The Bush Institute is focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies.
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A note from David J. Kramer
The Oct. 7 barbaric terrorist attacks against the people of Israel left us horrified and devastated. Nothing justifies the brutal and inhuman onslaught by Hamas, whose stated objective is the extermination of Israel and Jews. We mourn for Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering as a result of Hamas’ actions.
We have subsequently seen outbreaks of evil and hate elsewhere, including here at home. They are dangerous and destabilizing, and we must condemn them unequivocally. We are also seeing a surge in disinformation, which is playing a role in the crisis in Gaza, in Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, and in our own politics.
My colleague William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor at the George W. Bush Institute, recently wrote about the need for us to remain vigilant about the source of the information we consume.
The Bush Institute has redoubled its efforts to strengthen our own democracy in the United States. We led a coalition of 13 presidential centers and foundations in the release of a first-of-its-kind joint statement reaffirming a commitment to American democratic principles. We outlined the roles citizens can play in a healthy democracy and the dedicated leadership needed in our communities.
I’m pleased to share that our Stand-To Veteran Leadership and Presidential Leadership Scholars are rising to the challenges mentioned in the statement. We hosted a reunion of
90 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholars at the Bush Institute in early September and welcomed Presidential Leadership Scholar program alumni here in October. It’s wonderful to hear how they are making a difference in communities both small and large and breaking barriers.
As our Scholars find solutions to some of the most pressing challenges our nation is facing, we explored a similar topic in The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute. The most recent issue highlighted how governments and organizations have addressed – or made progress tackling – problems that the rest of the world still struggles with.
As we strive to ensure opportunity for all, strengthen our democracy, and advance free societies, I want to express my gratitude to you. Your continued interest in our work and commitment to the values that guide us have allowed us to make great strides. Thank you for your support.
