Former President Bush: political career and leadership

George Bush has left what some consider the biggest mark on American economic history. Although presidents like Abraham Lincoln will forever be remembered for his ability to unite a nation and end slavery, former President George W. Bush will forever be remembered for his gross incompetence, the war on terror, disastrous acts like the Patriot Act and No Child Left behind, and the growing national debt that spiraled out of control once he took office. Although not everything can be blamed on one person, Bush's cabinet and his actions throughout his two terms have left the country with bad memories and smaller pockets.

The Patriot Act, put into effect six weeks after the 9/11 attacks, enabled the government to perform roving wiretaps as well as searches of business and library records to help protect the United States from suspected acts of terrorism. "…the Patriot Act, which was proposed by the Bush administration following the terrorist attacks and quickly passed with strong support by the U.S. Congress" (Domke, Graham, Coe, John, & Coopman, 2006, p. 291). In one of Bush's speeches, he explained the need for such measures as a means to protect a nation in need of safety and stability. "Defending our Nation against its enemies is the first and fundamental commitment of the Federal Government. Today, that task has changed dramatically. Enemies in the past needed great armies and great industrial capabilities to endanger America" (Bush, 2002, p. 1). Although the act itself was appropriate enough, what came after, generated negative consequences for America as a whole. The United States soon lived in fear of terrorist attacks and eventually actions, which led to the war in Iraq, created economic recessions in the United States that continue to this day. Many argue, the public communications of the Bush administration, predominantly those by George W. Bush and John Ashcroft, along with news exposure about the legislature were contributory passing the act so quickly.

The Iraq War, initiated in March 20th 2003, cost the U.S. heavy losses not just in terms of soldiers, but money. Expenses to keep troops stationed there exceeded what many thought and continued to pile on because Bush would not remove the troops. The war created a serious economic downturn in America that created multiple recessions.

Another pivotal and long standing act that has and will continue to have an impact is No Child Left behind Act. Although the act is meant to push young students to excel in school, some say it has the opposite effect, as funding for schools became dependent on state standards and state standards in turn lowered. "Because of the limited federal funding and the severe penalties in NCLB when a school does not meet its state's standards, states have a strong incentive to keep their standards low. NCLB needs to be reformed so that it will encourage high standards" (Duncombe, Lukemeyer, & Yinger, 2008, p. 381). Adding to the already worsening condition of public schools is the manner in which students currently prep for state exams. Children instead of learning, focus on memorization and reading.