President and First Lady Heading to Africa
February 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pm | posted by Virginia SimmonsWe’ve gotten word that President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will be traveling to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia on a trip to Africa from February 15 - 21. As a ONE member, I’m always encouraged when those leading U.S. foreign policy are able to see how that policy is playing out on the ground.
When the trip starts, I’ll do my best to pass along whatever we hear is happening each day, and our policy folks will help fill in some background information on some of the programs and countries that the president and first lady will be visiting.
-Virginia Simmons
February 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I am glad that President Bush is visiting African nations including my homeland, Rwanda. I think taking action takes a whole different level when our leaders get to see or hear from those we advocate for. As Ginny mentioned, it makes a difference to actually see first hand how our policies impact others. As a ONE member, I have seen the positive reactions when I share my story growing up in a tiny village outside of Kigali. I always wish that more Americans can get an opportunity to visit Africa or any developing country, and get a sense of why ONE exists. As I was reading the article about Guineans struggling with the AIDS pandemic, I am reminded that there is a great emergency, and ONE should be provided with sufficient resources; human and capital to respond sooner than later. Adcovacy itself is not enough, there has to be a political will. Over the past few months ONE members have met and spoke to each presidential candidate about the ultmate need to end poverty. My hope is that our next president will seize the moment, and honor his or her committment to combat poverty and HIV/AIDS.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Wow! why did it take this man this long to visit the countries of Africa? What is he trying to prove at this point? I don’t mean to appear negative, but I believe it is a little too late for him to redeem himself now. I have never been to any part of Africa, although I would love to go and help the various people who have to deal with death, poverty, and the like. If there is some way that I could go, please let me know. I am a teacher who would love to share what I know in the academic world in which I have studied. I am not Bono, nor the President, but I have shared what little monies I have with various villages throughout Africa. Maybe the next president will put forth the effort to help these countries that have been robbed of growth because of companies that only deal with corrupt governments and who have forgotten the people who really matter. As a ONE member I would like to say, keep the pressure on, so that all people will have a quality of life.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
As a response to the posting by Sheri Fink, I would like to say that it is never too late. We need to focus on the positive and what can be done, rather than what hasn’t been in ththe past.
I commend youfor adding some of yourown resources to the fight and for wanting to do more. I invite you to join me in promoting awareness of the Click to Donate Free Food and Medicine programs on my site.
I need affiliates who will take this message into their communities, schools, churches and businesses across the U.S. (and even the world).
While goverment actions are of the utmost importance in solving these problems, so are the efforts of people like Bono, Bill Gatesand former President Clinton. .Add to that individual support and donations of Free Food and Medicine across our country and together we can make a huge difference in the fight against global hunger, povery and disease.
Sheri, (and others,) I invite you to contact me to discuss how you might help with this campaign and fulfill your dream of making a difference.
Leslie Powell
www.peacepoem.net
February 16th, 2008 at 2:54 am
president of united states of america George Walker Bush we tanzanians says welcome (karibu sana nchini tanzania) the land of kilimanjaro the highest moutain in africa and islands of zanzibar,7th wonder of the world Ngorongoro crater,huge national parks are in tanzania.
tanzania are very humble na hospital to the guest!
February 16th, 2008 at 2:56 am
president of united states of america George Walker Bush we tanzanians says welcome (karibu sana nchini tanzania) the land of kilimanjaro the highest moutain in africa and islands of zanzibar,7th wonder of the world Ngorongoro crater,huge national parks are in tanzania.
tanzanians are very humble na hospital to the guest!
we welcome you and your colleagues.
karibu sana.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I’m mexican, I live in Mexico, not in the United States. I hope that something really good comes out of this trip. Altough, in a very personal opinion, I think that president Bush is making this trip to get a clean image of himself as long as he’s still on his term.
However, as Josh Peck said, witnessing the needs of the African Continent has to make him act for the benefit of humanity, and for the life of africans. Hope so…
February 16th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I am a Tanzanian living in the USA, Mr President you are doing the right thing and it is about time you did it. Your visit will highlight Africa’s needs and also show the world what Africa has to offer congratulation