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The George W. Bush Administration can be categorized as an extremely hands off leadership as it, generally, espoused a policy of disengagement when facing various issues. Unfortunately, this resulted in policies that were often short-sighted and ill-suited to address very serious issues. Immediately after his election to the Presidency, Barak Obama began preparing to rebuild confidence in the United States and restore how America deals with its responsibilities as the world's most powerful nation. The Obama Administration's policy changes will help improve the Nation given the state the previous Administration left it; however, his legacy must set the US on a path to sustainable success.

The current policies of the Obama Administration will help address the numerous crises America is facing while additional policy changes and adaptations shall be required to resolve the issues behind those challenges. For example, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 can help soften the recession for households as the economy begins to recover with public funds going toward projects that improve communities and help foster new markets which can fulfill the long term interests of America. Meanwhile, a withdrawal from Iraq allows the US to refocus its attention, as well as resources, on the Afghanistan front and rebuild the military. Lastly, re-engaging allies and unfriendly states allows the US to gain support from the international community and renew the perception of America as a benevolent empire deserving of that support and the power to make the world a better place.

Beyond today's troubles, the Obama Administration can only improve the Country if it sets policies designed to prevent and lessen failure in future crises. Looking at terrorism and the exploding national debt, the next series of policy shifts coming out of the Obama Administration must realistically take on these, as well as other serious issues. Terrorism, like crime, will likely always exist, so it must be continuously addressed on a global scale by the international community while resources must be utilized in a responsible and maintainable fashion. Furthermore, debt can only be reduced by a healthy combination of spending reduction, growth of the tax base, and, probably, tax increases on those who can support that increase without harming economic growth.

As the Obama Administration moves forward with its policies, it will likely improve the country; however, its legacy must also lead to a healthier nation in the long-term. Although Obama cannot prevent the poor policies of future leaders, or unhealthy shifts in the political climate, while he is sure to have his share of mistakes, his willingness to face issues, listen to others, and instill a sense of responsibility is very encouraging. Unfortunately, people tend to support policies that only foster short-term success instead of long-term success, so true success is always an uncertainty. Moreover, the Obama Administration can only improve the Nation and secure America's future if people get involved in their government once again and step forward to take on the roles that government cannot fulfill.

Learn more about this author, Matthew J. Geiger.
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