RIP Barbara Bush, And Thank You

I love this picture (and the hat):

When they weren't traveling together, Barbara Bush would often sit on the South Portico and wait for President Bush to return to the South Lawn via Marine One. Here she is with dogs Millie and Ranger doing just that, in 1991. PS: great hat. pic.twitter.com/52WbalaaLH

— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) April 18, 2018

For only the 9th time since 1960, a former First Lady has died and the next few days will be a period of reflection and tribute to Barbara Bush. To start with tonight, I like the statement from the Obamas:

Our statement on the passing of Former First Lady Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/MhTVYCL9Nj

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 18, 2018

The statement from the Trumps is fine, but in the usual spirit of this administration's pathetically sloppy incompetence, they got the date wrong:

Look at the date.
2017.
This is an official statement from the @WhiteHouse. pic.twitter.com/aRWLSQRsbL

— andy lassner (@andylassner) April 18, 2018

Readers know that here at Writing The World I'm fascinated by the view of the world as seen through the filter of People magazine covers. In the magazine's earlier days there was always a cover featuring the wife of a newly elected president; here is Barbara Bush on the cover of the issue dated November 21, 1988, right after her husband was elected president:

 

"The first man she ever kissed," wow, how sweet is that? President Bush (41) only served 1 term/4 years, but during that time, Barbara was featured on People's cover twice more:

Issue dated January 30, 1989


Issue dated October 1, 1990


We live in a different era now, on so many levels, and as a general rule I don't like to compare women to each other. (I will point out, as I have many times here before, that in the 17 months since Donald's election People has, for whatever reason, completely ignored Melania.) As I ponder the legacy of Barbara Bush tonight, tributes and encomiums are pouring in, from across the political spectrum and indeed, from around the world. It will happen again on that day in the future when Barbara's husband leaves us. It will not happen when the time comes to remember Donald Trump. 

And one more thing: I just saw this. They really are pathetic and note that it's not just the date. The spacing is off too.

It's the second time today they've gotten the date wrong. pic.twitter.com/sLKQeZ0jDu

— Gregory Korte (@gregorykorte) April 18, 2018