Bush delivers 'inaugural address' on Facebook laying out post-presidency works

Former President George W. Bush took to Facebook on Thursday to update supporters on his life after leaving the White House, and promote his upcoming projects.

In what the former Republican president called his "inaugural address," Bush briefly laid out his personal and charitable work post-presidency, as well as progress in building his presidential library and namesake think tank.

"Thanks for tuning into my inaugural address on Facebook," Bush said. "I am pleased to report that Laura and I are happy, healthy, and home here in the great state of Texas — or, as I call it, 'The Promised Land.'"

Bush just joined Facebook last week after having left the Oval Office in January of 2009. The former president has used his page sparingly so far, by contrast to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), who has routinely used her Facebook page as a platform for her political activities.

Bush took a more laid-back approach toward his Facebook video.

"Serving as president was the honor of a lifetime, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent the nation I love," he said. "Retirement isn't so bad, either."

He said he's been working on his book and raising money for earthquake relief with former President Bill Clinton. Bush also said he's working on his presidential center in Dallas, and the establishment of the George W. Bush Institute.

"As I tell people: I may be done with politics, but I am not done with policy. Our building won't be complete until 2013, but the institute is already up and running," he said, noting the center's focus on education reform, global health, economic growth and human freedom, as well as women's rights in the Middle East.

"In all we do at the institute, we are guided in a firm belief in the power of freedom to promote peace and prosperity, both home and abroad," Bush said.