Former President George W. Bush made a rare media appearance on Today this morning, discussing his new book “Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants” and he took the opportunity to explain why all human life is valuable.
“We’re all God’s children, and every life is precious,” President Bush said. “If you start with that, with love in your heart as opposed to anger in your heart, or suspicion in your heart, then all of a sudden these problems are easier to solve.”
Bush’s new book chronicles the incredible life stories of 43 immigrants to the United States. Those who Bush featured are mainly non-household names, but amazing success stories none the less.
The founder of Chobani, one of America’s top yogurt brands, came here with virtually no resources and only the knowledge of how to make cheese and yogurt. Hamdi Ulukaya was a Kurdish nomad in Turkey before heading to the States.
Salim Asrawi became one of the millions who fled Lebanon’s civil war when he was just thirteen years old. With just the money in his pocket, he founded Texas to Brazil, now a very successful steakhouse brand.
Jean Celestine Lakin saw her entire family slaughtered in front of her at just 9-years-old during the Rwandan genocide and now shares her remarkable story of survival and forgiveness.
President Bush is careful to note that immigration “within the law” is something to be celebrated in America. The stories and profiles in the book show why there’s a reason people flock to America when they’re in dire need – there’s ample evidence that no matter who you are or where you come from, freedom, peace and prosperity are available to all.
President Bush was mocked by critics when he first revealed his love of painting, but those voices have faded into the distant background as the former President has shown his passion and increased skill for the craft is producing moving results and touching on issues and people designed to move audiences.