Mr. Bush,

You began your Presidency on a bad foot, with the White House literally sabotaged by the outgoing Clinton Administration and more than half the people who voted in the election you won feeling cheated by your victory. You proceeded to claim a mandate which did not exist and push forward a partisan agenda which was ill-received by the public and your opponents. Then, the worst happened: we were attacked and you were forced to completely change your plans in order to confront this new threat. In the end, we became involved in two heavily draining and unpopular wars with little tangible results to show. You have been labeled the worst President ever, an imbecile, a villain, and an overall poor person. You disapproval ratings as you leave are the highest since Nixon.

However, there are some of us who do not hate you, and who do not believe you to be a failure.

You were a man presented with many difficult situations, who faced them as best he could. The decisions you made were unpopular, but to make a decision at those junctions was crucial. I myself am not a supporter. I campaigned for Obama, I openly disagreed with your policies and I believe you did many things wrong, but what I understand is that you did the best you could.

You sat in a large chair for eight years, and I'll be darned if you didn't fill it. It takes a man of strength in spirit and morality to do what you have done, regardless of the results.

So, while I may be pleased to see the dawn of a new political era and a shift in our national priorities and strategies, I am not cheering at your departure. Instead, I wish you the best and hope you live with the dignity and respect you have earned as the leader of the greatest nation on earth.

Besides, at least you aren't Warren G. Harding.