From within the blur of information I’ve taken in but not exactly digested over the last week or so, George W. Bush’s claim that he’s kept the United States safe came to mind as I was downing a teaspoon of Umcka cold and flu medicine this morning. What????? a little voice inside of me said. How can he claim that as part of his legacy? Can I really let that slide?

What, per chance, since Pearl Harbor has happened on any U.S. president’s watch that is anywhere near to the horror of 9/11?

Since that fateful day in 2001, Bush has done what he feels is right to protect our country. But there’s no way to know whether any of his measures to protect our shores have been effective.

And what about the ill will he has engendered toward our country in pockets throughout the world due to his preemptive war in Iraq and go-it-alone approach to world affairs? Does he really think those have contributed to our safety?

How can any of this be measured anyway?

A superb editor once gave me feedback regarding a press release I’d written in which I’d gone way too far over the top in describing a product: “Stick with the facts, Laura. They will speak far more effectively than any beautifully crafted spin you could dream up. Readers will appreciate it and know they can rely on you.”

Wouldn’t it be nice if politicians stuck with the facts?

Here’s hoping Barack Obama really does herald in a new era in Washington. Here’s hoping he turns out to be a president we can all rely on, one who will foster understanding and good will nationally and internationally, one whose sound judgment will truly help foster a safer, more prosperous world for us all.