I had previously heard that former President Bush was an idiot. I certainly did not find comfort in many of his practices and policies that were practiced during his regime. However, I, like many Americans had given former President Bush the benefit of the doubt and assumed that he was simply a malicious asshole that was out to undermined the very foundations upon which our great republic stood. But the Former President exhibited a childlike demeanor. He looked very uncomfortable, like a child expected to behave in as saintly a manner as everyone else while sitting through a religious lecture. His curiosity and exuberance being stifled under protocol and routine. He slouched and fidgeted. His eyes wandered only to snap back dead center in Pavlovian response to any perceived attention paid to him by his handlers.
I was confused. I was witnessing first hand the truth behind the man. The innocence in his eyes immediately obliterated the image of the industrialist war hawk so many have cursed, feared and idolized. My mind percolated with the new information. My perception of reality shifted, adjusted, realigned, reconfigured, re calibrated. I was at a loss for further synonyms. The system had allowed a disabled man reach the highest seat of office. The system worked. We lived in a country were any man can become anything his heart desired with enough tenacity, grit and political connections. This was the undisputed, empirical proof that America was truly the land of opportunity. I was both inspired beyond words and blind with rage. I didn't hear Mr. Smith call my name as he brought me the sign up sheet for the race.
"You'll be on George's team. Good luck," he says in an almost playful manner.
My heart sank. I realized why this upper crust clan would invite a total stranger into their house to participate in their annual family fun fair. No one wanted to be on Former President Bush's team.