By Tiffany Teeguarden
Assistant Campus Editor
Publication Date: 01/21/09
Faced with challenges the moment he took office, President George W. Bush tackled many pertinent dilemmas.
Most often, citizens have focused on the negative aspects of Bush’s administration, but during his term he has accomplished many positive things.
Bert Rockman, a professor and head of the political science department, said even though he has made his mistakes, he has brought about some positive changes.
“He has made good steps with Medicare,” Rockman said. “He increased access for people who are drug dependent.”
When Medicare was initiated, it made tremendous strides in prescription medications and helped people with chronic ailments, he said.
Bush also addressed a major issue that is relevant to every citizen in America.
“He tried to do something with immigration,” Rockman said. “He confronted the fact that we are an immigrant country.”
President Bush also helped places outside of the United States.
“A major positive that can be attributed to his administration is it focused a lot on public health issues in Africa,” Rockman said. “As a whole, he has had a positive presence of U.S. government in Africa.”
Ross McMullin, the chair for Purdue’s College Republicans, wrote in an e-mail that President Bush faced historic problems from his very first day as president.
“One of President Bush’s strongest accomplishments was education reform,” McMullin said. “According to statistics, the No Child Left Behind Act has helped to close the gap for underprivileged students.”
Elaborating on his success in Africa, McMullin said his administration tripled relief in Africa while targeting malaria and AIDS in the region.
“The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief highlights monumental improvements in Africa-U.S. relations,” he said.
President Bush has had positive changes for the two terms he served in office.
“History will remember the President as a true leader who faced the toughest of challenges with integrity and compassion,” McMullin said.