President Bush wasn't beat by Chavez, Maradona, peaceful protesters, violent protesters or some sort of widespread anti-FTAA sentiment. President Bush was beat by himself.
Bush looked disinterested when meeting with other presidents. He rarely spoke to the media. When he did speak to the media, he looked unprepared. He let his domestic problems take the focus off the summit. Except for a few comments about Argentina and the IMF and one meeting with Andean countries about free trade, he didn't address a single bilateral issue between the US and any other country in the region. He brought nothing to the table except for the FTAA, and he walked away with nothing to show from the summit.
The leader of the most powerful country in the world sat down at the same table with every other president in the region and did nothing.
As a Democrat, I don't expect much from the president. But at the very least, I expected a focused attempt to engage the region for two days. Even if I had disagreed with every policy decision that he made, at least there could have been a debate about issues. Instead, the president confirmed to the world the common belief that he doesn't care about Latin America.
3 comments:
Boz a Democrat? I could of sworn you were an Independent.
I used to classify myself as an independent (and still do in some ways), but it's hard to say that truthfully when I've done paid and volunteer work for the Democrats.
At least for the next few election cycles, I'll probably classify myself as a moderate Democrat.
Mostly, I oppose the people currently in charge and would like to see that change. Being a Democrat right now is the best way to get that done. Eventually, I'd like to see the moderate wings of both parties prevail, but considering the current polarization, I'll choose the Dems.
C'mon Boz, we all know you're 'pretending you're not right wing'.
Post a Comment