What about Dubya?

Where is this guy hiding?

We have been bombarding our elected officials with calls, emails, and letters for months. Frankly, they seem too concerned with self-preservation to be particularly useful. You know who doesn't need to run for office again? Who has 24/7 personal security? Who Republican's might listen to? George W. Bush. Why are we not poking him and getting him to take a stand? He's not a fan of MAGA, based on that sweet Trump snub at President Carter's funeral, and what does he have to lose?

So, I wrote him. And I may just do it again. And I may also write Laura, Barbara, and Jenna too. Get the women in his life reminding him that their rights matter too.

Write to him (or Laura) today:

Office of George W. Bush

Post Office Box 259000

Dallas, TX 75225-9000

Looking for inspiration? Here's my letter. I sent it in a sympathy card as I wanted to offer my condolences on the death of democracy.

Dear President Bush,

I would first like to thank you, your dad, your mom, and your wife for your extensive contributions to America and her people. You helped us navigate a challenging period of history and I have never felt as proud to be an American as I did in the immediate wake of 9/11. We came together. People cared for each other and were generous. We were our best selves.

While I admire your pledge to refrain from criticizing other administrations, I think that you need to reconsider whether that is appropriate when we are facing a dismantling of all that you and your father helped to build and swore to protect. These are not normal times. These are not minor policy disagreements. You were the last true Republican president. Are you willing to have your legacy be “Why didn’t the last living Republican President try to stop the downfall of democracy by appealing to his base? Why did he not take a stand and provide leadership to those who felt like it was MAGA or nothing. Why didn’t he try to be a voice of reason in a cacophony of hate speech?”

You have the privilege of never needing to be reelected. You have secret service protecting you. If you are afraid for the safety of your daughters and grandchildren, then you understand what Americans are facing and you are choosing to turn your back on us. Are you afraid to stand up to people who stand with MAGA? Do you sincerely not recognize the danger American is in? I honestly don’t believe that. I believe you are fully aware of the danger and are making an intentional choice to sit in your studio and paint rather than open yourself up to criticism from the MAGA followers.

What do you think is going to happen? Do you think that everything will just go back the way it was in four years? I can assure you it won’t. We need you to act NOW. Once MAGA is fully entrenched, then it will take a literal civil war to oust them. The only chance for America to survive—albeit with significant PTSD and trust issues—is for true Republicans to push back on MAGA and work with the Democrats (who also contributed to where we are today). I doubt we will see much progress in Washington until the average age in Congress drops below 50, but we could at least eliminate MAGA extremists from shooting people in the street with expected immunity. Could you watch that unfold on TV knowing you did not do everything you could to prevent it? Is this the America you want your grandchildren to live in?

Please. I beg of you. Help save democracy before it’s too late.