The Bush Institute is focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies.
A note from David J. Kramer
Last year had moments of great joy and great despair. At the Bush Institute, we remain optimistic that our work to promote civility, compassion, tolerance, pluralism, and respect for others throughout our nation and world is the best path toward peace and prosperity.
The year began with one of those joyful moments – the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has saved 25 million lives and helped 5.5 million babies be born HIV free. But this lifesaving program is not yet reauthorized, despite the urging of the Bush Institute and a diverse group of PEPFAR’s allies in a letter to Congress. We remain hopeful that reauthorization will happen in 2024 to provide the important congressional imprimatur for and needed oversight of the program.
At the same time, a new surge of migrants at the U.S.- Mexico border is further stressing an already overextended immigration system, which requires top-to-bottom reform. My colleague Laura Collins, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative Director, and Cristobal Ramón, Advisor to the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, released a policy paper in December outlining ways Congress can relieve some of the pressure at our border through the expansion of self-petitioning pathways.
The Bush Institute continues to stand with those fighting for freedom and human rights around the world. Ukrainians are an inspiration to all as they defend their independence against invading Russian forces, and the West must continue to support them. Israelis suffered a horrendous terrorist attack from Hamas on Oct. 7, and the ensuing tragic loss of life has left the Middle East on edge. What happens elsewhere matters here at home.
Our leadership programs give us great hope, as we see the way our Scholars engage in civil debates and air disagreements without resorting to personal attacks. This quarter, we will be announcing the newest class of Presidential Leadership Scholars and selecting the next class of Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholars. Both programs are examples of how leaders from different backgrounds and experiences can work together to compromise.
This election year will be one in which our country and our fortitude will be tested. Some will seek to divide us. We must choose civility and compassion. We must listen to our friends and neighbors who may have differing viewpoints. Fervent disagreement, after all, is a cornerstone of our democracy. We cannot let emotion get in the way of healthy conversation.
So we are kicking off 2024 with a discussion on The Art of Disagreeing Better. Our next Engage at the Bush Center event presented by NexPoint will tackle how to argue passionately yet civilly, a skill that’s critical for each of us to work on to promote a healthy democracy. We hope you can join us on Jan. 22 in Dallas.
Thank you once again for your support for our work on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening our democracy, and advancing free societies.
