Laura Welch Bush
First Lady of the United States
Incumbent
Assumed office  January 20, 2001
Preceded by	Hillary Rodham Clinton
First Lady of Texas
In office January 17, 1995 – December 21, 2000
Preceded by	David Richards (First Gentleman)
Succeeded by	Anita Thigpen Perry
Born	November 4, 1946 (1946-11-04) (age 61) Midland, Texas
Spouse	George W. Bush
Relations	Harold Welch (father) and Jenna Hawkins (mother)
Children	Barbara and Jenna Bush
Alma mater	Southern Methodist University (SMU) University of Texas, Austin
Occupation	Teacher, Librarian
Religion	United Methodist

Laura Lane Welch Bush (born Laura Welch on November 4, 1946 in Midland, Texas) is the wife of the forty-third and current President of the United States George W. Bush and current First Lady of the United States. First Lady of the United States is the unofficial title of the hostess of the White House. Events 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26 1947 is the junior United States Senator from First Lady is a term used in the United States to describe the wife of an elected male Head of state. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. David Richards may refer to David Richards (racing, chairman of Prodrive and Aston Martin former team principal of the BAR and Benetton F1 motor racing teams Anita Thigpen Perry graduated from Haskell High School in Haskell Texas then attended West Texas State University and has a degree in Nursing. Events 1333 - Flood of the Arno River, causing massive damage in Florence as recorded by the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Midland is a city in and the County seat of Midland County located on the Southern Plains of the western area of the U Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. For the wife of George HW Bush see Barbara Bush. Barbara Pierce Bush (born November 25, 1981) is the elder of the fraternal Jenna Welch Hager, Née Bush, (born November 25, 1981 in Dallas Texas) the daughter of U Alma mater is Latin for "nourishing mother" It was used in Ancient Rome as a title for the mother Goddess, and in Medieval Southern Methodist University ("SMU" is a private, Coeducational University in University Park, Texas (an enclave Southern Methodist University ("SMU" is a private, Coeducational University in University Park, Texas (an enclave In Education, a teacher is one who helps Students or pupils often in a School, as well as in a Family, religious or A librarian is an information Professional trained in Library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials The United Methodist Church is the largest Methodist denomination and the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Events 1333 - Flood of the Arno River, causing massive damage in Florence as recorded by the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Midland is a city in and the County seat of Midland County located on the Southern Plains of the western area of the U The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. First Lady of the United States is the unofficial title of the hostess of the White House. She has held a love for books and reading since childhood, and her life and education have reflected that interest. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1968 with a Bachelor's degree in education, and soon took a job as a second grade school teacher. Southern Methodist University ("SMU" is a private, Coeducational University in University Park, Texas (an enclave A bachelor's degree is usually an Undergraduate Academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts for three four or in some cases and Education encompasses both the Teaching and Learning of Knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency In Education, a teacher is one who helps Students or pupils often in a School, as well as in a Family, religious or After attaining her Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin, she was employed as a librarian. Library science is an Interdisciplinary Science incorporating the Humanities, Law and Applied science to study topics related to A librarian is an information Professional trained in Library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials She met George Walker Bush in 1977 and they were married later that year; the couple has twin daughters. Bush's political involvement began with her marriage.

She campaigned in his unsuccessful 1978 run for the United States Congress, and later his successful Texas gubernatorial campaign. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses Governors of Texas As First Lady of Texas, Bush implemented many intiatives focused on health, education, and literacy. traditional definition of literacy is considered to be the ability to read and write or the ability to use Language to read, write, listen, In 1999, she aided her husband in campaigning for the presidency of the United States in a number of ways, most notably delivering a keynote address at the 2000 Republican National Convention; this gained her national attention. A keynote in Literature, Music or Public speaking is the principal underlying theme The 2000 National Convention of the Republican Party of the United States convened at the Wachovia Center (then the First Union Center George Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore in a closely contested election, making Laura first lady. Albert Arnold Gore Jr (born March 31 1948 is an American environmental Activist, author Businessperson, former Politician, and former The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Democratic candidate Al Gore, then Vice President, and Republican

Polled as one of the most popular first ladies in United States history, Laura Bush is involved in topics of both national and global concern. She has continued to advance her trademark interests of education and literacy by establishing the annual National Book Festival in 2001 and encouraging education on a worldwide scale. The National Book Festival is an American event organized by the Library of Congress annually in Washington D She has also advanced the causes of women through The Heart Truth and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Heart Truth is a campaign meant to raise awareness of the risk of Heart disease and Stroke in women Susan G Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting Breast cancer research Bush has become a leader in her husband's "Helping America's Youth" initiative by speaking out about the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. A drug, broadly speaking is any chemical substance that when absorbed into the body In Chemistry, an alcohol is any Organic compound in which a Hydroxyl group ( - O[[hydrogen H]]) is bound to a Carbon She serves as a representative of the United States during her trips abroad, which tend to focus on HIV/AIDS and malaria awareness. Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Malaria is a vector -borne Infectious disease caused by Protozoan Parasites It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions including

Early life and career

Laura Lane Welch was born in Midland, Texas, as the only child of Harold Welch (1912–1995) and Jenna Louise Hawkins Welch (born 1919). Midland is a city in and the County seat of Midland County located on the Southern Plains of the western area of the U Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. ^[1] Her father was a home builder and later successful real estate developer^[2] while her mother worked as the bookkeeper for her father's business. ^[1] Early on, Laura's parents encouraged her to read, leading to what would become her love of reading. ^[1] She said, "I learned [how important reading is] at home from my mother. When I was a little girl, my mother would read stories to me. I have loved books and going to the library ever since. In the summer, I liked to spend afternoons reading in the library. I enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie books and Little Women, and many others. . . Reading gives you enjoyment throughout your life. "^[3]

Laura attended James Bowie Elementary School, San Jacinto Junior High School, and Midland Lee High School in Midland. Robert E Lee High School is a public, co-educational secondary school in Midland Texas. ^[4] She graduated from Lee in 1964^[5] and went on to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Southern Methodist University ("SMU" is a private, Coeducational University in University Park, Texas (an enclave Kappa Alpha Theta ( ΚΑΘ) is an international women's fraternity founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University. ^[6] Welch graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. A bachelor's degree is usually an Undergraduate Academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts for three four or in some cases and Education encompasses both the Teaching and Learning of Knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency

In 1963 she was involved in a car accident by running a stop sign and hitting another car, killing classmate, Michael Dutton Douglas, who was driving the other car. A stop sign is a Traffic sign, usually erected at Road junctions that instructs drivers to stop and then to proceed only if the way ahead is clear Michael Dutton Douglas (November 16 1945 – November 6 1963 was a 17-year-old acquaintance of Laura Welch (later First Lady Laura Bush) who was killed when Welch According to the accident report released by the city of Midland, neither driver was drinking, and no charges were filed. ^[7] According to Bush's spokesperson, "It was a very tragic accident that deeply affected the families and was very painful for all involved, including the community at large. To this day, Mrs. Bush remains unable to talk about it. "^[7]

After graduating from SMU, she began her career as a school teacher of the second grade at Longfellow Elementary School in the Dallas Independent School District. In Education, a teacher is one who helps Students or pupils often in a School, as well as in a Family, religious or The Dallas Independent School District ( Dallas ISD or DISD) is a School district based in Dallas, Texas ( USA) ^[6] She then taught for three years at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, a Houston Independent School District school in Houston, until 1972. The Houston Independent School District (HISD is the largest Public school system in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States.

In 1973, Welch attained a Master of Science degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Library science is an Interdisciplinary Science incorporating the Humanities, Law and Applied science to study topics related to ^[6] She was soon employed as a librarian at the Kashmere Gardens Branch at the Houston Public Library. A librarian is an information Professional trained in Library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials Houston Public Library is the Public library system serving Houston, Texas, United States. The following year, she moved back to Austin and took another job as a librarian in the Austin Independent School District school Dawson Elementary, until 1977. Austin Independent School District is a School district that is based in the city of Austin, Texas, United States. Laura reflected upon her employment experiences to a group of children in 2003, saying, "I worked as a teacher and librarian and I learned how important reading is in school and in life. "^[3]

Marriage and family

Laura met George W. Bush in 1977 at a backyard barbecue at the home of mutual friends John and Jan O'Neill. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. barbeque block party Kansas cityjpg|thumb|right|275px|A barbecue on a trailer at a Block party in Kansas City. ^[6] After a three-month courtship, he proposed to her and they were married on November 5 of that year^[8] at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, the same church in which she had been baptized. Events 1499 - Publication of the Catholicon in Treguier ( Brittany) ^[9] The couple did not have a honeymoon.

Laura and George W. Bush with their daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush Kennebunkport, 1990

The year after their marriage, the couple began campaigning for George W. Jenna Welch Hager, Née Bush, (born November 25, 1981 in Dallas Texas) the daughter of U For the wife of George HW Bush see Barbara Bush. Barbara Pierce Bush (born November 25, 1981) is the elder of the fraternal Kennebunkport is a town in York County, Maine, United States. Bush's 1978 Congressional candidacy. After narrowly winning the primary, he lost the general election. ^[8]

The Bushes had tried to conceive for three years, but pregnancy did not come easily. In 1981, however, Laura gave birth to twin daughters, Barbara Pierce and Jenna Welch. For the wife of George HW Bush see Barbara Bush. Barbara Pierce Bush (born November 25, 1981) is the elder of the fraternal Jenna Welch Hager, Née Bush, (born November 25, 1981 in Dallas Texas) the daughter of U The twins were born five weeks early by an emergency Cesarian section, as Laura had developed the life-threatening disease toxemia. ^[8] The twins graduated from high school in 2000 and from Yale University and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively, in 2004.

George W. Bush credited his wife with his decision to stop drinking alcohol in 1986. ^[6][10] She is also credited with possessing a stabilizing affect on his private life. ^[8] According to People magazine reporter Jane Simms Podesta, "She is the steel in his back. She is a civilizing influence on him. I think she built him, in many ways, into the person he is today. "^[8]

Several times a year, Laura Bush and her husband travel to their sprawling family estate, the Bush Compound better known as Walker's Point. The Bush compound, firstly Walker's Point, is the summer home of 41st President of the United States George H Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, the compound is where Bush family gatherings have been held for nearly 100 years. Kennebunkport is a town in York County, Maine, United States.

First Lady of Texas

Laura Bush with husband Governor George W. (right) and father-in-law George H. W. (left) at the dedication of the George Bush Presidential Library, 1997

Bush became the First Lady of Texas when her husband was elected as the Governor of Texas and served as first lady of that state from January 17, 1995 to December 21, 2000. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is the Presidential library of George H Governors of Texas Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ^[11] Asked about her interest in politics, Laura responded, "It doesn't drive me. "^[12]

Though during her years in the Governor's Mansion, she did not hold a single formal event,^[13] Laura worked for women's and children's causes including health, education, and literacy. The Texas Governor's Mansion is a historic home for the Governor of Texas in downtown Austin Texas. traditional definition of literacy is considered to be the ability to read and write or the ability to use Language to read, write, listen, ^[11] She implemented four major initiatives: Take Time For Kids, an awareness campaign to educate parents and garegivers on parenting; family literacy, through cooperation with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, Laura urged Texas communities to establish family literacy programs; Reach Out and Read, a pediatric reading program; and Ready to Read, an early childhood educational program. ^[11]

She raised money for public libraries through her establishment of the Texas Book Festival,^[11] and established the First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative, which encouraged families to read together. ^[14] Bush further established "Rainbow Rooms" across the state, in an effort to provide emergency services for neglected or abused children. ^[11] Through this, she promoted the Adopt-a-Caseworker Program to provide support for Child Protective Services. Child Protective Services (CPS is the name of a Governmental agency in many states of the United States that responds to reports of Child abuse ^[11] Finally, Bush used her position to advocate Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer awareness. Alzheimer's disease ( AD) also called Alzheimer disease or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common form of Dementia. Breast cancer is a Cancer that starts in the cells of the Breast in women and men ^[11]

Her husband announced his campaign for President of the United States in mid-1999, something that Laura agreed to. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by She did say, however, that she had never dreamed that her husband would run for office. ^[12] She had previously told her husband that she would not give a speech,^[2] but reneged on that promise that July as she delivered a keynote address to the delegates at the 2000 Republican National Convention. The 2000 National Convention of the Republican Party of the United States convened at the Wachovia Center (then the First Union Center ^[15][16] This speech put her on the national stage. ^[15] In December 2000 her husband resigned as Texas Governor to prepare for his inauguration as President of the United States in January 2001. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by

First Lady of the United States

As First Lady, Laura Bush has become involved in issues of concern to children and women, both nationally and internationally. ^[17] Her major initiatives include education and women's health. ^[17]

Education and children

Romanian children greet President and Mrs. Bush upon their landing in Bucharest, 2002

Laura Bush shares a laugh with fifth graders in Des Moines, Iowa, 2005

Early into the administration, Laura made it known that she would focus much of her attention on education. Bucharest ( Romanian: Bucureşti) is the Capital city, industrial and commercial centre of Romania. This included recruiting highly qualified teachers to ensure that young children are taught well. ^[18] She also focused on early child development. ^[18] In 2001, to promote reading and education, Bush partnered with the Library of Congress to launch the annual National Book Festival. The Library of Congress is the De facto National library of the United States and the research arm of the United States Congress The National Book Festival is an American event organized by the Library of Congress annually in Washington D To promote American patriotic heritage in schools, she helped launch the National Anthem Project. The National Anthem Project was launched in 2005 as a major initiative of the Bush administration and MENC The National Association for Music Education.

The United States was attacked on September 11, 2001; Bush spoke regarding America's children: [W]e need to reassure our children that they are safe in their homes and schools. We need to reassure them that many people love them and care for them, and that while there are some bad people in the world, there are many more good people. ^[19] The following day, Laura composed open letters to America's families, focusing on elementary and middle school students, which she distributed through state education officials. ^[20][21] She took an interest in mitigating the emotional effects of the attacks on children, particularly the disturbing images repeatedly replayed on television. ^[22] On the one-year anniversary, she encouraged parents to instead read to their children, and perhaps light a candle in memoriam, saying, "Don't let your children see the images, especially on September 11, when you know it'll probably be on television again and again — the plane hitting the building or the buildings falling. "^[22]

Later in her tenure, Laura was honored by the United Nations, as the body named her honorary ambassador for the United Nation's Decade of Literacy. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security In this position, she announced that she would host a Conference on Global Literacy. ^[23] The conference, held in Spetember 2006, encouraged a constant effort to promote literacy and highlighted many successful literacy programs. ^[24] Bush coordinated this as a result of her many trips abroad where she witnessed how literacy benefitted children in poorer nations. ^[24]

Women's health

Another of Laura's signature issues are those relating to the health and well being of women. She established the Women's Health and Wellness Initiative and has become involved with two major campaigns.

Laura Bush attends a Heart Truth event, February 15, 2006

Laura first became involved with The Heart Truth awareness campaign in 2003. The Heart Truth is a campaign meant to raise awareness of the risk of Heart disease and Stroke in women Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Heart Truth is a campaign meant to raise awareness of the risk of Heart disease and Stroke in women ^[25] It is an organization established by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to raise awareness about heart disease in women, and how to prevent the condition. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (or NHLBI) is a division of the National Institutes of Health, located in Bethesda Heart disease is an Umbrella term for a variety for different diseases affecting the Heart. ^[26] She serves in the honorary position of ambassador for the program^[25] leading the federal government's effort to give women a "wake up call" about the risk of heart disease. ^[25] She commented on the disease: "Like many women, I assumed heart disease was a man's disease and cancer was what we would fear the most. Yet heart disease kills more women in our country than all forms of cancer combined. When it comes to heart disease, education, prevention, and even a little red dress can save lives. "^[25] She has undertaken a signature personal element of traveling around the country and talking to women at hospital and community events featuring the experiences of women who live, or had lived, with the condition. ^[25] This outreach was credited with saving the life of one woman who went to the hospital after experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Myocardial infarction ( MI or AMI for acute myocardial infarction) also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply ^[25]

With her predecessor former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Bush dedicated the First Ladies Red Dress Collection at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in May 2005. Nancy Davis Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6 1921 is the widow of former United States President Ronald Reagan and served as an influential The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (on the building itself called the John F It is an exibit containing red suits worn by former First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush meant to raise awarenss by highlighting America's first ladies. Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Taylor Johnson (December 22 1912&ndashJuly 11 2007 was First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969 having been the wife of Elizabeth Anne Bloomer Warren Ford (born April 8 1918 is the widow of former United States Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter (born August 18 1927 is the wife of former United States President Jimmy Carter and was First Lady of the United States Barbara Pierce Bush (born June 8 1925 is the wife of the 41st President of the United States, George H Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26 1947 is the junior United States Senator from ^[27] She has participated in fashion shows displaying red dresses worn on celebrities as well. ^[28]

Laura's mother, Jenna Welch, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 78. Breast cancer is a Cancer that starts in the cells of the Breast in women and men She endured surgery and currently has no further signs of cancer. Laura has become a breast cancer activist on her mother's behalf^[29] through her involvement in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Susan G Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting Breast cancer research She applauded the foundation's efforts in eliminating the embarrassment of cancer and said, "A few short years ago, a diagnosis of breast cancer left little hope of recovery. But thanks to the work of the Komen Foundation. . . more women and men are beating breast cancer and beating the odds. "^[29] Laura used her position to gain international support for the foundation through the Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research of the Americas, an initiative that unites experts from the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico. |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica ( Spanish: Costa Rica or República de Costa Rica,) is a Country in The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. ^[30]

In November 2001, she became the first person other than a president to deliver the weekly presidential radio address. She used the opportunity to discuss the plight of women in Afghanistan during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, saying, "The brutal oppression of women is a central goal of the terrorists. Afghanistan /æfˈgænɪstæn/ officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ( Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت, The War in Afghanistan, which began on October 7 2001 as the U "^[31] In May 2002, she made a speech to the people of Afghanistan through Radio Liberty, a radio station in Prague, Czech Republic. Afghanistan /æfˈgænɪstæn/ officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ( Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت, This article is about the radio broadcast service For the REM Prague (ˈprɑːg Praha (ˈpraɦa see also other names) is the Capital and Largest city of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia,

Popularity and style

Laura's husband, President George W. Bush, is sworn into a second term on January 20, 2005 by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, as Laura and daughters Barbara and Jenna look on. Events 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. William Hubbs Rehnquist (October 1 1924 – September 3 2005 was an American lawyer, jurist, and a political figure who served as an Associate Justice

Although her husband's approval ratings have been relatively low in his second term, Laura's have consistently ranked very high. In January 2006, a USA Today/CBS/Gallup poll recorded her approval rating at 82 percent and disapproval at just 13 percent. ^[32][33][34] That places Bush as one of the most popular first ladies in United States history. ^[32] Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said, "She is more popular, and more welcome, in many parts of the country than the president. Lawrence Ari Fleischer (born October 13 1960) was the press secretary for U . . In races where the moderates are in the most trouble, Laura Bush is the one who can do the most good. "^[33] Her ratings have consistently ranked highly. ^[35]

Laura disagreed with Fox News' Chris Wallace in 2006 when Wallace asked why the American people are beginning to lose confidence in President Bush, saying, "Well, I don't think they are. Christopher or Chris Wallace may refer to Christopher Wallace (British Army officer, a retired British Army general and current trustee of the Imperial And I don't really believe those polls. I travel around the country, I see people, I see their response to my husband, I see their response to me. There are a lot of difficult challenges right now in the United States. . . All of those decisions that the President has to make surrounding each one of these very difficult challenges are hard. They're hard decisions to make. And of course some people are unhappy about what some of those decisions are. But I think people know that he is doing what he thinks is right for the United States, that he's doing what he — especially in the war on terror, what he thinks he is obligated to do for the people in the United States, and that is to protect them. . . When his polls were really high they weren't on the front page. "^[36]

During the January 2005 second inauguration ceremonies for her husband, Laura Bush was looked highly upon by People magazine, The Washington Post, and others for her elegance and fashion sense. People (full name People Weekly) is a weekly American Magazine of Celebrity and human interest stories, published The Washington Post is the largest and most circulated Newspaper in Washington D ^[37] At the inauguration she wore a winter white cashmere dress and matching coat designed by Oscar de la Renta. Oscar de la Renta (born July 22, 1932) is a leading Fashion designer Early years Oscar de la Renta (born ^[38] Following the inauguration were the inaugural galas, to which Bush wore a pale, aqua lace gown, sprinkled with crystals, with long sleeves in a silver blue mist. ^[38] The tulle gown was also designed for her by de la Renta. According to The Washington Post, "[I]t made her look radiant and glamorous. "^[38]

Foreign trips

Laura Bush talks with Raphael Lungo of Zambia as a part of her 2007 African trip

During President Bush's second term, Laura has gotten more involved in foreign matters. George W Bush 's second term as President of the United States began at noon on January 20, 2005 and is due to expire with the She has traveled to numerous countries as a representative of the United States.

As First Lady, she has taken five goodwill trips to Africa. ^[39] The purpose of these has mostly been to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and malaria, but Bush has also stressed the need for education and greater opportunities for women. Malaria is a vector -borne Infectious disease caused by Protozoan Parasites It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions including ^[40] She has taken many other trips to other countries to promote and gain support for President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS relief;^[41] these countries include Zambia (2007),^[42] Mozambique (2007),^[43] Mali (2007),^[44] Senegal (2007),^[45] and Haiti (2008). The Republic of Zambia (ˈzæmbɪə is a Landlocked country in Southern Africa. Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique (Moçambique or República de Moçambique, ʁɛ'publikɐ d musɐ̃'bik is a country in southeastern Africa Mali, officially the Republic of Mali (République du Mali is a Landlocked nation in Western Africa. Senegal (le Sénégal officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country south of the Sénégal River in western Africa. Haiti ( English: ˈheɪ·tiː or haɪ·ˈjiː·tiː French Haïti a·i·ti Haitian Creole: ^[41]

In mid-2007, she took a trip to Burma where she spoke out in support of the pro-democracy movement, and urged Burmese soldiers and militias to refrain from violence. Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar ( pjìdàunzṵ mjàmmà nàinŋàndɔ̀ is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. ^[46] Later that October, she ventured to the Middle East to promote breast cancer awareness. The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. Bush said she was in the region in an attempt to improve America's image by highlighting concern for women's health. ^[46] She defined the trip as successful, saying that stereotypes were broken on both sides. ^[46]

Views on policy

Laura is a Republican and has identified herself with that party since her marriage to George Bush. Her views on matters are generally conservative.

When asked about abortion in 2000, Bush said she doesn't believe that Roe v. Wade should be overturned. An Roe v Wade, 410 US 113 (1973 is a controversial United States Supreme Court case that resulted in a Landmark decision regarding She did not comment on whether women had the right to an abortion. ^[47] She did say, however, that the country should do "what we can to limit the number of abortions, to try to reduce the number of abortions in a lot of ways, and that is, by talking about responsibility with girls and boys, by teaching abstinence, having abstinence classes everywhere in schools and in churches and in Sunday school. "^[47]

Bush responded to a question during a 2006 interview concerning the Federal Marriage Amendment by calling for elected leaders not to politicize same-sex marriage, "I don't think it should be used as a campaign tool, obviously. The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA (also referred to by proponents as the Marriage Protection Amendment) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same It requires a lot of sensitivity to just talk about the issue. . . a lot of sensitivity. "^[48]

On July 12, 2005 while in South Africa, Bush suggested her husband replace retiring Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor with another woman. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Sandra Day O'Connor (born March 26, 1930) is an American Jurist. Her husband seemed surprised when reporters asked him about her quote, but said he could not wait to hear her advice. On October 2, during a private dinner at the White House with Laura, President Bush asked Harriet Miers to replace O'Connor. Events 1187 - Siege of Jerusalem: Saladin captures Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader rule Harriet Ellan Miers (born August 10 1945 is an American Lawyer and former White House Counsel. ^[49] Later that month, after Miers had faced intense criticism, Bush questioned whether the charges were sexist in nature. ^[50]

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, speaking at a press conference from a relief center in Lafayette on September 2, 2005, Laura Bush was asked about the fact that most of the people stuck in New Orleans were poor and black. Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest in the history of the United States Lafayette is a City in and the Parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the Vermilion River. Events 44 BC - Pharaoh Cleopatra VII of Egypt declares her son co-ruler as Ptolemy XV Caesarion. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana The First Lady said that while the poor are always the main victims of natural disasters, there is nothing that can be done about it. "This is what happens when there's a natural disaster of this scope," Mrs. Bush said. "The poorer people are usually in the neighborhoods that are the lowest or the most exposed or the most vulnerable. Their housing is the most vulnerable to natural disaster. And that is just always what happens. "^[51]

Awards and honors

During her tenure as the First Lady, Laura Bush has received a number of awards and honors. In October 2002, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity honored Laura in recognition of her life-long commitment to education^[52] and the American Library Association honored her for her years of support to America's libraries and librarians in April 2005. Elie Wiesel (born Eliezer Wiesel on September 30 1928 in Sighetu Marmaţiei, Romania) is a Jewish writer professor political activist The American Library Association ( ALA) is a group based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally ^[53] The Progressive Librarians Guild opposed the honoring of Bush by the ALA, because of her support of the USAPATRIOT Act and her cancellation of a poetry forum due to concern that some of the poets would express opposition to the war in Iraq. The USA PATRIOT Act, commonly known as the Patriot Act, is a controversial Act of Congress that U ^[54]

She received an award in honor of her dedication to help improve the living conditions and education of children around the world, from the Kuwait-American Foundation in March 2006. ^[55] She accepted The Nichols-Chancellor's Medal on behalf of disaster relief workers around the world in May of 2006 from Vanderbilt University. The Nichols-Chancellor's Medal is an annual medal that is awarded by Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is a private, Nonsectarian, Coeducational Research University in Nashville, Tennessee,

In honor of her strong convictions toward education, three learning facilities have been named for her: the Laura Welch Bush Elementary School in Houston, Texas,^[56] the Laura W. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Bush Elementary School in the Leander ISD just outside Austin, Texas,^[57] and the Laura Bush Education Center at Camp Bondsteel, a U. Leander Independent School District is a School district based in Leander, Texas ( USA) and covering Leander Cedar Park, Jonestown Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Camp Bondsteel is the main base of the United States Army under KFOR command in Kosovo. S. military base in Kosovo. ^[58]

References

Further reading

• Felix, Antonia. Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother. The first biography on Laura Bush. ISBN 1-58062-659-9
• Gerhart, Ann. The Perfect Wife: The Life and Choices of Laura Bush. A biography. ISBN 0-7432-4383-8
• Gormley, Beatrice. Laura Bush: America's First Lady. A biography. ISBN 0-689-85366-1
• Kelley, Kitty. Kitty Kelley (born April 4, 1942) is an American Investigative journalist and author of several best-selling unauthorized biographies of celebrities The Family : The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty. ISBN 0-385-50324-5
• Kessler, Ronald. Ronald Borek Kessler (born December 31, 1943) is an American journalist and author Laura Bush: An Intimate Portrait of the First Lady. A biography. ISBN 0-385-51621-5
• Montgomery, Leslie. Were It Not For Grace: Stories From Women After God's Own Heart; Featuring Condoleezza Rice, First Lady Laura Bush, Beth Moore & Others. Laura Bush shares her story about how God has had his hand on her life. ISBN 0-8054-3178-0
  

External links

• Mrs. Laura Bush's Home Page. whitehouse. gov. Retrieved on 2007-11-10. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1444 - Battle of Varna: The crusading forces of King Vladislaus III of Varna (aka Ulaszlo I of Hungary and Wladyslaw
• "The book on Laura Bush" by Dennis B. Roddy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• "A Laura Bush we don't know" by Eugene Robinson, San Francisco Chronicle

• Laura Bush at the Internet Movie Database