Can't we take care of our own first?

One third of the funding goes to abstinence-only education. Honestly, how much does it cost to tell people not to have sex with each other? Maybe I should start a business in Africa, get funding from Bush, and charge $5 a head to tell people not to have sex. Then, maybe, I could donate the proceeds to a realistic solution. Abstinence-only education doesn't work. We'd be better off promoting circumcision of the male population in Africa. No joke. Apparently, it prevents men from contracting AIDS. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/07/0726_050726_circumcision...

Yes, the critics are right. (Read the fine print, people). Mr. African Bush Hero. Maybe he will stay there.

Nothing is ever good enough for people who have already made up their minds about President Bush.

Well, he has been president for seven years...so people who haven't made up their minds about him simply haven't been paying attention!
I generally believe in small government, so whenever we do something overtly charitable abroad, my first question is always why those resources and funds couldn't have stayed here.

1.) Abstinence Only Sex Education doesn't work for the US, and it doesn't work for Africa. That is wasted money.

2.) I believe that our legislation that keeps Americans from getting competitively priced AIDS drugs also effects the AIDS drugs we help buy for Africa. Instead of something like $200 per day per person, we could be spending $2 a day. Think of the number of people we could help then! Too bad Bush cares more about price gouging drug companies instead of dying people.

OK, foxie, the bed-nets program is terrific!

agreed foxie, its like he can do no right for some people
not saying I'm a fan, but I don't believe the man has bad intentions 24/7 like most like to think...

I find it ridiculous that after 7 years of being in office and tons of people pleading for Bush to help Africa specially in terms of the genocide (which he refused to call a genocide for the longest time) to go now and get a "hero's welcome" If he really cared he would have been concentrated on this issue earlier. Bush is all about photo ops

Bono has done more for AIDS in Africa than Bush ever will. On V-day alone he held an auction with Southbys and raised over $40 million. In that one day he has done more than Bush ever will

Also why is it that only faith based organizations receive funding? There are plenty of organizations out there that are not faith based but based in purely helping people who have suffered because of the world's ignorance.

Abstinence education clearly is not working even in our country. And how is abstinence going to help the people who already have AIDS or are born from parents with AIDS? How about along with abstinence they educate people on their rights, how to protect themselves, and other beneficial things.

I would be worried too about Bush supporting higher costing medications. Specially when there are organizations that can treat people for $1 a day.

Why does Bush act like his plans are going to help everything. This is a global problem and he should work with other countries in aiding Africa since it is the world that has ignored it

What the f**k ever, hero my fat a$$. Let hi mgo to chad, Sudan, Niger, Congo and we'll see exactly how popular he is. Please!!!!

Now if he could only get around to New Orleans. Oh well, maybe next term.

Why can't anyone be grateful, or even the slightest bit appreciative that Africa is getting help, regardless of whom is supplying it?

Firstly, Faith based organizations get the most funding because they're the ones with the best (by which I mean clean) records. The faith based organizations also have the best chance of getting the most amount of the funds to the people who need it. The non-faith based organizations face higher taxes/tariffs than the non-based organizations. Getting money and items to actually GET to the Africans who need it is extremely difficult, due to rampant thievery and graft. Even the World Bank has refused to send money specifically for that reason.

Secondly, it isn't Bush's job to solve all of Africa's, or any country's problems. He's an AMERICAN president - not the world's president. It's his job to take care of America, the rest is a plus. I find it amazing that Bush is ravaged in the media and by small-minded, angry liberals because he "interfered" in the workings/politics of Iraq, but his "interference" by giving aid to Africa isn't good enough for the liberals. Well, make up your minds, are we as Americans to "interfere" or not? The good that we Americans have done by freeing the Iraqis of a murderous, torturous tyrant who mutilated and raped his own people and lands is considered bad, and the aid we send to Africa isn't good enough. What is wrong with you people? It's not the government’s job to save the world - this is mostly up to the people. The government does what it can - and I say GOVERNMENT NOT PRESIDENT (the Senate and Congress have a whole lot to do with things, remember?) The American people CAN and DO contribute, through government, of course, but mostly through private donations. More money, in fact, is donated by Americans than the rest of the world combined to underprivileged peoples of the world. And, I know how y'all hate to hear this, but much of those private donations are through those terrible faith based organizations. This is how it should be - less government, more privatization - just as our founding mothers and fathers wanted it.

Lastly, celebrities like Bono, who have exponentially more money and a higher profile than most, have the responsibility to use their celebrity for good causes. It's the right thing to do, no matter what their political views, (which they ought to keep to themselves and not use their celebrity to sway people's opinions, but that's a whole different topic). The more one has to give, the more one should give. He doesn't need nor deserve accolades, in actuality, the ones who don't contribute should be rebuked and rebuffed. Bono, and other high profile people, should do more than they do and encourage others of their ilk to follow suit.

I find it very small of people that Africa is getting help, and all anyone can do is pick at those helping.

Lastly, I'd like to ask all of you what YOU'VE done lately to contribute to ease the suffering of others. It seems to me that all of this is all talk and complaints. How about less talk and more positive action?

Hey there! JovianSkys, thanks for reminding us that action in Africa is positive! I hope most people agree that doing something to help the situation is laudable.

Do you guys think there are fundamental and irreconcilable differences between those who agree on an end (aid to Africa), but disagree on the means?

Yes any action is good action but I don't think Bush should receive tons of praise because of one visit. Why should someone who would not recognize Darfur as a genocide although the UN declared it just to avoid having to take action receive a hero's welcome for showing up in a country and talking about plans? Talk is cheap

JovianSkies: I couldn't have said it better! I have been to Africa - it was a life changing experience. Everything you said is true - and then some. I could go on and on about the topic.

Also, I agree with everything you said about America. With all of our faults, we are still a generous and blessed nation. The ruling of our government is more than one man - thank God! - and we all need to spread the responsibility around where it belongs - even down to ourselves.

Perhaps if the uber-critics did more than just criticize, they would realize just how lucky they are, and then turn that massive negative energy into "positive action". Imagine what would happen then!!

As a "critic" I know how lucky I am to live in a country like ours. Also as a "critic" I know my right to criticize the government, its policies and people. I don't bash Bush just because Im a Democrat. I see his faults and the holes in his actions and am not afraid to voice my opinion. Actually I'm tired of people who criticize the Bush getting crap from people who preach about how lucky we are. EVERYONE knows about the luck.

BTW I just wanted to make a point that there is a difference between interfering and helping. African countries having been asking for help from the Bush administration and other governments for a long time and it for the most part has been ignored or pushed on the back burner. I hate to sound like a broken record but even the whole labeling the incidents in Darfur as a genocide is a perfect example. Nobody is saying that America should revert back to its isolationism days but there needs to be a better system in making sure that countries that need help receive it and that we stop interfering in other countries who do not need help

*...we stop interfering in other countries who are not ASKING for help

Why shouldn't Bush get praise? I believe he has made mistakes, but also believe he has done good, too. He is doing what he can to help.

Perhaps he didn't jump into the Darfur situation because of the extremely nasty criticism he recieves when he takes action to help the suffering peoples of the world? People are so quick to not see the big picture so they can have something to be angry about. Perhaps a wider view is in order - it seems that SO MANY are one-sided. Perhaps your views are out of balance and you need to research the other side to have the "full picture".

I wonder what YOU would have done in his shoes? I don't think it was easy to pick up the tattered pieces left behind by the Clintons, nor to have to be in office such a short time when we were attacked by terrorists. Perhaps if you think you could do better, you should run for President. You have the right to run!

Also, why should we care what a corrupted organization such as the UN has to say? They have all of their own interests in mind, and want to castrate America and get us under their socialistic control. Americans have the responsibility to protect ourselves and our families as we also reach out to help others less fortunate than we. Independence and compassion can easily go hand-in-hand.

So, JessNess, you are saying that Iraqi people didn't need help and didn't want help? You are clearly showing your one-sided, liberal-media-only based view because you have ignored that fact that the Iraqi people are delighted to be rid of the reign of terror they've endured for far too long. Their cries for help had been cruelly silenced by their own government. How can you say the atrocities they suffered are less than the atrocities suffered in Darfur? Both are horrid beyond our comprehension, and, hopefully, will be eradicated due, in part, to the compassion and aid of this government (no matter who the figurehead) and its people.

I'm going to be honest here and say that Im not going to respond to anything right now because I'm too worked up after your last comment because I really hate when people assume that I do not do any research of the other side and when they try to defer making an argument by asking what would you do.

But I will say this (and as nice as I possibly can): you suggested that my views are out of balance and that I should do research and all I want to say is I feel that you should do the same because if I am not balanced then based solely off of reading your comments you seem to be imbalanced also

I am not backing down from my criticism of Bush and I accept your opinions (even though I do not agree with most of them)but Im going to go before I get b*tchy and lose my composure

I didn't even bring up the Iraq war and you are now just putting words in mouth which I suggest you stop doing.

You could not possibly know my point of view based off of these few comments.

You need to stop making assumptions about my "one-sided, liberal-media-only based view" You do not know me and you do not even know where I get my media. You do not know how I don't like our media because I feel that it is bias and censored (even CNN)

It is attacks and twisting of words like this that stop me from normally commenting on this site. I tried to keep friendly but you are really making it hard.

Im done for the night

JessNess: I am assuming that you are addressing all of your last comments to me, so I will respond. Firstly, I didn't address you personally until my last question, which is just that - a question. I also don't see anywhere where I put words in your mouth.

Secondly, I have not twisted anything you have said. I never quoted you nor your sources. I will say, however, that you don't present a balanced opinion at all. You "rage against the machine" without a thought of how great the machine is. Certainly, it needs reparation, but when in the last 50 years hasn't it?

You also seem to overlook the fact that I am not a huge Bush fan, but that I believe credit should be given where due.

My comments are quite informed, compassionate, and well balanced: perhaps more so, due to my world view (especially regarding Africa) as well as the fact that my sister has close political ties in Washington and gets information that most never get to hear. Nothing high security, mind you, it's just that a lot that goes on there isn't reported on fully.

Perhaps you are irritated when people choose to ask what others have personally done because there isn't much to say because just complaining has been done.

Each individual has to look inward, myself included, before slinging hateful arrows. Each individual has the responsibility to take what action he/she can and support the positive actions of those who are able to do more. If one doesn't do these things, one has no right to complain because one has no frame of reference for the difficulties, obsticles, and hurdles others must overcome to achieve the goals of good.

JessNess: Perhaps you are so angered because my points have validity. I respect your opinions and your right to vote any way you wish: it's American. I embrace a debate: debates are American. I am not enraged by you and you should not be enraged by me. If you are, perhaps it's part of your psyche telling you that some of your views are too harsh and, maybe, just maybe, need review. We all need to review, learn, and grow - it's part of the joy of being human.

"that fact that the Iraqi people are delighted to be rid of the reign of terror they've endured for far too long"

Whitefox, have you ever been in Irak or spoken with any people there? Because there's a civil war going on there right now, and I don't think they're all happy about it. If Bush really wanted to save the Iraqi people from terror, there wouldn't have been any invasion, because he knew beforehand what was going to happen. His own father said once that if America invaded Irak there was "no way out". If he didn't listen to his own father words or to the UN it's because he had some other interests in his mind. Bush is not a "saving force", he's an imperialist. I can't believe there's people who still believe all this demagogy.

You guys only see what the paper tells you or the news. I hope you know that most of these people giving him welcomes are paid with food which a lot of people need and would do almost anything for and money, they aren't there cos they like him most don't even know who the heck he is. So when you see photos of him walking in villages getting props it isn't cs he's popular it's cos at the end of he day they get something out of all that.

Yes, all help is great. But the fact is that our money could help MORE people and save MORE lives if it wasn't being WASTED on abstinence only sex education. It isn't just that the organizations are faith based...if they got that job done who cares. But abstinence only sex education is just throwing that money away.

Our money could be better spent, and help more people.

right... so the UN is just one big socialistic conspiracy theory?? Oh my, I thought that the old socialisme scare had died a long time ago, you know other nations beside the US have freedom and democracy - the US got their constitution based on the European models just so you know, the US is by no means the most "free" country in the world!

...and by the way isn't the free press considered the essential guard against power abuse?? Despite how great a government is the free press has to investigate and challenge the actions of that government to greate a dialectic democratic discussion - so the criticism of Bush is not an attack on him personally but rather a necessary comment to ensure that the citizens' money are utilized the best way (and if some people believe that their money are wasted on abstinence education then its their duty to speak up in a public forum)

I agree 100% with JovianSkys. And I don't think abstinence programs are a waste. I think that point of view is cynical. We're always talking about choice and how important it is to have choice in all situations. Isn't abstinence a choice? Shouldn't it be respected along with all of the other choices in the realm of birth control? Instead of writing it off, we should encourage people to consider it too. In my opinion, if more people practiced it we would see the number of both STD and AIDS cases drop.

Hey all. Thanks for the passionate debate. Feel free to debate issues, but let's make sure we don't go at each other!

What raciccarone said.

I'm not necessarily trying to say people are wrong, but I'm curious to know where people are getting the information that Bush wouldn't admit the situation in Darfur constitutes genocide. Even now, many world leaders won't call this situation genocide. (A lot of people still refer to it as ethnic cleansing.) I'm not the #1 Bush supporter in the world, but this is a subject that I have researched fairly heavily (the situation in Darfur, that is), and in all of my research, I have found that President Bush and his administration (i.e. Colin Powell) were some of the first in the world to label these atrocities as genocide.

Also, in these situations, it is very difficult to distinguish between ethnic cleansing and genocide, as the means are generally the same in both, but the end goals are different. In genocide, the final goal is to complete eliminate a race of people from existence, whereas in ethnic cleansing the primary goal is to remove a race of people from a specific area.

Anyway, like I said, I'm not necessarily saying you're wrong, I would just like to know what sources you are using.

Completely, not complete. Sorry for the typo!

Also, just to point out, the government in the Sudan did not ask for help in this situation, as evidence points to the fact that the government has actually been working with the Janjaweed. I will admit, however, that other African countries have asked for (and been denied) help from the U.S. under MANY presidents, including, but not limited to, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

I agree with JovianSkies. Who cares, as long as people are getting help?

"And I don't think abstinence programs are a waste. I think that point of view is cynical"

Studies have proven that it doesn't work. The idea that Abstinence Only Sex Ed programs are a waste is based in fact.

let's be honest here kids are going to experiment, no matter what you say no matter what you do. some are blinded by love others by lust but abstinence is a hard hard thing to do. They will do it anyway therefore teach them to be safe, to be responsible and to value their lives.

let's be honest here kids are going to experiment, no matter what you say no matter what you do. some are blinded by love others by lust but abstinence is a hard hard thing to do. They will do it anyway therefore teach them to be safe, to be responsible and to value their lives.

Not to mention, abstinence-only education in Africa is a ridiculous thing to press - many Africans are born with HIV, and once married, pass it along to their spouse and children... should we tell Africans born with the virus to never have sex? Abstinence-only would serve those not sexually active, first of all, and since it's conclusive that abstinence-only education tends to lead to HIGHER rates of STIs and unplanned pregnancies amongst those it is taught to, then we are wasting our time with that. Bed nets? Great! Abstinence-only? God forgive us for the continuing spread of disease that will cause.

Wow. Good point minaminamina.

we have given millions to Africa, maybe his "hero" welcome is really based on america coming to thier Aid, he is after all our representative. I love the people who say "amercia is not the world police" but when they think we should stick our noses and money into something they deem "worthy" and we dont than we suck.

Africa has, and is currently, overwhelmingly protested US aid - they do not want it. It is neo-colonialism, and with that much money, comes certain expectations. Africans know this. Americans do not, because their media does not portray this. When I go home, I hear people who like America, who do not, who are ambivalent - but when it comes to American aid to Africa, I have never once met another African who thought, "Yes! This is a good idea!"

caterpillar hate to burst your bubble but if you go to Africa and ask if they like or give two f**ks about George Bush they'll either hiss or give you a blank stare. He's really no one in Africa but if it makes people feel better to believe that he got a hero's welcome from photos of him visiting schools where you are forced to attend then go right ahead, to tell you the truth tony Blair is actually probably more well known.

Thanks for the first-person perspectives!

It's the most money that any US president has ever pledged (BILLIONS!) to the situation in Africa and he did it without fanfare, unlike so many previous administrations that have only talked about it. I am a critic when I need to be, but if the man has ever done anything that he deserves credit for ... I believe it's this.

--

minaminamina, re your statement: "Africa has, and is currently, overwhelmingly protested US aid - they do not want it. It is neo-colonialism, and with that much money, comes certain expectations."

(a) What sort of expectations? And exactly how does this translate to neo-colonialism?
(b) Are we saying US-government based aid? Or are we also including US-based non-governmental organizations?

I know I'm late in jumping into this conversation, but I really don't understand the hostility in Africa. So I'd like more insight if you wouldn't mind, thanks.