Bush Gets Praise He Deserves...in Africa

Rocker Bob Geldof of Live Aid fame has nothing but good things to say about President Bush:

Mr. Geldof has remained closely engaged with African affairs since then, and he spoke off the cuff to reporters today who were waiting for a press conference with Mr. Bush and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Mr. Geldof praised Mr. Bush for his work in delivering billions to fight disease and poverty in Africa, and blasted the U.S. press for ignoring the achievement.
Mr. Bush, said Mr. Geldof, "has done more than any other president so far."

"This is the triumph of American policy really," he said. "It was probably unexpected of the man. It was expected of the nation, but not of the man, but both rose to the occasion."

"What's in it for [Mr. Bush]? Absolutely nothing," Mr. Geldof said.

Mr. Geldof said that the president has failed "to articulate this to Americans" but said he is also "pissed off" at the press for their failure to report on this good news story.

"You guys didn't pay attention," Geldof said to a group of reporters from all the major newspapers.

President Bush has delivered millions of American tax dollars to Africa to help with AIDS research and eduction, but there are plenty of private enterprises that have also participated. Saddleback Church has had an extensive outreach program to Rwanda, and in fact President Paul Kagame attended Saddleback's 25th Anniversary Celebration at Anaheim Stadium in 2005.

I'm far more supportive of private efforts than sending taxpayer dollars around the world.