Filipinos to Greet Bush With Hospitality, Hostility

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://news.pacificnews.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=258e54bca8e1ceadfc5153c2374d2637

<Snip>

During Bush's visit, Arroyo will reportedly push for the delivery of patrol boats, 30 advanced U.S. combat helicopters and 30,000 M-16 rifles, which Philippine officials say they need to the fight rebels and kidnap-for-ransom gangs believed to have links to Al Qaeda. Officials say they also need these armaments to fight armed communist rebels. But many observers say these arms and weapons, as mutinying Filipino soldiers claimed last July, could end up in the hands of state enemies who buy arms from corrupt military officers and personnel.

Facing a dipping popular rating as a result of a barrage of alleged corruption charges against her husband, Jose Miguel, Arroyo -- who on Oct. 4 announced her bid for the May 2004 presidential election -- expects Bush to anoint her candidacy and help boost her crumbling popularity.

By going abroad, Bush too hopes to revitalize his stature at home, which has been hurt by costly and deadly occupation of Iraq. His visit to the Philippines -- which Washington's strategists consider a "second front" against the "war on terror" -- and to other Asian nations can show Americans that his foreign policy is working and that he can count on his Asian allies.

For farmer and labor groups and other organized sectors, Arroyo's reliance on Bush for security, particularly after the 9/11 attacks on America, is not only a cause for worry, but also a source of insecurity for the Philippines. According to these groups, Arroyo's loyalty to and reliance on Bush will only drag the Philippines into what they call Bush's "dirty wars," and will make the country a magnet for attacks by America's enemies.
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[Judi Lynn]

1. Wow! The pResident is as beloved all over the world as ever!

(snip) As Arroyo and Bush confer on the political, military and economic aid packages on Oct. 18, various militant and nationalist groups will burn at least 100 American flags and several effigies of the two leaders. (snip)

(snip) Like an early Santa Claus, Bush is expected to deliver the goodies he pledged when Arroyo visited Washington last May. (snip)

(snip) During Bush's visit, Arroyo will reportedly push for the delivery of patrol boats, 30 advanced U.S. combat helicopters and 30,000 M-16 rifles, which Philippine officials say they need to the fight rebels and kidnap-for-ransom gangs believed to have links to Al Qaeda. Officials say they also need these armaments to fight armed communist rebels. (snip)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

2. You betcha! Spreading joy and compassion wherever he doesn't bomb.

[pippin]

3. Junket, junket, junket

. . .what a stupid waste of tax payer money.