This thread is sadly symptomatic of the sour note that seems to have crept into much discussion and debate online.
What is striking about this thread is that it hasn't fractured into the usual 'right' versus 'left', or, to rephrase that in US terms, 'conservative/Republican' versus (somewhat) 'liberal/Democratic' fault lines of debate. Indeed, most of those allowing some credit, or praise, or acknowledgement of the decency and generosity of the gesture are actually those whom I know (from other threads and other discussions) to be more liberal or left leaning.
Along with several others who have posted here, I never liked the Bush family, and, while I had little love for the father, I truly detested and despised the son; in fact, ever since Ronald Reagan took office, I confess that I have deeply disliked the direction the Republican right have increasingly taken in the US.
However, that is merely background. For what it is worth, former President G. H. W. Bush actually does not need to prove anything at this stage of his life. As has already been pointed out, he was a war hero, a genuine war hero, not a manufactured one; he also made a fortune in oil, - the sort of action that shows the entrepreneurial spirit so much admired in the US - and had an unusually successful political career; his personal life also seems to have been a source of satisfaction, too, and few doubt that his relationship with his wife is rock solid and has served as a source of support throughout his life.
With all of this behind him, he has nothing left to prove; he doesn't need the publicity such an action will bring, and nor does he need the kudos, nice though they are. What I don't get is the carping and sneering tone. Sure, it won't cure cancer, but it is a thoughtful, kind and generous gesture; if in any way it helps to make the kid feel a bit better about himself, and what is happening to him, I can only applaud. Moreover, such actions may serve to help discussion, and awareness, of cancer, and that, too, can only be a good thing.
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Far be it from me to defend Bush, but for what purpose would he need to create a viral story?
A run for the Presidency?
Also...I care little for the supposed, assumed, guessed at, or hypothesized motivation...I judge the action on it's own merits.
I meant to say; very well said. As is so often the case, I find myself in complete agreement with this post.
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Not to go too off-topic, but I love the reference to my two favorite Star Trek Captains.
Oh, yes, agreed. Me, too.......
