Source: AP Images

Many widely regard President Bush’s handling of Hurricane Katrina as one of the biggest failures of his presidency. And during the dedication of his new library, it seems that President Bush probably wished things could have gone a little bit differently as well.

During his dedication speech Bush started off light and easy, joking: “There was a time in my life when I wasn’t likely to be found at a library, much less found one.” He honored the President Obama, President Jimmy Carter, his father, President George Bush Sr and President Clinton.

He got emotional toward the conclusion of his speech when he spoke about how, even during the darkest moments of his presidency, he was still inspired by the spirit and resolve of the American people.

“As president I had the privilege to see that character up close. I saw it in the first responders who charged up the stairs, into the flames to save people’s lives from the burning towers. I saw it in the Virginia Tech professor who barricaded his classroom door with his body until his students escaped to safety.

I saw it in the people of New Orleans who made homemade boats to rescue their neighbors during the floods. I saw it in the service members who laid down their lives to keep our country safe. I dedicate this library with an unshakable faith in the future of our country. It was the honor of a lifetime to lead a country as brave and as noble as the United States. Whatever challenges come before us, I will always believe our nation’s best days lie ahead.  God bless.”

Though I can say that George Bush probably wasn’t the best man to run the country, there’s at least a level of sincerity in his speech and subsequent emotion that I can’t help but empathize with. I don’t think he’s that great of an actor, that he’d be able to produce tears on command. But don’t take my word for it, check out the 12 minute speech and let us know whether you think he’s sincere or not.

Check out Bush’s entire speech on the next page. And let us know what you think about Bush’s speech and his reaction to discussing Katrina and the Iraq war.

Source: Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images

As if Lady O weren’t busy enough on the “unofficial” campaign trail, hitting all of the late night talk show circuit, now she’s adding commencement speeches to her itinerary.  The first lady is scheduled to speak at three graduation ceremonies this year, including one HBCU.

She’ll speak at Virginia Tech University, Oregon State University and North Carolina A&T. The schools may seem unrelated but the decision to speak at each of these institutions was not made lightly. Both Virginia and North Carolina are crucial in the reelection of her husband, President Barack Obama.

And Michelle Obama’s brother, Craig Robinson, serves as the head coach for the school’s basketball team. Nothing wrong with showing a little love to the school that writes your brother’s checks.

Are any of you graduating from or attending graduations from one of these institutions?

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Memories of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history which occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech in April 2007 flashed through everyone’s minds today when reports came through that an armed man was running loose on the school’s grounds.

A Virginia Tech police officer was shot and killed at a traffic stop before the suspect fled on foot through a parking lot nearby. A second body was later found there. Initially police believed the suspect was still roaming campus, but they now believe the second body belongs to the shooter.

University President Charles W. Steger called the incident “a wanton act of violence”

In light of news that the shooter was suspected to no longer be a threat, university officials lifted the campus wide alert early this afternoon. Montgomery County schools also lifted a lockdown and allowed students to head home.

Ironically, today’s incident coincided with an appeal by Virginia Tech managers of a $55,000 fine levied by the U.S. Department of Education after the 2007 shooting.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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