According to a recent Associate Press story, President Clinton released $1.3 billion to Colombia despite it's poor human rights record.

Clinton, speaking to reporters before a trip to New Jersey, explained that withholding the aid package would not give the drug program and other goals of Colombian President Andres Pastrana a chance to succeed. (Colombia to get aid despite rights record, Associated Press, 8/24/00, Akron Beacon Journal)

Since 1997, President Clinton and his entourages have cost the Pentagon $292 million to shuffle them back and forth across the world (White House trips abroad cost $292M, John Omicinski, Gannett News Service, 8/23/00).

Recently he sure has been neighborly to other countries, especially with our money. For example, he recently paid another visit to Africa.

"No president in history has had a greater personal commitment to Africa," says Richard Holdbrooke, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. "He will be the first president ever to visit Africa twice in his presidency. He's very proud of that fact" (Clinton trip shines spotlight on Africa again, Bill Nochols, USA Today, 08/25/00).

Some time ago I began to formulate the idea in my head that Bill Clinton is working his way toward a top position in the United Nations. Although that seems like a worthy goal, I must ask the question, is he using our money to foster good will so he can land this position?

Don't get me wrong, having him in the U.N. would be a wonderful idea, especially since there are no Americans in any of the top U.N. positions. But, I must ask, does he really have the best interest of 1) this country and 2) other nations at heart?

His utter lack of concern regarding humanitarian issues, such as China and Columbia, is one of my biggest concerns. I'm not so sure he has our best interests in mind here.

Wasn't it but a day or so ago that he committed to spending big bucks in Africa to fight AIDS and to address other issues?

Clinton's decision ... came as no surprise since it would have been awkward for him to go empty-handed on a day trip to Colombia set for next week. (Colombia to get aid despite rights record, Associated Press, 8/24/00, Akron Beacon Journal)

Gosh, that would be too bad. Why doesn't he just go with one of those big smiles, a healthy handshake, and a bouquet of flowers from his local FTD florist? (-:

Al Colombo