The expectations are high for President Barack Obama, but the legacy of former president George W. Bush is still in question for many Athens residents.
At least in the foreseeable future
(Bush's legacy) is going to be negative said Larry Payne, a Republican Athens County Commisioner. In the long term things may mellow out. If the two countries (Iraq and Afghanistan) turn out to be stable democracies
Bush's legacy will be more favorable.
There was a lot of positive and negative. He helped us through 9/11 but took it too far by going to Iraq
said Sean Kerr, a sophomore studying history.
Bush acknowledged the legitimate debate surrounding his decisions during his farewell address on Jan. 15.
I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right
he said.
However, there are Americans who remain unsatisfied with this explanation.
President Bush's legacy is going to be defined by the many mistakes that were made during his presidency
Liz Clark, the communication director for Ohio University College Democrats, wrote in an e-mail.
Throughout his term
President Bush has relied on misinformation and willingly ignored advice when making crucial decisions
Clark wrote. Furthermore
President Bush has had a misunderstanding of how his actions impact the country and its citizens.
The 2000 election was another point of contention for some.
The Supreme Court
not the people
