SMILES, CURTSIES, AND LAURA BUSH CHARISMA. AMERICA’S AID TO AFRICA ©

First Lady Laura Bush is in Africa. She smiles, curtsies, and speaks of how important it is that we provide aid to this continent. She states, we need to support, and help Africa in its efforts to improve. Africa is struggling and America needs to be there as a friend, a partner, and an ally.

Yet, the First Lady knows, America spends a smaller percentage of its Gross Domestic Product on foreign aid than any of the other G-8 nations. Mrs. Bush reads and hears that the US government development aid is less than that of most Western countries. She understands when measured against the gross national product, non-governmental donations from America are much higher. The First Lady has no comment. Instead, she smiles and assures Americans that we are helping.

On June 7, 2005, while meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Bush said the same. He voiced, “America will continue to lead the world to meet our duty in helping the world's most vulnerable people.”

Yet, we do not; at least we do not do as other countries do!

In a June meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair, the President of the United States declared America was willing to forgive African debt, but not much more. Prior to this meeting, Bush promised $674 million for famine relief. Blair though this a hopeful sign. The English leader hoped the President had become more cognizant; perhaps, he was beginning to comprehend the interconnectedness of all nations. Possibly, he recognized the need to work with Africa. However, as the discussions progressed, Blair’s hope faded. The President said he could not, in good faith, provide further funds.

Later, on June 30, 2005, as Bush prepared for his trip to Scotland, he did extend more aid to African nations, though not as much as Blair has requested. The President called upon Congress, asking them to spend $1.2 billion to cut malaria deaths in Africa by one half. Bush projected this reduction would be complete by 2010. The President expressed his dire concern stating, "In the overwhelming majority of cases the victims are less than 5 years old — their lives ended by nothing more than a mosquito bite."

President Bush also proposed that the United Sates double the aid allocated for the education of girls in African countries; he suggested a distribution of $400 million.

George W. Bush also asked Congress to approve another $55 million. These funds would help to improve the circumstances of women in Africa. Many are the victims of violence and sexual abuse; money for legal protections would be beneficial. The President requested the resources be apportioned over the next three years.

On this same day, the President granted The Times [Timesonline.com] an interview. Mr. Bush was asked of the Live 8 Concert. ‘Was America ready to be more generous with aid to Africa?’ King George II replied, “I believe in the admonition, ‘to whom much has been given, much is required’. He said that he wanted to increase assistance; however, he stated, African leaders must make a commitment to honest government and the rule of law. Bush asserted, America would not offer further assistance until Africa proved that it was adequately addressing issues of concern.

Bush retorted; he takes issue with Mr. Blair. Doubling global aid to Africa, sending $50 billion is not wise. The money would not be well spent. George W. Bush did not agree that current allocations from America were too low. The 0.16 per cent of US GDP that Washington spends on overseas aid is substantial.

According to GW Bush, America wants to work with African countries. However, he says, “That’s different than a relationship of cheque-writer. In other words, partnership means that we’ve got obligations and so do the people we’re trying to help.” Americans want to help combat poverty and hunger, yet there are stipulations. At the recent G8 Summit, Bush reiterated these.

Blair pressed on. The Prime Minister continued to ask the G8 nations to boost foreign aid to an amount equal to 0.7% of their national incomes by 2015. Initially, the European Union agreed to this option; the United States and Japan did not. The two were opposed to the agreement, and each refused to sign. Then, in a last minute decision, Japan did pledge to contribute more. They would donate greater aid to African.

Finally, with a lack of enthusiasm Mr. Bush did the same. He said the US would double assistance to the region by 2010; he said this as he stressed ‘trade, and good government, were as important as financial aid.’ King George II said the "primary focus" must be on "reforming countries". President Bush stated, African leaders, must be the "agents of reform" rather than "passive recipients of money".

Ultimately, by the close of the Summit, after a very trying week, Blair was able to announce victory; aid to Africa would rise from the current $25 billion annually to $50 billion by 2010, assuming America perceives Africa has changed. Some may say, in 2010 the Bush reign will be over. His term in office ends in 2008! There is the possibility of Jeb; however, I digress.

For now, Bush is doing what he does. He offers the appearance of compassion, minimally. King George II bestows concern, hesitantly. The President presents a magnanimous manner. He grants aid; he gives his best aid, First Lady Laura Bush. The President passes on his pride and his joy. He sent his wife to Africa. Charisma, character, charm, smiles and curtsies are the Bush contribution. Mrs. Laura Bush is touring the African nations this week; her journey began on July 11, 2005.