Analysis: Bush legacy _ grim times, gloomy nation

AP via Google News ^ | BEN FELLER

[Gondring]

Wars. Recession. Bailouts. Debt. Gloom.

The unvarnished review of George W. Bush's presidency reveals a portrait of America he never would have imagined.

Bush came into office promising limited government and humble foreign policy; he exits with his imprint on startling free-market intervention and nation-building wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[...]

Grading Bush's performance has its limitations. History offers a warning about judging a president and his tenure in the moment: The wisdom and decisions of a leader can look different years later, shaped by events impossible to know now. Leaders are entrusted to act in the nation's long-term interests.

[...]

This is his tenure: eight years bracketed by the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history and the worst economic collapse in three generations. In between came two wars, two Supreme Court appointments, a tough re-election, sinking popularity, big legislative wins and defeats, an ambitious effort to combat AIDS, a meltdown of the housing market, a diminishing U.S. reputation abroad, and more power invested in Dick Cheney than any vice president in history.

Bush got his tax cuts and education law in the first term, then swung hard and missed on Social Security and immigration in his second. He seized a bullhorn and united a country devastated by terrorism, but stumbled badly when a hurricane swallowed the Gulf Coast.

Many of his original campaign promises are dust. [9/11] changed everything.

[...]

Bush pushed all legal limits in targeting terrorists. They have not struck America again.

The president's defenders may well be right that his decisions will be viewed honorably over time.

For now, he is out of time. [...]

So let history judge, Bush says.

The country already has.

[Chunga]

This is a hit piece by Ben Feller of The Associated Press, a sycophantic, fawning, anti-conservative organ of The Democrat Party and Barack Obama.

There was a time at Free Republic when the AP's tripe was recognized for what it was. Now, fake conservatives use it to bash Republican Presidents.

Screw them...and screw you if you agree with the socialist jackass who wrote this horseshit.

[Gondring]

When reality hurts you so, perhaps there’s a problem with that reality. When truthful criticism is considered “bashing,” then perhaps the sycophant is in the mirror. When advocating responsibility is considered “socialist,” then maybe your definitions are off.

And when we can’t learn from errors, but must stick our heads into the sand, then we will continue to lose.

Maybe you’re bucking for promotion in the Ostrich Brigade, or maybe you’re just hoping for more conservative defeats; it’s not clear which.