What Did President Bush Do on His August 2001 Vacation?

  • Context: News 
  • Thread starter Thread starter pelastration
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around President George W. Bush's vacation schedule in August 2001, particularly in relation to the events leading up to the September 11 attacks. Participants explore perceptions of his demeanor and responsibilities during this time, touching on themes of leadership, urgency, and public perception.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the carefree nature of Bush's vacation activities, suggesting it indicates a lack of awareness regarding impending threats.
  • Others express skepticism about the relevance of the thread, questioning its purpose and the focus on Bush's vacation schedule.
  • A participant humorously notes the destruction of Bush's personal library, framing it as a personal setback during a critical time.
  • Some participants argue that taking vacations during urgent times is inappropriate, emphasizing the need to prioritize responsibilities over leisure.
  • There are claims regarding the percentage of Bush's time spent on vacation, with some stating he spent 42% of his presidency away from the office, which has drawn criticism.
  • One participant references Bush's routine, suggesting a structured approach to his time management, including exercise and rest.
  • Another participant critiques the amount of time Bush reportedly spends sleeping, implying it detracts from his effectiveness as a leader.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the appropriateness of Bush's vacation during a critical period. While some share concerns about his leadership style, others question the relevance of the discussion itself, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the percentage of time spent on vacation and the specific activities during that period may depend on varying interpretations of what constitutes "vacation" versus "work." There are also unresolved assumptions about the implications of his vacation choices on national security.

pelastration
Messages
165
Reaction score
0
Bush likes long vacations ...

*President Bush's Vacation Schedule starting Aug.6, 2001 – the day of the PDB warning about an impending al Qaeda attack in the U.S.

http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=45265


Monday, August 6


4-mile run, built nature walk in canyon, fishing.[1]


Tuesday, August 7


Golf.[2]


3-mile run.[3]


Fishing, cookout with Mel Martinez.[4]


Wednesday, August 8


Habitat for Humanity, Waco, TX (injured finger).[5]


Worked out with weights.[6]


Thursday, August 9


Jogging, fishing, announced stem cell decision (9pm EST).[7]


Sunday, August 12


Church near Crawford.[8]


Monday, August 13


Golf, signed agriculture bill with audience of farmers.[9]


Tuesday, August 14, 2001


Thinned brush and raised money at a picnic in Colorado.[10]


Talked to children at YMCA camp in Colorado.[11]


Wednesday, August 15, 2001


Talked to children in Albuquerque, opened job-training center, addressed Chamber of


Commerce, attended fundraiser for Sen. Domenici, Colorado Rockies v. Atlanta Braves.[12]


Saturday, August 18, 2001


Radio address re: faith-based initiatives.[13]


Monday, August 20, 2001


Addressed VFW Convention, toured Harley-Davidson plant, Milwaukee.[14]


Work out, dinner with friends.[15]


Tuesday, August 21, 2001


Truman High School, Independence, MO re: taxes.[16]


Wednesday, August 22, 2001


Ran, lifted weights.[17]


Thursday, August 23, 2001


Golf, Crawford Elementary School, met with horticulturalist re: trees on ranch.[18]


Friday, August 24, 2001


Press conference re: economy (1st press conference of vacation).[19]


Saturday, August 25, 2001


Ranch tour for the press (80 minutes).[20]


Sunday, August 26, 2001


Steel Plant in Pennsylvania, barbeque.[21]


Little League World Series Championship (Japan v. Florida).[22]


Wednesday, August 29, 2001


Spoke at an American Legion Convention re: military budget, tax cut.[23]


Dedicated a restored grist mill, San Antonio.[24]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
That's good! We want him to be well rested up before he makes his next mistakes.
 
I'm not sure the point of this thread.
 
The point

The thread merely points out how carefree he was /felt leading up to 9/11. Its obvious that a threat of any kind was not on his mind. Maybe, he was anticipating how his ratings would jump after the planes struck. :mad: :mad:
 
I like long vacations too. Anyone here not like long vacations?
 
quartodeciman said:
That's good! We want him to be well rested up before he makes his next mistakes.
That was the vacation schedule before the 9/11 attack.
Indeed, now he also on vacation.
But he said it was a tough week.
 
So far he's spent 42% of his term on vacation.
 
russ_watters said:
I like long vacations too. Anyone here not like long vacations?
Sure all LIKE long vacations. But when there's something urgent you don't TAKE vacation. You go on vacation when the 'job is done'.
 
Why was it a tough week for President Bush?
A Fire Destroyed Bush personal library in his Texas ranch

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - A tragic fire on Monday destroyed the personal library of President George W. Bush in his ranch in Texas. Both of his books have been lost.

Presidential spokesman Ari Fleischer said the president was devastated, as he had not finished coloring the second one.
 
  • #10
Hear, Hear - I heartily agree Pelastration. Even though my own work is not critical to the national security I always make sure its done before I take vacation.
 
  • #11
Chemicalsuperfreak said:
So far he's spent 42% of his term on vacation.

Indeed.
President spends 40% of time out of the office
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1190302,00.html
Gary Younge in New York
Monday April 12, 2004
The Guardian

President George Bush has spent more than 40% of his presidency at one of his three retreats, sparking criticism from Democrats that he is not taking his job seriously at a crucial time in US history.

Mr Bush was on his 33rd visit to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, at the Easter weekend, where he has spent 233 days or almost eight months since his inauguration, according to a tally by CBS news. Add his 78 visits to Camp David and five to Kennebunkport, Maine, and he has spent all or part of 500 days out of the office while in office.

Mr Bush was at his ranch on August 6 2001 as part of a month-long holiday when he received the briefing warning of Osama bin Laden's determination to attack the US, which has become a focal point of the 9/11 commission of inquiry.

On Thursday the president watched his national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, give her testimony on television, then toured his ranch with the chief executive of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre, before giving an interview to Ladies Home Journal.

Regardless of what is going on in the world Mr Bush is usually in bed by 10pm and wakes at 6am. As governor of Texas he would be in work by 8.30am and out by 5.30pm. In between was a 90-minute to two-hour break for exercise or a nap.
 
  • #12
ROTFL. Sheesh, and 33% sleeping, that leaves 24% of time to do the job of "War President" and declare "Mission Accomplished" and command accountants to formulate phony budgets.
 

Similar threads

News Bush Honest & Trustworthy Until How Many Lies?
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
11K
News Downing Street - New memos released
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K