Posted on 03/18/2011 8:36:35 AM PDT by jazusamo
President looks ridiculous ignoring Colombia and Panama on Latin America trip
When President Obama begins his tour of Latin America on Friday, two countries will be conspicuously missing from his itinerary: Colombia and Panama. Although Mr. Obama plans to swing by Brazil, Chile and El Salvador, he opted not to schedule visits to a pair of nations he claims are important partners in his plan to double U.S. exports by 2015.
Their absence on his schedule is disappointing - but no surprise. Five years ago, the United States negotiated free-trade agreements with Colombia and Panama, and Mr. Obama has called for their approval by Congress in his last two State of the Union addresses. Yet his administration has done virtually nothing to secure their passage. At a hearing on Capitol Hill last week, senators from both parties practically begged the White House to submit the trade accords - but U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk hemmed and hawed about how they weren’t quite ready just yet.
This is nonsense. They’re more than ready. Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana put it bluntly: “The time is here. The time is now. In fact, the time has passed to ratify the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.” He also made it clear that he supports the deal with Panama.
Mr. Baucus did something recently that Mr. Obama won’t do in the coming days: He visited Colombia. He came back convinced that the deal would be a boon to American farmers. Over the past two years, he said, the lack of a free-trade agreement with Colombia has cost American farmers $1 billion in sales. As a North Dakota wheat producer, I can tell you that much of the Colombian wheat market has gone to our competitors in Canada.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Excellent earlier article:
Leave him alone. He’s on vacation.
Good one, of course that can be said a good part of the time. :)
Yeah, to expand Nuclear and bio fuels
‘to announce the start of talks on a tax treaty and further steps to expand cooperation in bio-fuels and nuclear energy’.
Although that is not only being downplayed by the media it’s almost a cover up about it now.
Wouldn’t make a good photo op for Obama signing a Nuclear expansion while Japan is under radiation.
I don’t think he will drop in to visit with the people of Honduras either.
Right!! I feel sorry for him - the guy needs a vacation to rest up from all the hard work he's been doing!!
Correct, there’s been practically nothing said by the enemedia on this since Japan’s disaster.
I read that we are giving billions to Brazil to support their off-shore deep water drilling.
Must not be any good parties goin' on there...
Where’s Waldo?....
And also, I think, because of his crypto-admiration for Colombia's arch-enemy, Hugo Chavez.
Golf Clubs in Rio de Janeiro
Gávea Golf and Country Club
Address: Estrada da Gávea, 800 - São Conrado - Rio de Janeiro – CEP - 22610-000
Golden Green
Address: Av. Canal Marapendi, 2901 - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - CEP 22631-050
Itanhangá Golf Club
Address: Estrada da Barra da Tijuca, 2005 - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - CEP 22641-000
The greens are located near Barra da Tijuca and its beaches, not far from the main central beaches.
Agreed. It's pathetic how he cozies up to our antagonists and shuns our allies.
True, but it is the only thing he does consistently...
It maybe easier to find out when the rookie Hussein ISN'T on holiday.
I noticed that Honduras isn’t on the itinerary, either.
His pimps will not allow him to visit these countries.
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