George W Bush Jr - Will History Remember Him as a Great President?

George W Bush Jr. won his first Presidential term in 2000 defeating Al Gore in controversial circumstances. He was reelected in 2004 for a second term by defeating John Kerry and promised American's not to use military for his national building efforts and to reduce tax burden on the common man. He will be completing his term in January 2009 after completing two terms overseeing a tumultuous phase in American economy and world politics. Let us look at his performance during this period to know how history will judge him.

National Security : Bush's performance in this arena has him getting kudos from the common man. Most people (around 47%) agreed that America now has a better national security and Americans round the world are better protected especially after Bush's famous "war on terror" and "we will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail "speech. Many young Americans credit Bush for forcing Osama Bin Laden into hiding and giving the world notice that it is no longer business as usual.
International Armed Interventions : It is ironic that while Americans are happy that they feel secure, they do not endorse Bush's armed interventions in other country's, especially Iraq and Afghanistan. George Bush is facing his lowest popularity ratings ever with over 53% opposing his Iraq adventure.
Public Education : 32% Americans feel public education has been negatively affected by Bush's policies of school vouchers, sopping of grants and scholarships and other regressive measures.
Tax system : 40% Americans feel that tax system has become more complicated under Bush's regime and in effect has put them in a worse off situation than before.
Health Care : This is one area where Bush is criticized heavily. 43% of Americans say they can hardly afford health insurance and change in Medicaid and Mediclaim policies meant that seniors were deprived of critical state sponsored health care.
Social Security system : Bush with his policy favoring handing over social security funds to private pension houses and his attempts to privatize social security system has antagonized the major middle class and senior citizens. In any case, this is a regressive step.
Federal Budget Deficit : George Bush's Iraq misadventure has meant that he leaved behind a huge deficit for his successor and tough days ahead for his countrymen.

In addition, race relations have deteriorated and the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. There are many who are already branding George Bush Jr as the worst President in United State's history while others are ready to hail him as a hero and a great President for standing up to terror. History will announce its judgement in the next couple of decades. What about you?

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