DRB meets Dubya

Ok, I had my little 90 seconds of history yesterday. George W came to Calgary yesterday on his first post-presidential speech. I was invited to a little VIP reception prior to the event and had a few moments with "the man". I now reproduce that conversation in the event the Presidential Archives fail to pick it up.

DRB: President Bush, very nice to meet you, I'm David Brinley - long time republican from Utah.
GWB: Ah, Utah, good man! You know the great thing about coming from your state is that you are never alone!

DRB (pausing during this great moment because he has no idea what that last comment meant. Does he mean there are a lot of republicans there? That we have large families? I elect to nod sagely - in intimate joke among friends).

GWB: So what brings you up here to Calgary?

DRB: I'm here on a posting with Shell.

GWB: Oh of course, I should have noticed (pointing to my Shell lapel pin. I avoid any sudden hand moves towards the lapel since the tough looking Secret Service guy with the earpiece is glowering at me suspiciously).

DRB: You know, I always told myself that if I had the chance to say something to you, it would be this (SS guy tenses a bit). I haven't always agreed with your decisions but felt strongly that you always acted on your principles whether or not the decision was popular at the time. I quite admire that about you.

GWB: You are very kind to say that.

DRB: Well, again, nice to have met you.

We pose for a photo, SS guy relaxes slightly, exit, stage left.