George W. Bush: Difference between revisions

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	{{Infobox President
	\| name=George Walker Bush
	\| image=George-W-Bush.jpeg
	\| order=43rd ]
	\| term_start=], ]
	\| vicepresident=]
	\| predecessor=]
	\| birth_date=], ]
	\| birth_place=], ], ]
	\| party=]
	\| spouse=]
	}}
	'''George Walker Bush''' (born ], ]) is the 43rd and current ] and a former ]. He is currently in his second term as president, which runs until January 20, 2009.

	He is the son of the 41st president, ], brother of the current ], ], and grandson of former U.S. Senator ]. He is only the second president to be the son of a ]; the first was ].

	A member of the ], Bush was elected the 46th governor of Texas in 1994, then re-elected in ]. He won the nomination of the Republican Party for the ] and ultimately defeated ] ] ] in a close, disputed election which ended in a ] decision; '']''.<ref> - Tom Carver, ], ], ] </ref> In 2004, Bush was ], defeating ], the junior ] ] from ].

	==Life before presidency==

	]
	{{main articles\|] and ]}}

	Bush is the oldest son of former President ] and his wife ] ('']'' Pierce), born in ], ]. Bush's family has been in the country since the ] period, and he is a descendant of the ]. His family moved to ] when he was two years of age and he identifies himself as a ] Texan {{fact}} (which would be technically incorrect). He was raised in ], and ], ] with his siblings ], ], ], and ]. Another younger sister, ], died in ] at age three from ]. <ref> - ''Famous Texans'' </ref>

	Following family tradition, he attended prep school in New England, at ] in ], ], the same school his father attended. By his own admission, Bush was a C student. Nevertheless he followed in his father's footsteps and was accepted to ], where he received a ] degree in ] in 1968. As a senior, Bush was a member of the secretive ] society, as was his father. In May 1968, at the height of the ], he entered the ]. He trained in the guard for two years, where he was among the last to learn to fly the F-102, a plane not used in Vietnam and due to be retired. Bush was promoted to ] in November 1970 at the recommendation of his commander ] ]. He served as an ] pilot until 1972.

	In 1974, he obtained permission to end his six-year service obligation six months early in order to attend ], where he earned his ] (MBA) in 1975; he is the first U.S. president to hold an MBA. After graduation, Bush returned to Texas to enter the oil business. Two years later, he married ], a school ] originally from Midland, Texas. Their twin daughters ] and ] were born in 1981. Bush is the only U.S. president to father twins.

	Early in his professional life, Bush ran, or was a partner in a number of oil companies, including ], ], and the ] Corporation. Bush started his political career assisting his father's failed 1964 and 1970 campaigns for the U.S. Senate. He then served as political director for an ] senate campaign. In 1978, Bush ran unsuccessfully for the ]. After working on his father's winning ], Bush purchased a share in the ] ] franchise, in April 1989, where he served as managing general partner of the Rangers for five years. He was active in the team's media relations and in securing the construction of a new stadium, which opened in 1994 as The Ballpark in Arlington. Bush's prominent role with the Rangers gave him valuable goodwill and recognition throughout Texas.

	Among his family, he acquired the ] "'''W'''" (for his middle initial; later '''Dubya''', a literal spelling of a colloquial pronunciation of the letter), which later became a common public nickname, used both affectionately and pejoratively.

	===National Guard service===
	{{main\|George W. Bush military service}}
	]

	Bush joined the ] in ], ] and was sent to ] for training. There, he began a total of 80 weeks of training, including six weeks of basic training, 53 weeks of flight training, and 21 weeks of fighter-interceptor training.

	After training, he was assigned to duty in ], flying ] ]s out of ]. As he did, he accumulated points toward his National Guard service requirements. At the time, guardsmen were required to accumulate a minimum of 50 points to meet their yearly obligation, where a full day of training is worth two points. From May 1968 to May ], Bush accumulated 253 points, from 1969-], he accumulated 340, 137 from 1970-], 112 from 1971-], and 56 from 1972-] though he did not fly during that period<ref> - Byron York, '']'', ] ]</ref>.

	Bush received glowing evaluations from his squadron commander, ] ]. Killian said Bush was "an exceptionally fine young officer and pilot" who "performed in an outstanding manner<ref> - CBS News, '']'', ] ]</ref>." Bush was later honorably discharged in 1974, having fully completed his required time in service obligations. However, critics have argued that he used a considerable amount of drugs during this time, including cocaine and alcohol.

	Bush's military service record has been a frequent target of the media, especially during the ]. During the 2004 presidential campaign, various left leaning groups such as ] called adverse attention to Bush's military service history. Additionally, specific and harsh criticisms on this topic were made by such notable Democrats as then ] Chairman ]<ref> - Lois Romano, '']'', ] ]. </ref>.

	===Allegations of Alcohol and drug use===
	{{main\|George W. Bush substance abuse controversy}}
	On ], ], near his family's summer home in ], ], police arrested Bush for ] of ], having been drinking with former ] world number one ] player ] and his former advisor Raphael Rosenast. He pled guilty, was fined $150, and had his ] suspended for 30 days within ]. <ref name="CNNDUI">, ], ], ]</ref> <ref>'''' report</ref>
	News of the arrest was published five days before the 2000 presidential election. Bush has described his days before his religious conversion in his 40s as his "nomadic" period of "irresponsible youth" and admitted to drinking "too much" in those years. He says he changed to a sober lifestyle shortly after waking up with a ] after his 40th birthday celebration in ], attributing the change partly to a "seed" planted by ] ] in 1985.
	<ref>, ], ]-]</ref>

	Bush has stated that he hasn't used any illegal drugs since 1974. <ref>, ], ], ]</ref> In 1998, while being unwittingly by a now former friend, Bush explained his refusal to answer questions about whether he had used ] at some time in his past. “I wouldn’t answer the marijuana questions,” Bush said. “You know why? Because I don’t want some little kid doing what I tried.” When reminded that he had publicly denied using cocaine, Bush replied, "I haven't denied anything."

	In February 2004, Eric Boehlert in ] magazine claimed that Bush's cessation of flying in April, 1972 and his subsequent refusal to take a physical exam came at the same time the Air Force announced its Medical Service Drug Abuse Testing Program, which was officially launched April 21. Boehlert said "according to Maj. Jeff Washburn, the chief of the National Guard's substance abuse program, a random drug-testing program was born out of that regulation and administered to guardsmen such as Bush. The random tests were unrelated to the scheduled annual physical exams, such as the one that Bush failed to take in 1972, a failure that resulted in his grounding." Boehlert remarks that the drug testing took years to implement, but "as of April 1972, Air National guardsmen knew random drug testing was going to be implemented". <ref name=SalonNG>, ], ], ]</ref>

	===1978 Congressional candidacy in Texas===
	In 1978, Bush faced off against Democrat ] in Texas' 19th Congressional District. The 19th represented Midland and much of West Texas. Bush stressed his energy credentials and conservative values in the campaign. Hance was also a conservative, opposing gun control and excessive regulation. Bush made a series of gaffes that would ultimately lead to his defeat. While campaigning in a rural part of the 19th, he said, "Today is the first time I've been on a real farm." Kent Hance also successfully portrayed Bush as out of touch with rural Texans. A Hance radio ad highlighted the differences in the two candidates' educations:

	<blockquote>"In 1961, when Kent Hance graduated from Dimmitt High School in the 19th congressional district, his opponent George W. Bush was attending Andover Academy in Massachusetts. In 1965, when Kent Hance graduated from Texas Tech, his opponent was at Yale University. And while Kent Hance graduated from University of Texas Law School, his opponent -- get this, folks -- was attending Harvard." <ref></ref></blockquote>

	Bush went door to door and was an effective fundraiser, but lost by a slim 53-47 margin. Hance later became a Republican, and donated money to Bush's campaign for Governor of Texas in 1993 <ref name= NewsMine> , Associated Press, ] ].</ref>.

	===Governor of Texas===
	{{expand}}
	In 1993, Bush and his brother ] both decided to run for governor in ] and ], respectively. Although his brother was unsuccessful, George Bush ended up defeating popular incumbent ] on ], to become ]. That same year, he and his partners sold the ] with the governor realizing a profit of nearly $15 million<ref>, Robert Bryce, ], May/June 2004.</ref>. In 1998 Bush went on to win re-election in a ] with nearly 69% of the vote, becoming the first Texas governor to be elected for two consecutive four-year terms (before 1975, the gubernatorial term of office was two years)<ref>, ], ], ]</ref>. During Bush's governorship, he undertook significant legislative changes in ], ] law, and school financing.
	{{section-stub}}

	==Personal beliefs and political ideology==
	===Religious===
	A 1985 meeting with ] ] ultimately led Bush to devote himself to a more serious practice of ] <ref> - Alan Cooperman, '']'', ], ] </ref>, giving up such extras as alcohol, and beginning a pivotal phase in his life and career. During this period, he left the Bush family's ] faith to join his wife's ].

	Bush attends services at St. John's Episcopal Church <ref> (Episcopal)</ref> on a semi-regular basis. This is apparently a matter of convenience for chief executives, as the church is situated immediately across from the White House, off Lafayette square. Every president since Madison has attended services there. <ref></ref>

	In the televised Republican presidential debate held in ], ] on ] ], all of the participating candidates were asked: ''"What political ] or thinker do you most identify with and why?"'' Unlike the other candidates, who cited former presidents and other political figures, Bush responded "], because he changed my heart." His decision to name a religious figure generated some criticism, even among some ] such as ] <ref> of ] on ] with hosts ] and ], ], ]</ref> and ].

	During his Presidency, Bush has also hosted celebrations at the ] for non-Christian holidays such as ] <ref></ref>. He also took a stand to retain the White House's main "Christmas Tree."

	Bush's appeal to religious values is believed to have aided his election, as those who said they "attend church weekly" gave him 56% of their vote in 2000 and 63% of their vote in 2004.<ref>The Gallup Organization, "How Americans Voted," 5 November 2004</ref>

	===Political ===
	] ], President Bush, and former ]i Prime Minister ] after reading a statement to the press during the closing moments of the Red Sea Summit in ], ], on ] ]]]

	During the 2000 election campaign Bush started to use the phrase ] to describe his beliefs. Some conservatives have questioned Bush's commitment to traditional conservative ideals because of his willingness to incur large ]s by permitting substantial spending increases. Democrats and liberals have claimed that the prefixing of the word "conservative" with the adjective "compassionate" was less a new ideology and more a way of making conservatism seem palatable to independent and swing voters. In his 2005 ] he outlined his vision of ] and plan for democracy promotion. <ref> - released by the ], September 2002</ref>

	An important element of Bush's presidency is its emphasis on the importance of executive powers and privileges. According to Bush and his supporters, the War on Terrorism requires a very strong executive with the ability to take various kinds of otherwise illegal covert actions against terrorists. For example, Bush repeatedly argued that the limits imposed by the ] over-restrict its ability to monitor terrorists electronically, and has pushed for statutory exemptions to those restrictions, including certain parts of the ]. The Bush administration threatened to veto two defense bills that included amendments by Senator ] that would limit the ability of the executive to authorize ]; Bush and his supporters argued that harsh treatment of detainees believed to be terrorists can be necessary to obtain information that would prevent terrorist attacks. <ref> - Charles Krauthammer, '']'', ], ]</ref> Administration lawyers like ] have argued that the president has inherent authority to wage war as he sees fit, regardless of laws and treaties that may restrict that power. <ref> - ] ]</ref> Bush's ] appointee, ], considers the executive's power to be quite broad as well; in his decision in '']'', he wrote that Common Article III of the ] did not apply to people detained in the War on Terrorism, thus authorizing secret military tribunals for suspected terrorists if Bush chose to use them. The administration has classified previously public information about the executive and written ]s to block ] requests and to keep old documents classified beyond their normal expiration date. <ref> - John Prados, '']'', ], ]</ref> Bush's critics argue that executive power that is not reviewable risks abuse for political purposes, undermines civil liberties <ref> - editorial, '']'', ], ] </ref> and that they are anti-democratic, immoral, and likely to cause resentment, as in the world's response to ]. <ref> - Andrew Sullivan, '']'', ], ]</ref> Bush's supporters respond that broad powers in the War on Terrorism are necessary to prevent major attacks against the United States <ref> - Mark Riebling, '']'' OpinionJournal, ], ]</ref> and that the president has not abused these powers. <ref> - Brendan Miniter, '']'' OpinionJournal, ], ]</ref>

	==Presidential campaigns==
	===2000 campaign===
	{{main\|U.S. presidential election, 2000}}
	For Bush, 2000 seemed the right time to run for president. He had more than enough money, and the Republicans lacked any single strong candidate. Before Bush had even committed to the race, he was the clear favorite in the polls, and contributions abounded from political donors. Bush declared himself a "]", a term coined by ] professor ], and his ] promised to "restore honor and dignity to the White House." Bush proposed lowering taxes in response to a projected surplus, supported participation of ] ] in federally funded programs, and promoted ], ] in the ], a balanced ], and structural changes to the ]. Bush's ] campaign platform supported a stronger economic and political relationship with ], especially ], and reduced involvement in "]" and other minor military engagements indirectly related to U.S. interests.

	]

	Bush lost the ] to ] ] of ], but rebounded to capture 9 of 13 ] states, effectively clinching the nomination. Bush then chose ], a former ] and ] for Bush's father, as his ] in July of 2000.

	On ] ] (Election Day), television networks initially called the state of ] for his opponent, ] ], then withdrew that projection and later called the state for Bush along with the entire election, and finally declared that it was too close to call. Sometime after the networks reported that Bush had won Florida, Gore conceded the election and then rescinded that concession less than one hour later. Though Bush had 47.9% of the ] and Gore had 48.4%, the ] were less clear.

	The ] vote count, which favored Bush in preliminary tallies, was contested over allegations of irregularities in the voting and tabulation processes. Allegations included confusing ballots, ], defective voting machines, faulty ]s from the military, and the illegal barring of some voters. Because of Florida state law, a state-wide machine recount was triggered and completed. Although it narrowed the gap, the recount still left Bush in the lead. Eventually, four counties in Florida which had large numbers of presidential undervotes began a manual hand recount of ballots. A legal battle ensued between the Bush and Gore campaigns over these recounts. On ], the Florida Supreme Court ruled that every county with a large number of undervotes would perform a hand recount. On ], in the '']'' Supreme Court case, the Court stopped the statewide hand recount and upheld the machine recount due to time constraints. The machine recount showed that Bush had won the Florida vote, giving him 271 ] to Gore's 266; Bush carried 30 of the 50 states. Several months later, a group of newspapers commissioned a study of what would have happened had the hand recount continued. The researchers conducting the study concluded that, under the standard for assessing ballots in use during the actual count, Bush still would have won. However, other possible counting methods would have given the victory to Bush in four cases and Gore in four others. However, most of the methods that would have given victory to Gore relied on counting overvotes -- which is against election law, as it takes a ballot with two votes on it and assigns it arbitrarily to one candidate. <ref> - '']'', ], ] </ref> <ref> - ], 2001</ref> <ref> - '']'', ], ]</ref>. Since the Supreme Court did not allow the recount to continue, no one knows what standard might have been prescribed by it, or by a lower court at its direction, had the recount been reinstated. In the final official count, Bush had won Florida by only 537 votes (2,912,790 for Bush to 2,912,253 for Gore to 97,488 for Nader) <ref> - ], report on ], ] elections </ref> earning the needed 25 electoral votes and the presidency. Bush was inaugurated ] ].

	Not since the ] had a winner failed to receive a plurality of the ]. It was the first since the ] in which the ] affected the decision.

	===2004 campaign===
	]
	{{main\|2004 Presidential Election}}

	In the ], Bush was able to win re-election against ], the ] candidate and Senator from ]. Despite Kerry's Navy ] service in Vietnam, polls showed that Bush had convinced the voters he and his administration would be better able to protect the nation from another terrorist attack. Bush carried 31 of 50 states for 286 ] votes and collected the most popular votes ever (62,040,610 votes/50.7%), thanks to the highest voter turnout since 1968. This was the first time since 1988 that a president had received a popular majority. However, Bush's victory margin, in terms of absolute number of popular votes, was the smallest of any sitting president since Harry S. Truman in 1948 and, percentage-wise, the closest popular margin of victory ever for a sitting president.

	Senator ] carried 19 states and the ], earning him 251 Electoral College votes (59,028,111 votes/48.3%). A ], pledged to Kerry, voted for Democratic vice presidential running mate, ], giving him one ] vote. No other candidate won College votes. Notable third-party candidates included Independent ] (463,653 votes / 0.4%), and Libertarian ] (397,265 votes/0.3%). Congress debated potential election irregularities, including allegations of ] in ] and electronic voting machine fraud. A Congressional challenge to the Ohio election was rejected by a vote of 1-74 by the ] and 31-267 in the ].

	Bush was ] for his second term on ] ]. The ] was administered by ] ]. Bush's inaugural address centered mainly on a theme of spreading ] and ] around the world.

	==Presidency==
	===First term===
	{{main article\|George W. Bush's first term as President of the United States}}
	His most controversial appointment was ] as Attorney General. Democrats vigorously opposed Ashcroft, citing ] positions on issues, such as ] and ], though he was eventually confirmed. On his first day in office, Bush moved to block federal aid to foreign groups that offered counseling or any other assistance to women in obtaining abortions. <ref> - ] memorandum, from Bush to "administrator of the United States Agency for International Development", ], ]</ref> Days later, he announced his commitment to channeling more federal aid to faith-based service organizations that critics feared would dissolve the traditional ]. <ref> - Thomas E. Buckley, '']'', ], ] </ref> <ref> - ], ], ], ] </ref>

	Republicans lost control of the ] in June, when ]'s ] quit the Republican party to become an ], but not before five Senate Democrats crossed party lines to approve Bush's $1.35 trillion <ref> from ]'s InsidePolitics archives</ref> tax cut. Less than three months later, however, the administration released budget projections that showed the projected ] decreasing to nothing over the years to come. {{fact}}

	===Second term===
	{{main article\|George W. Bush's second term as President of the United States}}
	President Bush's second term has been characterized by misfortune both political and natural. Following his fifth ], the president pushed for ] reform, a measure which was initially supported by the president's party but was unable to pass the congress after bipartisan opposition arose. During a visit to the ] on ], ] there was an attempt to assassinate Bush by ], whose grenade failed to detonate. This information was initially stifled by Georgian authorities. Ramifications of special prosecutor ]'s investigation into the ] leak case caused loss of public faith in the ] <ref>, Gary Langer, ], ], ]</ref>, and preempted the resignation of high level White House staff. The federal response to ] and question of cronyism in August 2005 proved to be difficult for the president. ]'s resignation and the death of Chief Justice ] allowed for the nomination and appointment of two new justices. President Bush initially nominated ] to replace Justice O'Connor, but on the death of Justice Rehnquist asked the Senate to confirm Roberts as Chief Justice. ] was the president's second choice to fill the vacancy of Justice O'Connor, but after the withdrawal of Miers nomination decided upon ], who was successfully appointed to the ]. Currently a debate on the legality of President Bush's domestic surveillance program has led to public debate on the limits of ] and some fractions within his own party. {{fact}}

	===Administration===
	{{main\|George W. Bush administration}}
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	Bush places a high value on personal ] and, as a result, his administration has high ]. Critics allege that Bush is willing to overlook mistakes and that he has also surrounded himself with "]".

	Bush's presidency has been characterized by a vigorous defense of executive privilege. Some commentators have claimed that deference to executive privilege was one of the principal considerations Bush's administration considered when he proposed his three nominations for the Supreme Court, and appointed ] to the ].

	Bush has performed many of his presidential duties from his ranch in ], Texas, dubbed "the Western White House". As of ] ], Bush had visited the ranch 49 times during his time as president, accruing 319 days away from the White House and nearly reaching Reagan's eight-year record of 335 days in 5.5 years. The administration has supported this policy as helping the president get a different perspective from ] and that he is still working (the administration noted that Bush's longest visit to Crawford, in August 2005, included only one week of actual respite in the five-week visit.)

	===Foreign policy===
	{{main\|Foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration}}
	His foreign policy includes such events as the plans to create a missile defense system and rejection of the ]. Days after taking office, Bush stated "I am going to go forward with... ] system." <ref> - ] press release, ], ]</ref> To accomplish this deployment, Bush announced on ] ] his desire to withdraw from the 1972 ] and deploy a missile defense system with the ability to shield against a limited attack by a ]. <ref> - speech by Bush at ], ], ], ]</ref> The ] criticized this policy change, citing doubts about the system's effectiveness. <ref> - ], Panel on Public Affairs, ], ] </ref> Bush argued this was justified as the treaty's ] benefits were no longer relevant. The official notification of withdrawal from the treaty was announced on ] ], citing the need to protect against terrorism. While there is past precedent for a president to cancel a treaty, most past cases have involved Congressional authorization. <ref> - FindLaw, accessed ], ] </ref>
	Terrorism was Bush's main topic at the ] in ], calling for restructuring the organization from a Cold War focus and prepare it for new threats.
	During his first presidential visit to ] in June 2001, European leaders criticized of Bush for rejecting of the ]. In 2002, Bush rejected the ] as harmful to ] in the United States, stating: "My approach recognizes that economic growth is the solution, not the problem." <ref> - ] press release, ], ]</ref>
	The administration also disputed the scientific basis of the treaty. <ref> - ] press release, ], ]</ref> In November 2004, ] ratified the treaty, meeting the quota of nations required to enforce it without ratification by the United States.
	] and Canada's Prime Minister ] stand in front of the Chichen-Itza Archaeological Ruins Thursday, March 30, 2006.]]

	While continuing American policy of support for Israel, he also endorsed the creation of a democratic ] state.

	International leaders also criticized Bush for withdrawing support for the ] soon after he assumed the presidency. The administration voiced concern that the court could conceivably co-opt the authority of the United States' judicial system. This action provoked outrage among some human rights' groups, as the previous administration had pledged US support of the ICC. The Bush administration's position led to Congress' ratification of the ], a law intended to insulate US nationals from potential indictment by the ICC.

	Probably his most significant foreign policy action was, however, the launch of the ]. However, there is some question as to whether the stepped-up policing and surveillance constitutes an actual war in the legal sense, and if so, the extent to which such action requires the war powers of the ].

	Commentators such as the previous administration's last ] ] have been quite critical of Bush's foreign policy<ref name=LATimes>, ], ], ] ].</ref>.

	=== ism===
	] in ], September 14, 2001: "I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."]]

	On ], ], ] were carried out by a ] organization known as ], which is led by ]. Bin Laden had issued a ] against the ] in ]. Approximately 3000 people died as a result of these attacks, most of them civilians, in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

	{{further\|]}}

	====Afghanistan====
	In response to these attacks, on ] ], the United States, with international support, ] against the ] ] regime that was harboring bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. The regime was quickly defeated by Northern Alliance rebels with the assistance of U.S. air support. Subsequent nation-building efforts with the ] and Afghan president ] have had generally positive results for a nation that is divided among many ethnic factions. Since the removal of the Taliban, U.S. and allied forces have been combating remaining Taliban insurgents and destroying Al-Qaeda infrastructure, with the effect of significantly reducing the Taliban threat to the new Afghan government. However, bin Laden has thus far eluded capture. ] were held on ] ]. International observers called the elections "fairly democratic" at the "overall majority" of polling centers, but 15 of the 18 presidential candidates nevertheless threatened to withdraw, alleging flawed registration and validation <ref name=AfghanElections> - ], ] ].</ref>.

	In March of 2006, Bush called on the Afghan government to prevent the execution of ], who faced the ] for having converted to Christianity<ref name=CNNAfghanistan> , ], ] ].</ref> <ref name=ReutersIndia>, Tom Heneghan, ] ].</ref>.

	{{further\|]}}

	====Iraq====
	Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, the Bush administration also promoted urgent action in Iraq, stating that Iraqi President ] possessed ] (WMD), and that in the post 9-11 world it was too dangerous to allow unstable regimes to possess weapons that could "potentially fall into the hands of terrorists." Saddam, for his part, claimed to have destroyed all the chemical and biological weapons he had before 1991. The precise extent of Saddam's actual possession of weapons soon became a topic of great debate. While many western governments assumed that Saddam did indeed possess such weapons, the theory that Saddam ''had'' in fact destroyed his WMD capability as he claimed was supported by individuals such as former weapons inspector Scott Ritter <ref> - ], interview by Massimo Calabresi, ], ], ] </ref> and the UN's chief weapons inspector ], the latter after the invasion had already concluded. <ref> - ], ], ] </ref> Bush also argued that Saddam was a threat to U.S. security, destabilized the ], inflamed the ], and financed ]. ] reports asserted that Saddam Hussein had tried to acquire ], had not properly accounted for Iraqi ] and ] material in violation of ], and that some Iraqi missiles had a range greater than allowed by the UN sanctions. It had been, since 1998, U.S. policy for the president to support efforts to remove Saddam Hussein from power by a law (the ]) passed by the ] and the ] and later signed by ]. <ref> - ], October 2002</ref> <ref> - ], ], ] </ref>

	] in 2003 under a banner reading "Mission Accomplished"]]

	Asserting that Saddam Hussein was both a potential terrorist threat and an obstacle to peace, Bush urged the ] to enforce Iraqi ] mandates, precipitating a ]. On ] ], under ], Hans Blix and ] led UN weapons inspectors in Iraq. Lapses in Iraqi cooperation triggered intense debate over the efficacy of inspections. UN inspection teams departed Iraq upon U.S. advisement given four days prior to full-scale hostilities. <ref> - ], ], ] </ref>

	] ] urged his colleagues in the Bush administration to avoid a war without clear UN approval. The Bush administration initially sought a ] resolution authorizing the military force pursuant to of the ] but, facing vigorous opposition from several nations, (primarily France and Germany), dropped the bid for UN approval and, with over 20 other nations (including the United Kingdom) designated the "]", prepared for war. <ref> - Steve Schifferes, ], ], ]</ref>

	] off the coast of ], ], where he delivers his speech to declare the end of major combat operations in Iraq, ] ].]]
	{{further\|]}}

	Military hostilities commenced on ] ] to pre-empt Iraqi WMD deployment and remove Saddam from power. Because of its controversial nature within the international community, ] ] and other world leaders questioned the war's legality. Bush declared, "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended" <ref>{{cite press release\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/05/20030501-15.html\|publisher=]\|date=], ]\|title=President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended}}</ref>, under a "Mission Accomplished" banner <ref> - Dana Bash, ], ], ] </ref> on ] ]. U.S. deployment and casualties have continued through early 2006 despite the capture of Saddam, because of ongoing Iraqi ].

	On ] ], the U.S. ] Final Report concluded, "ISG has not found evidence that Saddam Husayn (sic) possessed WMD stocks in 2003, but the available evidence from its investigation — including detainee interviews and document exploitation — leaves open the possibility that some weapons existed in Iraq although not of a militarily significant capability." <ref> - ] </ref> The ] report concluded that Saddam's government was actively attempting to acquire technology that would allow Iraq to produce WMD as soon as U.N. sanctions were lifted. <ref> - ]</ref> The Commission found no credible evidence that Saddam Hussein possessed stockpiles of WMD. In addition, the 9/11 commission found that there were contacts between Iraq and al-Qaeda in 1996. They also found "no collaborative relationship" emerged in regards to the attacks on 9/11. <ref> - Walter Pincus and Dana Milbank, '']'', ], ]</ref> On
	], ], while discussing the WMD issue, Bush stated that "It is true that much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong." <ref> - '']'', ], ]</ref> Documents seized in Iraq known as the ] are in the process of being released to the public. Some supporters of Bush speculate that the documents might contain evidence that ] had an operational relationship with ].

	However, after the invasion, al-Qaeda has used the war to great effect in its campaign. It is speculated that it is the organization which launched a coordinated string of ] in ], ]. Three days later, a new Spanish government was elected which soon thereafter withdrew all Spanish forces from Iraq. <ref> - ], ], ]</ref> ] also openly announced that al-Qaeda will attack any country which supports the war in Iraq. <ref>, ], ]</ref>

	{{further\|], ] and ]}}

	====Immigration====
	Bush proposed an ] bill that would have greatly expanded the use of ] ]. His proposal would match ] with ]s for a period up to six years; however, workers would not be eligible for permanent residency ("green cards") or citizenship. The bill is opposed by some Democratic Senators, including ] and ], as well as by conservative House members like ]. {{fact}}

	Bush has also publicly stated he would like to tighten security at the ]-] border, which includes speeding up the ], building more ] to hold ], and installing more equipment and immigration officers at the border. He does agree with "increasing the number of annual green cards that can lead to citizenship" but does not support giving amnesty to those who are already in the country illegally, saying that it would only serve as incentive for increased illegal immigration. <ref> - ], ], ]</ref>

	====HIV/AIDS====
	In the ] message in January, 2003, Bush outlined a five-year strategy for global emergency ] relief, the ]. Bush requested $15 billion for this effort, and Congress supported the president's proposal. The emergency relief effort is led by U.S. Ambassador ], the Global AIDS Coordinator at the ]. $9 billion is allocated for new programs in AIDS relief for 15 countries most affected by HIV/AIDS. Another $5 billion will go to continuing support of AIDS relief in 100 countries where the U.S. already has bilateral programs established. An additional $1 billion will go to support the ]. Almost one quarter of the $15 billion has gone to religious groups that tend to emphasize abstinence over condom use.<ref> - Associated Press, ], ], ]</ref> This budget represents more money contributed to fight AIDS globally than all other donor countries combined. His promise of $15 billion (over 5 years) to ] for AIDS relief has been funded by Congress.

	====Trade====
	Bush's imposition of a ] and ] was controversial in light of his advocacy of ] ] in other areas, and attracted criticism both from his fellow ] and from nations affected. The steel tariff was later rescinded under pressure from the ], although the lumber dispute is ongoing. {{fact}}

	====Development assistance====
	The U.S. State Department and ] (USAID) published a strategic plan for the 2004-2009 period. The principal aims are established in President Bush's ''National Security Strategy'': ], development and defense. President Bush's new policy would increase assistance by 50% for countries that take responsibility for their own development "by ruling justly, investing wisely in their people, and encouraging economic freedom." Development assistance must also be aligned with ] which means the USAID would support those "countries that are committed to democratic governance, open economies, and wise investment in their people’s education, health, and potential." <ref> of ], accessed ], ]</ref>

	===Domestic policy===
	{{main\|Domestic policy of George W. Bush}}

	====Economy and taxes====
	During his first term, Bush sought and obtained Congressional approval for three major tax cuts in ], ], and ]. These cuts reduced taxes for almost every taxpayer, including reducing the lowest tax bracket, increasing the child tax credit, and eliminating the so-called "marriage penalty". However, cuts were distributed disproportionately to higher income taxpayers (through a decrease in marginal rates) and complexity was increased with new categories of income taxed at different rates and new deductions and credits. At the same time, the number of individuals subject to the ] increased since the AMT remained unchanged.

	Federal spending in constant dollars increased under Bush by 26% in his first four and one-half years. The tax cuts, a recession, and significant increases in military and domestic outlays all contributed to record budget deficits during the Bush administration. As a percentage of ], however, the deficits are lower than those experienced during the ].{{fact}}

	] under Bush has remained near historic lows at about 2-3% per year, where it has been since the 1990s.

	Private employment (seasonally adjusted) originally decreased under Bush from 111,680,000 in December 2000 to 108,250,000 in mid-2003. The economy then added private jobs for 25 consecutive months from (July 2003 to August 2005), and the private employment seasonally adjusted numbers increased as of June 2005 when it reached 111,828,000. Considering population growth, that still represents a 4.6% decrease in employment since Bush took office.

	In January 2006, the government reported that first-time jobless claims fell to their lowest level in more than five years to 291,000, a sign that the national labor market continues to shake off the effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

	Under Bush, the seasonally adjusted Unemployment Rate based on the Household Survey started at 4.7% in January 2001, peaked at 6.2% in June 2003, and retreated to 4.8% in February 2006. <ref> - ], accessed ], ]</ref>

	Most recently, in the fourth quarter of 2005, the economy under Bush grew at a 1.1% pace, the worst showing in more than three years. <ref> - Glenn Somerville, ], ], ]</ref> Just prior to that in the third quarter, pace of growth was 4.3%, the best showing in more than a year.

	====Health, medicine, and Social Security====
	Bush signed the ], which added prescription drug coverage to Medicare (United States), subsidized pharmaceutical corporations, and prohibited the Federal government from negotiating discounts with drug companies. Bush said the law, estimated to cost 400,000,000,000 (USD) over the first 10 years, would give the elderly "better choices and more control over their health care" <ref> - ] transcript/press release, ], ]</ref>. Bush signed the ] in 2003, having declared his aim to "promote a culture of life" <ref> - Richard W. Stevenson, '']'', ], ]</ref>. The law has not yet been enforced, having been ruled unconstitutional by three District Courts. It is pending ] review. According to statistician Glen Stassen, an ethics professor at ], abortion has risen in the U.S. during Bush's presidency, reversing a decade-long trend. <ref> - ], ], ]</ref>.

	Bush called for major changes in ], identifying the system's projected insolvency as a priority early in his second term. President Bush emphasized his proposal for personalized accounts would allow individual workers to invest a portion of their Social Security Tax (FICA) into secured investments. The main advantage of personal accounts within Social Security is that it permits workers to own the money they save against the cost of retirement such that cannot be taken away from them by fiat or political whim. The rationale for such accounts is that individuals would theoretically seek better value for their "own" money than if costs were covered by employer-funded insurance or by federal programs. Additionally, consumer choice would use the market to drive efficiencies in the behaviors of providers.

	Bush opposes any new embryonic ], and has limited federal funding for research to studies that use embryonic stem cell lines that were in existence on ], ] (the day of the announcement). There was a controversy as to implication of the restriction. Initially Bush and his supporters claimed around 70 lines existed on that day. The number of viable lines has since been determined to be around 20. In January of 2005 it was determined that all embryonic stem cell lines approved for use in research were contaminated by mouse virus particles derived from the substrates on which the cells were cultured and were consequently probably unusable in therapies for human patients. Adult stem cell funding has not been restricted, and is supported by President Bush as an alternate means of research.

	====Education====
	In January of 2002, Bush signed the ], with Democratic Senator ] as chief sponsor, which aims to close the achievement gap, measures ] performance, provides options to parents with students in low-performing schools, and targets more federal funding to low-income ]. Critics say schools were not given the resources to help meet new standards, although their argument is based on premise that authorization levels are spending promises instead of spending caps. {{fact}}

	====Energy and the environment====
	Bush's environmental record has been attacked by most ]s, who charge that his policies cater to industry demands to weaken environmental protections.

	Bush signed the Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002, authorizing the federal government to begin cleaning up ] and contaminated sediment in the ], as well as the Brownfields Legislation in 2002, accelerating the cleanup of abandoned industrial or ] sites.

	In December 2003, Bush signed legislation implementing key provisions of his ]; environmental groups have charged that the plan is simply a giveaway to ] companies.{{fact}} Another subject of controversy is Bush's ], which seeks to reduce ] through expansion of ].

	Partially due to gas price hikes, Bush proposed tapping the ] reserves in the ].

	Bush has opposed the ] which was designed to reduce man-made contributions to ], saying it would harm the U.S. economy. In 1997, the U.S. Senate voted with full bipartisan support (95-0) on a resolution (Byrd-Hagel) recommending that the U.S. not become a signatory. The United States has signed the ], a pact that allows signatory countries to set goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions individually, but with no enforcement mechanism. In January 2006, six former EPA directors, five of them Republican, warned of the consequence of continued inaction on global warming.<ref name="epaDirectors">{{
	cite news
	\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10913795/from/RSS/
	\|Publisher=MSNBC
	\|title=Ex-heads of EPA blast Bush on global warming
	\|date=January 19, 2006
	}}</ref>

	], in '']'', states that Bush "avidly read ]'s 2004 novel '']'', whose villain falsifies scientific studies to justify draconian steps to curb global warming....Early in 2005, political adviser ] arranged for Crichton to meet with Bush at the White House. They talked for an hour and were in near-total agreement. The visit was not made public for fear of outraging environmentalists all the more."

	====Science====
	On ] ], Bush signed into law H. R. 4664, far-reaching legislation to put the ] on a track to double its budget over five years and to create new ] and ] ] initiatives at both the pre-college and ] level.

	On ] ], Bush announced a major re-direction for the ]{{fact}}. Known as the ], it calls for the completion of the ] by 2010 and the retirement of the ] while developing a new ] called the ] under the title ]. The CEV would be used to return American ] to the ] by 2018.

	On ], ], the radical left<ref name=CRC>Capital Research Center. .</ref> liberal activist group, the ] (UCS), released a report by 62 prominent scientists alleging that "the current Bush administration has suppressed or distorted the scientific analyses of federal agencies to bring these results in line with administration policy"<ref name=UCSUSA>, ], ].</ref>. President Bush's science adviser, Dr. ], a Democrat, said he was disappointed in the report, and called it biased<ref name=WiredScience> , Kristen Philipkoski, Wired News, ] ].</ref>. Since that time, more than 8,000 signatures have been added to the UCS report, which includes 49 ], 63 recipients of the ], and 171 members of the ]<ref name=UCSUSAList>, ], ].</ref>.

	On ] ], Bush took a stance favoring the teaching of ] alongside ] in science classes, saying, "I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought, and I'm not suggesting — you're asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, and the answer is yes."<ref name=BostonGlobeEducation> , Boston Globe, August 2, 2005</ref> The ] had previously ] that the teaching of ] in public schools was unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the ].<ref name=EdwardsVsAguillard> ], Edwards v. Aguillard</ref>

	====Other issues====
	Bush has signed legislation supporting faith-based initiatives, and created the ] to assist such organizations.

	Bush opposes same-sex marriage but supports allowing states to provide ].<ref> - United Press International, '']'', ], ]</ref> He endorsed the ] to the ] which would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Bush is the first Republican president to appoint an openly ] man (], assistant secretary at the ]) to his administration<ref name=GayAppointee> - Sarah Wildman, '']'', ], ]</ref>.

	In regards to what is commonly called ], Bush does not support enforced quotas, but has asked the public and private sector to reach out to minorities. He has drawn criticism from some minority groups on his policies. In total, Bush has appointed more women and minorities to high-level positions within his administration than any other U.S. president.

	Bush is a strong supporter of ]. During his tenure as Governor of Texas, 152 people were ], maintaining its record as the leading state in ]s. As President of the United States, he has continued in his support for capital punishment.

	The Bush administration has threatened ] of legislation on several occasions, usually resulting in a compromise report from ]. However, Bush has never yet vetoed a bill. If this continues, he will become the eighth president to serve without ever vetoing, and the first since ] in 1881.{{fact}}

	===Public perception and assessments===
	{{main\|Public perception and assessments of George W. Bush}}
	Bush has drawn both supportive praise and harsh criticism. His supporters believe he has done well with the ] and homeland security, and shown exemplary leadership after the ] attacks. His opponents have disagreed on those very subjects and have also criticized the passage of the ], the ], and the ].

	The magazine '']'' named Bush as its ] for 2000 and for 2004.

	] attacks, and the beginning of the ].]]{{fact}}

	In the time of national crisis following the ] attacks, Bush enjoyed approval ratings of greater than 85%. Since then, his approval ratings and approval of handling of domestic, economic, and foreign policy issues have steadily dropped for many reasons. Polls conducted in early 2006 showed an average of around 40% for Bush, up slightly from the following September, but still low from a president coming off of his ], which generally provides a boost. Of 12 polls conducted in April, 2006, the ] approval rating was 36% <ref> - PollingReport.com, accessed ] ]</ref>.

	Along with the criticism on issues of foreign policy, President Bush has also taken criticism for his domestic policies, such as his administration's response to ], which many considered slow, or his involvement in the ] controversy, for which he was harshly criticized by both the left and right for the perceived intrusiveness by the federal government in state matters, and for allegedly exploiting an emotional drama. {{fact}} Bush has also been criticized for his handling of the leak of the name of ] operative ] from a source within his administration itself after promising to fire anyone who leaked the name, and then promising to fire such a person if they are convicted of a crime, which some considered a back-pedal<ref name="plame">{{
	cite news
	\|url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/07/18/cia.leak/
	\|Publisher=CNN
	\|title=Bush appears to shift course on CIA leak
	\|date=July 19, 2005
	}}</ref>. ] has since provided sworn testimony in court that Bush authorized the Vice President's Office to leak the name. <ref name=BBCLibby>, ], ] ]</ref>

	As of late 2005 and early 2006, considerable criticism has focused on points such as the ] controversy and the ] of communications.{{fact}}

	===Calls for impeachment===

	:''Main article: ]''

	A poll commissioned by and performed by ], was released in January 2006 showing that a majority of United States of America citizens (52% to 43%) believe Congress should consider ] the president if it is shown that he wiretapped US citizens without approval from the judiciary.<ref name=Zogby>, Zogby International, ] ]</ref>

	In 2005 and 2006 there have been several calls for impeachment from Democratic party politicians ] (D-MI) and ], as well as actor/activist ] <ref name=CNSNews> - Randy Hall, ], ], ]</ref>. Also calling for Bush's impeachment is convicted ] ] and former ] official ].

	In March 2006, ] published an article by ] entitled "''The Case For Impeachment: Why We Can No Longer Afford George W. Bush''". The cover page reads: "IMPEACH HIM: Lewis H. Lapham on the High Crimes of George W. Bush" and the article's inside lead is titled "Is There A Case For Impeachment." {{fact}}

	Since 1797, the House of Representatives has impeached only sixteen Federal officials. Of those, seven were also convicted by the Senate. Both impeached presidents, ] and ], were acquitted<ref name=InfoPlease> - Borgna Brunner, ], accessed ], ]</ref>. There are no hearings scheduled to consider a bill of impeachment, nor are there any known plans by the leadership of the House of Representatives to schedule such hearings.

	Additionally, a recent case regarding former presidential advisor ] could also lead to impeachment.

	Illinois has recently (edition date: Sunday, April 23, 2006) created a resolution to impeach Bush. It is unclear how far this bill will go. The State of Illinois, a largely Democratic state, may attempt to use a little known rule that a state can motion for an impeachment. California has joined in too. However, there appears to be no means whereby a state legislature can compel the House of Representatives to act on such a resolution. .

	===Measure to censure===
	On March 13, 2006, Senator ] (D-WI) introduced a ] measure in the Senate to condemn President Bush. The proposed censure is a reprimand of Bush's ] which was authorized in secret<ref name=Chron.com> - ], ] ]</ref>. Senate Minority Leader ] declined to support the measure, as did other Senate Democrats, including ] and ], and it was ultimately referred to a Senate Committee. This measure has met with derision from both the left and the right, with Republican Senate Majority Leader ]—who offered to hold an immediate debate and vote—responding to the censure measure by saying that it would undermine America's efforts to fight terror<ref name=YahooCensure> - Laurie Kellman, ], ] ]</ref>.
	On the March 12 episode of '']'' Frist stated that, as he feels the Republican party is fighting the people who are sworn to destroy Western civilization and American families, a Senator attacking the president doesn't make sense<ref name=CrooksAndLiars>, accessed ] ]</ref>.

	==Supreme Court nominations / appointments ==

	Bush nominated the following individuals to sit on the ]:
	*]
	** Associate Justice. Nominated ]; nomination withdrawn in order to nominate him to Chief Justice on ].
	** Chief Justice. Nominated ]; confirmed by the Senate on ].
	*] — Associate Justice. Nominated ]; nomination withdrawn in accordance with Miers' request on ].
	*] — Associate Justice. Nominated ]; confirmed by the Senate on ].

	==Major legislation signed==
	{{col-begin}}
	{{col-2}}
	;2001
	:*]: ]
	:*]: Authorization for Use of Military Force
	:*]: United States-Jordan Free Trade Area Implementation Act
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	{{col-2}}
	;2002
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	:*]: Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	{{col-end}}
	{{col-begin}}
	{{col-2}}
	;2003
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ] (Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today Act) (see also ])
	:*]: United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003
	:*]: ]
	:*]: United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
	:*]: United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ] (CAN-SPAM)
	{{col-2}}
	;2004
	:*]: ] (Laci and Conner's Law)
	;2005
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ] Implementation Act
	:*]: ]
	:*]: ] (SAFETEA)
	:*]: ]
	;2006
	:*]: ]
	{{col-end}}

	{{War on Terrorism}}

	==See also==
	{{see\|:Category:George W. Bush}}
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	==References==
	<div style="font-size: 85%">
	<references/>
	</div>

	==Further Information==
	===Academic===
	* Colin Campbell and Bert A. Rockman, eds. ''The George W. Bush Presidency: Appraisals and Prospects.'' Congressional Quarterly Press, 2004.
	* George C. Edwards III and Philip John Davies, eds. ''New Challenges for the American Presidency'' New York: Pearson Longman, 2004. 245 pp. articles from ''Presidential Studies Quarterly''
	* Fred I. Greenstein, ed. ''The George W. Bush Presidency: An Early Assessment'' Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003
	* Gary L. Gregg II and Mark J. Rozell, eds. ''Considering the Bush Presidency'' Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2004. 210 pp. British perspectives
	* Bryan Hilliard, Tom Lansford, and Robert P Watson, eds. ''George W. Bush: Evaluating the President at Midterm'' SUNY Press 2004
	* Fred I. Greenstein; "The Contemporary Presidency: The Changing Leadership of George W. Bush A Pre- and Post-9/11 Comparison" in ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' v 32#2 2002 pp 387+.
	* Gary C. Jacobson; "The Bush Presidency and the American Electorate" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' v 33 #4 2003 pp 701+.

	===Pro-Bush===
	* Fred Barnes. ''Rebel-in-Chief: How George W. Bush Is Redefining the Conservative Movement and Transforming America'' (2006)
	* George W. Bush. ''George W. Bush on God and Country: The President Speaks Out About Faith, Principle, and Patriotism'' (2004)
	* Bob Woodward. ''Plan of Attack'' (2003) on Iraq war
	===Anti-Bush===
	* Bruce Bartlett, ''Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy'' (2006), conservative attack by former aide
	* Ron Suskind. ''The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O'Neill'' (2004), complaints of ex Treasury Secretary
	* Wilentz, Sean. ''The Worst President in History?'' (2006), article comparing Bush with previous presidents, from an historian's perspective; first published in ''Rolling Stone'' Magazine

	==External links==
	{{Sisterlinks\|George W. Bush}}

	===Official===
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	===Speeches: audio and transcripts===
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	{{multi-listen item\|filename=George W. Bush Speech - September 11, 2001.ogg\|title=George W. Bush's speech on September 11, 2001 about the attacks\|description=\|format=]}}
	{{multi-listen item\|filename=George W. Bush Speech - September 12, 2001.ogg\|title=George Bush's speech on September 12, 2001 about the attacks\|description=\|format=]}}
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	===Other===
	*{{imdb name\|id=0124133\|name=George W. Bush}}
	*{{gutenberg author\| id=George+W.+Bush \| name=George W. Bush}}
	* by ]
	* Account of Air National Guard service
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	* Graphs of approval ratings ,
	* Time-analysis of Bush's popularity .
	* Collection of Bushisms
	* {{nndb name \| id = 360/000022294 \| name = George W. Bush}}
	* 2000 Florida recount information from
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	* ] By Ann Oldenburg ], ].


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	{{Persondata
	\|NAME=Bush, George Walker
	\|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Bush, George, Jr.; Bush Jr.
	\|SHORT DESCRIPTION=43rd ]
	\|DATE OF BIRTH=], ]
	\|PLACE OF BIRTH=], Connecticut
	}}

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Revision as of 21:01, 5 May 2006

idiot