George Bush’s first year as president has come to an end and public opinion varies on his performance during that time.

Chris Hudders, president of the NIU College Republicans, said Bush had to deal with more foreign policy than many other presidents before him. “He has done well in furthering relations between the United States and the Soviet Union,” he said.

Tom Elkins, chairman of NIU College Democrats, said some of his foreign policies have been mistaken, such as his actions in Panama. Elkins agrees something needed to be done, but said Bush went about it the wrong way.

“It was silly for Bush to risk his life by going down to Columbia just to show how courageous he is,” he said.

NIU Political Science Professor Jordan Schwarz said problems, such as the economy, education and a gap between the rich and poor, have not been helped by Bush.

Gary Glenn, another political science professor, said, “George Bush is not a leader who generates enthusiastic responses in people.”

“Our economy is basicallly being funded today by the Japanese, the Germans and others who are investing in American Securities,” Schwarz said.

“Education is in desperate shape, and kids at the high school and lower levels still are not getting the basic skills they need in the marketplace today,” Schwarz said.

Elkins said, “Bush has not followed through with what he has promised to do in education and he does not see any improvement in the future.”

Schwarz said Bush is “setting the rich against the poor” by reducing taxes for wealthy people, but Bush is against reducing the social security tax.

According to Schwarz, Bush is giving special tax privileges to the rich and not reducing taxes for the poor and middle class.

Elkins said if he had to rate Bush’s first year in office he would give him a C+ overall, and a B+ for effort.

Hudders said Bush has done a “fair job” in office during his first year.

Bush has not demonstrated imagination or direction, but he has not committed any great blunders either, Glenn said.

“Education is in desperate shape, and kids at the high school and lower levels still are not getting the basic skills they need in the marketplace today.”

Jordan Schwarz, NIU political science professor