The American Spectator

Reader Mail

p> POST-CLINTON AFRICA br> In response to John Corry's July 14 column, " Taylor Made in Liberia ," I agree that Bush's presidency could be far better for Africa than Clinton's was. I seldom support Bush on any matter, so this is no small concession. I feel that Clinton should have acted in Rwanda when everyone knew that carnage would ensue. Clinton was more concerned with approval ratings after Somalia, and gambled that Americans would not care so much about his inaction. Bush will get little domestic, political capital from intervention in Liberia, but doing the right thing rarely earns political reward. Far too much suffering transpires in Africa, regardless of why, and with Liberia, we have a special historical link. There is integrity in honoring that link, and I applaud Bush for his forceful demand on Taylor, regardless of what physical commitments the U.S. ultimately makes. /p> p>We should consider that more money leaves Africa as interest payment on the accumulated debt of despotic rulers than returns in foreign aid. Perhaps it is both kind and wise, as we consider pushing others to forgive Iraqi debts, to forgive African debt and re-direct aid in a string-attached manner that rewards true democratic development. We should make that aid count in real terms, not simply for what it translates into for domestic political gain. I praise Bush for bringing up Liberia, regardless of his true motive. As for the AIDS money, I will retain judgment until the $15 billion actually shows up in the President's budgets. br> -- Aaron Shur br> Seattle, WA /p> p> DAILY READER br> Re: Jeremy Lott's Faux of Orwell

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