ABSTRACT
George W. Bush twice took the presidency. Doing so, however, he damaged faith in the institutions of American democracy. Bushonomics rewarded the president's wealthiest backers but hurt the US economy and material well being of most Americans. Even before defense spending soared, Bush's tax policies transformed the budget surpluses achieved in the late 1990s into deficits that will burden us for years-perhaps generations-to come. Determined to keep the support of the Christian right, Bush funneled government money to support many faith-based activities. Bush did nothing to halt the growing and future demands of health care on the economy. His major health policy innovation helped pharmacopia profit from seniors. Bush Republicans and some Democrats opposed regulations on guns. Bush promised a "science-based response to the issue of global warming" but rejected the best science on the topic. The Bush team proved itself more secretive than any government in US history.
