Now that President Bush’s divisive administration is drawing to a close by issuing frequent threats against Iran, the truth is striking.

President Clinton effectively fought terrorism.

After 9/11, instead of calling upon all lawful nations to denounce terrorism and work in a coalition to defeat it, Bush stood atop rubble and called for unilateral retribution. Instead of calling for shared sacrifice, he gave tax cuts to his wealthy base, and urged Americans to go shopping.

Bush got his unnecessary war in Iraq, where the terrorists were not, and has created a long list of reasons why it was justified.

The current oil crisis is being framed by Republicans as the fault of Democrats and environmentalists, when, in fact, Republicans controlled Congress from 1995 to 2007, and the presidency from 2000 to present. Republicans set energy policy. This country is reaping a harvest of short-sighted Republican leadership rather than enjoying the fruits of realistic, long-term planning and sacrifice.

What does that have to do with John McCain? In a word: everything.

McCain is proving to be the rightful successor of the Bush brand. So is Sen. Susan Collins with her record of fawning support for Bush at every turn.

America need not stand for continued Republican leadership. It may also reject the Republican ideology that stresses the few over the many, the ends justifying the means, and absolution for creating problems that future generations must solve.

One must hope Bush leaves America with two wars, not three.

Mark Tardif, Waterville