Man of strength, compassion and courage

I am pleased by the opportunity to add my voice to the chorus commending HUMAN EVENTS' choice for Man of the Year. President George W. Bush is truly deserving of this honor. The leadership and fortitude he has displayed during his first year in office are remarkable and praiseworthy. I have witnessed first-hand his qualities as a leader, politician, husband and father.

My respect for President Bush grew as we traveled about the country on the presidential campaign trail. I have also watched him flourish as he has firmly grasped the role as President of our nation.

During those frenzied days on Campaign 2000, no one could have ever imagined the heart-rending challenge that awaited the next President of the United States. As we were discussing important issues such as the economy, health care, and taxes, forces of evil had infiltrated our borders and were planning what would become America's greatest homeland security threat. Our next leader would need to be a person of great strength, compassion, courage and conviction to overcome this tragedy.

President George W. Bush has proved to be the right person for the job.

The events of September 11 strengthened our resolve as a country and as a people to honor and cherish our freedoms and democracy. At all times President Bush has demonstrated that we have a man at our helm who is not only forceful and unafraid to wield the mighty power of the United States to protect our own, he is also compassionate and merciful. He grieved with us as a nation-- yet met the challenge and evil of this tragedy head-on.

Although the September 11 events and the subsequent war in Afghanistan have been at the forefront of every day's news, the President has forged ahead and accomplished many things on the domestic front. His economic stimulus package contains the vital ingredients necessary to spur America's economy and restore consumer confidence in our marketplace. He met the challenge of our energy crisis boldly with sweeping recommendations, which would help ensure America has vital energy supplies; and he continues to address the necessary and tough measures needed to restore America's educational system to the levels needed to ensure that "no child is left behind."

I also want to commend President Bush on the terrific cabinet he assembled. He has surrounded himself with the best and the brightest.

Although I quipped on the campaign trail that then Gov. Bush would make a great Vice President for a President Hatch, in all seriousness his selection of Dick Cheney as his right-hand man was superb. Vice President Cheney is thoughtful, strong, and an exceptionally fine man and leader.

I also believe President Bush's national security team is the best I have ever seen.

In my book, President George W. Bush is truly America's "Man of the Year."

Throughout the year, we have watched him grow as the mantle of the presidency has settled on his shoulders. I believe he has inspired us as a nation, and as individual citizens to work together regardless of party, social status or creed. I heartily salute and honor HUMAN EVENTS Man of the Year-President George W. Bush.

Mr. Hatch, the senior U.S. Senator from Utah, ran against President Bush for the 2000 Republican presidential nomination.

Copyright Human Events Publishing, Inc. Dec 17, 2001
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