George W. Bush Presidential Center
Five for Friday
A Weekly Digest from the George W. Bush Presidential Center
July 19, 2024
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Democracy holds us together

At the Bush Institute, we believe that civility, pluralism, and positive leadership are vital to the strength of our democracy. Last year, we organized a letter ([link removed]) with other presidential centers and foundations proclaiming that “democracy will hold us together.”

Debate and disagreement are equally important to our democracy, especially in an election year. But we should settle our differences at the ballot box and through civil, peaceful debate.

This week’s Five for Friday is dedicated to some of those who have led by example in searching for solutions.
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September 7, 2023

The unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, are principles that bind us together as Americans. They have enabled the United States to strive toward a more perfect union, even when we have not always lived up to those ideals.

As a diverse nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, democracy holds us together. We are a country rooted in the rule of law, where the protection of the rights of all people is paramount. At the same time, we live among our fellow citizens, underscoring the importance of compassion, tolerance, pluralism, and respect for others.

We, the undersigned, represent a wide range of views across a breadth of issues. We recognize that these views can exist peaceably side by side when rooted in the principles of democracy. Debate and disagreement are central features in a healthy democracy. Civility and respect in political discourse, whether in an election year or otherwise, are essential.

Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and respect for human rights around the world because free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home. But that interest is undermined when others see our own house in disarray. The world will not wait for us to address our problems, so we must both continue to strive toward a more perfect union and help those abroad looking for U.S. leadership.

Each of us has a role to play and responsibilities to uphold. Our elected officials must lead by example and govern effectively in ways that deliver for the American people. This, in turn, will help to restore trust in public service. The rest of us must engage in civil dialogue; respect democratic institutions and rights; uphold safe, secure, and accessible elections; and contribute to local, state, or national improvement.

By signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy undergirding this great nation, protecting our freedom, and respecting our fellow citizens. When united by these convictions, America is stronger as a country and an inspiration for others.

Obama Foundation; George W. Bush Presidential Center; Clinton Foundation; George & Barbara Bush Foundation; The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute; The Carter Center; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation; Richard Nixon Foundation; LBJ Foundation; John F. Kennedy Library Foundation; Truman Library Institute; Roosevelt Institute; Hoover Presidential Foundation
Explore the evolution of democracy in the Freedom Matters exhibit
Special exhibit open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Learn how individual Americans have helped create a more perfect union ([link removed]) arrow
Sharing in humanity, embodying democracy
Article by the Bush Institute's Michael Bailey ([link removed]) , Senior Program Manager of Leadership Programs, and Casey Rodriguez ([link removed]) , Program Manager of Leadership Programs
Read how Presidential Leadership Scholars and Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholars are bridging divides ([link removed]) arrow
Arthur Brooks on happiness, wisdom of age, and refusing to accept a culture of contempt
The Strategerist podcast hosted by Anne Wicks ([link removed]) , the Don Evans Family Managing Director of Opportunity and Democracy at the Bush Institute, and Andrew Kaufmann ([link removed]) , Director of Communications and Marketing at the Bush Center
Learn more from the Harvard Kennedy School professor ([link removed]) arrow
SMU student writes children's book encouraging all generations to work across differences
Video featuring SMU student Anna Kelley Zielke and Chris Walsh ([link removed]) , Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute
Hear more about the project in the Bush Institute's Pluralism Challenge series ([link removed]) arrow
In Case You Missed It
Further News, Analysis, and more from the Bush Center
Statement by President George W. Bush ([link removed])
July 13, 2024

Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholar spotlight: Claudia Bergheger ([link removed])
Interview with Claudia Bergheger, 2022 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program ([link removed]) Scholar and Associate Director of Operations for Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security

Echoes of the MH17 tragedy 10 years ago still reverberate in Ukraine today ([link removed])
Article by Igor Khrestin ([link removed]) , the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute

After the NATO summit, allies need to step up their game on Ukraine, Russia, and China ([link removed]) | Just Security
Op-ed by David J. Kramer ([link removed]) , Executive Director of the Bush Institute, and Ian Kelley, former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia and to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
UPCOMING AT THE BUSH CENTER
Don't miss these special Events
Sept. 24 | 6:30 p.m. CT
NexPoint Lecture: The Russia-China Challenge ([link removed])
Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint

Oct. 9 | 7 p.m. CT
Sharon McMahon: The Small and the Mighty Book Tour ([link removed])
Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint

Saturdays | 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. CT
Sundays | 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. CT
Mondays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
Situation Room Presentation ([link removed])

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About the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.


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George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205

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George W. Bush Presidential Center . 2943 SMU Blvd . Dallas, TX 75205-2563 . USA