Bush Finally Leaves Panama, Heads North

Streets cordoned off, helicopters hovering all day over the city, road blocks, searches, US soldiers running around and possible troublemakers sent on a paid vacation - clearly we were dealing with the free world here, the leader of which was paying Panama a 20 hour visit. US president George W. Bush arrived Sunday evening and left at about 16:00 today heading North.

What to expect from a meeting between two baby presidents? Well, they did the formalities first. They talked, and then they held a press conference. Bush (baby of invasion-Bush) praised Torrijos' (baby of dictator Torrijos) tax reforms which, in line with Bush's own endeavors in that area, benefit the rich and hurt the poor and the middle class. He also said that the US needs a bigger Panama Canal, something we knew already. He did not say who was going to pay for this US need, so we may assume it will be those who got hit most with the tax reforms. Then he said that a Free Trade Agreement between Panama and the US is about to be agreed upon. We've been hearing that for a year or more now. For domestic use, Bush pointed out that "the US does not torture," which no sane person believes - probably the reason he said it in Panama and not in Washington.

Torrijos did not say anything that was remembered by anyone.

Then the whole circus moved to the Miraflores locks in the Canal, where Bush got to play with water and little trains. Under adult supervision, he managed to get a ship through one of the locks which was going to Mexico. For eight minutes he stood there watching the water rise. Then it was time for lunch. Enfin, you get the idea of what the rest of the day was like. Something with baseball, dressed up indians, a graveyard with fallen heroes and we heard Vivian shared her home-baked cookies. Bush also met with "Civil Society", which in this case meant a couple of multi-millionaires who support his policies. Everything was friendly and cordial and the politicians missed no opportunities to explain how perfect relations are between the two countries. The TV stations reported on events as if a Royal wedding was taking place, which may actually further damage Torrijos' low approval rates as Panamanians in general do not support love affairs with Bush.

It was a complete non-event, a worthy conclusion of Bush's failed jet-hopping trip through Latin America. Bush hasn't been able to revive his FTAA plans, did not impress on the Americas Summit, has not gained the support of Brazilian president Lula and had nothing new to say in Panama. No wonder Torrijos adores him.