President Bush greets entertainers during a ceremony at the executive mansion in Monrovia, Liberia, Feb. 21, 2008. Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
George W. Bush, who’s done more for Africa than any other U.S. president, explains in a WaPo op-ed:
I firmly believe it has served American interests to help prevent the collapse of portions of the African continent. But this effort has done something more: It has demonstrated American character and beliefs. America is a certain kind of country, dedicated to the inherent and equal dignity of human lives. It is this ideal – rooted in faith and our founding – that gives purpose to our power. When we have a chance to do the right thing, we take it.
And yet it’s George W. Bush who single-handedly hurt America’s standing in the world while Barack Obama is “The One” who has salvaged it?
What has President Obama done for Africa lately?
HAVING met President Obama, I’m confident that he’s a man of conscience who shares my commitment to bringing hope and care to the world’s poor. But I am saddened by his decision to spend less than he promised to treat AIDS patients in Africa.
~~~ I appreciate that tough financial times require the United States government to cut spending. But scaling back America’s financial commitments to AIDS programs could wipe away decades of progress in Africa.
I have mixed feelings regarding the vast amounts of foreign aid we hand out to other nations; but how is it that some accuse us of selfishness and greed? And how is it that President Bush is the one who hurt our image abroad?