The days of cowboy diplomacy will soon be over and we should all be very thankful for that. Bush has been president almost as long as I have been paying attention to the political process. Though I do remember the Clinton administration somewhat, Bush has pretty much been the only president I have known. Like me, you may not like the decisions he has made or you may not like his stance on many issues. In addition, like me, you probably do not like what has happened to this country over the past 8 years. This country has been to hell and back. However, I do not put all of the blame on Bush's shoulders. The people around him such as Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and Cheney, which he is ultimately responsible for selecting and should bare responsibility as well, I feel were the real culprits. In addition, the American people need to take responsibility for electing this man into office. We the American people, though many would like to disagree with this because many feel Bush stole the election, sent this man to Washington to do a job. Perhaps he did fail to do that job. However, I still respect the office even though I may not agree with the decisions he has made. Though he has, in my view, made many poor policy decisions, not everything he has done has been bad. I do appreciate his efforts in regards to aids in Africa and I feel he does deserve some credit for that. As a historian, I understand how the views of history regarding a presidency can change over time. In conclusion, I feel that regardless of what political party a President belongs to, I think we can all agree that just about everybody in this country hopes they are successful in their endeavors because their success is in the interest of our nation. As President elect Obama takes the reins, I hope that people from all political spectrums, especially those who were staunchly against Obama, at least give Obama a chance to prove them wrong. Personally, I always hope that somebody I voted against proves me wrong because if they do, they will win my vote the next time around. I truly hope that these people give Obama a chance the same way many people who were dead set against Bush also gave him a chance. The task that Obama has before him is enormous and I would not wish this kind of situation on any single person. If you thought Bush aged quickly, just wait until you see how fast Obama ages. It is going to be a long road ahead but we can make it. The only guarantee of failure is to do nothing.

— Matt, Ball State University

Alas, poor W. He arrived at the White House a Bush in all its glory and leaves a tumbleweed, separated from that which sustained him for eight years, to aimlessly roam the steppes of Texas. So long tumbling tumbleweed. You shall not be missed, though your seeds will linger on.

— J-TWO-O, Connecticut

We're being so unfair to Mr. Bush. Unlike some Republicans who have or have held public office, he doesn't have much acting experience, and we expect him to pull off an image of powerful humility as he exits the stage. Let's just be glad that his replacement appears to have a natural gift for compassion and oratory.

— George Damasevitz, Vestal, New York

End of an error

— Ted, New Jersey

Lt. Col. Murray (Comment #15),

You have well explained the challenges of the United States during the course of the last administration. Indeed, they existed. However, I cannot help wonder how those challenges could have been better met with competent leadership. One does not have to set foot on Iraqi soil to know that while good was done, the failings of strategy and common sense are what lingers. Your emotional name calling suggests there is more at stake than foreign policy.

— PDB, Minnesota

— PDB, Minnesota