Jeers to Bush's critics that he doesn't care about our Latin American neighbors. Isn't a trip of about a week or so enough to show that Bush really loves all our friends in the Americas. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and Bush's stomach is clamoring for some good old latin cooking all over the place.
From the Huffington Post:
It began with Bush's first event in his first country, when he and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva celebrated a new ethanol alliance.
"I appreciate the fact that you're about to buy me lunch," Bush told Silva. "I'm kind of hungry. Looking forward to eating some of that good Brazilian food."
In Uruguay, at a news conference with President Tabare Vazquez, Bush said he couldn't wait to dig into some Uruguayan beef _ something the tiny nation wants to sell more of to the United States.
"You've told me all along how good it is, and after we answer a few questions, we're about to find out," Bush told his host, later praising the country's abundant blueberries, too.
In Colombia, part of Bush's agenda included time with locals growing crops as alternatives to the illegal coca from which cocaine is made. The vendors' stalls were filled with honey, chocolate and coffee.
Next came Guatemala, where Bush hauled some lettuce onto a truck _ something he later called "one of the great experiences of my presidency."
"I'm looking forward to the dinner that you're hosting for Laura and me," Bush told Guatemalan President Oscar Berger in another news conference. "I'm not going to talk too long because I might get too hungry."
Later, Bush's stomach was either really growling _ or it was a ruse to end the questioning. He signaled an end to the joint appearance by asking Berger what was on tap for dinner.
"We have tortillas with guacamole and beans," Berger assured him.
Others didn't care for his visit, like Gerardo Fernandez of the Mexican DRP. He brought Bush a bag of toy soldiers so that the Decider could play war. Unfortunately he wasn't allowed into the festivities in Merida, so he just threw the toys over a security fence while Bush dined on guacamole and beans.
So much food, so little time. Perhaps the President will take doggie bags back with him to the White House. When it comes to crafting policies like CAFTA, it takes a full stomach to screw over all the people you claim to care about.
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