Bush works, relaxes during four-week vacation

Dallin Moon MOO00004@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Throughout the month of August, the press heavily criticized George Bush for his vacation at his Texas ranch.

After much negative commentary, pollsters summoned the public’s opinion. Not surprisingly, 55 percent deemed four weeks too long.

A closer look at President Bush’s activities during the last month show him working on legislation and security.

In our age of instant communication, helicopters, and jet airplanes, the President was merely hours away from the White House and seconds away from communication with anyone in the world.

“No matter where the president goes, he takes his work with him,” said Kent Marlor, political science professor at Brigham Young University-Idaho. “His responsibility never leaves.”

President Bush’s staff filled his schedule with plenty of events to dispel the myth that he was not on duty. He visited seven states. Most were quick day trips, including one to New Mexico, where he signed legislation for a long-term solution to the nation’s energy problems. He also signed a transportation bill in Chicago. Toward the end of August, Bush addressed the Idaho National Guard and their families.

President Bush also met with Columbian President Alvaro Uribe to discuss terrorism and security. In addition to his travels, several authorities from the White House visited his Texas ranch, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.

President Bush’s busy schedule and responsibilities didn’t stop him from having fun, or at least his idea of fun. His notion of relaxation is chopping cedar trees on his ranch or riding his bike in above 100-degree weather.

Most of the negative comments arise due to the fact that the average American only receives 12 days of vacation, said William Benoit, a professor of political communication at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“Most of us wouldn’t want the responsibility of the president anyway,” Marlor said. “Most of us go on vacation to get away. There is nowhere in the world the president can get away.”

President Bush cut his vacation short to respond to the areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina.