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George W. Bush' Legacy

In determining the legacy of anyone, we must first allow for the passage of time and the development of perspective. Therefore, by definition, any attempt to determine George Bush's legacy, while he remains in office, can not be anything more than an intellectual exercise. That is not to say, however, that it isn't a worthwhile project to attempt.

Supporters of this President (and yes some do remain) like to point to former Presidents Lincoln and Truman as evidence for their position that history may well view George Bush much more favorably than do his contemporaries. They argue that both these Presidents were largely unpopular during their administrations, took unpopular stands, and were ultimately judged to be great men. Why can't, they ask, George Bush enjoy similar success?

At this point it would be say to take the cheap shots at Bush, and there are plenty of bullets in that gun, but that would be counter productive. Better we spend our time in a serious examination of the Bush record as it stands today. Toward that end, I would submit that the supporters of George Bush may be indulging in fanciful wishful thinking if they are serious about drawing parallels between their guy and Lincoln and Truman.

There is one giant distinction which can, and ought to be drawn between the three. Lincoln and Truman had successes during their terms. Lincoln presided over the successful conclusion of the Civil War, Truman made the crucial decisions that led to ultimate victory over the Japanese in the Pacific war. George Bush, on the other hand has proved adept at starting wars, he just doesn't seem to be very good at winning or ending them.

What successes will this President be able to point to? Legislatively he failed in his two major programs; Social Security Reform and Immigration Reform. He presided over more scandals than any President but Nixon. He surrounded himself with a collection of advisers and political appointees that can only be described as incompetent. Does anyone remember: "you're doing a heck of a job Brownie."?

These alone would probably be enough to mar his legacy, but the fatal blows may well be struck by Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks. These two defining moments share one thing in common. In both instances, at crucial times this President failed to respond.

As thousands of our fellow citizens screamed for help, some dying others desperately ill, George Bush sat at the Crawford Ranch and did nothing. Television reporters

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