The Bush Institute is focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies.
A note from David J. Kramer
This month, our nation displayed one of its greatest strengths: our ability to hold peaceful elections. We saw Americans volunteer to be poll workers and election officials and work tirelessly to ensure all votes were counted. We saw one side declared the winner and the other graciously concede. And as in every election, some are happy with and others disappointed by the results. Regardless of where you fall, it’s important to remember that our country is made up of people with differing viewpoints – a reminder that disagreement and debate, along with elections, are essential to our democracy.
I was reminded of the importance of freedom when we welcomed 12 North Korean refugees in early September to participate in the third annual North Korean Human Rights Workshop. Many shared their stories of living under Kim Jong Un’s repressive regime and of escaping a country that doesn’t value them or human freedom in general. The refugees – who are recipients of the Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship and Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) advocacy fellows – were at the Bush Center to hone their leadership and advocacy skills. They have lived successful lives in the United States in part because of the North Korean Human Rights Act signed into law by President George W. Bush.
North Korea has joined China, Russia, and Iran in their efforts to topple the U.S.-led world order. Global experts discussed how the United States and the world should tackle this growing axis during the Engage NexPoint Lecture in September. Moderated by Krys Boyd of KERA’s Think, the conversation centered on the particular threats and challenges posed by Russia and China.
Despite North and South Koreans taking selfies together at this year’s Paris Olympic Games, their countries are still very much at odds. The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute explored Sports and Power and how sports can impact a nation beyond the field of play. The issue also highlighted domestic challenges such as race relations in the locker room and spotlighted individuals such as Melissa Stockwell, a Team 43 member and veteran, and her inspirational journey to the Olympics.
The Bush Institute continues to grow its Veteran Wellness Alliance and welcomed ROGER, the wellness service of Stop Soldier Suicide, as a clinical provider and official member. ROGER will help connect veterans and their loved ones to mental and brain health care via the Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Check-In tool.
Along with expressing my gratitude to those who play an important role in achieving our goals, I’d also like to thank my friend Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center, for leading the organization for the past eight transformative years. Ken recently announced that he will be transitioning from his role but will stay on as President and CEO until a successor is named. I’m glad that he will remain on the organization’s Board of Directors. His mentorship and leadership have been invaluable in advancing our work.
