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Issues for the First Bush Term

As of Wednesday, December 13, 2000, the United States of America has a new president, George W. Bush. The new administration has given specifics on policies important to young people, such as abortion, homosexual rights, America's reputation, and energy costs, specifically gasoline prices.

The abortion issue is very complicated and policy-wise, is divided into many parts. Bush is pro-life, but realizes compromises have to be made and he respects others' differing view on of our nation's most controversial issues. Bush has said: "America is not ready to ban abortions," but added that "until America's hearts change" he wants to "put policies in place ... that reduce abortions." (MSNBC 15 Dec.)

A new addition to the abortion issue is the recent passing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the abortion drug RU-486. This controversial drug has been available and legal in Europe and now is a choice for American women as an abortion option. President-elect Bush believes decision of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve use of the abortion drug RU-486 was wrong and he feared it "will make abortions more and more common." Bush does not believe a president can overturn the FDA decision, but he would like to sign legislation that would put restrictions on how doctors prescribe RU-486. (MSNBC 15 Dec.)

The U.S. Supreme Court is the only power in government that has the ability to change Roe V. Wade, the decision made in 1973, recognizing women's right to abortion. The 2000 elections have resulted in a Republican majority in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, as well as a Republican-led White House. It is the first time the entire legislative, as well as executive branch, have been Republican dominated since the Eisenhower Administration in the early 1950s. Due to this Republican control of the execution and legislation of laws and policy, some believe the third branch of government, the judicial branch, will also be conservative. This is an institution that is an equal force in the founding fathers' idea of checks and balances. However, some feel that because the President nominates the justices, and the Congress approves, that the US Supreme Court will also have a conservative majority, if the Bush Administration needs to fill vacated seats in our nation's highest court. In order to prevent any bias, President-elect Bush has promised not to use whether a candidate is pro-life or pro-choice as criteria when he chooses justices for the U.S. Supreme Court. (MSNBC 15 Dec.) This declaration means the controversial Roe V. Wade decision will not necessarily be overturned.

Homosexual rights is another political hot topic amongst young adults. Current US President Bill Clinton champions the same policy that the Bush Administration would like to stick to. Both Clinton, a Democrat, and Bush, a Republican, agree on a compromise, moderate approach to gay rights. In 1996, Clinton signed a law entitled, the Defense of Marriage Act, a legislative measure, which Bush agrees with, that allows states to deny recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Clinton and Bush also share the same feelings towards sexual orientation discrimination. Bush supports the Clinton Administration's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which allows closeted gays and lesbians to serve in the military. President-elect Bush believes the way one conducts his or her sex life is a private matter. Bush said, "I don't hire or fire somebody based upon their sexual orientation" (MSNBC 15 Dec.)

Another concern regarding the outcome of Election 2000, is America's reputation. Young Americans have voiced criticism at the faults in our electoral system, and more broadly, how America compares with other nations. Indecision 2000 made clear some aspects of the election process in America that could use improvement. Some students have argued that the complications of the presidential election could hinder America's reputation as the ideal democracy, or at least a leader in democratic values. Columnist Jonathan Freedland of London's Guardian, remarked of one possible consequence of Indecision 2000: Washington will find it more difficult to lecture smaller nations about democracy now, "that its own leader has been installed in a courtroom fix." ( David J. Lynch, (USA Today 15 Dec.)

In an increasingly globalized world, other nations have criticized the President-elect's lack of foreign experiences or knowledge, as he has traveled outside the USA only three times. Bush abroad is seen as a neo-isolationist, uninformed about the rest of the world. ( David J. Lynch, (USA Today 15 Dec.)

Although personally Bush does not specialize in international affairs as of yet, he does have professional experience in dealing with foreign nations during his two terms as Governor of Texas. Mexico's new president, Vicente Fox, publicly recognized Bush for his excellent abilities in negotiations regarding issues involving the two countries. Fox looks forward to a great working relationship with President-elect Bush, citing the fact both leaders begin their administrations simultaneously will permit them to build a "frank and open dialogue." ( David J. Lynch, (USA Today 15 Dec.)

Oil prices have been rising, making it increasingly painful to fuel up in America. The nation asks the Oval Office to initiate policy to rid the country of this inconvenience. Clinton and Bush both believe a solution to the rising prices is to use oil from domestic resources. However, after Inauguration Day, January 20, 2001, the nation may see a different approach to lowering oil prices. Clinton's solution has been to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an emergency supply of crude. (MSNBC 15 Dec.) However, Bush feels we should leave the Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil alone, and instead tap oil resources known to be available in Alaska. President-elect Bush would like to see more use of coal to reduce our petroleum dependency.

Bruce Reed, Clinton's top domestic policy adviser in the White House, warns, "It's very easy for a new president to get sidetracked or blindsided by issues he didn't see coming." ( Susan Page and Bill Nichols, (USA Today 15 Dec.) Although Bush has his own ideas and agendas, he will first have to deal with leftover issues from the former administration, as well as perhaps more pressing issues that have developed since Inauguration Day.