[Vision2020] Bush's Africa trip
Carl Westberg
carlwestberg846@hotmail.com
Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:49:15 -0700
My boss's daughter just returned from 2 years in the Gambia where she was in
the Peace Corps. She received an e-mail from a Gambian friend detailing
President Bush's visit to Senegal. He arrived in Senegal at 7:20 AM, and
left at 1:30 PM. In the lead-up to his arrival, more than 1,500 people were
arrested and jailed between the preceding Thursday and Monday. The U.S.
Army planes flew day and night over Dakar, depriving residents of sleep.
About 700 security people from the U.S. were there for Bush's security.
Senegalese security forcesa were not allowed near the President. All trees
in places where Bush would pass were cut down, some of these trees were over
100 years old. All roads going downtown, where hospitals, businesses, and
schools are located were closed from Monday night to Tuesday afternoon at 3
PM. Residents could not go to their offices or schools. Sick people had to
stay home. National exams that were scheduled to start on Monday were
postponed until Wednesday. There is an island called Goree Island that
faces Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, African slaves were shipped
to America from this island. One of the island houses is now a museum
designed to remind humanity of this period. It's been visited by many
dignitaries (including Bill Clinton). But for "security reasons" the local
population was chased out of their own homes from 5 to 12 AM. American
security forces forced them to leave their houses open, including their
wardrobes to be searched by dogs brought by U.S. security. The ferry that
links the island to Dakar was stopped and offices and businesses were closed
for the day. Senegal, a very poor country lost huge amounts of money during
this visit, because workers were prevented from leaving their homes. King
George brought his own armchairs, meals and drinks. Senegalese journalists
were forbidden from the airport and where he was visiting. The Senegalese
president was not allowed to speak, only Bush. The feeling among this
poster's fellow Senegalese: "We have the feeling that everything has been
done to convince us that we are nothing, and that America can behave the way
it wants, everywhere, even in our country."
Carl Westberg Jr.
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