On a recent visit to Whidbey Island, I read your paper and paid particular attention to a letter from Mr. William Ludlow and his critique of President Obama. He claimed that Obama’s report card was not good.

I would contend he has performed quite well. Mr Ludlow complains that President Obama has spent our children’s and grandchildren’s money. Our debt today was inherited from the previous administration of George W. Bush. We first learned of a trillion dollars when Bush spent over $2 trillion on two wars.

The Bush Administration and Republican Congress also passed along tax cuts for the wealthy, spent trillions on earmarks, and relaxed laws and regulations which was a contributing factor in our financial system meltdown.

As to our foreign standing, President Obama has done a great job of improving our image in the world. We have traveled to Europe, Egypt and Kenya since he was elected, and have received warm welcomes.

Mr. Ludlow and others such as the Tea Party activists spread untruths. The very party they represent is responsible for our debt burden. Lower taxes for the wealthy, larger spending for the military, relaxed regulations and smaller government is all they stand for.

I say President Obama is doing very well given the difficult playing field he is operating on.

Dean W. Nelson

LaConner