The Bush Institute is focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies.
A note from David J. Kramer
At the Bush Institute, we’ve seen how Americans are acting in big and small ways to improve their communities, even as we work through a period of intense polarization on many issues. Our country has been through a lot in 248 years, as my friend Ken Hersh, the Bush Center’s President and CEO, reminded us in a series of op-eds for The Dallas Morning News. Despite our trials and tribulations, we’ve always come out stronger. Ken underscored the importance of investing in our institutions for future generations and persisting when things get hard.
To this end, our work and convenings continue to focus on the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. We hosted our seventh annual Forum on Leadership in April, which spotlighted freedom around the world and why U.S. global leadership remains vital. CIA Director William J. Burns was our keynote speaker and discussed how the agency assesses challenges facing the United States from Russia and China to the Middle East.
We explored similar topics throughout the quarter. In The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute, top foreign policy experts examined the role of U.S. leadership across the globe – from Russia and Latin America to Afghanistan and beyond.
Through extensive research and in-depth interviews with dozens of Afghan experts and advocates, a Bush Institute series examined how the Taliban are amassing their wealth, the foreign governments supporting their mafia-like rule, and the horrific human rights abuses committed against the Afghan people. The three-part series received notable attention from members of the Biden Administration, Congress, and the international community.
The Laura Bush Book Club welcomed Heather Morris, the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, in May for a special Engage at the Bush Center event presented by NexPoint and supported by H-E-B. Mrs. Bush shared childhood memories of her father who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and Morris delivered an inspiring and moving message about finding hope in tragic times. The conversation was a reminder of what can happen if the West pulls away from the rest of the world and how evil can seep through the cracks.
We were once again reminded of the incredible leadership of our veterans. The American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is currently hosting Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors. The special art exhibit displays more than 60 full-color portraits painted by President George W. Bush of service members and veterans who have served our nation with honor since 9/11 and whom the president has come to know personally since leaving office.
We remain committed to moving our nation forward and shining a light on those dedicated to strengthening our democracy. I want to express my gratitude to you for your continued support and commitment.
