Friday Fish Fry: Presidential letters, Lotter vs. Bush, a military salute and a turkey trot

We end the week with heartwarming words, memorable Davisites and wild animals in our midst

RECALLING A KINDER, GENTLER TIME IN AMERICAN POLITICS ... I accidentally tripped upon the letter that outgoing President George H.W. Bush left for incoming President Bill Clinton on Inauguration Day of 1993 and was once again struck by its kindness and decency.

It should be noted that this was not an easy time for Bush. Unlike Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Bush had not been forced from office after having served two full terms. No, he had served just four years and was then soundly rejected by the voters as he ran for a second term. It was not a happy time in his life.

And yet, he summoned the courage and the wisdom to pen the following to the man who had just denied him another four years in the White House.

Here is the handwritten note, dated Jan. 20, 1993.

"Dear Bill,

When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too,

I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.

There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course.

You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.

Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you.

Good luck - George"