I am looking back at the Constitution now to determine the duties of president and this is what I found:

*Command standing military
*Negotiate treaties with consent of Senate
*Nominate ambassadors, consuls, and Supreme Court justices, confirmed by Senate
*Select individuals to temporarily fill Senate seats
*Introduce legislation expedient to his duties and Convene special sessions of Congress, either or both houses

That's it.

There is nothing about securing economy, providing jobs or providing medical care. The power to monitor and maintain economy (when it is within their power) belongs to Congress. They do this through taxation, borrowing money, and coining money.

I think President Bush knew this, so only did what he could to do his job. There are things that I may not like, and the ability to tap my phones without warrant is one, I still find that he was, overall, a very good president. I sit here today, having watched part of the inauguration speech and the subsequent luncheon and parade, reminiscing about the last eight years and wondering what will happen over the next four or eight. Things that cross my mind are the tax cuts he introduced into the House of Representatives. Cuts for corporations who used the new profits to provide raises and jobs. Cuts for higher income individuals who used the surplus to invest in those companies. Cuts for upper-middle income who used the money to buy luxury goods. I think about the legislation he introduced and supported that protects the lives of unborn babies. Legislation like Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. More in his field, President Bush also ensured America's protection from missile attack by backing out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and developing a missile defense system. He also ensured our judicial sovereignty by unsigning the International Criminal Court treaty.

He made mistakes, of course. He backed amnesty for illegal aliens and buckled when the public complained about the idea of sending National Guard to the borders. While it's intent is good, I fear that the PATRIOT Act can be used wrongly, and the bill could have been infused with more protection from misuse. He gave in to too many partisan demands, catering to Democratic officials without them returning the gesture. Then there is the well known "Mission Accomplished" sign on the aircraft carrier. The early strategy in Iraq was a failure, but he made up for it with the surge. That is really all I can find.

President Bush made a few mistakes but had far more successes as president. I hope that people will understand this and historians will record only the truth, not popular ideas. I hope truth and objectivity will outweigh popularity and political winds.

I thank you, President Bush, for doing what you could to ensure our countries safety and sovereignty and will miss your leadership and silent insight.