To the Point

President Bush and the Environment

As George W. Bush gears up for his re-election campaign, prominent conservationists are calling him the worst environmental president in American history. They charge that slogans like -clear skies- and "healthy forests- are hiding the real goal of dismantling environmental laws to increase corporate profits. Bush supporters insist he-s just trying to curb excessive regulations and protect the environment at the same time, even some Republicans agree that the President is more vulnerable on the environment than any other issue. Both sides claim America-s public health and its standard of living are at stake. Is the President dismantling environmental protections or restoring common sense after years of excessive regulation? We hear sharply contrasting views from environmentalists from the Bush and Clinton administrations, and advocates representing several environmental groups. Making News: President Bush Signs Medicare Bill President Bush this morning made good on a campaign pledge by signing the Medicare Act of 2003. It's legislation the Democrats hope will come back to bite him in next year-s re-election campaign. Mary Agnes Carey, healthcare reporter for Congressional Quarterly, assesses the details and costs of the law that supporters praise as a major assist to seniors and critics predict will be a costly burden to the government. Reporter's Notebook: Liberian Soldiers Disarm, Taylor Sought by Interpol Yesterday in Liberia, more than 1000 soldiers of ousted President Charles Taylor turned in their weapons. They-re the first of 40,000 troops who, in exchange for Kalashnikovs, grenades and mortars, are being offered $300, counseling and vocational training. If the program works, it-ll be good news for Mark Kroeker, commissioner of the international police of the United Nations Mission in Liberia.