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Damage of Bush years will stay with us

George W. Bush has kept a low profile since he left office. He now is reportedly spending his time painting. He should. Bush's very presidency was based on a Supreme Court decision that refused to count ballots in Florida. When those ballots were finally counted by journalists, Al Gore had actually received the most votes.

George W. Bush left our nation with a legacy that lives today, nearly eight years after he left office. We suffered through an illegal war in Iraq and its economic and human toll. Budget cutting took funds from vital programs. The appointments of John Roberts and Sam Alito to the Supreme Court has left us with billionaires deciding who is elected to office at every level.

Most presidents don't see their decisions enduring, but George W. Bush's legacy is remaking our economy and democratic institutions and will affect our nation for generations. When Al Gore chose to accept the Supreme Court's decision and concede the 2000 election, many of us were upset. Little did we know how devastating that decision would be.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows

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