In his visit to Latin America over the next five days, President Bush will seek to recharge relations between the United States and a handful of friendly governments. It is important that he counter opponents like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is trying to spread his brand of anti-Americanism and nationalism to other countries.
Critics say U.S. neglect of Latin America has helped fuel the rise of socialist leaders like Chavez and President Evo Morales in Bolivia. It’s true that Bush came to office promising that Latin America would be a key priority, but after Sept. 11, 2001, his attention necessarily turned to the Middle East. Still, U.S. assistance to Latin American has doubled from $800 million to $1.6 million since Bush took office, according to the White House.
As Bush arrived in Sao Paulo, Brazil, last night for the start of a five-nation tour, Chavez was arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he planned to lead anti-American demonstrations today when Bush travels to neighboring Uruguay. Bush’s trip also includes stops in Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico.
“The trip is to remind people that we care,” Bush said in an interview with CNN En Espanol. “I do worry about the fact that some say, ‘Well, the United States hasn’t paid enough attention to us,’ or, ‘The United States really isn’t anything more than worried about terrorism.’ And when, in fact, the record has been a strong record.”
Bush is right to make a personal effort to help solidify relations and to extend a package of assistance.
Many people in Latin American live in extreme poverty, and conditions are ripe for the spread of anti-American demagoguery. Bush said on Monday that a Navy medical ship would make port calls in the region to treat 85,000 patients and perform 1,500 surgeries. A center is being set up in Panama to train nurses and other health care workers; $75 million is being spent to help students improve their English and study in the U.S.; and another $350 million will expand a program to underwrite mortgages for working families.
The president will be discussing efforts to restrain drug trafficking and promote legal trade, and he is eager to work with Brazil, which has developed ethanol as a key domestic source of fuel, on alternative energy issues.
The trip is timely, and it is important to remind Latin Americans that the United States is a friend. But one visit isn’t enough. We were glad to see that Bush plans to host Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Camp David soon.
