It makes no difference whether you like or dislike George W. Bush or Barack Obama. You have to admire, however, the decent way they are communicating prior to the Jan. 20 inauguration of Obama and the last hurrah for Bush.

Obama clearly wants to take office in an atmosphere of civility, and Bush wants to depart the White House in the same manner.

Last Monday, Bush and wife Laura warmly welcomed Obama and wife Michelle for a visit to the White House and for personal interactions that by all accounts were friendly and respectful. As Ben Feller of the Associated Press wrote: “The world saw video images that were replayed all day and night. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeting Obama and his wife, Michelle, as if they were old friends; Bush strolling with the president-elect along the famous Colonnade adjacent to the Rose Garden, both men waving and smiling. Translation: Smooth transition. The scene was the latest in a flurry of moves by Bush, all designed to show he is serious about making Obama’s start a success on Jan. 20.”

Despite any disappointments the outgoing president may have experienced because of criticism of his record and the inability of his party to put another Republican in the Oval Office, he and his wife have shown class and dignity and clearly want things to run smoothly for the newcomers.

That is precisely as it should be, and it is quite a contrast to the changes of command we have seen, often with violence and military action, in other countries over the years.

We can now hope things don’t deteriorate to the aftermath of past White House turnovers. In recent times outgoing presidential people have trashed their surroundings in offices and even the White House in vengeful and destructive moods. All this is more than rumors. There are photos of such damage.

All evidence is that George and Laura Bush are going to try to make sure none of their people get caught up in such muckerism. They have set a tone of respect for allowing the newcomers to take office, and let us hope the entire operation continues as smooth, honorable and dignified.