Bush Slashes Economic Aid For Latin America, Belying ‘We Care’ Message
Bush Slashes Economic Aid For Latin America, Belying ‘We Care’ Message
During his trip to Latin America, one of President Bush’s goals is to “challenge a widespread perception in Latin America of U.S. neglect,” and he has been telling the region’s chronic poor, “We care about your plight.” (In his speech to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Bush used the phrase “social justice” five times.) “It’s an attempt to try to show a softer, gentler Bush,” Armand Peschard-Sverdrup of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said.
While in Brazil, Bush brought this message to a Sao Paulo, Brazil community center that houses poor children:
President Bush has brought an unaccustomed message for Latin Americans on his weeklong swing through the region: I feel your pain. And he is taking it to some unaccustomed places — hotbeds of poverty and disaffection that he generally has missed on earlier trips.
“There are a lot of hurting people in the world, a lot of hurting people in Brazil,” Mr. Bush said as he toured a ramshackle community center in São Paulo Friday, a facility that cares for 3,000 children a week from the city’s vast slums. “And the people in the United States care.”
But as the Latin America Working Group (LAWG) points out, the Bush administration’s latest budget outline slashes economic aid to Brazil:
The budget also cuts total aid for Latin America from $1.6 billion this year to $1.45 billion for 2008. “The smaller, poorer countries that could use some aid are unlikely to get much relief,” Business Week recently reported, “since U.S. assistance to the region, currently around $1.6 billion annually, is set to drop next year. And the biggest chunk of that aid is aimed not at poverty relief but at helping Colombia battle drug trafficking and a 40-year-old leftist insurgency.”
“In the short term, [Venezuelan President Hugo] Chavez has more to offer because our aid is peanuts,” said Johns Hopkins’ Riordan Roett. “We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars, and he’s tossing around a billion here and a billion there.” As the New York Times writes, “A lot more will be needed if promoting social justice is to be more than a sound bite.”
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57 Responses to “Bush Slashes Economic Aid For Latin America, Belying ‘We Care’ Message”
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Talk is very inexpensive.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:53 amOf course the assumption is that welfare is a good thing to give.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:55 amAnd people wonder why no one finds the president trustworthy anymore.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:58 amHAHA,
Why the hell would we offer any handouts? It makes no sense to give away taxpayer money “just because”. This crowd is up in arms, as am I, everytime the government gives money to industry, why is this different? If a country or a business wants money, provide a service or a product. All this post shows, is that Bush is wasting $1.6 billion this year, and $1.45 Billion next year.
We gripe because it costs us $100 million per year to make sure every american gets health care and yet we blow over a billion in another country? Why not save that money for Americans that need it?
March 12th, 2007 at 11:58 amWhat a joke. Chimpy cuts aid to Latin America by 150 million dollars, while Halliburton makes 2.3 billion in profits, bilks the government (allegedly) out of 2.7 billion, and is moving to Dubai because it can’t be bothered to pay taxes any longer…and WalMart CEO H. Lee Scott receives a stock bonus worth $22 million for doing nothing.
When exactly did this happen? When exactly did this country stop following Jesus and start following Mammon?
March 12th, 2007 at 12:00 pmDubya’s dissembling on Brazil is just the latest disturbing product of the “Beautiful Minds of the Bush Family.”
March 12th, 2007 at 12:01 pm[…] Thinkprogress.org […]
March 12th, 2007 at 12:01 pmGive them big hugs to offset the “Go f*ck yourself” message about the funding.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:03 pmCompassionate chympatico.
#5 TMM ~ Uhh, about Jan 2001, like the 19th or somewhere right close there.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:04 pmTrip,
20 years of brainwashing from the mass media. Telling people what they should think, instead of facing the REALITY.
Roger^Idiot
How come you BITCH about helping fellow humans, but support killing people in the name of profit?
WTF is wrong with you?
YOU are the REASON for 9-11
March 12th, 2007 at 12:05 pmWe have too many wars to fund to care about giving money to poor countries. Right Patrick1?
March 12th, 2007 at 12:07 pmOK, someone’s got to bring this up:
What is with that crazed “Pippi-Longstocking” ‘do?
;)
March 12th, 2007 at 12:12 pmthe entire 6+ years of king george’s reign has been, among other abominations, devoted to destroying any implied or explicit social contract in the united states, fercryinoutloud… preaching compassion in latin america is nothing but massive hypocrisy…
And, yes, I DO take it personally
March 12th, 2007 at 12:15 pmSpeaking as latinamerican:
We dont need caring. We need equal opportunities.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:16 pm#2-Patrick(IQ of 1),
That would be a safe assumption, yes. The definition from Websters:
Main Entry:
1wel·fare Listen to the pronunciation of 1welfare
Pronunciation:
\ˈwel-ˌfer\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English, from the phrase wel faren to fare well
Date:
14th century
1: the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity 2 a: aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need b: an agency or program through which such aid is distributed
Patrick(IQ of)1, what you have to realize is that it is the compassion that is borne of the same social conscience that generates the desire to provide welfare that allows people to even tolerate you and your ilk.
May the light of intelligence one day grace your dark dark corner.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:17 pm“Softer side of Bush” - sounds like a Sears commercial.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:20 pmBush is basically just on vacation - away from the political pot boiling here in the U.S. because of all the issues finally coming to light. He’s hiding away, hoping the news cycle will shift and he won’t be subjected to further scrutiny.
Of course the assumption is that welfare is a good thing to give.
Comment by Patrick1
It is not welfare if it was taken by the force since the beginning of the US.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:24 pmGood Post’s, Yep! PLC, I agree and BTW how long after the bloated nut case get’s back to Amerika before he take’s another month long stunt at crawford….I wonder if BenLauden misses him and if he is keeping up the care on the abandonded hog farm while the pupett is out to lunch…..It must be about time for another movie by his extended family member…..Blessings
March 12th, 2007 at 12:30 pmThis story is just one more example of GDumbya’s true nature — all hat, no cattle.
And, no, Rx2 and little Patty, aid to Latin America is not welfare as you put it. In fact, this type of assistance is hundreds of times more attuned to our national interests than is GDumbya’s dirty little war in Iraq . . . and a helluva alot less expensive.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:31 pmwhat is that he’s hugging a pinata? Oh God! Who in their right mind would hug that evil chimp? They must have told her make your hair look all frizzy and creepy and hug him …they won’t see your face! Stabs not hugs chilindrina!
March 12th, 2007 at 12:32 pmWhat is with that crazed “Pippi-Longstocking†‘do?
Comment by trueblue
That guy drew the short straw — he had to wer the hair, and he had to hug the Chimp in Chief.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:48 pmIsn’t that Joe LIEberman hugging Bush?
I know he had to go incognito on the trip, but who thought he’d dress up like a female Hispanic hip-hopper?
Good one, Joe!
Did W find his twin daughters drunk & running naked through Rio? Is that the real reason he went down there?
Inquiring minds need to know!
March 12th, 2007 at 12:49 pmHey, Zooey.
Just when you need a suicide bomber…!
March 12th, 2007 at 12:54 pmYesterday Bush was here in Colombia, and the international press just asked questions about Iraq and the troubles of his goverment.
He can run but he can’t hide.
March 12th, 2007 at 1:21 pmComment by Roger_Roger — March 12, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Some good points. Now tell us exactly why he went there.
March 12th, 2007 at 1:24 pmBush can’t even feel the pain of the poor and disenfranchised here in America…
…Katrina is STILL on the radar screen of those who care…
…Bush talks, takes pictures and leaves…
…and pledges our money to the poor…
…only to deliver it to HIS CONSTITUENCY…
…those who wore black ties and tails at that shameful affair…
…where he made jokes (on a film where he’s in the Oval Office looking under furniture) about not being able to find wmds…
…and the propagandist media continues to follow him around like loyal DOGS…
…printing and beaming his disgraceful lying to the people in this country whom he has ignored (the poor)…
…Bush is going to hell, and his co-conspirators in the media and DUHmerican society with him…
March 12th, 2007 at 1:30 pmBush is is working to create terrorists closer to home. That way we can fight them here instead of figthing them way over there.
March 12th, 2007 at 1:31 pmThey don’t hate him enough so goes there to tell them he’s not giving them funds we promised. He’s a real good will ambassado, spreads the shit whereever he goes.
#26, Shane, I was under the impression that the chymp has his fecal matter collected at all times?
March 12th, 2007 at 1:34 pmThere’s an old saying.
Some people spread happiness where ever they go, others spread it when ever they go.
Which do you think applies to the chymp?
Just another manic monday, hell, monday’s never were any good any way, I alway’s prefered friday’s myself…..Good post’s as alway’s big papa and RU..Any one with a better IQ than the chimp already know’s he doesn’t give a shit about over there or here..His boses tell him what to care about, constant war, large corporation’s, looting the treasury and distroying the constitution…..Blessings All
March 12th, 2007 at 1:44 pmAt the moment the US has to make budget cuts, sorry. It happends.
March 12th, 2007 at 1:50 pmWe give more then any other country, and still get no respect.
Our country who has given in the past, your leaders look nice and fat with tons of money, “our tax payers money” sorry they dont make investments in your own country so your people could enjoy the life you deserve . but why blame us for your poor lack of judgement in leaders…..”yes we have bush, he was not voted by the Popular vote.” we have major flaws in our elections….but we do have leaders who know how to run an economy.
Here’s a picture of Bush’s visit from today’s edition of Colombia’s leading newspaper, check it out, it’ll bring a smile to your face:
http://www.eltiempo.com/IMAGEN/IMAGEN-3471520-1.jpg
March 12th, 2007 at 1:55 pmWhy the hell would we offer any handouts? It makes no sense to give away taxpayer money “just becauseâ€. Roger_Roger
It isn’t “just because” is why. Latin American countries that manage to educate and employ their citizens are countries that don’t need to ship their extra laborers north across the Rio Grande. An administration with any brains, that was concerned about illegal immigration, would start thinking in terms of a Marshall Plan for Latin America.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:02 pmIs that Carrot-Top he’s hugging?
March 12th, 2007 at 2:09 pmWould you support a tax hike to help support countries in Latin America and South America? Some ideas:
* Adding 1% to your property tax.
* Creating a national sales tax
* Increasing your marginal tax rate.
Which one of these do you support to help our neighbors to the South?
March 12th, 2007 at 2:18 pmHey! I’ve got a great idea! Let’s take 85% of our paychecks and ship them overseas to other countries. I know, I know, we have to support our own families, infrastructure, etc., but hey, we’re rich. We can do it!
March 12th, 2007 at 2:21 pm#33.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:23 pmGreat idea! We aren’t paying enough taxes! Let’s tax ourselves even more so we can do what other governments can’t do (support their own citizenry). Great idea!!
The point is that Bush made a promise that he had no intention of keeping. What is so honorable about that?
March 12th, 2007 at 2:24 pmI think the message is clear:
No more handouts. Stand on your own two feet.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:25 pmMuckdog,
How about we stop spending trillions on wars, and MIC contracts, then we wouldn’t need to raise taxes at all.
Either that or we have a war tax, those crazy 30% of the people can pay an additional 15% property tax to finance the war.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:28 pmJT,
You really are a fool.. Don’t you see we’re doing that now, spending trillions on a war we’ll never win! And we’re only creating more people that hate us. So yes 85 percent of what you make, (counting your children and grand children) paying off the 29 trillion dollar debt.
But hey it’s worth it as long as Haliburton/Exxon/BP get that Iraqi oil right?
March 12th, 2007 at 2:34 pmI’m from latin america, we don’t want your money or your pity, just keep your president away from us, we don’t want him here, FUERA BUSH !!
March 12th, 2007 at 2:53 pmIs that Carrot-Top he’s hugging?
Comment by Hedley Lamarr — March 12, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
That’s a cardboard cutout - like the one they used of Bush at God Camp. They couldn’t find a real person willing to be hugged by the slimeball.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:58 pmSome people spread happiness where ever they go, others spread it when ever they go.
Which do you think applies to the chymp?
Comment by RUCerious — March 12, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Bushwad is so full of shit he can do both. Frankly I’d prefer it just EAT IT.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:02 pm#30, Manuel,
March 12th, 2007 at 3:11 pmGreat picture, thanks for the link.
(Must see, Bush looking up Rove’s ass.)
Here’s a picture of Bush’s visit from today’s edition of Colombia’s leading newspaper, check it out, it’ll bring a smile to your face:
http://www.eltiempo.com/IMAGEN/IMAGEN-3471520-1.jpg
Comment by Manuel — March 12, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Manuel, Zimzone - which one is the bigger horses ass?
March 12th, 2007 at 3:20 pmNo more handouts. Stand on your own two feet.
Comment by JT
JT,
You’re STUPID and you’re greedy…
…one day…
…YOU won’t have any feet…
March 12th, 2007 at 3:30 pmSo how much does that figure equate to? One morning’s worth of Iraq war?
March 12th, 2007 at 3:46 pmBy the way, when Bush entered Bolivar’s square he started waving his hand to salute .. nobody, except from thousands of doves that were wondering: Where’s all the people ??
The security operation was so big that it emptied almost a quarter of Bogota’s downtown for all the weekend, it didn’t prevent the riots, the worst since Guns ‘n’ Roses ditched a concert in 1993.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:48 pmThis just fits his sociopathic pattern… Say and appear one way and do the exact opposite. Does he get his kicks from this? Is there some pleasure this psyco gets watching those who are not the ‘have mores’ suffer? Katrina, jokes about the disabeled, jokes about no WMD here… What a freak.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:59 pm…one day…
…YOU won’t have any feet…
Comment by big papa
Well said, big papa.
He’s stupid if he thinks people like him will try to help him when he’s lost his feet.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:25 pmWe give more then any other country, and still get no respect.
Comment by people vs people
Your simplistic point of view is fed by your ignorance. You just see consequences but forget about causes. You wont mention the fact that the United Fruit exploited Central America since the beginning of the last century. You wont mention that Anaconda Copper got rich out of Chile´s resources. You wont mention the fact that Texas was taken from Mexico, Cuba from Spain, Puerto Rico, Hawaii annexed. You wont mention the importance of the resources in Haiti, Nicaragua or
March 12th, 2007 at 5:31 pmBrazil. No, you think your country just got rich like that as you probably think Africa, India and China has nothing to do with the wealth that Europeans enjoy. No, you dont think about those issues…
Ahh yes. The master of the “shell game” George Bush. Tell them one thing in country, then order just the opposite back home.
This two faced motherfu*cker is going to be getting what he has coming to him.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:42 pmThis two faced motherfu*cker is going to be getting what he has coming to him.
Comment by rachel — March 12, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
Maybe he’ll commit suicide.
March 12th, 2007 at 6:18 pmPLEASE let Bush’s plane encounter mechanical problems…
…necessitating an emergency landing…
…in Caracas, Venezuela…
…right after Hugo Chavez’ plane lands there from his SA anti-Bush tour…
March 12th, 2007 at 7:06 pmNo more handouts. Stand on your own two feet.
You tell em, JT!!! Oh, you weren’t talking about Halliburton?
March 12th, 2007 at 10:03 pmBush is an failure.
March 12th, 2007 at 10:48 pmTALK IS CHEAP, CHIMPya–REMEMBER, REAL, NOT PROMISED AND NEVER DELIVERED MONEY$$$$$$$, TALKS AND LYING BULLSHIT LIKE THE KIND YA PROMISE, WALKS!!!!! “There are a lot of hurting people in the world…and the people in the United States care” BUT I, CHIMPya W. Bush and Bushland Uber Allies DO NOT CARE, NEVER HAVE AND NEVER WILL CARE BECAUSE WE ARE LYING HYPOCRITES, MURDERING DEMAGOGUES AND JINGOISTIC SOCIOPATHS THAT CARE NOT A WHIT NOR HAVE WE ANY COMPASSION FOR YOU SQUALID BUNCH OF MARXIST SYMPATHIZERS is WHAT CHIMPya MEANT!!!!! WHAT A TWO-FACED SHITHEEL CHIMPya IS–TRULY “El Diablo,” THE DEVIL, 666, THE GREAT BEAST–BRING ME THE SEVEN SACRED DAGGERS OF MEGIDDO!!!!!
March 13th, 2007 at 8:34 pm