A President's Visit

President George W. Bush (C) and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame watch dancers perform during an arrival ceremony at Kigali International Airport February 19, 2008. REUTERS/Jason Reed

Those who follow the torrent of media (in whatever form it is rendered or consumed) will be aware that President George Bush has been in Africa this week. In the course of his trip the President will have visited each of the countries where Johanna has spent time in Africa (Liberia, Ghana, and Rwanda). The President and First Lady seem to have a genuine interest in the great needs of Africa (in particular the HIV/AIDS crisis -- see this Time article for more detail) but one is left to wonder how much can really be comprehended on such a quick trip either by the Bushes, by the media, or by those of us watching from a distance.

It is certainly easier to travel around Africa in Air Force One -- but the downside is that it is probably much harder to really see Africa. True, you do get to see the prepared ceremonies, you meet those dignitaries with enough rank to warrant an invitation to the receptions, and you visit places selected by the embassy. But do you see Africa? Almost certainly not.

You still miss the kids who live day-to-day on the streets. You miss the orphanages overflowing with children and joy and African energy. You miss the shoe-string clinics short on help and medicines and funds that nevertheless make a world of difference to the limited extent that they can. And you miss the heros! The heros of Africa are those who have overcome hunger, horror, hopelessness, and hell itself to slowly begin building for tomorrow and for others and for the future that needs to be the Africa of tomorrow.

I'm sorry that the Bushes (and the world) have not yet gotten to see that Africa...