George P. Bush calls for change in Texas education system

Bush is planning to run for state office in 2014.

Photo by J.J. Smith

George P. Bush speaks at the Reagan Day Dinner for the Rockwall County Republican Party on February 16.

ROCKWALL — Texan George P. Bush, the eldest son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the nephew of former President George W. Bush, and the namesake grandson of former President George H. W. Bush, told about 250 Republicans Saturday night at the Rockwall County Republican Party’s Reagan Day Dinner that we need to “radically change” our nation’s educational system and make sure Texas has the best educational system in the country.

The attorney, real estate developer, and U.S. Navy Reserve officer, who said two months ago that he will soon announce his campaign for a statewide office, explained that the U.S. already spends more money on education than any other Western nation in the world -- so spending more money is not the answer.

He added that the definition of insanity is doing the same unsuccessful thing over and over and expecting different results.

Instead, he said we need to “revamp and rethink” how we educate our children, get rid of social promotions, and emphasize technology and science. He said he does not believe we need to import more scientists and engineers to do it.

Photo by J.J. Smith

Republicans hold every elected office in Rockwall.

His remarks also included comments about the state’s and nation’s energy and tax and fiscal policies.

Bush received applause and laughter when he told the audience that he has a message for President Obama – that he did build his Fort Worth-based oil and gas business.

He announced two months ago that he will be running for a statewide office in 2014 in Texas but he did not give any hints at the event about what office that will be.

Bush was the featured speaker at the packed event in the main ballroom of the Hilton Bella Harbor Hotel on Lake Ray Hubbard, where he said he would try his best “to channel” President Ronald Reagan with his comments. The event was attended by Congressman Ralph Hall, State Sen. Bob Deuell, newly-elected State Rep. Scott Turner, and most every elected office holder in Rockwall County, where Republicans hold every elected office.