores or making plans to place them in tent cities in the desert outside of El Paso. These images are eerily reminiscent of the Japanese American internment camps of World War II, now considered to have been one of the most shameful episodes in U.S. history. We also know that this treatment inflicts trauma; interned Japanese have been two times as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease or die prematurely than those who were not interned.

Americans pride ourselves on being a moral nation, on being the nation that sends humanitarian relief to places devastated by natural disasters or famine or war. We pride ourselves on believing that people should be seen for the content of their character, not the color of their skin. We pride ourselves on acceptance. If we are truly that country, then it is our obligation to reunite these detained children with their parents -- and to stop separating parents and children in the first place.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/laura-bush-separating-children-from-their-parents-at-the-border-breaks-my-heart/2018/06/17/f2df517a-7287-11e8-9780-b1dd6a09b549_story.html?utm_term=.5408297272e3

---

Before she was First Lady, Laura Bush was a librarian who worked with kids.

And there is no woman in the Republican party who has more stature than she does.

Also, unlike some of the other R's who've spoken out, she is condemning the zero-tolerance policy without attempting to place any blame on Democrats, or claiming a false equivalence with previous administrations.

Thank you, Laura.





ON UPDATE: I see the Bush Presidential Center is now tweeting Laura's WA Post opinion piece.

And now this: Michelle Obama:

Sometimes truth transcends party.

Link to tweet

[bucolic_frolic]

1. The moral nation angle will play like lead boots with Trump

[keithbvadu2]

50. Trump hates the Bushes anyway.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

79. The reverse is also true.

[forgotmylogin]

117. But hopefully a lot of the old-school Republicans don't. (n/t)

[olegramps]

119. She sure didn't shed one tear when Bush's lies sent our soldiers to their death.

I really don't give a damn what some say: Obama failed to hold them accountable for the entire fiasco dating from 9/11 to the lies that Cheney concocted that led to death and maiming of our soldiers. We have experienced time and time again how the Republicans even make up phony charges to "investigate" Democrats. Hilary was just another in a long list. Rice, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush, etc. (The entire PNAC neo-cons should all be serving long sentences)

[Doitnow]

127. As I recall, many thousands of Iraqui refugees overwhelmed Syria when George did his job on Iraq.

And now certain elements in this country want to deny entrance to this country because their lives are threatened there? What goes around comes around, dearie! Where were you then? I didn't hear you feeling sorry for them. Rethugs make me sick.

[olegramps]

124. The silence of the two First Ladies in the White House is deafening.

The Enabler twins, various referred to as Eviction and Malaria, have come down with a serious case of laryngitis. Those prenuptials and wills can have severe consequences on moral judgement.

[olegramps]

128. Her husband separating our troops from their hands and legs is also tragedy.

[heaven05]

2. Some of the RWers

have a conscience.

[Hortensis]

69. Yes, some do. They come in a bunch of types

and ranges. As we do.

[heaven05]

99. well

these days, I don't feel that's true. It is the rare RWer that is speaking out against injustice. Kidnapping babies are one thing, shooting an unarmed person is another. I feel. If a photo of a hung black woman in a jail cell or a youngster, say 11 years old, with his blood forming a pool under his body after being gunshot from a police officer were splashed across the worlds media pages, I doubt the outcry would even come close to this current situation with kidnapped children of immigrants.

No, I don't believe that. Laura Bush is one person. Thousands of RWers need to raise holy hell with this potus for perpetrating such a human rights crime such as is happening at our borders and in EVERY town and city in america. It just isn't going to happen. Rwers are crul and without a conscience.

I do read the comments of RWers everytime a post is linked. RWers, in the main, are cruel and unjust. Just the type to commit genocide against the First nations of american citizens and to allow human slavery to be an ameriKKKan truth.

No. I don't believe the range is that wide these days.

[Hortensis]

104. Okay. But remember, political bias gone amok

is threatening to destroy our nation. It was cultivated first on the right to divide and defeat us, and don't for a minute believe the increasing extreme bias growing on the left is only our own "belief." It is planted and cultivated by our enemies to keep us from coming together againstthem. We need to reject, not embrace, the destructive political bigotry that has already taken over the right.

Btw, imo, most of us watch way too much biased MSNBC and CNN coverage for our own health, or our nation's. But that anyone can, after years of listening to the many conservatives there, insist all other conservatives are cruel and without conscience suggests they've already been lured far down a very dangerous rabbit hole.

[bluestarone]

3. Thank you Laura

We need others to scream out!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eyeball_Kid]

6. Why isn't SHE screaming it out? n/t

[JI7]

8. She doesn't scream. As someone who is not political it's a good thing

She is speaking out on this.

[pnwmom]

10. This IS screaming, for the very quiet Laura Bush. nt

[Honeycombe8]

20. +1. It's clear she feels very strongly and is deeply upset.

She's never done an article like this before. That gives her statements on this matter more impact. It was so well written. I wonder if she wrote it herself? She was a teacher and librarian, so maybe so.

[Hekate]

74. I'm sure she wrote it herself...

It's her husband who has a tortured relationship with his native tongue.

[Honeycombe8]

113. LOL. nt

[RestoreAmerica2020]

82. That's right! Bless her heart, "it juuust breaks my heart."

Last edited Mon Jun 18, 2018, 11:45 AM - Edit history (1)

She should have just sent thoughts and prayers means the same NADA.

Her long nothing letter to racist trumpf, his sycophants, gop will do nothing..what could she have done? Read her condemnation on the floor of congress; ask for the impeachment of this child abuser; demand that he and anyone else involved (sessions, Miller) is charged with crimes against humanity, child abuse; demand his resignation; file a complaint wth children protective services [she's a former educator, by law educators MUST report abuse of a child] any former, retired teacher will always be in mode to protect a child, children,] yet given her position, her wealth, her platform as former first lady and her "fervent" advocacy for children, I suppose she a did the best she could.

updated Ps. Today, Monday June 18, LBush is praised by her brazen admoishment of trumpf's policy of separating familhe's-- in all her elegance she has to come out and defend children (when she could be home sipping tea?) some gop pundit said bullshite! Its easy to pen a letter, she could lead a coalition to the border and demand entry to view the conditions, talk to children now that would be brazen.

[Honeycombe8]

116. It's easy to criticize.

Criticizing someone for appealing to the better nature of the Republicans in power is easy to criticize. But consider that she is the only former First Lady to do an article like this and go on the record that the actions are inhumane & unAmerican. Maybe criticism should be reserved for those who have not done anything at all, rather than those who have done something?

[RestoreAmerica2020]

122. Hypocrisy is what all republikkklans do best! True not all republikkklans are racists, yet

...all racists are republikkklans. Its 2018, not everything is a teachable moment ....rape, murder, genocide, slavery, exploitation, internment, now child torture abuse camp's..just when do we expect the status quo to get it? Treat all people as equals? See past skin color? Ignorance, hate, bigotry, racism is a choice. To do nothing is acceptance-a letter is nothing given ones status and platform...at best--a minimal effort.

[madaboutharry]

4. I always liked Laura Bush.

Her husband was one of the worst presidents and I hated him. But, I always thought she was a good person.

[Honeycombe8]

114. She had been a Democrat when she married him.

That may be why she seems to be the more reasonable person of the two. But she's not a politician or political. So people expecting her to suddenly become an activist is unrealistic. The fact that she penned an opinion article on the matter is actually historical. Not many former First Ladies have done that. IMO, it's an appeal to the more level headed Republicans in power. Sometimes this sort of response accomplishes more than an activist response. There are those who are activists, and that's fine and necessary. There should also be these sorts of responses.

[Eyeball_Kid]

5. Laura says it's immoral. Now there's an insight for you.

I don't have much patience for measured phrases regarding human torture. It's more than immoral, Laura. It's an international crime, a human rights violation, and what may (or may NOT) be the crowning achievement of sadists like Trumpy, Sessions, and Miller.

But without YOUR action and those of many other Republicans, Trumpy will up the ante and he'll love every step, while YOU demure. Come on, Laura, step it up.

We're a wink and a nod away from mowing refugees down at the border, just to make it certain that refugees know that they either get murdered in their home country, or they get murdered at the border. What a choice. It's coming, Laura. Maybe your GOPer friends can set up grandstands to watch the coming action.

[Kaleva]

23. What are you doing? Besides posting on DU.

Maybe step it up a few notches? Like getting arrested for non-violent protest in an effort to bring awareness to the situation.

[JI7]

34. +

[orangecrush]

62. +2

[JI7]

33. Bush supported immigrants . Stupid to attack her .

[questionseverything]

37. bush also tortured men by torturing their children infront of them

so while it is great she is speaking out now, her husband's presidency did worse

[JI7]

45. The issue was about immigration.

I know Bush was a shitty president.

[LanternWaste]

121. Who exactly is arguing otherwise?

"her husband's presidency did worse..."

[questionseverything]

126. the bushes are monsters

just because they have come down on the right side of this issue, i can't, won't forgive the past

[shadowmayor]

39. She's evil

Never heard a peep out of her about all the children we bombed and burned in Iraq. Separated fathers from their families and sometimes children too. Youngest boy we had in Abu Ghraib said he was 9 but he was really 7. Nothing from her when we tore two countries apart and bombed weddings and travelers and innocents with impunity. Bush unleashed a special hell that we haven't even begun to contend with. How easy to be concerned now.

I for one, give her no kudos or any credit here.

[JI7]

51. Most of country and world has done evil stuff. Maybe we should test the political

Purity of the immigrants who want to come here.

[Jake Stern]

54. What's your point?

Didn't hear a peep out of Michelle Obama about all the children, women and elderly that were killed by US drone strikes in Yemen under Obama.

Or for that matter she sure didn't speak out when a 16 year old American Citizen, whose only provable tie to terrorism was being the son of a terrorist, was blown to smithereens by an American strike ordered by her husband.

[shadowmayor]

64. I wholeheartedly agree

We democrats are far too forgiving of what happens under democratic rule - Libya, Honduras and a surge in Afghanistan come to mind immediately. However, I have just never liked Laura "the silent" Bush one bit since she was the governor's wife. And for some reason, folks here seem ready to jump up and applaud any repuke who does something "normal". I will never give any credit to the likes of Kissinger, Dick Cheney, or Donald Rumsfeld. And Laura is way too much a part of that camp for me. Speaking out about tearing families apart is not courageous or earth-shaking. It's what everyone should do. But when it's a queen bee from the other side, well I just happen to think folks are too ready to offer applause when my first response is always - where the hell have you been lady??

[Jake Stern]

68. My apologies for misreading

I agree that our side does let far too much slide as well. To me it's a big deal because finally a person of real stature on their side is speaking out against this. Not a conservative journalist or a conservative pundit but a former First Lady.

[Hekate]

77. Ah, another fine example of whataboutism being posed for our reflection

Thank you, indeed

[shadowmayor]

81. From our first lady librarian

"I also want to encourage anybody who was affected by Hurricane Corina to make sure their children are in school." She said it at least twice.

Cannot stand Laura Bush for numerous reasons. The fact that she's so tone deaf to the suffering of others is just one.

[sandensea]

115. I agree. She got away with vehicular manslaughter, and became a Stepford wife.

What little I care to remember about her, always sounded like it had been programmed into her. Frankly whenever she'd show up on the news, I used to call her the robot.

Maybe she's on powerful meds. But then, who can blame her.

[Jake Stern]

83. Another attempt at defending double standards with claims of "whataboutism"

No, thank you.

[Hekate]

76. What a fine example of whataboutism you pose for our reflection

[duhneece]

103. It's hard for me, too

For the very same reasons. I will quietly say that she did a good thing this time.

[JI7]

7. Good for Her. One of the few good things Bush did was welcome immigrants

[KY_EnviroGuy]

84. Bush (or his advisers) were realists to a degree..

They accepted the importance of immigrant labor to business interests that has been a mainstay for saving costs for many decades and that included the oil patch industry. They also probably knew that if immigration law was ever to be enforced to the letter, those changes would need to be done very, very slowly so businesses could make adjustments.

tRump has no feeling for street-level realism or common sense whatsoever, and neither do any of his advisers.....

[msongs]

9. let's greet her when she marches in the protests nt

[pnwmom]

11. Not every 71 year old is in good enough shape for marching in protests.

And I think for her to keep publicly speaking out could have more impact, because she can get media attention. She doesn't have to march to get it.

[rurallib]

12. Agree - I hope she backs up her words with some action

Seeing someone like her in a protest could make a difference.

[pnwmom]

13. Words can move others to action. She's 71 and just made a major break with her party.

And no woman in the party has greater stature than she does.

This is going to reverberate.

[Honeycombe8]

24. +1. nt

[not fooled]

65. Yep

at least she spoke out. In these times, that's something.

[JI7]

14. Why criticize her for speaking out ? She is speaking out in major newspaper

She has never been political.

We should be spreading this around ?

[Kaleva]

35. There's a pattern in attacking those who attack Trumps policies

[JI7]

46. There have always been certain types that don't seem to

Actually care about actual actions taking place.

But treat politics as as it's a religion and it's more about how much more pure they are .

[LanternWaste]

120. Better to trivialize the works of others to more efficiently hide our own inaction

Though no doubt, righteous allegations to the contrary will be given in due course to better achieve 100% self-absorption, as we do tend to get defensive about our own apathy, roused to action only when we see others doing more than typing on a message board.

You're only human...

[democrank]

15. Her comments are greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Laura Bush.

[DeminPennswoods]

16. Good for Laura Bush

She rarely speaks out, so her doing so now is impactful.

[dflprincess]

17. Even W, when this "policy" was suggested to him rejected it as too cruel.

I'll give him credit for that and I'll give Laura credit for her statement...It was certainly stronger than Melanoma's.

[still_one]

18. This is no surprise coming from Laura Bush. While there are always ideological differences

I always had the impression that she was compassionate to children.

Her husband which I disagree with almost everything on, did fight for a path for undocumented people to have a path to citizenship, and if I recall was for DACA


Just when you thought the republican party could not get worse during the bush reign, they did

[Honeycombe8]

27. The Bushes have Hispanics in the family.

So that gives them a perspective that many Republicans don't have. It's personal. Jeb Bush's wife is Hispanic, I think, so that means his kids are. George W. Bush worked with a lot of Hispanics when he was in the oil bizness in Midland, TX.

[czarjak]

48. Scoring cocaine counts?

[Hekate]

75. Jeb's wife Columba was born in Mexico, so yes there are personal family ties. nt

[Honeycombe8]

19. Her article was so moving, it brought me to tears. Articulated the situation perfectly.

How wonderful she wrote this article. Maybe this will move some people enough to do something.

100 babies in diapers. Who can't be picked up or comforted. I echo her sentiment. It breaks my heart.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

86. Honeycombe, I've been livid with fear and anger ever since this began...

Beyond the foundation concept of this being absolutely wrong, they're saying this is mostly being carried out by private contractors with little or no accountability to the public. There's been reports of attendants not even knowing how to change diapers, and siblings not allowed to hug each other for emotional support. Makes me think of North Korea-style cruelty!

One big issue to me is who will provide proper medical attention to these children? Out of that many kids, there's bound to be many with health issues such as diabetes, mental issues or infections, not to mention some with special dietary or emotional needs.

Just can't believe this is happening in America. Let's hope more individuals and groups with high name recognition speak out very strongly.....

[Honeycombe8]

112. Oh, no. I didn't know private businesses were involved.

But that doesn't surprise me. And the quality of those businesses, going by this administration's past choices (Puerto Rico), will be shady, based on how much they donated to Trump.

All the Republicans in office have to answer for this.

[kimbutgar]

21. I just wonder if one of twitler's screeching monkeys on faux or right wing media will attack her?

I always respected Laura Bush. She was a good First Lady, I wasn’t crazy about her hubby but she was a good woman.

[mountain grammy]

22. the only thing I ever agreed with W on was immigration

He actually did have a decent plan on the subject, but his own party rejected it. stinking, heartless, thugs.

Thank you Laura Bush. W should speak out also.

[Roland99]

25. She's just a damn libtard now. Former RINO. Or so Trumpanzees will say.

[Liberalagogo]

26. Laura Bush also killed a guy

Yes...she did. So no hypocritical praise from me.

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/laura-bush-car-accident/

[Honeycombe8]

28. Well, it was a car accident. So.......nt

[JI7]

31. It was an accident. Do you hate ted Kennedy also ?

[pnwmom]

32. When she was 17 she had a car accident that killed the other driver

and she was at fault -- though the circumstances are unclear.

[Liberalagogo]

36. It's all in the link provided.

n/t

[pnwmom]

41. And the link says they don't know how fast she was driving or what her blood alcohol was.

And she was 17.

[Liberalagogo]

106. Don't fucking care.

She killed a guy and got away with it. You think she would have if she wasn't white? And well off and a rethug?

[pnwmom]

109. Irrelevant to this discussion. Laura Bush, with all her flaws, is the most influential

Republican woman in the country. Other Republican women will listen to her. I'm glad she spoke out on behalf of the families, and I think she spoke very well.

[LeftInTX]

43. There is nothing to indicate anything neferious

She was probably distracted by her friend who was a passenger.

My sister did something even more stupid. She attempted to cross US-41 and make a left hand turn to go north. She claimed she just didn't see the huge semi-truck that hit her. Her life was saved by a larger bar in the door of the car. I was older than her and I had NEVER attempted to cross US-41. It was night. She had a friend with her. This was in 1976 when you could still cross the highway.

My sister was only 16 and was new driver. She had just gone to a Victor Borge concert at our local high school. I'm sure she and her friend were probably yakking it up about that concert.

[slumcamper]

29. RESIST

[blue neen]

30. Thank you, Laura Bush.

You were right to speak out.

[AlexSFCA]

38. the bar is so low right now but it's elected Repubs who need to speak up more

It’s always been the case with GOP, they only speak up when they leave office and no longer seeking reelection. Watch out for Paul ryan to start ‘speaking out’ soon. We’ll take what we can but Laura’s words will unlikely resonate with todays GOP voters and elected officials and even less likely to be mentiomed on faux news, the only network that matters to gop. I bet Bushes voted for trump which means they are part of the problem not the solution, kinda like mccains.

[slumcamper]

40. NO. Too late. TOO TIMID.

She is ONE OF THEM. Until she and others of her ilk renounce their political party in full-throatededness, they ARE and REMAIN the problem.

RENOUNCE. That is what we must demand. Nothing less.

Why are so many people here deluded? Get tough. Know a wolf in sheep's clothing, folks.

Dig in. Give them no respite.

[pnwmom]

42. She is the most influential woman in the GOP and she's speaking out against DT's policy.

For a naturally shy person, this is a huge step on her part.

[slumcamper]

44. Well, pardon me for expecting more!!!

What in the hell does it take for a docile, conservative "Stepford wife" to REALLY take a step--and a stand?

This is laughable. She needs to renounce--in force--the sinister ideology of the party and leadership that is engaging in this holocaust.

Sorry...I'm not as forgiving as you.

[JI7]

49. No she doesn't. Kids being taken from parents don't give a shit about

political purity of those who speak in support of them.

[pnwmom]

52. +100. n/t

[montana_hazeleyes]

70. +1,000,000!

I'm glad to see Ms. Bush speak out.

[pnwmom]

53. You don't get it. Laura Bush is FAR more likely to influence the opinions of

millions of Republican voters, especially women, than any of us are.

[JI7]

47. I guess the kids being taken from parents will have to wait for more pure types to

do something.

[Jake Stern]

56. The wife of a former REPUBLICAN president publicly spanking the current REPUBLICAN president?

That pretty damn powerful in it's own right. And from someone who is famous for staying out of the political fray no less.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

118. As much as I despise him, W himself could step up to the plate as well.

But, I guess that would violate that secret code between ex-presidents against criticizing those in office. It would also violate Raygun's 11th commandment to never, never criticize any Republican.

I think this is a case where those rules should be broken.

[Solly Mack]

55. Did torture also break your heart?

Anyone who condoned or made excuses for torture - either actively or through their silence - need never bother telling how this breaks their heart.

[Jake Stern]

58. Can I ask if you feel the same

about Michelle staying silent while terror suspects were transported to black sites for torture (yes, it happened under Obama) or how she was conspicuously mute when a 16 year old American Citizen, whose only provable connection to terrorism was being the son of Anwar Al-Awlaki, was killed by a drone strike ordered by her husband?

I presume that you will also dismiss her opinion on issues because of this?

[Solly Mack]

60. Allow me to repeat myself...

Anyone who condoned or made excuses for torture - either actively or through their silence - need never bother telling how this breaks their heart.

That applies to all.

[pnwmom]

59. Has any First Lady in history publicly criticized her husband? She is using her bully pulpit

now in a good way. And she has a much greater chance of influencing Republicans, especially women, than any of us have.

I'm glad she's speaking out. It has that much more impact because she is normally so quiet.

[Solly Mack]

61. People want to make excuses that's on them. I neither have to make excuses for - nor

explain why I won't make excuses for not giving her a break on her staying silent on torture.

I can't speak up, I'm the first lady. Oh, woe is me.

You feel the same about Melania Trump?

[pnwmom]

71. No, I don't expect married couples to publicly condemn each other, even Melania. n/t

[Solly Mack]

72. Well, I do think married couples should condemn the other one if

one is committing crimes against humanity. But that's me and I have a thing against people who do things like that. I don't understand staying married to someone like that.

Not everyone thinks the same way. For instance, I didn't once reply to anyone praising her asking why they praised her. Because I know not everyone thinks the same. I simply gave my opinion, same as everyone else.

But let me not praise a republican on a pro-Democrat website and look at the bullshit I catch.

I won't praise a republican on DemocraticUnderground and, somehow, that offends people enough for them to question my reasons.

I can think of an exception for Mrs George Bush - if she feared Shrub having her waterboarded or being slapped around or using dogs against her or being shipped to another country for extra torture, etc., then I can understand her silence.

[pnwmom]

87. Melania has a son and she's probably afraid of going up against him

in a custody battle. He probably has her terrified about that.

And I don't expect Laura to convince any Democrats. I'm glad she spoke up because millions of Republicans, especially Republican women, value her opinion. And the more people on our side on this issue, the better.

[JI7]

89. disagree about Melania. he has never tried to get custody of any of the kids

and Barron himself is now old enough to be able to have a say also.

Melania's main interest is still her own lifestyle and wealth.

[pnwmom]

91. Narcissists pick favorites, and they snow their favorite children.

No one should assume Barron isn't under his spell, desperately hoping to please him.

[JI7]

92. he didn't even try to take custody of Ivanka . and from what i have seen

there isn't really a relationship between him and barron . plus trump can't get any real lawyers.

we will see when he gets older what happens. but so far i will say one good thing may be melania raising him on her own . but you never know how things turn out.

[pnwmom]

93. He already had a new woman waiting in the wings. If he doesn't have one now,

he might want Barron simply to punish Melania for daring to oppose him.

This is how narcissists think. They don't love people, even their children. They manipulate them, pushing them around on the chessboard. If he saw a use for Barron, even if the use was just to hurt Melania, then he'd fight to keep him.

[Solly Mack]

100. I don't have that high of an opinion of Melania Trump.

Which I'm positive bothers her none at all. I don't think fear of losing her child motivates her. Fear of losing her lifestyle does.

As for LB - Yes, we all know how much Trump values the opinions of a Bush and as Trump goes, so do his followers. So I don't think her reach is as far as some seem to think and I don't think her influence is as great either.

And of course the reply to that will be she might reach the reasonable republicans.

Politics might make for strange bedfellows but penicillin neither cures nor prevents everything.

[pnwmom]

110. What Republican woman is more influential than Laura Bush? n/t

[Solly Mack]

111. You got any numbers proving she is the most influential?

Because your very question demands there is none with more influence, so you must have the numbers backing that statement up.

You don't, of course.

But you want to pull a fallacy of logic.

It's called argument from ignorance/negative proof - whereas you claim if I can't provide evidence of some republican more influential than Laura Bush, that somehow proves she has the most influence. And it doesn't. That your statement is a fact unless I can provide proof otherwise - and it doesn't work that way. Not logically, anyway.

But you'll need to prove all republican women are less influential with other republicans than Laura Bush to prove your statement - and you haven't.

Simply because she was once first lady isn't proof.
Simply because her last name is Bush isn't proof.
Simply because she spoke out isn't proof.
Simply because other people agree with you isn't proof either. A popular opinion isn't the same as proof - or fact.

You're attempting to shift the burden of proof for your assertion onto me.

In a nutshell, you're saying prove she isn't - when you have no proof she is.



I explained why I don't think she is as influential as some seem* to think. That is my opinion and that opinion is based on how Trump and his followers behave - as if he is their god and what he says goes. On how Trump attacked JEB and his disregard for the rest of the Bush family.

ETA: seem*

[Turbineguy]

57. Yeah,

Trump is the kind of guy who makes you miss George W Bush.

And Hitler.

[DesertRat]

63. K&R

[NBachers]

66. I tip my hat to Laura Bush; I fart at the purity trolls. I applaud Laura Bush for speaking out.

[SHRED]

67. This policy will take down this regime

.
That and his Foundation is in deep shit with NY State.
Plus Mueller.
The mob vs. America.
Go Mueller.

[Hekate]

73. Thank you, Laura Bush. Thank you for speaking truth that your fellow Repubs and Christians can grasp

[democratisphere]

78. Laura Bush is a good woman and human.

Keep it up Laura!

[Renew Deal]

80. This is the statement Melania should have issued

[LisaM]

85. She's not speaking to us. If she can change some Rep6blicans' minds,

that would be a good thing. She should admit, to herself at least, that the people her husband's Supreme Court picks helped create this mess.

[olddad56]

88. how does she feel about all of the Iraqi children were killed, maimed, lost a limb, had one of both

their parents killed, born with birth defects cause by depleted uranium, etc because of the illegal invasion of Iraq.

This doesn't detract from what Putin's puppet is doing, but there is a lot of blood on the hands of George and Dick also.

[JI7]

90. most Muslims voted for W Bush . should we blame them also ?

[laserhaas]

94. Your hubby having a hand in murder & mayhem - no biggie

But Texas having a part in destroying / staring families apart - disturbs your heart rhythm......

Evidently - not enough - you wife of evil toad!

[underpants]

95. Hey! When she comes out on you, you know you're wrong

Was looking for this. I knew it had to be posted by now.

DAYUM!

[pnwmom]

96. I can't think of anytime she's ever taken a public position, much less

a position against a GOP President. Can you?

[3Hotdogs]

97. Her husband bombing them to death was ok, though.

[Maxheader]

98. How about the screams

from all the innocents killed in the iraq conflict..?

while your ole man was president?

[riversedge]

101. Thank you Laura Bush. I hope you can follow your comments up with some public ACTION

[Soxfan58]

102. I can't help wondering

What her Mother in law whould have had to say about this. She pulled no punches. We live in a world that the Bushs are the voice of reason on the right.

[workinclasszero]

107. The Trump Cult...the present day GOP...

will call Laura Bush a deep state actor and keep right on filling dog kennels in abandoned Walmart's with innocent children kidnapped from their parents.

[Liberalagogo]

108. People prasing this "woman"

also need to sit back and realize that by she and her dimwitted husband NOT voting in the 2016 election, helped us get the Shithole.

[KansasKali]

123. Nice try

But the republicans have a history of trotting out their first ladies to create the appearance of being sympathetic. They did that a lot with her mother-in-law Barbara Bush. It sounds nice but it is always vague and useless. Pablum for the masses.

[melman]

125. Does Laura Bush remember who created DHS and ICE?

Apparently not.

[47of74]

129. What heart?

Didn’t know she had one.

[zentrum]

130. Where were you Laura

…..when your husband mounted a phone war against Iraq and needlessly killed the parents of thousands of children? Including children of soldiers in this country? Where were you and your broken heart?

There. Are. No. Good. Republicans.