I've been watching a couple of the television interviews with former President George W. Bush as he promotes his book, Decision Points. Although they try mightily, the interviewers are unsuccessful in prompting the former president to say even a single negative word about his successor. This magnaminity is quite remarkable, especially considering the fact that President Obama can barely go two paragraphs without flinging an over-the-shoulder mudball at his predecessor. Say what you will about George W. Bush--love him or hate him--but the man understands how a president should comport himself.
Bush's bearing and behavior during his book tour reminds me of a piece that appeared many years ago in Ann Landers' column. You can find it in Ann Landers Encyclopedia.
Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge
that you can meet life head on and handle whatever comes along.
Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from past
mistakes.
Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are
nothing more than a series of small sacrifices.
Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blueblood can be totally without class while the descendant of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore.
Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.
Class can "walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch." Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself.
If you have class you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn't make much difference.
~ Ann Landers Encyclopedia
