Bush's Legacy?

Recently, President Bush went to China to put in an appearance at the Olympic Games in Beijing. While there, he had the audacity to preach to the Chinese government about the importance of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. When I read his comments, I had two thougts. First, is this guy for real? This is a COMMUNIST country. Of course they're not going to have these things that so many Americans take for granted. Second, what will his legacy be when he leaves office in five months (Thank God)!

Now, admittedly, I'm no Bush fan. Personally, I can't wait until the election in November. But looking at it honestly, I think he will go down in history as one of the most incompetent presidents we've ever had.

In eight years, what has Bush accomplished? He's managed to introduce the concept of "pre-emptive war" to the world and start a two-front war in Afghanistan and Iraq that we are losing badly. He's managed to wreck the economy. Gas prices have tripled under his watch. There's the mortgage crisis. And let's not forget the damage he's done to us on the international stage.

Where once we were respected and listened to, now people look at Bush as a clown, a shoot first and ask questions later cowboy. Our reputation has suffered tremendously, and it may take years before we regain the respect we once had.

That's why I'm no fan of John McCain. To me, he represents the worst parts of the Bush administration and a continuation of eight years of failed policies. He's someone who's pledged to "keep us in Iraq for 100 years if that's what it takes." He has shown his disdain for economic policy. And frankly, he's built his whole campaign on something that happened 40 years ago. I'm sorry, but being a prisoner of war doesn't qualify you to be commander-in-chief.

As for Obama, I'm not sure about him either. He's awfully inexperienced. And he seems to be trying to find his sea legs when it comes to his position on any number of issues. Still, given a choice, he seems to be the best hope of significant change. After all, we could hardly do worse than Bush.