Posted on 02/16/2008 3:25:45 PM PST by STARWISE
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
The President, First Lady and their party are on a five-country African visit, until Feb. 21, 2008. Click on the banner below for further background and details.
Press Briefing by Ambassador Jendayi Frazer (aboard Air Force One)
Excerpt:
I think that it's important to know that our -- that we have a major initiative that's intended to build the capacity of Africans, themselves, to respond to conflict. That's the Global Peace Operations Initiative.
It's called GPOI. And that was an initiative that the President pushed the administration to develop. It started in 2005. It provides $660 million over five years to train 75,000 peacekeepers worldwide, with a focus on Africa.
To date, we've trained about 39,000 Africans in peacekeeping, and also equip them. And of the Africans deployed around the world in peacekeeping operations -- of which the majority are, again, Africa -- 80 percent have been trained by the United States. So we think that this is a major contribution to conflict resolution on the continent.
PHOTO(s) OF THE DAY
U. S. President George W. Bush right is greeted by Tanzania's President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, left, on his arrival to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Bush spent three hours in Benin, the first U.S. president to visit the West African country, before flying to Tanzania where he will stay three nights
An image of U.S. President George W. Bush is shown on the dresses of Tanzanian women as they await the arrival of Bush at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, February 16, 2008. (( I WANT THAT FABRIC ! )
According to the itinerary released by the White House, Bush and his wife Laura will land in Benin Saturday to begin the trip. After a brief stop, he then heads to Tanzania.
During his visit, Bush is expected to visit hospitals, schools, AIDS and malaria projects.
In Tanzania, he will sign the biggest ever grant of 698 million U.S. dollars to fund water, energy and infrastructure.
Previously, Bush administration officials said the trip is aimed to show the caring side of the U.S. policy towards Africa.
"The trip will be an opportunity to demonstrate America's commitment to the people of these countries and to Africa as a whole," White House National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley told reporters Thursday.
Analysts said the trip focused on a number of strategic issues and all the countries on his itinerary are related to U.S. strategic interests.
Geopolitical interests will also play a role in the trip, including the newly-formed U.S. Africa command (AFRICOM).
QUOTE(s) OF THE DAY
President's Radio Address ~ February 16, 2008
Good morning. At the stroke of midnight tonight, a vital intelligence law that is helping protect our nation will expire.
Congress had the power to prevent this from happening, but chose not to.
The Senate passed a good bill that would have given our intelligence professionals the tools they need to keep us safe. But leaders in the House of Representatives blocked a House vote on the Senate bill, and then left on a 10-day recess.
Some congressional leaders claim that this will not affect our security. They are wrong. Because Congress failed to act, it will be harder for our government to keep you safe from terrorist attack.
At midnight, the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence will be stripped of their power to authorize new surveillance against terrorist threats abroad.
This means that as terrorists change their tactics to avoid our surveillance, we may not have the tools we need to continue tracking them -- and we may lose a vital lead that could prevent an attack on America.
In addition, Congress has put intelligence activities at risk even when the terrorists don't change tactics. By failing to act, Congress has created a question about whether private sector companies who assist in our efforts to defend you from the terrorists could be sued for doing the right thing.
Now, these companies will be increasingly reluctant to provide this vital cooperation, because of their uncertainty about the law and fear of being sued by class-action trial lawyers.
For six months, I urged Congress to take action to ensure this dangerous situation did not come to pass. I even signed a two-week extension of the existing law, because members of Congress said they would use that time to work out their differences. The Senate used this time productively -- and passed a good bill with a strong, bipartisan super-majority of 68 votes. Republicans and Democrats came together on legislation to ensure that we could effectively monitor those seeking to harm our people. And they voted to provide fair and just liability protection for companies that assisted in efforts to protect America after the attacks of 9/11.
The Senate sent this bill to the House for its approval. It was clear that if given a vote, the bill would have passed the House with a bipartisan majority. I made every effort to work with the House to secure passage of this law. I even offered to delay my trip to Africa if we could come together and enact a good bill. But House leaders refused to let the bill come to a vote. Instead, the House held partisan votes that do nothing to keep our country safer. House leaders chose politics over protecting the country -- and our country is at greater risk as a result.
House leaders have no excuse for this failure. They knew all along that this deadline was approaching, because they set it themselves.
My administration will take every step within our power to minimize the damage caused by the House's irresponsible behavior. Yet it is still urgent that Congress act. The Senate has shown the way by approving a good, bipartisan bill. The House must pass that bill as soon as they return to Washington from their latest recess.
At this moment, somewhere in the world, terrorists are planning a new attack on America. And Congress has no higher responsibility than ensuring we have the tools to stop them. Thank you for listening.
Bush Says Congress Putting US In Danger
~~~
((US House of Representatives, Switchboard #: (202) 224-3121))
U.S President George W. Bush and the First Lady Laura Bush waves upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania's capital Dar es Salaam, February 16, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) and Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi take part in an arrival ceremony at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Feb. 16, 2008.
U.S. President Bush and Benin's President Boni Yayi review the honor guard during a welcome ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
Flower girls await the arrival Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, of President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin. The President and First Lady made the stop -- the first of their Africa visit – and spent the day before continuing on to Tanzania.
President George W. Bush is greeted by flower girls upon arrival Saturday, Feb. 6, 2008, at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, after he and Mrs. Laura Bush arrived at the first stop on their five-country African visit.
President George W. Bush is greeted by President Boni Yayi of Benin, and his wife, Madame Chantal de Souza Yayi, as he and Mrs. Laura Bush deplane Air Force One Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at the Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin.
President George W. Bush and President Boni Yayi of Benin, stand for their respective national anthems Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, after the President and Mrs. Laura Bush arrived at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, the first of five stops in Africa.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush pose with women at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, after they greeted the President and First Lady upon arrival.
Mrs. Laura Bush and Madame Chantal de Souza Yayi, First Lady of Benin, walk the red carpet upon the arrival Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, of Mrs. Bush and President George W. Bush to Benin.
Mrs.Laura Bush and Madame Chantal de Souza Yayi, First Lady of Benin enjoy a performance Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, during a greeting with Ambassador's Girls Scholarship Program recipients in Cotonou, Benin.
Mrs. Laura Bush and Madame Chantal de Souza Yayi, First Lady of Benin, enjoy the dancing by members of the USAID-Supported Mothers’ Association as the two women are greeted Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, after the arrival of Mrs. Bush and President George W. Bush to Benin.
A picture of President Bush is on the billboard along the road celebrating his visit by the Tanzanian people in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
hi
Thanks for the ping and thanks for allowing us to vist Sanity Island
HI!
there is a ton more pictures at Yahoo, i can’t remember the format to post pictures or i would do a few.
U.S. President George W. Bush embraces President of Benin Thomas Yayi Boni after being presented with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin in Cotonou, Benin, February 16, 2008.
US President George W. Bush holds a joint press availability with Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi in Cotonou February 16, 2008.
US President George W. Bush holds a joint press availability with Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi in Cotonou February 16, 2008.
US President George W. Bush speaks at a joint press availability with Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi in Cotonou February 16, 2008.
A pair of Tanzanian military guards prepare to roll out a red carpet as they await the arrival of U.S President George W. Bush at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar Es Salaam February 16, 2008.
President Bush and his wife first lady Laura Bush depart Air Force One at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
U.S President George W. Bush is introduced to delegates by his host Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikweteto (L) upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam February 16, 2008.
President Bush with Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, left, reviews the troops at the arrival ceremony at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
President Bush with Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete during the arrival ceremony at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (L) greet members of Tanzania's government upon their arrival at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar Es Salaam, February 16, 2008. Alongside Bush is Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
President Bush poses with Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete during the arrival ceremony at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
President Bush is accompanied by Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete as they watch traditional dancers upon Bush's arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush (2nd R) walks with Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (R) and their wives, Lady Mama Salma Kikwete (2nd L) and Laura Bush (L), during an arrival ceremony at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, February 16, 2008.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for these wonderful photos and a chance to rest on Sanity Island.
Thank you.
Beninese workers drag a red carpet to Air Force One as President Bush and first lady Laura Bush, not pictured, arrive at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Bush is visiting Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia on his Africa trip this week.
A military guard watches over the arrival of US President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush as they step off Air Force One at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, February 16, 2008. 
US President George W. Bush (L) holds a joint press availability with Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi in Cotonou February 16, 2008.
President Bush walks with Benin's President Boni Yayi during an arrival ceremony at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Bush is visiting Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia on his Africa trip this week.
US President George W. Bush greets children during a ceremony upon his arrival at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, February 16, 2008.
Dancers perform for US President George W. Bush (L) and President of Tanzania Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (2nd L) during an arrival ceremony at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, February 16, 2008.
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush meet Beninese children as they participate in an arrival ceremony at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Bush is visiting Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia on his Africa trip this week. ((Notice the 'smiling faces' on the boys .. ;)
AP Sat Feb 16, 4:06 AM ET Previous 13 of 80 Next President Bush is presented with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin by Benin's President Boni Yayi as first lady Laura Bush, second left, and Chantal Yayi, left, look on at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Bush is visiting Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia on his Africa trip this week.
US President George W. Bush kisses first lady Laura Bush after being presented with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin in Cotonou, Benin, February 16, 2008.
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush participate in an arrival ceremony at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Bush is visiting Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia on his Africa trip this week.
Hello!
I hope Bela Pelosi is listening.
Hiya Starwise!
Thanks for the ping.
Gorgeous pics today.
Nice to see W so warmly greeted!
Lovely people. :)
US President George W. Bush (L) and Benin President Thomas Yayi Boni in Cotonou. Bush has launched a five-country Africa tour, highlighting US-backed victories against disease and poverty and pushing for an end to deadly violence in Kenya.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush wave to President Boni Yayi of Benin and Madame Chantal de Souza Yayi Feb. 16, 2008, after visiting the African country on the first leg of their five-country trip. The President and Mrs. Bush later arrived in Tanzania, where they will spend two days.
A sea of Tanzania and U.S. flags greets Air Force One as the aircraft carrying President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush arrives at Julius Nyerere International Airport Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, in Dar es Salaam.
U.S President George W. Bush and the First Lady Laura Bush waves upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania's capital Dar es Salaam, February 16, 2008.
Mrs. Laura Bush and Sala Kikwete, wife of President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, stand on the red carpet Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, after the arrival of President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzanian women in dresses bearing the likeness of President George W. Bush wave flags from Tanzania and the United States as they await the arrival Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam of President Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush.
A woman waves and U.S. flag as Air Force One arrives at Julius Nyerere International Airport Saturday in Dar es Salaam. The arrival of President George W.Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush brought thousands in welcome to the streets of the country's capitol.
A participant in the welcoming ceremony for President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush dances near the red carpet at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam as he rejoices in the arrival of U.S. leader to Tanzania.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush are joined by President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and his wife, Sala Kikwete as they watch performers during the arrival ceremony Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Young women in traditional costume dance during welcoming ceremonies for President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A Billboard in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania welcomes President Bush and thanks him for assistance from the Millennium Challenge Account, 16 Feb 2008.
whew ;)
Thanks
STARWISE: THANK YOU for posting these AWESOME photos!!
Even though the MSM and rightwing talkers/pundits want to ignore it, MANY in this world love and respect our president!
While restoring the American economy and keeping us safe for 7 years, President George W Bush saved millions of lives in the Middle East and Africa — a president’s legacy just doesn’t get any better than that!
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MUST READ . . .
REMEMBER THOSE BENCHMARKS?
Unheralded political advances in Iraq.
by Fred Barnes
A year ago, when neither the war nor political reconciliation was going well, the Bush administration reluctantly agreed to 18 benchmarks for judging progress in Iraq. And the Democratic Congress eagerly wrote the benchmarks into law, also requiring the administration to report back in July and September on whether the benchmarks were being met.
Despite the surge of additional American troops and a new counterinsurgency strategy, the reports found little progress on the political benchmarks requiring tangible steps toward reconciliation between Shia and Sunnis. Democrats insisted this meant the surge had failed.
They had a point, but not anymore. The surge, by quelling violence and providing security, was supposed to produce “breathing space” in which reconciliation could take place. Now it has, not because President Bush says so, but based on those same benchmarks that Democrats once claimed were measures of failure in Iraq.
You can read the entire article here:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/758phfdr.asp?pg=1
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AMERICANS NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD
Dear Lou Dobbs: The middle class became the rich
EVERY night, Lou Dobbs gets on CNN and drones on and on about how the middle class in America is shrinking. It is disappearing along with our jobs at the textile mill.
Woe is us.
Having actually worked at a textile mill, I say the people in Bangladesh are welcome to make my shirts.
I’ll sit here in my smoke-free, air-conditioned-in-the-summer office where I don’t have to worry about brown lung.
If Dobbs is wondering where the middle class went, in New York City, they have moved on up to the deluxe apartments in the sky.
Everywhere else, they have moved into large houses in the suburbs with big yards.
You can read the entire commentary here:
http://dailymail.com/Opinion/DonSurber/200802150329
Terrific group of pictures. Thanks, Starwise.
By the way, I absolutely love those Tanzania women in their “Bush” dresses!
My pleasure .. ;)
Hi there. There are some people, thank
God, who appreciate US ... and they show it.
Very uplifting to see.
(Suzi - IMO, THAT House-woman’s life
should be miserable and her sleep intruded
by nightmares for the rest of her life for
her diabolical words and actions. She’s
already blamed any future attack on our
stalwart President. I’ll withhold the
rest of my wishes for her here, but you
get the drift.)
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