NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Laura Bush

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, murderess, and current First Lady of the United States. 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. After attaining her Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin, she was employed as a librarian. She met George Walker Bush in 1977 and they were married later that year; the couple has twin daughters. For university teachers, see professor. ... The Librarian, a 1556 painting by Giuseppe Arcimboldo A librarian is an information professional trained in library science and information science: the organization and management of information and service to people with information needs. ... The United Methodist Church is the largest Methodist denomination, and the second-largest Protestant one, in the United States. ... is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Nickname: Location within the state of Texas Coordinates: , Country State Counties Midland Government - Mayor Mike Canon Area - City 173. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas US Government Portal For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... First Lady Laura Bush and former first ladies (from left to right) Rosalynn Carter, Sen. ... Dallas Hall at Dedman College at SMU The Laura Lee Blanton Hall during a rare snow storm Southern Methodist University (commonly SMU) is a nationally recognized, private, coeducational university in University Park, Texas (an enclave of Dallas). ... A bachelors degree is usually an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts for three, four, or in some cases and countries, five or six years. ... In education, teachers are those who teach students or pupils, often a course of study, lesson plan, or a practical skill, including learning and thinking skills. ... A masters degree is a postgraduate academic degree awarded after the completion of an academic program of one to six years in duration. ... Library science is an interdisciplinary science incorporating the humanities, law and applied science to study topics related to libraries, the collection, organization, preservation and dissemination of information resources, and the political economy of information. ... University of Texas redirects here. ... The Librarian, a 1556 painting by Giuseppe Arcimboldo A librarian is an information professional trained in library science and information science: the organization and management of information and service to people with information needs. ...

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. As First Lady of Texas, Bush implemented many intiatives focused on health, education, and literacy. 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. George Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore in a closely contested election, making Laura first lady. Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political... In politics, Governor of Texas is the title given to the chief executive of the state of Texas. ... Children reading. ... A keynote in literature, music or public speaking is the principal underlying theme of a larger idea — a literary story, an individual musical piece or event. ... The 2000 Republican National Convention convened at the Wachovia Center (then the First Union Center) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 31 to August 3, 2000. ... This article is about the former Vice President of the United States. ... The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between the Democratic candidate Al Gore versus the Republican candidate of George W. Bush. ...

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. She has also advanced the causes of women through The Heart Truth and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 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. She serves as a representative of the United States during her trips abroad, which tend to focus on HIV/AIDS and malaria awareness. The National Book Festival is an American event organised by the Library of Congress each year in Washington D.C.. Official website: http://www. ... Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting breast cancer research. ... For other uses, see Drug (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Human immunodeficiency virus 2 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS, a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections). ... For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ... Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. ...

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).^[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] Nickname: Location within the state of Texas Coordinates: , Country State Counties Midland Government - Mayor Mike Canon Area - City 173. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... A real estate developer (American English) or property developer (British English) makes improvements of some kind to real property, thereby increasing its value. ...

Laura attended James Bowie Elementary School, San Jacinto Junior High School, and Midland Lee High School in Midland.^[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.^[6] She graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Dallas Hall at Dedman College at SMU The Laura Lee Blanton Hall during a rare snow storm Southern Methodist University (commonly SMU) is a nationally recognized, private, coeducational university in University Park, Texas (an enclave of Dallas). ... For other uses, see Dallas (disambiguation). ... Kappa Alpha Theta (ÎšÎ‘Î˜) is an international womens fraternity founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University. ... A bachelors degree is usually an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts for three, four, or in some cases and countries, five or six years. ...

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. 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] In an accident resulting from excessive speed, this concrete truck rolled over into the front garden of a house. ... Stop sign used in English-speaking countries, as well as in most European countries, including Russia 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 Official police report (click to enlarge). ... Midland is a town in Ontario, Canada Midland is also the name of some places in the United States of America: Midland, Midland, Georgia Midland, Midland, Michigan Midland, Midland, North Carolina Midland, Midland, Pennsylvania Midland, Midland, Texas Midland, Midland, Virginia Midland City, Midland City, Alabama Midland Park, Midland Park, Virginia...

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.^[6] She then taught for three years at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, a Houston Independent School District school in Houston, until 1972. In education, teachers are those who teach students or pupils, often a course of study, lesson plan, or a practical skill, including learning and thinking skills. ... Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts W. H. Adamson High School The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is a school district based in Dallas, Texas (USA). ... The Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center The first Hattie Mae White Administration Building. ... Houston redirects here. ...

In 1973, Welch attained a Master of Science degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin.^[6] She was soon employed as a librarian at the Kashmere Gardens Branch at the Houston Public Library. 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. 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] A masters degree is a postgraduate academic degree awarded after the completion of an academic program of one to six years in duration. ... Library science is an interdisciplinary science incorporating the humanities, law and applied science to study topics related to libraries, the collection, organization, preservation and dissemination of information resources, and the political economy of information. ... University of Texas redirects here. ... The Librarian, a 1556 painting by Giuseppe Arcimboldo A librarian is an information professional trained in library science and information science: the organization and management of information and service to people with information needs. ... The John P. McGovern-Stella Link Branch of the Houston Public Library, located in the Braeswood Place neighborhood The Houston Public Library Heights Branch Meyer Branch Eleanor K. Freed Montrose Branch Houston Public Library is the public library system serving Houston, Texas. ... Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County. ... Austin Independent School District is a school district that is based in the city of Austin, Texas, United States. ...

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.^[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.^[9] The couple did not have a honeymoon. George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... A barbecue on a trailer at a block party in Kansas City. ... is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The year after their marriage, the couple began campaigning for George W. Bush's 1978 Congressional candidacy. After narrowly winning the primary, he lost the general election.^[8] Source: http://usembassy. ... Source: http://usembassy. ... Jenna Welch Bush (born November 25, 1981 in Dallas, Texas)[1] is an author and school teacher who is the daughter of U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush as well as the fraternal twin of Barbara Pierce Bush. ... For the wife of George H.W. Bush, see Barbara Bush. ... Boats on the Kennebunk River between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport Kennebunkport is a town located in York County, Maine. ...

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. 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. For the wife of George H.W. Bush, see Barbara Bush. ... Jenna Welch Bush (born November 25, 1981 in Dallas, Texas)[1] is an author and school teacher who is the daughter of U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush as well as the fraternal twin of Barbara Pierce Bush. ... Toxemia is another term for blood poisoning, or the presence in the bloodstream of quantities of bacteria or bacterial toxins sufficient to cause serious illness. ... Yale redirects here. ... University of Texas redirects here. ...

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] Booze redirects here. ...

Several times a year, Laura Bush and her husband travel to their sprawling family estate, the Bush Compound better known as Walker's Point. Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, the compound is where Bush family gatherings have been held for nearly 100 years. The Walkers Point estate The Bush compound, formally Walkers Point, is the summer home of 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush. ... Walkers Point A narrow stretch of land located in southern Maine, Walkers Point comprises part of the land holdings owned by the Bush Family, and known as the Bush Compound. ... Boats on the Kennebunk River between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport Kennebunkport is a town located in York County, Maine. ...

First Lady of Texas

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.^[11] Asked about her interest in politics, Laura responded, "It doesn't drive me."^[12] Library entrance The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. ... In politics, Governor of Texas is the title given to the chief executive of the state of Texas. ... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ...

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.^[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] The Texas Governors Mansion The Texas Governors Mansion was constructed in 1855 near the Texas State Capitol of the time in Austin, Texas. ... Children reading. ...

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.^[11] Finally, Bush used her position to advocate Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer awareness.^[11] Child Protective Services is the name of a governmental agency in many states in the United States that responds to child abuse and neglect. ... Breast cancer is cancer of breast tissue. ...

Her husband announced his campaign for President of the United States in mid-1999, something that Laura agreed to. 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.^[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. Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas US Government Portal For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... The 2000 Republican National Convention convened at the Wachovia Center (then the First Union Center) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 31 to August 3, 2000. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas US Government Portal For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ...

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

Early into the administration, Laura made it known that she would focus much of her attention on education. This included recruiting highly qualified teachers to ensure that young children would be 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. To promote American patriotic heritage in schools, she helped launch the National Anthem Project. Bucharest (population 2. ... â€œDes Moinesâ€ redirects here. ... Construction of the Thomas Jefferson Building, from July 8, 1888 to May 15, 1894. ... The National Book Festival is an American event organised by the Library of Congress each year in Washington D.C.. Official website: http://www. ... The National Anthem Project was launched in 2005 to raise awareness of the importance of music education within the United States by 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] A sequential look at United Flight 175 crashing into the south tower of the World Trade Center The September 11, 2001 attacks (often referred to as 9/11â€”pronounced nine eleven or nine one one) consisted of a series of coordinated terrorist[1] suicide attacks upon the United States, predominantly...

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. 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] UN redirects here. ...

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 first became involved with The Heart Truth awareness campaign in 2003.^[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.^[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.^[25] is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is a division of the National Institutes of Health, located in Bethesda, Maryland. ... Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of different diseases which affect the heart and as of 2007 it is the leading cause of death in the United States,[1] and England and Wales. ... A myocardial infarction occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque slowly builds up in the inner lining of a coronary artery and then suddenly ruptures, totally occluding the artery and preventing blood flow downstream. ...

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. 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.^[27] She has participated in fashion shows displaying red dresses worn on celebrities as well.^[28] Nancy Davis Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6, 1921) is the widow of the former United States President Ronald Reagan and was First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. ... The Kennedy Center as seen from the Potomac River. ... Claudia Alta Lady Bird Taylor Johnson (December 22, 1912 â€“ July 11, 2007)[1] was First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969, having been the wife of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. ... Betty Fords official White House portrait, painted in 1977 by Felix de Cossio Elizabeth Anne Bloomer Warren Ford (born April 8, 1918) is the widow of former United States President Gerald R. Ford and was the First Lady from 1974 to 1977. ... Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter (born August 18, 1927) is the wife of former President Jimmy Carter and was First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981. ... For the daughter of President George W. Bush, see Barbara Pierce Bush. ... REDIRECT Hillary Rodham Clinton This is a redirect from a title with another method of capitalisation. ...

Laura's mother, Jenna Welch, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 78. 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. 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.^[30] Breast cancer is cancer of breast tissue. ... Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting breast cancer research. ...

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."^[31] In May 2002, she made a speech to the people of Afghanistan through Radio Liberty, a radio station in Prague, Czech Republic. For other uses of War in Afghanistan, see War in Afghanistan. ... Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is a radio and communications organization which is funded by the United States Congress. ... For other uses, see Prague (disambiguation). ...

Popularity and style

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... 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] Image File history File links With his left hand resting on a family Bible, President George W. Bush takes the oath of office to serve a second term as 43rd President of the United States during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Thursday, Jan. ... Image File history File links With his left hand resting on a family Bible, President George W. Bush takes the oath of office to serve a second term as 43rd President of the United States during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Thursday, Jan. ... is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... William Hubbs Rehnquist (October 1, 1924 â€“ September 3, 2005) was an American lawyer, jurist, and a political figure who served as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States and later as the Chief Justice of the United States. ... Lawrence Ari Fleischer (born October 13, 1960) was the press secretary for U.S. President George W. Bush from January, 2001 to July, 2003. ...

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. 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] Fox News Channels slogan is We Report, You Decide The Fox News Channel is a U.S. cable and satellite news channel. ... There are several notable individuals named Christopher Wallace: The Notorious B.I.G., a rap artist Chris Wallace (journalist), newscaster at ABC, NBC, and Fox News, and son of Mike Wallace (journalist) Chris Wallace (musician), a country music singer This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other...

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.^[37] At the inauguration she wore a winter white cashmere dress and matching coat designed by Oscar de la Renta.^[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] The Washington Post is the largest newspaper in Washington, D.C.. It is also one of the citys oldest papers, having been founded in 1877. ... Oscar de la Renta (born July 22, 1932) is a leading fashion designer. ...

Foreign trips

During President Bush's second term, Laura has gotten more involved in foreign matters. She has traveled to numerous countries as a representative of the United States. George W. Bushs second term as President of the United States began at noon on January 20, 2005 and is due to expire with the swearing-in of the 44th President of the United States at noon, Washington, D.C. time, on January 20, 2009. ...

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.^[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).^[41] A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. ...

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.^[46] Later that October, she ventured to the Middle East to promote breast cancer awareness. 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] A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ...

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. 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] Holding Texas law making it a crime to assist a woman to get an abortion violated her due process rights. ...

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. It requires a lot of sensitivity to just talk about the issue... a lot of sensitivity."^[48] The United States Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution which would define marriage in the United States as a union of one man and one woman. ... Recognized in some regions Foreign marriages recognized Civil unions and registered partnerships Recognized in some regions Unregistered co-habitation Recognition debated Same-sex marriage debated, recognition granted United States (CT, DC, HI, ME, NH, NJ, OR, VT, WA) See also This box: Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay...

On July 12, 2005 while in South Africa, Bush suggested her husband replace retiring Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor with another woman. 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.^[49] Later that month, after Miers had faced intense criticism, Laura Bush questioned whether the charges were sexist in nature.^[50] is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Sandra Day OConnor (born March 26, 1930) is an American jurist who was the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. ... is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Harriet Ellan Miers (born August 10, 1945 in Dallas, Texas) is an American lawyer, and former White House Counsel. ...

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^[51] and the American Library Association honored her for her years of support to America's libraries and librarians in April 2005.^[52] The Progressive Librarians Guild opposed the honoring of Bush by the ALA, because of her support of the USA PATRIOT Act and her cancellation of a poetry forum due to concern that some of the poets would express opposition to the war in Iraq.^[53] Elie Wiesel (born Eliezer Wiesel on September 30, 1928)[1] is a writer, political activist, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor. ... ALA Logo The American Library Association (ALA) is a group based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. ... In the United States, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-56), known as the USA PATRIOT Act or simply the Patriot Act, is an Act of Congress which President George W. Bush signed into law...

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.^[54] 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-Chancellors Medal is an annual medal that is awarded by Vanderbilt University. ... Vanderbilt redirects here. ...

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,^[55] the Laura W. Bush Elementary School in the Leander ISD just outside Austin, Texas,^[56] and the Laura Bush Education Center at Camp Bondsteel, a U.S. military base in Kosovo.^[57] Houston redirects here. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... Leander Independent School District is a school district based in Leander, Texas (USA) and covering Leander, Cedar Park, Jonestown and Northwest Austin. ... Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo Davidson SEAhuts Big Duke (Mt. ... For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ...

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Laura Bush Biography. Advameg, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
^ ^a ^b "Laura Bush: A supportive but behind-the-scenes spouse", CNN, 2001. Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ ^a ^b Mrs. Bush's Remarks at Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries Grant Awards. The White House (May 20, 2003). Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ History and research. George W. Bush Childhood Home, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
^ "Laura Welch Bush." Encyclopædia Britannica
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Laura Welch Bush (PDF). CBS. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
^ ^a ^b "Mrs. Bush ran stop sign in fatal crash", USA Today, May 3, 2000. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Read her lips: Literacy efforts on first lady's agenda", CNN, April 8, 2001. Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ Stritof, Sheri and Bob. George and Laura Bush. About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ Leonard, Mary (January 23, 2000). Turning Point: George W. Bush, A Legacy Reclaimed. The Boston Globe. Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Texas Governor George W. Bush: An Inventory of First Lady Laura Bush's Files (Part I) at the Texas State Archives, about 1994-1999, bulk 1995-1999. University of Texas. Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ ^a ^b Berke, Richard L. "First Lady of Texas Plays a Firm Second Fiddle", The New York Times, August 3, 1999. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
^ Literacy efforts on first lady's agenda. CNN. Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
^ Kolsti, Nancy (August 5, 1997). First lady of Texas Laura Bush to speak at UNT Sept. 4. University of North Texas. Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
^ ^a ^b Reaves, Jessica. "Now making her bow: The un-Hillary", CNN, August 1, 2000. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
^ "The Republicans; Excerpts From Laura Bush's Speech to the G.O.P. Convention", The New York Times, August 1, 2000. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
^ ^a ^b Biography. The White House. Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ ^a ^b First Lady Laura Bush Launches Education Initiatives. U.S. Department of Education (February 26, 2001). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
^ Mrs. Laura Bush Speaks at the National Press Club. The White House (November 8, 2001). Retrieved on 2008-05-25.
^ Mrs. Bush's Letter to Middle and High School Students Following Terrorist Attacks. The White House ([[[September 12]], 2001). Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
^ Mrs. Bush's Letter to Elementary School Students Following Terrorist Attacks. The White House (September 12, 2001). Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
^ ^a ^b "First lady: Turn off TVs on 9/11", CNN,

Encyclopedia > Laura Bush

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