This Saturday, George W. Bush will be sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States. As in every presidential “changing of the guard”, there will be policy changes, a shifting of priorities and different goals set than the previous administration. One of the major changes Bush plans to implement is giving national defense equal billing with such pressing concerns as education and the economy.

With the current defense budget for the United States at $309 billion, Bush would like to allot at least $20 billion more for research and development. Other priorities include the adoption of new weapons, raising military pay and organizing a national missile defense system - despite opposition from China and Russia, as well as concern by American allies in Europe.

With the cold war now a distant memory, is the U.S. prepared to handle new challenges the 21st century could hold? President-elect Bush doesn't think so. What do you think? How do you think Bush will do with regard to our nation’s defense? What kind of job has President Clinton done during the past eight years? Here are some key points to consider when formulating your opinion: