dubya’s library

Three years ago next month the Clinton library opened.

Three years.

November 2004, some of us had yet to get up from the floor, others seethed while still others moved on to action. “2006” was the cry. There was hope amidst all the bad, Howard Dean and the DNC comes to mind, but then it got really, really bad. dubya was ‘reselected’ and all pretense was dropped, political capital ruled the day. The constitution was shrouded shredded; dissent was suppressed, personal rights disappeared and fear was mongered as never before.

Through it all there remained the image of dubya; dubya dropping the dog, choking on a pretzel, bulging inappropriately or those “WTF” moments like the door in China or the malaprops or all of the unapologetic flights to idiocy (the gynecologists line or “Need some wood”). Ah, memories of a great so-so truly bad president.

Before a site for the bush library was announced I wrote about plans for dubya’s library in November 2004.

As we know the Clinton library was dedicated this past week.  The Clinton Presidential Center will be a treasure trove of documents and, for many Americans who understand good governance, sacred ground.  What will it be like for this President?

The George W. Bush Presidential Library

Plans were announced today for the George W. Bush Presidential Library.  According to spokesman Scott McClellan the building will be housed on a 40 acre tract donated by the Mule Mellon Trust.  The centerpiece of the sprawling complex envisioned by architect Bionda dell’ Adamello will feature a replica of the President’s desk at his ranch in Crawford using wood he personally chopped down during his vacation in August of 2001. 

The twenty thousand square foot main building will include wings dedicated to inspirations that guided the President  The largest, Zalawadi, is dedicated to Karl Rove.  While unwilling to discuss details dell’ Admello did say that his inspiration for Zalawadi was the Art of M.C. Escher.  “I’m attracted to the up is down, down is up concept,” he said. 

The Cheney room features a whispering wall and displays such artifacts as the Dick’s Pacemaker Plus, his first EKG and a scooter of unknown origin. 

Other wings include Angora, Barbari and Kaghani.  Asked as to the significance of the names dell’ Admello alluded to “mythical figures.”  The library’s buildings will be constructed by guest workers.

Landscaping will include colorful gardens and sculpture, such as “Dry Well” by artist Dutch Toggenburg.  World famous sculptor Murcia-Granada is planning a steel and iron piece entitled “Pretzel.” Valais Blackneck, famed for his wood work, has announced he will be donating “Door with Crescent Moon” for the entrance to the Colin Powell building located at the service entrance on the south end of the property.

In addition to the tens of books and documents expected to be housed at the site there will be attractions for young and old alike.  The Bait and Switch Café will feature such favorites as reconstituted prime steak with rice and pioneer pork chops. Medical staff assures us that the food will be as healthy as the federal budget. Although no details are available yet, there’s talk of a value menu. There’ll be fun for the kids too.  “The Black Hole” will house rides and games such as “Whack the Mole,” and “Drop the Pooch.”

That was then. Now I’d like to see that library in the middle of nowhere on top of a future giant sinkhole or in the middle of Antarctica. Instead of my vision Commander Flight Suit (© 2007 Chickenhead Productions) seems to favor Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Will poor dubya’s project be known locally for the library’s previous tenant Mrs. Baird’s bakery, which SMU acquired in 2003, or for the smoke and mirrors necessary to lionize an empty suit?