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As the countdown to the Bush Library reopening approaches it’s thundering conclusion, KBTX reporter Steve Fullhart delves deep into the mechanics of librarianship. The Bush has been down for mural installation, to install snappier exhibit technology and to avoid unfortunate comparisons with the Reagan. The Bush Air Force One office replica looks a little sad compared to an actual Air Force One at Simi Valley. Replacing the Air Force One office will be a White House situation room replica.

Visitors also will now also enjoy “an interactive presentation on the decisions leading to the first Gulf War.”

Gosh! Will they go this far back?

And since it’s only the “leading to,” no opportunity to 2nd guess not taking Baghdad!

The Bush Library is caving after bravely holding out and not having an Oval Office replica. Putting on a brave face, they boast that

“The Bush Museum will also present the only Oval Office exhibit that allows visitors to sit in the “seat of power” and have their photo taken behind the President’s desk.”

Err, not that one.

This would be the Bush Legacy Library, part of the University of New England’s George and Barbara Bush Center. They broke ground today on a building which will commemorate the First Bush’s many Maine vacations while addressing student snacking needs.

The memorabilia displayed will be on loan from the real Bush Senior library in College Station

The entity appears to have begun life as a far grander George and Barbara Bush Cultural Center:

“‘SETTING THE STAGE’
for the George and Barbara Bush Cultural Center

Plato addressed his students from the Academy, the most famous school in the classical world. President Theodore Roosevelt built the West Wing of the White House especially for high-level cabinet meetings. The New York Philharmonic began performing in the Apollo Rooms of lower Manhattan, but moved to Carnegie Hall, then the Lincoln Center as its prominence and popularity grew.

Great ideas, powerful conversations and brilliant performances need inspiring spaces to nurture and showcase them.”

It was gonna be something!

Damp but determined.

Any opportunity to mention Bill Clinton singer/donor Denise Rich is a great day. But before we get all excited about Hillary Clinton and Clinton Library donors, lets recall where we are on Presidential Library disclosure.

Bill Clinton has spoken, and correctly pointed out that his Arab money is entitled to the same secrecy under current law as that of the former and current Presidents Bush.

Nothing is happening in the Senate on the disclosure bill, and a companion bill to overturn President George Bush’s secrecy in perpetuity executive order has been stalled by an apparently random Republican Senator from Kentucky.

And since when has Washington been squeamish about dubious money and it’s holders? Wave upon wave of baby showers have been organized recently by Washington wives and women with real jobs for the wife of the Ambassador of Kuwait, proud representative of their Filipino maid-raping homeland.

Oh, how we laughed, but then someone checked and spoiled the fun.

The popular quote:

“A moment I’ve been dreading. George brought his ne’re-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job.”

Georgia Temple faced up to the awful truth in the Midland Reporter Telegram, headlining a rundown of local activities “Nothing to do In Midland Aug. 10-16.”

And this despite an intriguing listing:

The Presidential Museum & Leadership Library: Mon.: 6:30-9 p.m. Dinner with the Presidents, prepared by Permian Basin Chapter of the Texas Gourmet Chef’s Association. Call (432) 363-7737 for tickets. Fundraiser. Table sponsorship: $800/Individual ticket: $100.

Party Central.