Obama defends Africa trip

This is great because it was an approved the taxpayers will be able to get an itemized accounting of how much this fact-finding trip cost them.

However, that doesn't cover who paid for the large cheerleading, I mean press, entourage that's been following him around. While news organizations like the Tribune always pay their own way some of the smaller outlets that have sent fawners, er, reporters to cover this monumental event could have been paid for by third-parties who have an interest in promoting Obama politically. I'd like to see their expenses accounted for, too. Remeber Danny Davis and the Tamil Tigers?

Before republicans opposed to Obama start to rattle..lets review..
1) Tom Delay..free trip to Saipan paid by Abramoff
2) Tom Feeney...free trip to scotland
3) Rep. Nancy Johnson...free trip to Galapagos
4) Rep. Richard Pombo...free trip New Zealand and Japan
Not to mention the scurry of many republicans returning money's from Abramoff.

So, Jeff,
1) what was the total cost to the taxpayers for Obama's junket?
2) do you always accept, without double-checking, a politician's explanation, or is it just Obama who gets the velvet glove treatment?
3) has there ever been a junket where the politician DIDN'T claim (however laughably) he was on "public" business?
4) will you make any attempt to verify what Obama claimed (for example, that he covered expenses for his family and his family trips)?

We are still waiting for the answers.

The negative attention that this exceptionally ordinary trip is creating is absolutely absurd and unbelievable.

I honestly think Bruce and Bill really don't care what this trip cost taxpayers. If they have a problem w/ this trip they should address Dick Lugar, after all he approved it. How many times have you guys called or e-mailed him?

How much did the whole trip cost? I think the American people have the right to know how much it cost us to have Obama visit his grandmother . This whole trip has been a sham and a complete waste if time . His message to Africa when million of African Americans here are not testing for HIV and millions remain homeless and dejected in the gulf coast is shameful and appauling. Even more shameful was Obama parading around Kenya with a man who is responsible for the killings of hundreds of Kenyans in a 1982 coup “the butcher from bondo” Raila Odinga.

Obama has done great things by going on this trip. How many politicians do you see traveling to Kenya, where so much bad is happening and not much publicity comes from those things. Because Obama visited Kenya we were reminded of the AIDS crisis in those areas. I belive that many other policitians take advantage of the tax payer money, yet they might not contribute any good to the cause. At least Obama was honest about his trip, who paid for it, and every step of his journey was documented.Why can't people just be happy that he is doing something good for those less fortunate people, that we often forget about???

Great point Janet.The wing nuts run around like this trip was approved by Hillary Clinton.

They always have selective memory(Scooter Libby).

When will they admit that their party has all the power and makes all the decisions.

They love to make fools of themselves.

How is Obama supposed to serve effectively as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Africa if he doesn't visit the continent and see what's going on first hand? Some of the people on this board come across as just jealous of that man's charisma and popularity. He can't help it if he can draw a crowd. Don't hate. Appreciate.

DAVID! Obama spent one hour with his grandmother...give me break. I want to vomit at these negative comments!

It is about time that all of these junkets are ended. The senators and representatives should spend more time visiting areas of our country which need to be helped and even areas which they represent (horrors!!) to see what can be done to better the lives of American citizens who pay their salaries.

To everyone who has written, I have a very simple view of this trip. Mr. Obama is a promising young senator, with high aspirations for what he could accomplish. They people start buzzing about shhh.... the Presidency. At this point, Mr. Obama realizes that a promising young senator with high aspirations will go no where. If he wants to play the game he must follow the rules. Powerful government leaders are not concerned, much less compassionate about the people they serve. They are concerned about that which increases their notoriety and the coffers. This is eveident in every and any day that our government does action. So in a very short time, Mr.Obama realizes what he must do. Getting an HIV test in an impoverished neighborhood in Chicago would be a great way to begin icreasing awareness. However, it would only generate a 45 second spot on the local news. Not very helpful to a presidential hopeful. But do it in Africa, and it is covered in every country with television, much less home. Mr. Obama has lost his virginity, and now knows how he must play the game. This is sad, because I really felt he had the heart of what we need in politics, but 1 is not enough.

Senator Obama is a leader - a leader not only for one nation but all nations. His speeches bring alot of hope and peace. Not only is he advocating to reach out to a certain group but to all,Not only is he approching come but all. It is not sin for him to go to Africa for create awareness of problems facing the nation: Its no sin for him to visit his father's land where his roots lay...all leaders have sometime to visit their families nto even one time heard that they are being questioned of their trip unless otherwise but not in cost terms. The people of Africa embrace him and not only as Senator but his values and hope that he brings hoping for a better tomorrow. For him being who he is he was welcomed with so much love and that the Kenyan government provided the security he needed to be albe to get to where he was going...he was in not in the U.S soils but the Kenyan soil. I wish him all the best and to continue to do good in this world. Senator Obama and his family will always be welcomed to Africa and most of all Kenya where his ancestors lay. Good luck to all your endeavours-Long live "SENATOR OBAMA"

Yeah I'm sick of all this "being concerned with other parts of the world" crap. Our senators should work to reflect the attitudes of their constituents more accurately, they should be selfish, inconsiderate and exhibit the least bit of care or concern for the less priviledged parts of the world.

This trip probably cost U.S. taxpayers $10,000 at most when the war in Iraq is costing us $1,000,000,000 a year! A little of our government's pocket change is well worth the international perspective and diplomatic connections.

Seriously you people must wish we could just build a giant wall around the U.S. and forget the rest of the world existed. At least then we could save 1 or 2 percent on our taxes so we could stop all this diplomacy garbage! Read a book morons.

What have you "so called show me the proof experts" ever done to help better the world but complain what someone else is not doing or doing with the tax dollars? Are you posting your comments on this blog during company time? Get a f*ing life losers!!!

Senator Obama is a leader - a leader not only for one nation but all nations. His speeches bring a lot of hope and peace. Not only is he advocating reaching out to a certain group but to all, not only is he approaching come but all. It is not sin for him to go to Africa for create awareness of problems facing the nation: Its no sin for him to visit his father's land where his roots lay...all leaders have sometime to visit their families not even one time heard that they are being questioned of their trip unless otherwise but not in cost terms. The people of Africa embrace him and not only as Senator but his values and hope that he brings hoping for a better tomorrow. For him being who he is he was welcomed with so much love and that the Kenyan government provided the security he needed to be able to get to where he was going...he was in not in the U.S soils but the Kenyan soil. I wish him all the best and to continue to do good in this world. Senator Obama and his family will always be welcomed to Africa and most of all Kenya where his ancestors lay. Good luck to all your endeavors-Long live "SENATOR OBAMA"

Beautiful work Senator Obama is doing in Africa showing the U.S. in a positive light. Quite naturally, I expect noise from the likes of Bill and Bruce who probally can draw a crowd of 5 for anything positive.

More questions that should be asked:

1) If the purpose of the trip was "fact-finding", what "fact" was discovered when Sen. Obama planted a tree with that professor who claimed AIDS was a western plot to kill Africans? The fact that trees grow in Africa? Surely you didn't have to travel thousands of miles at taxpayers expense to find out that trees grow in Africa?
2) What "fact" was found when Obama held an airport news conference denouncing corruption in Kenya? Doesn't everybody, even US senators, already know that many Kenyan government officials are corrupt?
3) Are the senator and his staffers refunding their taxpayer-funded salaries for the day he made the admittedly personal visit to his family?
4) Will anybody check to see that Obama doesn't, after the trip is over, seek reimbursement from the government for the trip expenses of his family that he claims he paid himself?
5) Did he pay those personal expenses himself? Or did some corporation, or his campaign committee, pay them?

Senator Obama may indeed be putting in long days on this trip. Providing photo ops for journalists, and promoting your own political future, are time-consuming projects.

Was that monkey by any chance....a macaca?

Senator Obama is a leader - a leader not only for one nation but all nations. His speeches bring a lot of hope and peace. Not only is he advocating reaching out to a certain group but to all, not only is he approaching come but all. It is not sin for him to go to Africa for create awareness of problems facing the nation: Its no sin for him to visit his father's land where his roots lay...all leaders have sometime to visit their families not even one time heard that they are being questioned of their trip unless otherwise but not in cost terms. The people of Africa embrace him and not only as Senator but his values and hope that he brings hoping for a better tomorrow. For him being who he is he was welcomed with so much love and that the Kenyan government provided the security he needed to be able to get to where he was going...he was in not in the U.S soils but the Kenyan soil. I wish him all the best and to continue to do good in this world. Senator Obama and his family will always be welcomed to Africa and most of all Kenya where his ancestors lay. Good luck to all your endeavors-Long live "SENATOR OBAMA"

I too am wondering what the taxpayers of Illinois are shelling out for the Jr. Senator from Kenya's 2006 publicity tour.

triish,
I do not find fault in Mr. Obama going to his homeland. However, thsi was not a vacation. This was a political trip, paid for by tax payers in a state riddled with debt. I simply feel that Mr. Obama has realized that all of the qualities you rightfully mentioned will get him nowhere in politics. It is a pity that our government has sunk to the level it has, where an individual like Mr. Obama cannot get ahead based on his values and morals. Values and morals get you nowhere in politics, and are of no concern to a great majority of our so called leaders. I wish I had the optimism to say that one man like Mr. Obama can turn this tide around, but I am too much of a realist. 26 years as an eligible voter have taught me that it is money and power that is necessary to move up the political ladder. I also wish Senator Obama the best, and fervently hope that the charactoristics that got a republican to switch ballots can turn our government around.

Obama said. "I work harder here than I do back home. This has been like a campaign – in terms of schedule and workload."

I wish that he would apply himself to the issues that we are faced with in Illinois!!

I think the real story here is the media covering the media. The trip was a non-event politically but you did a good job being bipartisan considering you seemed to upset both Democrats and Republicans who both like to grab onto and politicize anything.

I think all those who "act" like they care where the funds came from are right. It is much better to have this do nothing congress..do nothing! We have so many issues right here in front of us and
we can do nothing right here. Anyone who needs to go to other countries and try helping will never make it in politics. He doesn't stand a chance. Of course nobody would have questioned where the funds came from until they found out that a lot of republicans were getting free trips
from Abramoff and kick backs and contributions from indian tribes for gambling. So lets all get behind our politicians and DO NOTHING!!!!

I think it’s fair to say that Sen. Obama has a lot to learn about Global politics. The fact that he was unable to meet senior government officials in south Africa and by yesterday was being dismissed as a opposition puppet by the Kenyan government only goes to show that he has a long way to go .He should have used the time in Kenya pursuing diplomatic channels in the region to have the Chicago tribune writer held in Sudan released instead of antagonizing African governments that are crucial in the region in our war against terror. Obama could have done better but he dropped the ball is my say

Senator Obama is a Kenyan soil and where his roots lay a lot of hope and peace all leaders have sometime to visit their families not even one time heard that The people of Africa embrace him and Kenya where his ancestors lay. HIP-HIP HOORAY!

Keruboh, triish, this will get everybody to take your "opinion" seriously: copying and paste the same post.

Interesting that Obama only received admiriing crowds on this international visit rather than the protests numbering into the thousands that our own dear president receives in most countries he visits...hmmmm.

Hongera Obama for visiting Africa!!.

Bruce, do you refund your salary to your employer when you take a day of vacation? If not, you clearly should. You probably don't take vacation though. We need more exhausted go-getters like you.

If you've been in Africa (which I doubt, but let's pretend that you know what you're talking about), then you understand that life there is generally misinterpreted and misunderstood in America. The average American honestly has no idea about the poverty, corruption, and despair that Kenyans and other Africans struggle with daily. And anyone who dares to compar etheir poverty with the poverty of Americans has no concept of poverty. Many Africans don't have access to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, free clinics, and other benefits that even our working poor take for granted.

I'm not saying that being poor in America is OK. Far from it. But it is light years better than being poor in Africa. As I'm sure you're aware, what with your familiarity with the continent.

If Obama's trip to Kenya inspires just one more American to give a cr*p about Africa, then this fact-finding mission was a success.

Barack's trip brought positive press coverage to negative realities. What I have read and seen in the press has inspired a widening of my eyes and more compassion in my heart for a people and circumstance that is tragic. To not commend this result of Barack's journey and instead seek to dig up negative speculation, is self-centered and irresponsible. Those doing such things are demonstrating nothing short of questionable character and political immaturity. My suggestion is to grow up and refocus your negative energies on more commendable and constructive actions in life.

We live in a globalizing world. Sure, American politicians need to attend to their constituents back home, but now more than ever they need also to be aware of, and participate in, the wider world. In fact, I'd argue that international travel is a critical part of attending to the need of the constituents back home. We need more Congressional junkets, not fewer! I say that every American college should make study abroad a requirement for graduation (paid for, as needed, by federal financial aid), and every member of Congress should be encouraged to travel abroad as much as possible.

Obama's trip probably cost a taxpayers, what: $10,000? $20,000? That is absolutely peanuts, compared to the good will he's garnerning and the valuable persepctive this international travel will bring to this work on the Foreign Relations Committee.

I notice no GOP'er had anything to say to Bill R's post on GOP junkets that were now clearly part of a criminal enterprise.

There was a day when people would roundly lambast corruption, no matter if it were GOP or Dem. Corruption by the other party was usually seen as a character flaw. But corruption within one's own party used to be viewed with embarassment, if not anger. These days, GOP'ers don't hesitate to show toleration for criminal activity by their silence.

Obama's a big boy. Being a member of the committee who's job it is to go to other countries says to me he should travel. If he violates the trust of taxpayers by misusing those dollars, he should be punished accordingly. Outside of rumours and whispers–the favored method of modern GOP political communication– Obama has done nothing to show he's been dishonest.

Foreign travel is essential for great leaders. The U.S. government should and does encourage it. The parochialism of a couple of the bloggers proves exactly why it's important. I simply will never understand this insular "we're number one" mentality. What are we, a sports team or a great country? I learned this in grade school and I even went to public schools. Obama is a good guy, and there are also good Republicans who recognize the importance of foreign travel, like Senator Lugar and others.

The only problem I have with Obama's trip is that I think he should be back here hitting the stump in support of Democratic congressional candidates. Taking control of Congress away from the Republicans is far more important than any facts Obama may find in Africa.

To Bruce: Your' questions can not be answered - and you are so far from getting to his league due to your own indulgence of poor low politics: Up until today we do not know why we are fighting Iraq or where the leader of the war is? Why so many jobs are being out-sourced to other countries? Atleast my tax paying was used for some good source and not for bashing others and getting so many innocent lives killed! Atleast since he has a freedom of Speech and movement as compared to the nationals of Kenya to condemn corruption in Kenya; Atleast he is touching some innocent lives for speaking about AIDS and giving them hope for tomorrow while creating awareness; Atleast he planted a tree with one of the Nobel Prize winners as a Symbol of Peace so long known-So many leaders have done so in Africa and he's not the first one(Princess Diana/Margrate Thatcher...etc)- for so many lives taken away from the innocent ones due to the Bomb Blast in Kenya that took away more than 250 lives; Atleast he's done so much more than what others have been doing for the longest time they'e been in office; Atleast he's not just going on his mission to Africa on a dead end project-Senator Obama was welcomed with a lot of respect and the governments of the countries provided the security they felt he needed while visiting: Everyone campaigns in whichever way they feel is best for them-lets talk about our own houses before we go to his-Bruce, no need to strongly talk about something that you do not know-the leaders always declare their wealth and spending at the end of the day-so do not be the judge coz there are leaders out here who are not serving the government of using the governments money to do the the great works-for instance Oprah Winfrey. And its for sure he paid some of his personal expenses from his own pockets-did we question the leaders of the nation who travelled with their wives and daughters to all this countries and state? Lets face it - he's a leader of color and thats just the bottom line-thats your take. Act right and you'll live long.

The State of Illinois is faced with many significant issues that need attention by our federal senators and representatives. Regardless of political leaning, when any of them take such trips I wonder that, if as a result, how one of our home problems will be solved or even addressed for the constituents in Illinois. I expect Mr. Obama and all other Illinois politicians to focus on the welfare of Illinois residents first. If there is time and resource remaining afterwards, then they can think about other things. After all, that is what they are elected and paid to do. Self-aggrandizement is not in the work scope.

As Mr. Obama pointed out in his recent speech in Africa, Illinois politics is shot through with corruption. I could not agree more, we need you here Mr. Obama and look to you to work at home for the good of your constituents in Illinois.

I think it doesn't really matter what a person in the public eye does, the world is going to criticize. Anyone that is going to do something great has to step outside of his or her comfort zone and be willing to withstand negative attention. Our tax money goes to plenty of places that we may never find out where it was spent and I'm sure that all of our dollars are not being spent properly. It's funny how everyone else expects one individual to be perfect and focused and a people-pleaser when no human being can be that. These same critics who think Obama is not focusing enough attention on our community are probably the same people that complain about their community and hasn't tried to lift a finger in their own community. Do some self-evaluation before you try to criticize someone that has given up a part of his life to represent his community.

If this truly was a fact-finding mission, I would love to see some type of report showing what was learned and how it impacts the U.S.

But more importantly, I don't think any of our senators should be going on these junkets, nor should the taxpayers be footing the bill. We have more than enough problems to be solved in Illinois and in the United States. I don't think we need to take on the world's problems until we have taken care of our own first. Use the money saved from paying for these trips to pay for medical research/care, alternative fuels, schools, etc., etc. so badly needed here in this country.

To Bruce, Bill, and the other racist, hateful cowards posting here. Get a life. I know it must be difficult for you to see a brilliant, handsome, charismatic Black Man move across the planet with great poise. It must kill you every time the name Barack Obama is uttered. Well, get used to it. As much salt as you attempt to pour on Sen. Obama you will not find any improprieties in this trip or any other thing he has done or will do in the future. You will not sway public opinion about him either. I hate to be the one to inform you but, Barack Obama is cut from a different clothe. He is too bright to get caught up in some foolish charade that can cut short his ascent to greatness. He is also too smart to allow the likes of you and your kind to diminish his light. That is why he affects so many. Real people know the genuine article when they see it. He is respected by people on both sides of the isle because he transcends the trappings that bind haters like yourselves to nothingness futures. Dislike Sen. Obama if you must but at least let it be for a legitimate reason. You have exposed yourselves for the fool, which only furthers the cause of the righteous.

A couple of questions:

Have any of our Republic Party* travel budget watchers here ever demanded accountability for the billions of dollars that have mysteriously gone missing in Iraq?

Has anyone amongst the Republic Party* faithful questioned the cost of Bush's various photo-op appearances around the country? Does the Republic Party pick up the cost to fly Bush around for fundraisers? How about the cost of his extended vacations?

Demand accountability from the criminals in the Republic Party* you put in charge. They have much more to answer to than a trip to Africa.

*Note: "Republic Party" as in "Democrat Party" sounds just as stupid doesn't it?

The only reason that Obama's trip is raising questions is because he went to "Africa". We need to appreciate our African brothers and sisters and not just be focused on "us" and what he can do for "us". America has long beem seen as very self-focused with very little interest in issues facing other countries. I have realised that most Americans cannot even tell where Kenya is--I heard someone ask if it is in South America. Terrorism is a result of our lack of interest to engage in other countries. If we had more OBAMA's in our leadership, we would not need to fight terorrism since it would disappear on it's own. Who wants to attack a "friend" anyway?--food for thought. But as long as insensitivity to the world issues persist, we will have to look over our shoulders everywhere we go for a long long time.

Thank you Janet for your comment. Nancy, it sounds like you want America to revert to an isolationist stance. I think a lot of the world would rejoice if that were to happen. But that is not very realistic and if the US is going to be a global leader then it had better be informed, and the more people who can say they have talked to people like President Kibaki, or any of the other prominent politicians in Kenya, or have seen the effects of economic mismanagement beyond America, or have experienced a people/society that is not just Democratic Party/Republican Party oriented, the better America's "information gathering" will be. No one is denying that American politicians should be paying attention to what is going on in America. If Thomas Frank's description of America in his 2004 book "What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America" is true then America really does need help in rediscovering itself, and hopefully there are people in America trying to do that. At the same time America needs to know about the rest of the world just as the rest of the worrld needs to know about America.Why is it that this particular trip has raised such ire? Why isn't it allowed that a person have some enjoyment on a trip that is essentially supposed to help him do his job better? Is it because it is to Africa, and Africa doesn't matter to much of the rest of the world? Is it because people don't understand what they are reading about Obama's presence in Africa? Is it because he is a really popular doown to earth person? Is it because he is a Democrat, and Republicans are afraid that if he begins to get too much clout he may work at taking away many of their privileges? Maybe instead of asking Obama a whole host of questions, people need to start asking themselves some questions. The issues Obama has raised so far on his trip are important issues, and they may be known, but they do not get much public discussion at least in the United States. Yes people know about AIDS and about the desire to help combat it. Yes people know about corruption and tribalism in African politics, but until Mr Odinga appeared with Obama, I don't think too many people outside Kenya knew who he was. Yes people know about the much tighter restrictions on press freedom in Africa (the jailing this week in the Sudan of one of the Chicago Tribune's own reporters on trumped up charges of spying just highlights this tendency). But how many people across America are able to engage in meaningful discussions on these issues. Obama's presence in Africa has given these issues some attention in the American media and public, and that is a hugefact finding success. Can people let him get on with the job that he was elected to do, and trust him when he says he is working? PLEASE?

I wish folks could tell the difference between accountability and naysaying/nitpicking. I think some of us are struggling with this.

In my opinion, accountability for a public official or anyone who makes use of public funding for travel means that they should be able and willing to accurately provide information to stakeholders regarding the cost of the trip, as well as an explanation of the work done on that trip. I think stakeholders/taxpayers are certainly rightful to ask this of Sen. Obama and other public elected officials.

Nitpicking is what is going on in most of the rest of these posts - I'm going to wager that not one person who posts here is a political pundit or actually truly has full knowlege of Sen. Obama's platform, activities and efforts. A lot of these comments appear to be truly speculative and frankly, a bit whiney. Expecting a person to not engage in personal-related activities while on a long trip such as this is quite unrealistic. When our companies send us to California or some other state/country on business, are we expected to do business 24-hours per day? What's the harm in checking out that neat-looking museum during the evening, or maybe visiting my grandmother while I'm in the area?

Please, folks. When we're on our soapboxes about "accountability" let's try to remember what that is, and avoid saying anything to bash someone (or other posters) and write for the sole purpose of moving our fingers.

As a Kenyan and an American tax payer I must say that Obama's trip to Africa was of no benefit to the United States and the American tax payers. On his trip Sen. Obama managed to antagonize both the Kenyan and South African governments because of his lark of diplomatic experience. It’s also a big shame that the Sen. chose to address issues in Kenya that he has failed to address here in America. The poverty rates especially in the African American community as well as the growing HIV infections(ABC did a special this week)should have been enough for Obama to take a HIV test in the lower east side of Chicago. Being a Kenyan I understand that many Kenyans commenting on this issue do not understand that obama’s responsibility lies with the people who elected him. Playing to the gallery simply because his father was Kenyan just wont cut it .His responsibilities are to the people of Illinois .His trip in my view has done nothing to help American foreign policy or enhance the standing of America. This was a shameless, calculated move aimed at promoting himself at the expense of tax payers. Sen.Obama should first deal with the Log in America Eye(poverty,Hiv war on terror ,iraq ,iran etc ) before shouting about the speck in kenya

I can't believe how some of these posts are so small minded. We live in a world community and what happens in one part of the globe has a serious impact on other parts of the globe. Mr. Obama is doing his job, plain and simple. And yes, we should question our politicians and not accept blindly what they do; but to criticize the senator for going to Africa is simply ridiculous. We know there are crooked politicians in office. Mr Obama is not one of them. We cannot be isolationist and think that if we confine our concerns to our borders we will get along just fine, thank you very much. There is a stigma about getting aids testing in Africa. There is no such stigma here. There is genocide going on on the continent - hundreds of people die there in war and from famine. We can go to Iraq, Kuwait, Eastern Europe, yet criticize the Senator for going to Africa? Give me a break. Quiet as it is kept, Africa is where we all came from - it is where man first walked. Perhaps if we gave the place where life began more attention we would find the answers to some of our own problems here.

Some of you are ignorant - not sure what the take is? Not sure where your negativity will take you to? Not sure how long you live to see your kids grow in a society that is not accepting human facts as their rights to movement? Not sure how long the hatred within Continents/Countries/Race/Religion - "this too shall Pass"; Not sure why we are still living in the same old ages where everything has to be Black or White(there are other colors that comprise of the rainbow); Not sure why Senator Obama's trip to Africa is raising an EyeBrow; Not sure why the man is not entitled to vacation and given so much honor in Africa?; Not sure its an issue to address the same issues affecting Illinois are same affecting Africa on his Vacation?; Not just sure why most of you are so angry towards the good he has done?; Maybe if he addresses this issues then Africa does not have to depend on foreign countries on International Loans that are eventually written off? Money this days can not get you anywhere because, if its your day to die you will leave it all behind-its power and fame for the good that you have done today that will get you somewhere-!

Obama is heralding himself, not the US. All these trips need to be cut out. Look at Danny Davis and his bogus trips.

Save the travelling to upper level management - like the State Department.

Alot of people have deep rooted hatred for America due to it's foreign policies and the ignorance of most if it's citizens in regard to world issues but at least we have one man who is working hard to change that. Wake up America! The world is becoming more global and we will be left behind by other countries that are seizing the opportunity. I remember there was a report on local Kenyan Newspapers after the embassy bombing in Nairobi that American marines who went to conduct rescue operations only focused on saving American personell and would go past Kenyan victims without offering any assistance. This is still very fresh in the minds of Kenyans and this is the example most Kenyans have of what Americans are really like. Israel army came to lead the rescue operations and they have repeated rescue operations everytime there is a disaster in Kenya. Today Israel is seen as a God-sent friend of Kenya who flys in within hours in case of a disaster. You want to get rid of terrorism- become more globalized and Obama has just set a good example of this. He has also painted a different picture about America and hopefully this will over-shadow what the US Marines did. Other global leaders include Bill Gates and Bill Clinton. We don't have to solve all the world issues, but at least we can get engaged like other countries do. We also need to educate most our citizens who are clue-less and very ignorant about what is going on beyond American borders. Our education system has also failed to educate our children about thinking global.

@Joe Muita-Its amazing that you are a Kenyan of Kikuyu background and that you are the same people who have crippled the economy of Kenya. I am certain that you do not question all the tax-payers money in Kenya that has been placed in foreign accounts: If it was a Muita's tribesmen or other I am sure you would not comment. You know what's going on in Africa at the moment and for that instance if you think there are no problems in your nation then you should have relocated back to make it a better place-Why are you in America? Go home and try to participate in fixing the issues affecting our own people!

Hey, The only reason Luger OK'd Obama's trip was in hope he stayed Cliff

I love how Bruce likes to ask questions that nobody on this board could possibly answer (will Obama refund the money for the personal day trip to his family's hometwon), but conveniently fails to answer the reasonable questions put forth to him.

There is no point indulging his cowardly hit-and-run posting. Welcome to the internet, folks, where accountability comes to die.

May I take this opportunity to thank the Senator Obama for his Africa visit - especially Kenya. Just as Mumbi has mentioned America needs to open up, to ebb away from this isolationist feeling and approach to issues. A kind of Utopia. If Americans ever understood the rest of the world, without thinking that Africa is the capital city of Nigeria, that economic and military might can bring heavens,that America can push issues on the throat of the rest - Kyoto Protocol, world trade talks et cetera; then Americans will have a holiday. A holiday of war-money converted to better education - so America need not outsource labor, money to lure investors not to close industries in Chicago,Illinois and relocate to Mexico and elsewhere. Because American policy will be based on realities on the ground and progmatisim that comes with informed opinion. That Sen Obama came to Kenya, he was able to get FACTS on why this part of the globe is underdeveloped - specific causes pecular to Kenya. Corruption in Kenya in spite of democratic gains is due to negative ethnicity, and lack of accountability to election promises by leaders. This is what he found out - and he found out that Kenyans want the leadership to be accountable. The gap was that Kenyans are not assertive in demanding for this from the governement. This is great message to the Foreign Affairs committee. To come to Kenya and not see his grandmother would have been UNACCEPTABLE to Kenyans, with regard to social mores - he seems to understand this - and that's what distingushes him as a Man as opposed to a boy on Foreign Affairs issues. Bruce and comany must be extremely foreign to this discourse.

The negative attention that Obama's trip is getting is both sad and absurd.
Politicians take international trips all the time to create/strengthen relationships with the rest of world. This is no different. Except that Obama is a hero in Kenya. He is loved, adored and admired there. Obama is getting a great deal of positive attention because of his family ties to the country/village; the bottom line is that people are jealous. Get over yourselves!

I think what is at sue here is not Africa or its problems. It’s about accountability and transparency. What is the big deal with people wanting to know how much the trip costs .why all the hoop laa! Aren’t just democracies like America accountable to the people .How much did the trip cost the tax payers? It’s a rather straight forward question that has nothing to do with being democrat or republican its about being accountable. that is what America is all about how can we go preaching to foreign governments about corruption when we cant account for our own actions. We need to know how much it cost the tax payers this is not rocket science people its our right as tax payers .also having read the attack on Mr. Mite by a Kenyan maybe Obama’s calls against tribalism was not communicated effectively to his Kenyan supporters and we should hence get a refund for the trip

Perhaps it is simply a sign of how low partisan politics have sunk... If this is truly about "taxpayer dollars" where is the Republican outrage for their own members of the Foreign Relations Committee going to, say, China (check out Norm Coleman playing ping pong at http://coleman.senate.gov/), Japan or Korea (as did Lisa “dad gave me this job” Murkowski) or Bosnia (as did the committee’s own chairman, Richard Lugar). Republicans have spent plenty of taxpayer dollars on some egregiously-failed foreign policies -- the shee level of vitriol over this trip is more than hypocritical.

Joe Muita...Once again I would like to call your bluff. Last time you used John malamba. I can smell winger a mile away...and your full of it.

As I told you before...I have a friend in Africa...but I'm sure you don't know Jack.

Ladies and gentlemen tell me a politician who kills two birds with one stone?

Well lets face it Obama's approval rating is now well above excellent in USA and in Kenya

He is right to talk about corruption in Kenya and Illinois because that is his job, taking talking talking !!! ok

Ladies and gentlemen there are too many republicans here, well to be frank, let them wait for 2008

Hschutze..These people don't really care about the money..hence no outcry about Delay and the host of other republicans...these are just the "good" people of the republican party.

Joe Muita
You are an economic migrant who chooses to pay taxes in united states than kenya

aha caught you while in Kuria your home land people live in huts and they drive cows while eating raw meat

come back home will you

I believe trips like Obama's were planned, and approved, to educate our citizens as to whats going on in the rest of the world. So we better understand, and do not forget, these impoverished countries. To widen our horizons.

Meanwhile...

" Bankrolled almost entirely by taxpayers, President Bush is roaming far and wide on Air Force One to help Republicans retain control of Congress and capture statehouse contests in high-stakes midterm elections. "

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060830/ap_on_el_ge/bush_campaign_travel

yeah, live and let live! Ok this senator guy visits Africa, and you raise your browses, where were you morrons when Ashcroft visited Norway in 2005?
Why did'nt you raise the fare issue?
i guess, one cup of coffee in Oslo would cost 300 times as it would in Nairobi, so who drained more from the official coffers?

All of you complaining about where your tax dollars are going-Do you have a list, that details exactly where YOUR TAX dollars are spent and who spends them. If so, I understand your frustration.

I hope you are just as concerned about how your TAX DOLLARS where spent, when corrupt CHICAGO COPS were torturing individuals to confess to crimes they didn't commit. Then spending thousands of dollars to investigate and find "NO PROOF". Only later, thru DNA testing, finding out the COPS lied and now its to late to do anything. But, I guess that's not wasting the TAX payers money!!

The image of the US has been seriously damaged across the world. The Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns have damaged the image of the US globally. Hopefully, Senator Obama will be able to improve the country's image across the African continent. Maybe this will prevent another Mogadishi or bombing of embassies in the region.

The Joe Muitas of the world and other such like negative yet shallow minds will always be with us in this world. Heck, that's what makes for a diverse world doesn't it?

That being said, Senator Obama's visit has actually done more for U.S. policy on this trip than most of you could ever realise. Let me take a moment to give a synopsis on the use of American power in recent years. Under Bush and the neocons, America has been displaying hard power(read military power), which sadly has made the US very unpopular around the world. According to polls conducted by Pew and other pollsters and surveys, the US is very unpopular around the world; even scoring poorly in the UK, a well known traditional ally.

Obama's visit is the anti-hard power visit. It is through visits such as Obama's that the US will be able to improve its image around the world. Not by wasting billions in a senseless right-wing inspired jingoistic wars that has increasingly made the US government unpopular around the world.

We need more people like the erudite Senator Obama to market US foreign policy.

If anyone here voted for George W. Bush, especially twice, obviously dosen't care that much about where their TAX DOLLARS are going.

To correct a previous comment: The war in Iraq is currently costing the American taxpayers in excess of $8,000,000,000 a MONTH. That’s $8 billion. To complain about our Senator’s trip’s cost is ridiculous. Please focus your anger at real problems.

Also, Africa has the largest prevalence of AIDS in the world. To attack Senator Obama for taking an AIDS test in Kenya is disgusting. The President says that we must fight terrorists in Iraq so that we don’t have to fight them at home. Well, using that GOP logic, how about we fight AIDS abroad so we do not have to fight it at home?

Congressional trips abroad are a necessity. The Senator is not just on safari. He is on the ground in some of the most desperate places on Earth. If our elected leaders do not have a personal understanding of the world, we are all lost.

Good point Lewis. It finally dawned on me that "Bruce" is none other than the contemptuous Alan Keyes using his internet alias. Bravo, Alan. Bravo.

Some of you need to retake high school civics. Obama is a member of the federal government, and as such, his trip was paid for by the federal government. Don't you understand the concept of federalism? The residents of Illinois are not the only ones who paid...300 Million Americans paid for his trip, which at probably $15,000 -- shoot, let's say $20,000, comes out to $0.000067 per American. Shoot again, let's just limit that to half the population (to take out children, etc.) and that is $0.000134 per American. What an awful waste! Barely 1% of 1 CENT.
Not like Iraq isn't costing us $1,000 per American (including children, etc.) and counting upwards.
Obama, that dirty, do-little world traveling liberal just cosponsored a bill with firebrand GOP senator Tom Coburn to carefully track all wasteful earmark spending put forth by pork-loving senators (like the $225M bridge to nowhere).
Obama shouldn't "stay home nad fix my problems." You should fix your own damn problems. He's working to supplement US leadership in the world and engage the global community. Don't forget that most of Congress is on vacation right now. Did you complain when Daley flew to Israel in the spring? Would you complain if Dennis Hastert went on a diplomacy trip to wherever his ancestors are from and spent some time with his relatives? Do you complain that he bought cheap, useless land, got congress to approve a highway to go nearby and then sold the land for $5 million?

What did Obama do for Illinois on his African "vacation"? Obama was helping our state economy by promoting Illinois companies. Here is an excerpt from "The Swamp" when Obama was in South Africa. Any chance you naysayers have friends, families or neighbors who earn a living working for these companies?

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2006/08/doing_illinois_.html
["South Africa gets visited by many European leaders, but not many from the U.S.," said Tim Quinlan of International Trucks, a Warrenville, Ill.-based firm that began selling trucks here during the 1920s. He said he believed the U.S. should step up its interest in Africa, which European countries have already done.

It was a sentiment echoed by representatives from other companies who attended a luncheon here today sponsored by the state of Illinois' Africa Office of Trade and Investment. McDonald's, Boeing, Lucent Packaging and Grant Thornton were among the Chicago-area companies attending the event.]

Politics - and this whole issue - are boring. Those of you arguing about who paid for what or whether this trip is "good" or "bad" need to really get a life. You are mere spectators. Go outside and do something and stop acting like this stuff is so important. Just a little apathy goes a long way....

Politics - and this whole issue - are boring. Those of you arguing about who paid for what or whether this trip is "good" or "bad" need to really get a life. You are mere spectators. Go outside and do something and stop acting like this stuff is so important. Just a little apathy goes a long way....

Stan...Good post..but you can save your breath. These people don't care about the money. Even if every penny was published along with everything accomplished they would not read it..or they would read it just to find "anything" they could possibly even question. Obama is a threat to them...He is a democrat that is admired!..OHHH dangerous! They are the same people who could care less if Tom Delay is mixed up with Abramoff.
As long as its their team..no wrong can be done.

The nature of the personal attacks against me , will not change my stand .It is so shameful that being of Kenyan origin I am expected to blindly toe the line and support Sen. Obama simple because his father was Kenyan! It is rather simplistic of Kenyans here to attack my views simply because I have a different view .Yes my family might live in a hut in Africa yes I might be an economic refugee but does that mean that the Sen. should not account to taxpayers! Does that mean that, I agree with his antagonizing some sections of Kenyan society no! Sen. Obama should have been more diplomatic in his approach. Sure, he made millions of friends but on this trip, I am sorry to say he also made millions of enemies that the press is not talking about. The snubbing he received from the South African government including Nelson Mandela should tell you something about the man. If the trip was above board then there should be no problem giving the details of the trip to anyone who asks. It’s just that simple! no need to bang heads about it and insult one another .if his trip didn’t break of violate any law ,then I don’t see what’s wrong with people raising questions. On the issue of his behavior or his lark of diplomatic manner, I think the official government line from Nairobi said it best.

i think alot can be said about this trip and the issues it has help raise including the negative media coverage on africa by those who travelled with obama! a good example

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2006/08/obama_tells_kenyan_president_c.html

Sorry Mr.Joe Muita, this is a debate you will always lose. First, Senator Obama did more on this one trip than Cheney or Rumsfeld have done on their trips to foreign countries during the last six years of the Bush administration.

Secondly, if you are so focused and riled up about your taxes being misused, why not ask Bush and his noecon cronies why we are spending, nay, wasting $10 billion per month in a war that we will end up losing anyways? Is Iraq safer today than it was when we invaded three years ago? Are we safer at home than we were pre-Iraq war invasion and subsequent occupation of that country? Heck no.

Thirdly, as far as Obama being "snubbed" by Mandela and President Mbeki, that is erroneous at best and coming from you typical of your ignorance. Joe Muita you are true to type. Let me educate here on what the facts were in South Africa. Mandela was sick; as in bed-ridden. Should Senator Obama have forced himself into the hospital bedroom of an ailing 88 year old man? That would be uncouth even by your standards.

Fourthly, as far as Senator Obama not being diplomatic to the Kenyan government....too bad. Why would you expect him to be diplomatic when the facts are patently clear with respect to the Kibaki led Kenyan government being referred to as one of the most corrupt governments in the whole world? It is not only Obama who has exposed this dark side of the venal regime in Kenya, countless others including the former US Ambassador, the UK Ambassador, and countless others have said practically the same thing about the kleptocratic Kenyan governmet. Let us also not forget that as a US Senator who sits in the Foreign Relations Committee African sub-committee, Obama has the right and responsibility to ensure that our US tax dollars are being put to good use. We do NOT want our hard earned tax dollars fattening the wallets of some kleptocratic regime in Kenya, or do we?

Let me conclude by asking the real question here: is the Kenyan government ethically challenged? Put differently, does the Kibaki government support corruption and graft?

Joe Muita...did anyone ask you why you migrated to U.S.A and did not stay in your homeland Kenya where you belong? Have you apparently done any good to fix your community back home? Or now you have become an american citizen who can not relate to his roots? or were you a forbidden outcast thats why you do no care so much about your own people? what good will it bring you and if you are hurting so bad about ta paying why don't you try and visit africa and rectify the issues by forming alies with america to be part of solving the problem. Tax this Tax that-Lord have mercy, its sad to see everyone being so concerned about a trip to kenya even a low income individual in america can be abel to travel and tour in africa.....taking pulic means can barely cost you like 10$ from Manhattan to Long Island-or rather a hotel night would cost $30 a night thats pretty luxurious...a cup of coffee is like $.10 very cheap: I earn very little but a year I pay so much taxes but still able to travel abroad to tour atleast 6times a year...so this trip is not worth a Tax-Payers question-he was doing his work that he was appointed to do; there are people who come into our lives and leave some footprints behind that can not be erased...thank you Senator Obama for being you-do not let anyone put you down, human beings are hard to please and be satisfied, poor dirty politics, thats what it is: Keep up your good job, we are proud of you; you make us proud.

Hear hear, Rev. Kashangaki - a fine post! (And this from someone who identifies more closely with Republican perspectives!)

Joe muita does not exist...he is a child playing his childish games. He posts under different names
because people get tired of hearing his dribble under his own name. So he uses other names and now uses names as if he came from Africa to mislead people to think he has some real understanding of this article. Good people spend time answering his post but his only goal is to
rant about Mr. obama. If you wish to find this out...are there any posters from Africa? Ask him questions that he could not look up on the net. he is a fraud, fool, and a large waste of time.

The money does not bother me. In the grand scale of Illinois debt it is a bottle deposit. It is the unfortunate plunge Senator Obama had to take to open any doors to a politcal future.

Thanks for Obama visit to Africa, you took time your walking and meeting people in Kibera one of the largest slums in Africa, most leaders are not ready to step in that place with flying toilets and poor drainage at least you show us that you down to earth
Thank for your educative speeches, that at least touch our heart. Obama you are leader with vision, please go for presidency

Hey David Klein,if your thread was an attempt at being funny then u have failed miserably,try again.Just admit it.You are a bad alarmist and i think you have earned your 2 cents of fame by reffering to Raila Odinga as the "butcher from bondo".You really wanted to be quoted on that,didnt u?I dont think you know anything about Kenyan politics and for that matter the person of Raila and the events surrounding the attempted coup,so you can all do us a huge favour by shutting up your beak, and that will earn you some 15 minutes.
Nobody ever said that the American people,for all your moral standing(when it suits you)real or imagined,have no right to know.Heck,even an Iraqi has a right to know,be it for self interest or whatever.David Klein,act like you know,gerrit?

Africa is a problem for the Africans. remember these people were just screaming the other day that they want indepdence and now all of them line up in american embassies across the damned continent seeking visas!
If these immigrants are of no use to Africa then, they are of no use to US.
if obama is drunk with romances for africa, he canas well resign and go back to ....keya!!! whatever.

RESPONSE TO AMERICAN SENATOR BARACK OBAMA’S POORLY INFORMED COMMENTS ABOUT TERRORISM, WANTED GENOCIDE CRIMINALS AND GOVERNANCE IN KENYA

http://www.communication.go.ke

Senator Barack Obama indicated that he was visiting Africa to help nurture relations between the continent and the United States. His mission, therefore, was warmly welcomed by the Government and the people of Kenya. The fact that he has roots in Kenya endeared him to the people of this country.

However, during his public address at the University of Nairobi, Senator Obama made extremely disturbing statements on issues which it is clear, he was very poorly informed, and on which he chose to lecture the Government and the people of Kenya on how to manage our country.

We would like to make the following facts clear:

a) Kenya is no less vulnerable to terrorism than the United States or any other country. Kenya has in the past suffered incidents of terrorism because