At A Distance, Bush And Chavez Spar

In Brazil, Bush Touts U.S. Compassion; In Argentina, Chavez Leads Anti-Bush Rally

(CBS/AP)  Taunted by leftist President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, President Bush on Friday insisted the United States is not neglecting Latin America and celebrated an alternative-fuels pact with Brazil as proof.

"I don't think America gets enough credit for trying to help improve people's lives," Bush said at a joint news conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "My trip is to explain as clearly as I can that our nation is generous and compassionate."

Bush shrugged off fresh attacks from Chavez, his primary South American tormentor. The Venezuelan leader is staging a tour of the region to rival Bush's weeklong, five-country visit.

On Friday, in Buenos Aires, Argentina — about 1,000 miles southwest of here — Chavez called Bush's travels an attempt to divide and confuse Latin American nations.

"The future belongs to us," Chavez told reporters, adding "Oh, ho ho! Gringo go home!"

The two were to be even closer later Friday, when Chavez was to address an "anti-imperialist" rally in a soccer stadium in Buenos Aires while Bush was in Montevideo, Uruguay, across the River Plate.

Chavez is using his country's vast oil wealth to reach out to ordinary Latin Americans and to court other leftist leaders.

Asked directly about Chavez's latest taunts, Bush refused to mention Chavez by name, a common practice. "I bring the good will of the United States to South America and Central America," he said. "That's why I'm here."

Bush noted total U.S. aid has doubled since he took office to $1.6 billion last year. Some Latin American critics say Bush's claim is misleading because it is based on using 2001 as the starting point, and U.S. aid had dipped sharply that year, setting an artificially low benchmark.

The Bush administration sees the leftist Silva as a counterbalance to Chavez for influence in the region. As a sign of his standing, the president has invited Silva to visit the presidential retreat at Camp David, Md., on March 31.

The centerpiece of Bush's Brazilian stop — the first before he headed on to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico — was a new ethanol development agreement.

The two went in the morning to a large fuel depot for tanker trucks, the backdrop for arguments from Bush and Silva that increasing alternative fuel use will lead to more jobs, a cleaner environment and greater independence from the whims of the oil market. In Brazil, nearly eight in 10 new cars already run on fuel made from sugar cane.

The agreement, signed Friday morning by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Brazilian counterpart, has the U.S. and Brazil joining forces to promote more ethanol use in nations lying between Brazil and the United States. It also creates new quality standards for the alternative fuel.

But there were clear remaining tensions on a related issue: the 54-cent-a-gallon U.S. tariff on imports of Brazilian ethanol made from sugar, a measure designed to help U.S. corn growers. Corn can be made from either crop.

Before Bush's visit, Silva said the tariff was unfair and that he would press Bush to try to get the U.S. Congress to repeal it.

"It's not going to happen. The law doesn't end until 2009. And the Congress will ... look at it when the law ends," Bush said tersely during their news conference.

For his part, Silva joked about the impasse and his inability to change Bush's mind.

"If I had that capacity for persuasion that you think I might have, who knows? I might have convinced President Bush to do so many other things that I couldn't even mention here."

"This is a process," the Brazilian president added.

Bush and Silva also agreed to try to relaunch stalled global trade talks — the so-called Doha round — and Bush said, "We will work together. We will lock our trade ministers in a room, all aimed at advancing this important round."

U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab was staying behind to meet with Brazilian officials on Saturday morning.

Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America.

Protests to Bush's visit on Friday weren't as large or as violent as the day before.

About 150 protesters gathered outside Bush's hotel, burning an effigy of the American president with a swastika on his shirt and a Hitler mustache.

The protesters chanted, "Bush go home," and held up banners decrying American imperialism before a phalanx of military police while Bush and Silva ate lunch and talked to reporters inside.

Later, a crowd of onlookers waved as Bush and his wife, Laura, arrived for a chat with teens at a community center computer lab. But on the way out, a group of about 15 youngsters cursed Bush, calling him "assassin" and saying "go home." Bush waved and smiled, and other onlookers waved back and took photos.

Students in Sao Paulo also went into a McDonald's and gave bananas to customers. Lucia Kluck Stumpf, director international relations for the National Students Union said the stunt was to "peacefully eat bananas to show that we are not a banana republic." And about 200 Brazilian students chanting anti-Bush slogans marched to the American Embassy in the capital of Brasilia, where they unfurled Cuban and Venezuelan flags. It was not violent.

The anti-Bush protests started even before the president arrived, CBS News White House correspondent Peter Maer reports. In a clash far from the president's hotel, riot police fired tear gas into a crowd of demonstrators rallying for environmental and other causes. Army vehicles are parked outside the hotel where the president is staying, and police officers and soldiers are patrolling the streets.

Authorities did not disclose the number of injuries in Thursday's demonstrations, but Brazilian news media said at least 18 people were hurt and news photographs showed injured people being carried away.

[abbe7]

How many liters of oil does it take to produce one liter of bio-fuel ?

[iceman_1960]

(AP) Friday, March 9, 2007

GUATEMALA CITY-- Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaelogical site to eliminate "bad spirits" after President Bush visits next week, an official with close ties to the group said Thursday.

[olebd]

Ethanol is not the answer Bush!!! There are so many better alternatives to embrace. Then agian, I guess we all know oilmen are blind.

[tejasdemo]

Check out the picture..

Here's the church...here's the steeple..open the door...lookie at all the people....

lol

[chefrc]

Looks like Bush and his Daddy are afraid of losing money. So they will be a$$hole deep in bio-fuels to make sure they get a piece of the action too.You produce it cheaper there and sell it higher here. Why don't you just approve Production plants here to open up jobs for the people in the U.S.and better our economy? Do you really back the U.S at all? Makes me glad I don't vote,, Liars and theives that what all politicians are.

[azman80]

So is the reason that Bush is getting ethanol from another country is because only the rich will be able to invest and control it??? Why has he not signed a pact with folks in Idaho or Kansas, or anywhere else in the entire United States of America that can grow the corn for this Ethanol??? It would be cheaper for us in the long run, right???? Bush is an idiot and he is milking everybit of our intelligence to make his and his buddies pockets fatter. Start the impeachment process. I have posted this on other sections, SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR SENATOR AND LOCAL MEDIA ABOUT IMPEACHING BUSH AND CHENEY, IT WILL START A CHAIN REACTION.

[bogusbones]

I have always been led to understand that the soil in Brazil lacked the ability to sustain farming for any long period of time. That is why the rain forests (let's not forget global warming) are being cut down and burnt down at an alarming pace. The soil gives out after a few years so the "homesteaders" move on leaving depleted soil and clear more trees for farming. Now logic would tell one that this entire proposal is not good in many respects for the global environment, for the people of Brazil or the U.S. This government's shortsightedness is deplorable. Basically the President is handing Brazil crumbs to keep them somewhat under the umbrella known as the United States. There's no concern for anything after January 20, 2009.

[chefrc]

Bush knows nothing about good business, at least good business for the good of the people in the U.S. All he is capable of is P.P.P ( **** Poor Planning )

[billysmith6]

The Decider in action, trying to start as much trouble as he can to keep Dem's occupied so he won't get impeached. A double impeachment is what the world deserves from a man who won elections from his brother Jebs Republican programmed vote count state.

The Decider. Of course his ability to manipulate Mexicans, Bible belters, and Western states based on scare tactics is 2nd to none. The Dems should have Cheney, Rove, and Bush ALL on trial by next week after Libby found guilty, except Bush elected majority of all Supreme and Fed judges so nothing's going to happen.

Too bad Nancy isn't a typical Democrat doing typical priorities for Dems which are mostly political.

[hwk_i67]

Bogusbones,

It's not the fact that the land can sustain the farming. It's the fact that the farmers there keep growing the same crop over and over again and uses up all the nutrients in the soil. That's why farmers here will plant corn one season, beans the next. They keep rotating to keep the soil "fresh" for lack of a better word.
Peace!

[middleman8]

Whats the matter with the U S people? why can'they handel their evil president? The whole world is starting to hate the U S. This is the way Hitler acted until the world brought him down.Do all countries have to close their borders to the U S to straighten them out

[frankly6]

Chavez is more popular in Central and South America than Bush.

[themooniac]

Speaking as a democrat, if Bush could get 8 out of 10 cars to run in the U.S. on biofuels as they do in Brazil, then I would say bravo, the most positive achievement of his two terms. The sooner we get away from foreign oil the better. Oh and Chavez and his buddies can kiss my democrat a$$.

[three-o-six]

themooniac

at first this sounds like a very good idea, it would not take much to convert gasoline burning engines to alcohol (race cars do it all the time) -- but some estimates say that if we convert enough of our crop production to alcohol production to run our cars that up to 30 million people will starve because our surplus food will not make it to the world market -- Is that a trade you want to make??

[perception5]

Chavez is more popular in Central and South America than Bush.



Posted by frankly6 at 12:57 PM : Mar 09, 2007

.....And that makes you real happy doesn't it frankly6???? Your a great American....

[themooniac]

three-0-six: I would just like to know where you got those numbers first. Anyway blood for oil is'nt working either, at least this way we control our own destiny. The culture of the Middle East insures instability in that reason for at least, well, now that I think of it, forever. Much more blood for oil and there won't be an America left. If our surplus food is feeding 30 million worldwide then why does everyone whine about America? Are we not getting our due with regard to U.S government food programs abroad? Anyway I would have to see more numbers on that. I can't believe we feed 30 million worldwide with our food surplus and people still think we $uck.

[lars008-2009]

frankly6

please........... go live in Venezuela.....hahahaha

[j-whitman]

When Bush says somethting good -- We've all learned from experiance -- It can't be good.

[j-whitman]

8,000 available mobile homes sit only 3 hours away from Tornado Stricken people in Arkansas... -- FEMA WON'T RELEASE THEM.

[j-whitman]

Bush hurt America's corn farmers with his South American Pact.

[three-o-six]

THEMOONIAC

for starters look at this link

http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2007/Update63.htm

I will try to find the one that gives the starvation estamates (30 million was at the top)

We export 50 million tons of grain -- that will feed a lot of people

[j-whitman]

But, Don't worry, Be happy --- We will soon have Mexacan trucks flooding across our borders & jamming our highways.

[three-o-six]

THEMOONIAC

I agree with you blood for oil isn't working -- but we need to think this out carefully -- I prefer solor powered hydrogen plants but they are expensive and a hydrogen distribution system will be expensive.

[fairb1]

short video clip can be found here:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4427358201227890862

[bogusbones]

Hwk_i67 - thanks for the info. I seem to remember the soil in the Amazon Basin is "thin" and that despite rotation, it still wears out quickly. I could be, and probably am wrong, but again thanks.

[mcvet]

please........... go live in Venezuela.....hahahaha
Posted by lars008 at 01:56 PM : Mar 09, 2007

Why? IS it because he won't agree with you or that his political view doesn't match yours? You are in more desperate need of an education on WHAT our Freedoms are about than ANY human on Earth. I would suggest YOU go live in another country but what one on this planet wants a wacked out Fascist who is so far behind the rest of the world all he can do is attack the messenger. Sieg Heil!

[hangelle]

THEMOONIAC -- people don't think we suck. People think our foreign policy sucks. The world loves Americans, but hates our leadership and the awful things that leadership has done over he last several years, what with starting a war and killing people unnecessarily.

[mcvet]

Chavez is more popular in Central and South America than Bush.



Posted by frankly6 at 12:57 PM : Mar 09, 2007

.....And that makes you real happy doesn't it frankly6???? Your a great American....

Posted by perception5 at 01:15 PM : Mar 09, 2007

HOW did you, even with that SMALL and insignificant little mind of your, come up with this. God are you people THAT dumb? He was pointing out to you fascist that your Furhrer is the most HATED man on this planet. Thus the SOCIALIST President Chavez is more popular in that part of the world than Sir Lies-A-Lot. That's not called Un American, that's called TELLING the truth. Something I do wish you losers would learn how to do!

[ozziepooh90]

Why do we need to worry about "others" proverty
why don't we just worry about our own???????

[lars008-2009]

Posted by MCVet at 02:48 PM : Mar 09, 2007

nope.......... been to Venezuela.... since he loves communistic hugo chavez so much.... he should go there instead of suffering under capitalism........... hahahahahaha

let him find out first hand what it is like living under glorious communism, instead of just fantasizing about it....... hahahahahahahaha

[briannorwood]

Hey MCVet...

No it doesn't make us happy. It makes us sad, considering just 6 short years ago, crowds of supporters numbered in the 100,000's whenever Bill Clinton visited our friends to the south.

What a shame that this evil chickenhawk could do so much damage to American prestige is so little time!

[briannorwood]

Hey MCVet...

No it doesn't make us happy. It makes us sad, considering just 6 short years ago, crowds of supporters numbered in the 100,000's whenever Bill Clinton visited our friends to the south.

What a shame that this evil chickenhawk could do so much damage to American prestige is so little time!

[ozziepooh90]

sorry "poverty"

[us_infidel]

He's a liar....we don't care about their poverty. Why the he*ll should we???? Their poverty class are sneaking across our border and becoming OUR poor! Meantime, their governments are drinking tequila and laughing their ****s off......AT US!

[j-whitman]

USinfidel,,,, In a matter of a few months,,, Bush will have Mexican trucks flooding across our borders.

[j-whitman]

And the spin continues today in the House of MisRepresentives -- Republicans are insisting Iran is waging a proxy war against Americans ---

- Bush is funding radical Sunni militants in a proxy war against Iran (Shiites) - Bush useed Isreal in proxy war against Lebanon...
- Iran (Shiites) adtually are supporting Bush's Baghdad Security Plan
- 9/11 & USS Cole attack was by Sunni's & most from the UAE ,,,, 96% of our casualties are by Sunni's

YOU REALLY THINK THE 'DECIDER' WILL FIX THE PROBLEM IN LATIN AMREICA ???? - ROTFLOL, NOT A CHANCE IN HELL

[olebd]

If we soon don't start worrying aboout our own poverty (illegals, war mongers and corruption draining the system) we'll all be asking for handouts. Screw these other countries looking for handouts. Make your own wealth like we did. Get off your duffs and work hard!

[tuckerndfw]

The US has always been interested in Latin & South America.

The CIA has been overthrowing governments in Latin & South America since it was invented. And, before the CIA was invented, the US used the military to overthrow governments.

That's probably not what Bush means, but that is the truth. George Bush is a pathological liar, so why would anyone expect him to tell the truth?

Maybe he should explain why his administration immediately recognized the leaders of the military coup that temporarily overthrew Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.

Maybe he should explain why the US has had an embargo on Cuba for over fifty years.

The US does not want allies, the US wants puppet governments. The US does not want to assist anyone other than puppet governments that sell out their own people.

Of course, the GOP has been selling out Americans in the US, so why would we expect them to act differently anywhere else?

George Bush is the worst president in US history.

[j-whitman]

Olebd,,,, Forget it, There's no money in poverty,,, This GOP won't look at it unless they profit off of the cheep labor & inhumane conditions -- That's thier concept of Free Trade.

[us_infidel]

USinfidel,,,, In a matter of a few months,,, Bush will have Mexican trucks flooding across our borders.
Posted by j-whitman at 03:28 PM : Mar 09, 2007

I heard about that! Bush is an EXTREME disappointment.

[j-whitman]

USinfidel,,,, When you put all of Bush's "Extreme dissapointments" together -- Why in the world don't you question his dicisions on the "War On Terror" -- It' is just as incompetently run.

[tuckerndfw]

USinfidel,,,, In a matter of a few months,,, Bush will have Mexican trucks flooding across our borders.
Posted by j-whitman at 03:28 PM : Mar 09, 2007

I heard about that! Bush is an EXTREME disappointment.

Posted by US_Infidel at 04:03 PM : Mar 09, 2007

In all fairness to George Bush, the NAFTA deal that provided open access to US highways and markets for Mexican trucks predates the Bush administration by several years.

But, George Bush is still the worst president in US history.

[themooniac]

HANGELLE: saying people love Americans just not their leadership is like saying people love Iranians just not their leadership. Personally I don't believe either one. When I was overseas in a third world country, I was told, to my face mind you, people like American money but American society was bankrupt,corrupted by capitalism and American culture only, culture- movies, television, music etc was the only worthwile product of American society that was a positive influence on people. I did'nt ask how they separarated the two. The moral of the story is: always check the U.S. State department travel advisory before you go overseas because there are some bad neighborhoods out there where any American,left or right, is unwelcome - today, tommorrow or twenty years from now. Don't kid yourself.

[rharrin1]

bush has been in denial since he was 6 years old so why is this news. It is not worth the space it takes up.

[j-whitman]

Fartknocker,,,
I've done my 20 years defending our nation,, How about you ?????? --- Low lifes lie for thier own profit & need,,, Low lifes take funding & training away from troops,,,, Low lifes have increased abject poverty in our nation for thier own personal profit --
- Your Low Life's are still spinning the facts & truth in Congress today.. Those are Republicans

[j-whitman]

FARTKNOCKER === LOW LIFES ARE RUNNING OUR NATION

[rharrin1]

fartnocker

YOUR BREATH STINKS LIKE SHIIT

[us_infidel]

US_INFIDEL ; J WHITMAN ;TUCKER; I can only hope it is right on top of the 3 of you morons..
Posted by FARTKNOCKER2 at 04:25 PM : Mar 09, 2007

You see what you guys did!!!!! I'm probably the most conservative man on this blog!!!! Rush Limbaugh is too liberal for me!!! Now everyone thinks I'm a bedwetting lib!!!! UNCLEAN!!! UNCLEAN!!!!! :-)

Actually, with regards to immigration, Bush is an EXTREME disappointment to me. From border security to this latest NAFTA trucker thing. That's all we need......a bunch of Cheech & Chong truckers who can't read or speak english driving around on our highways.

It's bad enough with the illegals we have already. They wreck someone's car and throw their hands up in th air. No insurance......can't sue cause they have nothing - unless you want to get paid in tortillas.

[tuckerndfw]

US_INFIDEL ; J WHITMAN ;TUCKER; It is a shame good people die fighting to rpotect pure scum like yourself,which I'll bet has never done one thing for anyone but yourselfs..You 3 of the biggest low lifes I ever read..When the next attck hits in this country I can only hope it is right on top of the 3 of you morons..

Posted by FARTKNOCKER2 at 04:25 PM : Mar 09, 2007

Normally, I don't feed trolls, but I'll make an exception in your case.

The US military does not protect people, it protects "strategic objectives." People are rarely considered a "strategic objective." As a matter of fact, the US military is just as likely to murder American civilians as they are anyone else when they are attempting to take or hold a "strategic objective."

Having served in the US Army as an MP Sergeant, I can assure you and everyone else that at no time was I or anyone in my unit given the duty of protecting civilians other than as a minor part of the overall "strategic objective."

And, according to our battle plan, if the Soviet Union overran our positions, we were to disperse and become "terrorists" to the best of our abilities until we could make our way to friendly territory. Or, until we were killed or captured, whichever came first.

But, protecting civilians was not part of that mission.

If ignorance is bliss, you must be ecstatic.

[j-whitman]

USinfide..,
, We could argue who's the most conservative, you or me with all the unchecked wasteful spending == But you cannot argue that Our 'Decider's' desicions on foreign policies & trade hasn't hurt our nation & securtiy, or our military & veterans.