President Bush came into office in the midst of an economic recession and within a few months found himself leading a country at war.

In spite of such a challenge, this president has maintained a solid record in support of women’s issues. President Bush and his administration are dedicated to addressing women’s issues not only in America, but worldwide as well.

Women have an immense role in our country’s economy, and under the Bush administration, women have seen vast advances.

Women have seen an increase an economic opportunity and broadened political participation. The administration has given small business owners incentives to invest by raising the deductible limits and reducing taxes on dividends and capital gains.

Women were especially helped by receiving three quarters of the $160 million in small-loan and technical assistance given.

Under the Jobs and Growth Act, 68 million women will see their taxes decline on an average of $1,338.

The Bush policy of changing the definition of a “child” to include the unborn will be beneficial for both mother and child by insisting that they are deserving of special protection and health care benefits. This policy will help women who aren’t able to buy insurance but don’t qualify for Medicare.

President Bush opposes abortion on demand, as well as the horror of partial-birth abortion.

By taking these stands, he is now labeled anti-woman. How so, I would ask?

These are principled positions supported by a majority of the country. Polls show it.

The abortion law we operate under was never legislated and wouldn’t pass in Congress, even today. That is a construction of the courts.

So taking this philosophic principle and standing with it pays a certain price politically by being labeled.

A prime example of how our president understands the unique leadership, analysis and advisory qualities of women is demonstrated by his dependence on Condoleezza Rice, Elaine Chao, Mary Matalin, Karen Hughes, Gail Norton and others.

No president before has elevated and retained such a cadre of strong women at these levels.

No president has placed more women on merit and not some political fiat either. The leftist female lobby tries to tear these women down, which I think says something about their opposition to this president.

Globally, the Bush administration has improved women’s rights and is diligently working on the fight against AIDS.

Congress has passed the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which have provided serious steps in protecting women.

According to the State Department, at least 700,000 persons, especially women and children, are trafficked each year across international borders. It is estimated 45,000 to 50,000 of these people are trafficked to the United States annually.

In 2003 the United States gave more than $50 million to almost 100 programs worldwide to combat trafficking in persons.

The United States has also spent $850 million on maternal and child health care.

The United States has also helped elevate the status of women in Middle East.

Under President Bush, the U.S-Afghan Women’s Council was established.

Along with providing economic aid, educational programs, job training programs, health initiatives, and programs in aiding women to becoming more politically active have been initiated.

As a conservative, President Bush’s priorities begin with opportunity for all Americans, so he tends not to see the country as a divided set of special interests.

His focus is on families, communities, morality and economic opportunity.

This offers so much more to women than narrowly focused quotas, preferences or other pandering legislative attempts to carve out political favor with a vocal minority of women.

Ebban Clause is a senior in marketing from Jefferson. She is a member of Campus Republicans.