Monday, February 4, 2008

Good Morning,.....Mr. President (4)

...The Judge tugs at Joe's sleeve and says, Joe, I'd like to introduce you to President George H.W. Bush. With that Joe turns around and is smack dab nose to nose with the President (and his security detail). The President offers his 'its a pleasure to meet you today Joe. How did you come to know the Judge?' With that Joe heavily summarizes his first meeting with the Judge and his friendship that's developed throughout the years. Joe then comments to the President, "Mr. President I believe we also have mutual friends and acquaintances outside this room." The President responds, "oh, how so?" With that Joe begins by telling the President that he was involved with the Nixon Maritime act in the early 70's and had met the former President (Nixon) at a White House function. In the same breath Joe related that a year later, as the Maritime Act was in full effect with ships being constructed in China, Joe had the opportunity to meet with C.H. Tung and subsequently was able to finance many of C.H.'s ships. (As a side note, there are many pictures of my sister and me sitting on the lap of CH Tung and to this day my house is graced by a very beautiful white marble table and solid marble chairs given to Joe as a gift from C.H., which have been passed down to me.) Joe also had the opportunity to meet and develop a working relationship with the late CY Tung (C.H.'s father.)

The President could not have been more accommodating and engratiating. He listened with interest and intent and then told Joe that Barbara (Bush) was the one who has the strong relationship with C.H. Tung and his family and Joe should seek out and speak with her! Joe took the Presidents hand in closing and wished him well, and the President moved on, after speaking with the Judge and the Bishop.

Right behind the President was Jeb Bush (former governor of the State of Florida.) Joe introduced himself after Jeb asked who had his fathers attention for so long and having heard the initials CH drop in the conversation. Joe spent the better part of 10 minutes speaking with the governor about the Tungs and also a mutually enjoyed location, Florida. Jeb went on to say that the location in Florida where Joe resides is one of his favorite places because of the areas attention to historic preservation and the lower impact the area has adopted for development. Jeb also mentioned that Joe should seek out and speak with the former First Lady about the Tungs.

As Jeb walks on, the Judge and Bishop turn to Joe and ask why he didn't introduce Jeb to them both. Joe exasperated and quizical says, hang on, and finds Jeb only moved a few feet away. Joe got Jeb's attention and introduced the two men to Jeb. Joe immediately reconciled his life and friendships to now try and figure out how he was placed in a position of knowing Jeb Bush and introducing him to the Judge and the Bishop. Its a funny world.

Thereafter, Joe was introduced and spoke with Colin Powell (former US Secretary of State) many US Senators and bank officials. Joe then scans the room and notices a former Major League Baseball player who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame.....