I just finished Decision Points by George W. Bush. I am also working my way through The Clinton Tapes by Taylor Branch.

Liberals who despise Bush won’t take the time to read his book, and are grinding their teeth that I even mention his name. Conservatives who despise Clinton are doing the same. That is why I read both, actually.

While I would agree with Bush more than many people would like, I have my disappointments with him. This book is written from a view of looking at several key events in his years as president and analyzing why he reached certain decisions.

What I appreciate about these books is they drive more to motive. Bush gets into why he made some of his decisions. Branch explores Clinton’s desires and motivations as president. I can appreciate both men more even while I agree or disagree with their decisions. Bush was profoundly impacted by 9/11 and does not apologize for it. His driving motivation was to make sure this country did not suffer that kind of attack again on his watch. We can agree or disagree on those decisions. My hope is we don’t start doing that here. But I CAN understand his motivations. And here is the thing: He was president. I was not. Neither were you. He was thrown into the cauldron and did his best.

And in other news…

North Africa is going through some upheaval. Tunisia and Egypt are experiencing government revolts. It’s hard to tell if this leads to democracy or a more free people. While the abject poverty in Egypt is horrifying, what is NOT clear is what type of government will rise up to take Mubarak’s place if they can force him out.

There are a couple of questions in my mind:

1. If the government that replaces Mubarak is as violent against Coptics as witnessed by recent attacks by radical Muslim groups, this is not a good movement. If Christians are further oppressed in this uprising, this isn’t about freedom.

2. The world didn’t want the U.S. meddling in Afghanistan or Iraq… and now it wants us meddling in Egypt. Go figure.