Politicians across the WAMC listening area Saturday morning offered statements after the death of George H.W. Bush.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-NY:
"President George HW Bush will be greatly missed in many ways. He was a fine man and even when he opposed your views, you knew he was doing what he thought was best for America. His yearning for a kinder and gentler nation seems more needed now than when he first called for it."
Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal, Democrat of the First District:
“George Herbert Walker Bush led a long and distinguished life serving the country he loved with great distinction. He was a soldier, diplomat and statesman who was the product of the “Greatest Generation.” During his tenure as the 41st President of the United States, he presided over some of the most consequential events in recent history including the collapse of the Soviet Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall and Operation Desert Storm. President Bush was a humble man who genuinely tried to make America a more kinder and gentler nation. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions and found him to be an individual of uncommon dignity, civility and grace. On this solemn occasion, my thoughts are with the entire Bush family. A grateful nation mourns the passing of this remarkable man at age 94.”
New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Republican of the 21st District:
“I join the nation in honoring the life and legacy of President George. H.W. Bush, a true son of America who lived an extraordinary life of service, grace, strength, and character. He embodied what it means when we say the ‘Greatest Generation.’
“President Bush will be remembered by the world for his enduring strength that brought an end to the Cold War, his extraordinary commitment to serving others through his thousand points of light, and his beautifully written letters. He was truly a great man who lived a giant life.
“I am so blessed to have met President Bush many times while serving his son President George W. Bush in the White House. I am praying for the entire Bush family at this difficult time. I know his beloved angels Barbara and Robin are welcoming this hero in Heaven. May He Rest In Peace.”
New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan:
"I join my fellow New Yorkers and all Americans in mourning the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush.
President Bush lived a full and accomplished life and gave more than four decades to public service for his country. A World War II veteran, he served in Congress, led the CIA, and was Vice President and President for a total of 12 years.
President Bush put together an historic coalition that beat back Saddam Hussein and liberated Kuwait during the First Gulf War. His leadership during this time of crisis was extraordinary.
President Bush and his beloved wife Barbara had 6 children, including President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and a daughter they lost to leukemia at the age of 3.
President Bush was a gentlemen through and through who developed a strong friendship later in life with President Clinton, the man who was responsible for his defeat in 1992. May their relationship be a lesson to us all of the power of grace, forgiveness, and what really matters in life.
We thank President Bush for his service and his leadership. He was a national treasure whose wit and wisdom will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family this morning and always."
New York State Assemblymember and Senator-Elect James Skoufis:
President George H.W. Bush was a great representative of the greatest generation. His decency was always apparent as was his unquestionable commitment to public service, qualities that are sorely missing in today’s Washington.
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?May President Bush rest in peace and may God bless his family. ?
Congressan Sean Patrick Maloney, Democrat of New York's 18th District:
“Like many in his generation, George H.W. Bush embodied such decency that even politics and ambition could not overcome it. He was a good man. He loved his family and his country and worked to keep both safe and sound. His life sets the standard for the character and patriotism essential to true public service.
“As we remember him, we take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his beloved wife Barbara and is free now from all sickness and pain in the loving arms of our Lord. We pray for his entire family and hold them in our thoughts. We pray too for our country; that we will learn from his example and set a higher standard once again for our politics.”
New York State Assemblymember and Congressman-Elect Anthony Brindisi:
"President George HW Bush was a patriot and public servant. He served our country admirably in peace and war. May his sacrifice and service never be forgotten. I offer my condolences to the entire Bush family and our nation for the loss of a great husband, father and American."
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro:
"President George H.W. Bush set an example. He was devoted to his family, public service and the country he loved. A distinguished statesman, he understood the office he held and nation he led deserve decency, strength and honor.
A World War II hero, he will be remembered for his life of service and commitment to end the Cold War. He led an anxious world toward greater peace and sought to highlight the "thousand points of light" that have always made America a beacon of hope and opportunity.
He signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, perhaps, the most significant piece of civil rights advancement in two decades. He pushed this nation to break down barriers, improve access and think differently.
Our thoughts and prayers are with President Bush's family - his remarkable wife - his friends and colleagues and all of America. May we strive, in his memory, to be kinder, gentler. And, may our 41st President rest in peace."
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-CT:
“What a great life! George Bush earned deep respect across the political spectrum because of his honesty, decency, and undoubted dedication to America. Agree or disagree, people knew that what he said was what he believed. And what he did, as well as said, was what he believed was right for our nation. His personal courage, moral fiber, and love for America’s rich diversity, will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and hearts go out to his family, some still in Connecticut, which is proud of his early years and family roots here.”
NYGOP Chairman Ed Cox:
“We mourn the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. He was a gentleman and a patriot, who mission by successive mission, as a WWII Airman, Congressman, UN Ambassador, RNC Chairman, Chief U.S. Liaison Officer in China, CIA Director, Vice President and President, served his country humbly and well. He transcended politics as a role model for future generations, including with his beloved Barbara, raising two sons who also had careers of accomplishment in public life.
“America is better for his many significant achievements, especially in the foreign arena with the successful Gulf War, the peaceful end to the Cold War, the demise of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany. His self deprecating wit, compassion and devotion to service will cement him in history as one of our country’s exemplary leaders.
“On behalf of the entire New York Republican State Committee, we offer our deepest condolences to the Bush family.”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo:
"President George H. W. Bush was a statesman and patriot who dedicated his life to serving his country. In World War II, he answered the call of duty and became a decorated Navy pilot, and in the decades that followed, he helped to shape the largely peaceful world that we have enjoyed since 1945. His greatest legacy may be the successful end of the Cold War, which occurred on his watch. His leadership was an important factor in the three decades of stability Europe has enjoyed since the fall of the Iron Curtain.
"He was also a great unifier of Americans at home, always willing to put country before party. President Bush showed the compassion, decency and good humor that is often lacking in our politics today. He understood that our values, no less than wealth and power, are the source of America's stature in the world
"On behalf of the New York Family, we are forever grateful for his service, mourn his passing and will keep his family in our prayers."
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New York State Senator James Tedisco:
Rest In Peace President George H. W. Bush, an American hero and member of the Greatest Generation who served our country with honor as a dedicated public servant. It was a pleasure to meet him during the 1980s when he visited Schenectady when he was Vice President. Among his accomplishments, I hope we remember President Bush’s call for a “kinder, gentler nation.”
