Laura Bush

 

Laura Welch Bush, born in 1946 in Midland, Texas, is known as the former American first lady from 2001 to 2009. She was the daughter of Harold Welch and Jenna Hawkins Welch, who valued her education and love for reading. Laura attended public schools in Midland and later earned a degree in elementary education from Southern Methodist University. She worked as a teacher and librarian before marrying George W. Bush in 1977. Together they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. Laura became more involved in public service when George was elected governor of Texas in 1994, focusing on literacy and women's health issues. Despite initially hesitating, Laura embraced her role as a campaigner during George's presidential run. She made it clear that she would define her own path as first lady, even expressing her personal views on controversial issues like Roe v. Wade.

During her time as first lady, Laura Bush embarked on numerous solo trips to Europe, championed the cause of the Afghan people through radio appearances, and bravely testified before a Senate committee on education. She also took on more traditional roles, such as organizing a national book fair and founding the Laura Bush Foundation to support libraries. Her compassionate efforts to comfort the victims of the September 11 attacks earned her widespread praise. Despite facing criticism for canceling a poetry event due to political tensions, her popularity remained strong.

As an honorary ambassador for the United Nations Decade of Literacy, Bush hosted the Conference on Global Literacy in 2006 and later received the Freedom Award from Christian Freedom International. In her autobiography, "Spoken from the Heart," she candidly discussed personal experiences and defended her husband's actions.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.