Former President George W. Bush’s surprise visit to SMU today really got me thinking. Whether you like him or not, it’s undeniable that his presence on campus was awe-inspiring and one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that you’ll remember forever. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for our former president, even his common grammatical mishaps make me smile. So, here’s my love letter to you, George W. Bush.

Dear George W. Bush,

I just wanted to thank you for paying our campus a visit today. Ever since I heard that you and Laura were moving in to the neighborhood, I must admit I’ve been pretty excited. I’ve been trying to get my hands on one of those “Welcome Home George and Laura” signs posted in the front yards of various houses in Highland Park, and keep wondering whether I’ll run in to you at Mi Cocina or Goff’s.

Needless to say, when I heard the buzz that you were on campus this morning I was completely, wholeheartedly going bananas. I only got to see you for a few minutes before Secret Service ushered you back in to your black SUV, but let me say, those few minutes were life changing. And I don’t think I was the only one.

A friend of mine – she is a self-proclaimed “hardcore Democrat” – and I were talking about your little visit. Apparently you and she exchanged a few words and shook hands. (I’m pretty jealous). Even she, who definitely didn’t vote for you and in any other context probably mocks your administration, was taken aback and completely overjoyed at the opportunity she had to meet you. Talk about bipartisanship. I guess the bottom line is that your presidential aura and friendliness on campus today kind of unified the student population – Democrat or Republican.

Sure there are many who say you may not have been our greatest president, but I give you a lot of credit and gratitude for keeping our country safe from any terrorist attacks since Sept. 11.

I also admire you for being honest and outspoken about helping those battling with alcohol and drug abuse. You were quoted in December by CNN saying, “I’m a faith-based guy…Sometimes, to help change a person’s behavior, you have to change their heart. Government’s not really good at that.” Wow. I’d love to share that sentence with critics who claim that you aren’t articulate. With that statement, you hit the nail on the head.

I’ve always thought that you’d be the kind of guy who would be a lot of fun to sit down and eat barbecue with. In fact, you’ve always kind of reminded me of the “cool dad” type. You know, the “cool dad” who was always better friends with your friends than you were. The “cool dad” your friends would come over to hang out with…when you were out of town.

Basically, the vibe that swept campus today was great. It was definitely one of the most exciting moments I’ve experienced at SMU. While walking around campus after your visit, I overheard multiple people talking about you.

“I heard he worked out with the SMU basketball team!”

“Someone said he surprised a political science class!”

“Hey! Mom! You there? You won’t believe who was on campus! George Bush! Yeah I shook his hand!”

My mom had the opportunity to meet former President Ronald Reagan when she was in her 20s and has always told me that when you are in the presence of such a well-known person “their aura is stunning.” The knowledge and experiences that you could potentially share with SMU students is limitless. Your insights are of an elite caliber only shared with all of our past presidents. Any class would be lucky to hear you speak – unfortunately today it wasn’t mine.

So welcome back to Dallas, President Bush. I hope to see you around campus again sometime soon.

Yours truly,

Christina Geyer

Chief Copy Editor