Obama, George W. Bush To Meet In Tanzania

[frontier00]

Source: AP

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The White House says President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush will meet while both leaders are in Tanzania.

The two leaders will join together Tuesday in Dar es Salaam (dahr ehs sah-LAHM') for a wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in honor of the 1998 bombing there that killed 11 people. They'll also meet with embassy staff.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/obama-bush-tanzania_n_3527970.html

[zeemike]

1. And the rehabilitation of GW Bush beguines.

The Bush brand must be saved.

[efhmc]

2. I know why President Obama is there but why is Scrub?

[WilliamPitt]

4. The only good thing that can be said about the GW Bush presidency

is the truly impressive work his administration did regarding AIDS in Africa. That's why Bush is over there right now.

===

(from June 30th)

Bush AIDS policies shadow Obama in Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — As President Obama’s motorcade pulled up on Sunday to a community health center run by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in this picturesque coastal city, people on the streets held signs that read “Thanks PEPFAR.” It was a reference to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, started by President George W. Bush.

Obama has been widely applauded for distinguishing himself from Bush’s policies, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. But across this continent, many Africans wish Obama was more like Bush in his social and health policies, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS — one of the former president’s signature foreign policy aid programs.

Bush poured billions of dollars into the effort to combat the spread of the disease that once threatened to consume a generation of young Africans, and as Obama has spent two days touring South Africa, the shadow of his predecessor has trailed him.

On Monday, Obama travels to Tanzania, where he could wind up face to face with Bush, whose visit will overlap with Obama’s there the next two days. Bush’s wife, Laura, will participate in a First Ladies Summit hosted by the George W. Bush Foundation, and first lady Michelle Obama also will participate. White House aides suggested Sunday that the two men could appear with each other, although they said no plans have been set. “There may be something. We’ll keep you updated,” deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said.

The rest: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/bush-aids-policies-shadow-obama-in-africa/2013/06/30/0c8e023c-e1ac-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html

===

George W. Bush’s greatest legacy
By Eugene Robinson
July 26, 2012

This is a moment for all Americans to be proud of the best thing George W. Bush did as president: launching an initiative to combat AIDS in Africa that has saved millions of lives.

All week, more than 20,000 delegates from around the world have been attending the 19th International AIDS Conference here in Washington. They look like any other group of conventioneers, laden with satchels and garlanded with name tags. But some of these men and women would be dead if not for Bush’s foresight and compassion.

Those are not words I frequently use to describe Bush or his presidency. But credit and praise must be given where they are due, and Bush’s accomplishment — the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR — deserves accolades. It is a reminder that the United States can still be both great and good.

The rest: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-07-26/opinions/35487798_1_african-countries-pepfar-antiretroviral-treatment

===

George W. Bush’s Legacy on Africa Wins Praise, Even From Foes

The George W. Bush Presidential Library dedication brought together five living presidents who have been at odds about much of the 43rd president’s foreign policy legacy, particularly the Iraq war. But they all agreed on, and offered effusive praise for, Bush’s work on Africa.

From the historic peace agreement between Sudan and South Sudan in 2005, to Bush’s work on HIV/AIDS and malaria, all the presidents, regardless of party, thanked No. 43 for his involvement in African policies and issues.

Jimmy Carter — who now runs the Carter Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to fight for human rights, conflict resolution and global health in the world’s most impoverished countries — laid out Bush’s accomplishments, including increasing aid to the continent by more than 640% by the time he left office.

“Mr. President, let me say that I’m filled with admiration for you and deep gratitude for you about the great contributions you’ve made to the most needy people on Earth,” said Carter.

The rest: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/04/george-w-bushs-legacy-on-africa-wins-praise-even-from-foes/

[Bluenorthwest]

15. Do you have any quotes about how great Bush is from HIV activists who are

African, gay or both? This is not exactly the full story and the glaring exclusion of informed and activist voices should tip anyone off about that.

[WilliamPitt]

23. Fill me in.

I would assume GW has about the same reputation as Reagan among AIDS activists here in America.

[24601]

57. How about Bono" Don't believe he is is African and never questioned his orientation, but here's

what was said:

"On the Late Show, after Letterman brought up some of Africa’s recent humanitarian problems, Bono credited the United States with saving millions of lives:

This week, we just hit the five million mark, the United States saving five million lives, people who are suffering from AIDS and now have anti-retroviral drugs because of the United States, because that's who you are, and you've done an amazing thing. And so, when people get organized, get busy, things change, and that is an amazing - five million lives have been saved over the last, in eight years, in eight years.

After Letterman asked if someone else would have "stepped up" in the absence of the rocker’s efforts, Bono lauded President Bush for leading the effort:

I'd like to believe that the American people have that sort of in them, and, but it was an interesting, it was an unusual combination of people on the left and the right got together, organization's called One because it's the one thing people on the left and the right can agree with. And President Bush, you know, whom, you know, you might have arguments with on various levels, he actually led this and he deserves some credit for this."

Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2011/07/19/bono-praises-george-w-bush-saving-millions-africa-prendergast-credits#ixzz2Xvd3zXWk

[bold highlights added]




http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2011/07/19/bono-praises-george-w-bush-saving-millions-africa-prendergast-credits

[dipsydoodle]

21. He misinterpreted the expression

The African bush.

[leveymg]

53. Shouldn't it be Bill who lays that wreath - wasn't Clinton President in 1998?

What does Bush have to do with it?

[rock]

55. Hey! Didn't you know?

It's W's birth place.

[efhmc]

58. As a Texan, I know for sure it wasn't Texas or any place close to it.

All though he still managed to destroy the place as he almost did the USA.

[onehandle]

3. I'm guessing that Tanzania is not one of the countries that will arrest smirk on sight. nt

[warrant46]

7. Well the Shrub Chimp did return to africa

[telclaven]

24. Be honest, do you really want a war?

Because that's what will happen. Regardless of the perceived justice, rationale, reasons, or whatever; the simple fact of the matter is that the US military will come down like a ton of bricks on any nation that seizes a US President, be he (or her) Repubican, Democratic, or Green. The American people, half of whom voted for Bush, will not permit it.

Not saying it's fair. Not saying it's right. Just saying that that's what would happen. Could you see Putin being arrested in France? Xin in Japan? Some things just don't happen.

[onehandle]

25. Of course not. But I want Americans to know that there are some countries...

...that members of the Bush Cabal can never enter because they are considered war criminals.

[telclaven]

32. Which ones are these?

I mean, serious threats, not 'citizen warrants' or some such. Legitimate governments with legal systems and enforcement mechanisms that would do such without regard to repercussions. I can't think of any. Matter of fact, doesn't there have to be some form of warrant for an arrest to occur? Not aware of any.

[Amonester]

44. Here (old news): "George Bush calls off trip to Switzerland"

Plan cancelled amid fear of violence at demonstration by human rights groups over the treatment of detainees at Guantánamo Bay
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/feb/06/george-bush-trip-to-switzerland

[telclaven]

47. Um, non sequitor says what?

Canceling an event due to threats of violent demonstrations is not even close to fear of being arrested. I seriously doubt any protestor would have gotten within 500 feet of President Bush, Swiss marksmanship is not to be taken lightly and the Secret Service are the best praetorians to walk the planet. Cancling probably saved a few lives, to be honest.

So again I ask, what nation actually proposes to cite a warrant, arrest, or have a trial for an American President? Even Spain, for all it's efforts in seeking international justice, hasn't said a peep.

My point is, this is all just wasted energy on wishes that will never be fullfilled in any scenario. I think it's better to start working to make fundamental changes to the government structure to realign the power balance between the Executive and Legislative Branches

[Arctic Dave]

31. Arrest? Heavens no, we are beyond that.

A drone strike on bush would be the new norm. Got to fight that terrorist over there so we don't have to try them here.

I just hope the live feed goes out on YouTube.

[former9thward]

38. There are no countries that will arrest a former president.

None. There are no arrest warrants which is misinformation constantly put out on DU. None.

[onehandle]

40. Who mentioned a warrant?

Bush Cancels Visit To Switzerland Due To Threat Of Torture Prosecution, Rights Groups Say

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/05/bush-switzerland-torture_n_819175.html

[former9thward]

41. "Rights groups Say"

If you think Switzerland is going to arrest a former president then you are off in an alternative universe. I live in the real world.

[heaven05]

5. disgusting

to say the least. Bushmonkey and Obama the sell out. Perfect.

[graham4anything]

9. so, to score political points, you are saying the President, who is already there shouldn't be

this tribute to those who died?

again, when the hyperbole ends...

[heaven05]

10. he

shouldn't be in the same room as bushmonkey. This genteel forgiving/rehabilitation bullshit is designed to show the sheeple that all politicians are the same really. Obama has gone a long way toward proving that point, to me. No hyperbole, just truth. Obama is a sellout to the corporate/banker interest of amerikkka.

[graham4anything]

12. Dick Cheney didn't like George W. Bush, so does that mean one likes Dick Cheney

the Nader meme is why W was elected in the first place.
It is a fake parallel

and of course, the Obama haters would love if he didn't pay tribute, at which point, Daryl Isaa would call for an investigation

when the hyperbole stops, then adults can converse.

hyperbole is the fake meme of just because Bush did it.
Bush smoked pot. Yet a lot of people seem to like pot.

[heaven05]

19. look

Last edited Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:45 AM - Edit history (2)

here. You can bow down and worship the feet of anyone you please. Where you feel you must place your lips is your business. Bushmonkey is a warmongering tool of cheney and the rest of the virulent right wing of amerikkkan politics. Your parallel is suspect. Cheney is a war criminal and so is bushmonkey. To be coddling this idiot(Bushmonkey) is the height of political and moral hypocrisy. Bush and Cheney are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and a universe full of grief. He should never show that stupid looking face in public ever again. I hope if there is a hell he burns in it along with the rest of his cabal, Rice included. Fuck Isaa. As an adult you are suspect..... Bush also snorted coke..... and a lot of people are killing and dying for a snort. Wake up! Stand up! Get off your knees! Follow the light, you and the rest of the amerikkkan sheeple will find your way out that dark tunnel of ignorance, sooner or later.

[zeemike]

27. It will probably be later

You must know that there were good Germans still thinking that Hitler would pull out a wonder weapon and win the war even as the Russians were on the outskirts of Berlin.
Once the mind is captured by blind obedience to a leader it is a difficult thing to change.

[darkangel218]

54. +1000

[appacom]

26. Obama is a what???

The president is a realist. Clearly, you are not. Have you ever considered that you all-or-nothing far left purists are a greater danger than obstructionists from the right? You sit there the safety of your American home with access to the best Aids and HIV care in the world slamming the president for being in the room with George Bush who did what nobody else in the world would do - initiate and fund the saving of millions of African lives.

.

[heaven05]

28. great

right.

[darkangel218]

52. LMAOROFL@"bushmonkey"

[madmom]

6. So are we taxpayers paying for any part of bush's vacation?..

Let's face it, they call any trip Obama takes a vacation. Let's see what is being said about bush being there, unnecessarily.

[graham4anything]

8. the headline writer at Huff. is hyperbolic. Hyperbole accomplishes nothing.

one is allowed four paragraphs, so here are more

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/obama-bush-tanzania_n_3527970.html
Obama and Bush will join together Tuesday in Dar es Salaam (dahr ehs sah-LAHM') for a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the 1998 bombing at the U.S. Embassy that killed 11 people. The embassy has since been relocated.

Obama arrived in Tanzania on Monday on the final leg of his three-country tour of Africa. His Republican predecessor coincidentally also plans to be there for a conference on African women organized by the George W. Bush Institute.

First lady Michelle Obama and former first lady Laura Bush also plan to team up at the conference Tuesday for a joint discussion on promoting women's education, health and economic empowerment.

[heaven05]

13. really

disgusting political bullshit. Bush library and african women's conference???????????? Michelle and Laura playing nicey nice for the cameras??????????? Disgusting.

[Amonester]

45. They met together before, so what's the fuss?

Date: January 20, 2008.
Location: White House.

Cut the BS. It's not like they never met before.

[heaven05]

46. felt

the same way then. You cut the bullshit. The fuss is, a war criminal like bushmonkey shouldn't be showing HIS STUPID LOOKING FACE in public! That's the problem with me. So go put your head back in the sand until I call on you again.

[Bluenorthwest]

16. This issue is of such importance that your game looks very brutal in this context.

Just saying. That which is usually amusing fun in this case sounds like a man farting at a funeral and then laughing about it madly.

[graham4anything]

17. If one prints the 4 (as allowed) paragraphs, the headline writer at Huff is not showing the whole

The grownup thing to do is ask

Are the events worthwhile regardless that W is there?

I think all those events are a good thing.

Bringing W and the hatred of him into the mix just distracts from the causes itself.

It appears it is just a coincidence that W is there at the same time.

Last I heard, Lee and Grant were also in the same place at the same time. One was a traitor, one a hero.
But it doesn't mean both are the same, does it?
Lee and Grant prove that.

[zeemike]

29. Yep, they are just evidently bumping into one another.

What a joke....this is all planed way in advance...and to pretend otherwise is just plane stupid.

[graham4anything]

34. In 1975 or 1976, Elton John and Neil Diamond both played in NYC over 8 days

Neil played on the one day Elton had a day off

I know, as I saw all 8 shows

[zeemike]

35. But they did not have a staff of hundreds and maybe thousands

planing everything they do...that is a false analogy.
They knew long before they went that this would happen.

[Berlum]

11. Oh jeez

[hatrack]

14. I like the way they spelled out "dahr ehs sah-LAHM" for Bush's benefit

[CanonRay]

18. Dar es Salaam. The only place out of the US where W won' be arrested

otherwise known as the Dallas of Africa!

[former9thward]

39. Name some place he would be arrested.

Just one.

[DeSwiss]

48. Malaysia?

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/22/george-w-bush-tony-blair-found-guilty-of-war-crimes-in-malaysia/

- And at my house.

[former9thward]

49. I guess you did not read your own link.

But I did. From the link: The verdict is purely symbolic as the tribunal has no enforcement powers.

[DeSwiss]

50. Yeah I saw it.

- But besides being arrested at my house, it's the best we got....

[bemildred]

20. That far away huh?

LOL.

[Beacool]

22. Although Bush's other policies helped to almost bankrupt the nation,

his aid to Africa is comendable. He spent a lot of resources, time and money helping combat AIDS in the continent.

What I don't get is why is he the one going to Tanzania. Clinton was president at the time of the attack, not Bush.

[zeemike]

30. Clinton did his part to rehabilitate the Bush brand

When he and Papa Bush went to Haiti.
Now it is Obana's turn to rehabilitate the chimp...cause Jeb wants the job...it's a tag team thing.

[East Coast Pirate]

33. Gotta keep it secret, heh heh.

[KansDem]

36. Hey, Prez! Give him lift to The Hague, willya?

Thanks!

[AnotherMcIntosh]

37. They are not the adversaries that some want them to be.

It appears that Obama genuinely likes Bush.



It may not be exactly mutual, however.

[lastlib]

42. Can we execute an arrest warrant in Tanzania??

[Wolf Frankula]

43. Let's Hope the First Lion Mr. Bush

meets will do his duty.

Wolf

[on point]

51. War criminal Bush should be arrested on sight

[BlueStater]

56. Ford's pardon of Nixon did more damage than anyone realized.

Reagan and Bush II have both benefited from that decision. Now the president really sort of is above the law and no one will punish him for any wrongdoing he commits. Terrible.