The White House

[PhilCooper@webtv.net (P C)]

PRESIDENT BUSH IS Fixing up the White House By Janet Parshall 
  
A lot has changed since George W. Bush became president-executive orders
that support a "culture of life," judicial appointees who respect the
constitution and members of the Cabinet who are unapologetic about their
Christian faith. But perhaps nothing more clearly represents the new
leadership we enjoy as a country than that place Mr. Bush now calls his
temporary home-1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The president is quick to point
out that it is not his house but the American people's house. And, as
such, he treats it and the people who work there with respect. From the
Secret Service to the grounds crew, the folks who work at the White
House rave about the First Family. The president and first lady prefer
to entertain family friends in their private quarters rather than ask
the stewards and waiters to negotiate difficult formal dining rooms. 
  
Harkening back to the days of Ronald Reagan, Bush will not allow any man
to attend a meeting in the Oval Office without a jacket and tie. Gone
are the days of blue jeans and pizza boxes. 
  
One of the clearest ways to show respect for someone is to respect their
time. 
Everyone who works with and around the president has noted his
punctuality. Meetings begin and end on time. This stands in stark
contrast to the 
previous occupant of the White House, who was notorious for keeping
visitors and the media waiting. And speaking of the former president, in
his administration more than 500 staffers had access to the White House
kitchen. 

One presidential aide said they turned it into a fast-food restaurant. 
These days, only 150 senior staff members have meal privileges. Of
course the Clinton years were known for worse things than that. US News
& World Report reported recently that it was common for President
Clinton to have violent and sex-laden R-rated film s playing on Air
Force One. Even seasoned reporters would blush at the images being
played out before their eyes while trying to question the president on
some issue of national importance. A Marine who worked at Camp David
publicly stated that pornography was littered all over the retreat. In
contrast, President Bush has said that even some of the new major
motion-picture releases, which are routinely sent to the White House for
viewing by the First Family, are too vulgar for him. I've visited the
White House twice since President Bush moved in. As anyone might be, I
was awed by the history of the place. Oil portraits of past occupants
reminded me that some presidents have understood the honor of living
there and others have wantonly dishonored it. My visits with President
Bush at the White House were an opportunity to witness firsthand how
much this man respects the office to which he was elected. 
He arrived at our meetings promptly and took the time to greet every
person in attendance. He was warm and polite to each of us. His manner
conveyed the message that he knew he was only a temporary resident and
his job is to leave this august home in better shape than he found it. 
  In one of my meetings, I made a point of speaking to a young man
who is part of the military service assigned to the White House. His job
is to escort guests and to help people find their way through the large
hallways. His uniform was covered with ribbons and his shoes were
perfectly polished. 
  His face was emotionless and he drew no attention to himself, but
for some reason he caught my eye. "Thank you," I said, "for the work you
do. You really represent us all in your service here. It must be
wonderful work." 
  He paused and then allowed a big smile to cross his face. "Oh,
yes, Madam. It truly is." Yes, things certainly are different in
Washington now.