[snugs]

QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Bush Discusses Colombia Free Trade Agreement

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Please be seated. I want to thank members of my Cabinet for joining me here today. Madam Ambassador, thank you for coming. I appreciate those who support free trade and fair trade for joining us on this important occasion. In a few minutes, I will sign a letter to Congress that will transmit legislation implementing the United States' free trade agreement with Colombia. This agreement will advance America's national security interests in a critical region. It will strengthen a courageous ally in our hemisphere. It will help America's economy and America's workers at a vital time. It deserves bipartisan support from the United States Congress.

During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was signed, my administration has worked closely with the Congress to seek a bipartisan path for considering the agreement. We held more than 400 consultations and meetings and calls. We led trips to Colombia for more than 50 members of the Congress. We worked closely with congressional leaders from both parties -- including the Speaker, Leader Hoyer and Chairman Rangel, Minority Leader Boehner, Ranking Member McCrery, and Senators Baucus and Grassley.

On May 10th last year, my administration and congressional leaders concluded a bipartisan agreement that provided a clear path for advancing free trade agreements, including the agreement with Colombia. As part of that agreement, we included the strongest labor and environmental provisions of any free trade agreement in history. These provisions were negotiated with -- and agreed [to] by -- by the leadership of Congress -- like the Democratic leadership in Congress.

For the last 16 months, we've worked with congressional leaders to set a schedule for the consideration of the Colombian free trade agreement. While we'll continue to work closely with Congress, the need for this agreement is too urgent -- the stakes for our national security are too high -- to allow this year to end without a vote. By statute, Congress has 90 legislative days to complete action once I transmit a bill implementing this agreement. Waiting any longer to send up the legislation would run the risk of Congress adjourning without the agreement ever getting voted on.

Transmitting the agreement is neither the beginning nor the end of our cooperative efforts, but instead an important milestone. My administration is eager to work with members from both parties to make sure the vote is a positive one. Congress needs to move forward with the Colombian agreement, and they need to approve it as quickly as possible.

Approving this agreement is urgent for our national security reasons. Colombia is one of our strongest allies in the Western Hemisphere. They are led by a very strong and courageous leader, President Uribe. He's taken courageous stands to defend our shared democratic values. He has been a strong and capable partner in fighting drugs and crime and terror. And he's delivering results. The Colombian government reports that since 2002, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and murders are all down substantially, as is violence against union members.

Despite this progress, Colombia remains under intense pressure in the region. It faces a continuing assault from the terrorist network known as FARC, which has seized hostages and murdered innocent folks -- including Americans -- in an attempt to overthrow Colombia's democracy. Colombia also faces a hostile and anti-American regime in Venezuela which has met with FARC terrorist leaders and deployed troops to the Colombian border as a means of intimidating the Colombian government and its people.

President Uribe has stood strong against these threats. And he has done so with the assurance of America's support, because his fight against tyranny and terror is a fight that we share. President Uribe has told members of Congress as me -- and me, as well, that approving the free trade agreement is one of the most important ways that America can demonstrate our support for Colombia. People throughout the hemisphere are watching to see what the United States will do. If Congress fails to approve this agreement, it would not only abandon a brave ally -- it would send a signal throughout the region that America cannot be counted on to support its friends. As Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said: "If the U.S. turns its back on its friends in Colombia, this will set back our cause far more than any Latin American dictator could hope to achieve."

Approving the free trade agreement will also strengthen our economy. Today, almost all of Colombian exports enter the United States duty-free, while American products exported to Colombia face tariffs of up to 35 percent for non-agricultural goods and much higher for many agricultural products. In other words, the current situation is one-sided. Our markets are open to Colombian products, but barriers exist that make it harder to sell American products in Colombia. I think it makes sense to remedy this situation. I think it makes sense for Americans' goods and services to be treated just like Colombia's goods and services are treated. So it's time to level the playing field.

As soon as it is implemented, the agreement I'm sending Congress will eliminate tariffs on more than 80 percent of American exports of industrial and consumer goods. Many products in key American sectors such as agriculture and construction equipment, aircraft and auto parts, and medical and scientific equipment will enter Colombia duty-free. If you're an American farmer, it's in your interest that this agreement get passed -- after all, farm exports like high-quality beef, cotton, wheat, soybeans and fruit will enter duty-free. And in time this agreement will eliminate tariffs on all American exports to Colombia.

Level [sic] the playing field for American exporters is especially important during this time of economic uncertainty. Last year, exports accounted for more than 40 percent of America's total economic growth. With the economy slowing recently, we should be doing everything we can to open up new opportunities for growth. More than 9,000 American companies, most of them small and mid-sized businesses, export to Colombia. Approving this agreement will help them increase their sales and grow their businesses and create good high-paying jobs.

The economic effects of expanding trade in goods and services are overwhelmingly positive, but trade can also have a negative impact for some of our citizens. In those cases, government has a responsibility to help workers obtain the skills they need to successfully reenter the workforce. My administration is actively engaged in discussions on legislation to improve and reauthorize Trade Adjustment Assistance program. We're committed to advancing those discussions as quickly as possible. I look forward to completing an agreement on trade adjustment that draws on many of the good ideas contained in bills introduced in the House and the Senate -- I look forward to signing a good bipartisan piece of legislation.

In discussions about the Colombia free trade agreement, some members of Congress have raised concerns about the conditions in Colombia. President Uribe has addressed these issues. He's addressed violence by demobilizing tens of thousands of paramilitary figures and fighters. He's addressed attacks on trade unionists by stepping up funding for prosecutions, establishing an independent prosecutors unit, and creating a special program that protects labor activists. He's made clear that the economic benefits the agreement brings to Colombia would strengthen the fight against drugs and terror, by creating a more hopeful alternative for the people of Colombia.

If this isn't enough to earn America's support, what is? President Uribe has done everything asked of him. While Colombia is still working to improve, the progress is undeniable -- and it is worthy of our support.

There is a clear model for members of Congress to follow as they move forward with this agreement. Just last year, Congress considered a trade agreement with Peru that was almost identical to this one. The only difference between them is that the Colombian agreement has even greater economic potential because Colombia is a larger market, and even greater national security importance because of Colombia's strategic location. Congress passed the Peru agreement with strong bipartisan support, and should do the same with this agreement with Colombia.

The stakes are high in South America. By acting at this critical moment, we can show a watching world that America will honor its commitments. We can provide a powerful rebuke to dictators and demagogues in our backyard. We can expand U.S. exports and export-related jobs. We can show millions across the hemisphere that democracy and free enterprise lead to a better life. Congress's path is clear: Members should have a healthy debate, hold a timely vote, and send the bill implementing the Colombia free trade agreement to my desk, so I can sign it into law.

And now I would like members of my Cabinet who are here today to join me for the signing of the letter.

(The letter is signed.)

Thanks for coming. (Applause.)

PHOTO OF THE DAY

President Bush carries a bronzed football given to him by members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers, Monday, April 7, 2008, during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington.

[SuziQ]

Howdy!

[swmobuffalo]

Hello!

[snugs]

Dose going up - please wait for the all clear before posting or reposting any photos or graphics

[snugs]

Yesterday - returning to Washington from NATO Conference

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice walks to her car with a security escort after her arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sunday April. 6, 2008, after her return from Europe.

President Bush and first lady Laura Bush walk down the stairs from Air Force One after their arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sunday April. 6, 2008.

President Bush and first lady Laura Bush are welcomed by Brig. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, Commander of the 89th Airlift Wing, after their arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sunday April. 6, 2008

President Bush and first lady Laura Bush arrive on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Sunday, April 6, 2008

[SuziQ]

I like the picture of the President carrying that bronze football!

[snugs]

Today

President Bush arrives at the Old Executive Office Building near the White House to make remarks on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Monday, April 7, 2008, in Washington.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks with Defense Secretary Robert Gates prior to President Bush making remarks on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Monday, April 7, 2007, in Washington

[snugs]

President George W. Bush makes a statement on the Colombian Free Trade Agreement in Old Executive Office Building near the White House in Washington April 7, 2008.

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President Bush, surrounded by Cabinet members, prepares to sign a letter to Congress regarding the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Monday, April 7, 2008, in Washington. From left are, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab.

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President Bush signs a letter to Congress after making remarks on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Monday, April 7, 2008, in Washington. Behind him, from left are, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Office of National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters, and Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer.

President Bush shakes hands Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer after signing a letter to Congress regarding the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Monday, April 7, 2008, in Washington. From left are, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the president, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Office of National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters and Schafer

[snugs]

President Bush and LSU football coach Les Miles arrive on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 7, 2008, to meet with members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers.

President Bush holds a ceremony honoring members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers, Monday, April 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington.

President Bush gestures on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 7, 2008, during a ceremony honoring the 2007 NCAA national football champion LSU Tigers.

[snugs]

LSU head football coach Les Miles, center, laughs as President Bush acknowledges his willingness to take risks, Monday, April 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington during a ceremony honoring the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers. At left is defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, and right is running back Jacob Hester

President Bush shows off an LSU jersey given to him by members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers, Monday, April 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. From left are, quarterback Matt Flynn, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey the president, coach Les Miles, LSU running back Jacob Hester.

[snugs]

President Bush huddles with LSU wide receiver Trindon Holliday during a ceremony honoring members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers, Monday, April 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington.

President Bush poses with members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers, Monday, April 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. At left is the team's tallest member, 6-foot, 7-inch Herman Johnson, at center is the team's smallest member, 5-foot, 5-inch Trindon Holliday.

President Bush shows off a bronzed football given to him by members of the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers, Monday, April 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. From left are, President Bush, LSU running back Jacob Hester, and safety Craig Steltz.

President Bush walks to the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 7, 2008, with a commemorative LSU football jersey and a bronzed football he received during a ceremony honoring the NCAA football champion LSU Tigers

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President George W. Bush (R) meets with small and medium business owners in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, April 7, 2008, to discuss the economic stimulus package.

President Bush talks to reporters at the conclusion of a meeting small and mid-sized business owners on the economic stimulus package, Monday, April 7, 2008, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.

[snugs]

White House Photos

President George W. Bush delivers remarks on the Columbian Free Trade Agreement Monday, April 7, 2008, in Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

President George W. Bush signs transmittal papers for the Colombian Free Trade Agreement Monday, April 7, 2008, in Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. President Bush is joined by, left to right, Secretary Bob Gates, Department of Defense; Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Department of State; Ambassador Susan Schwab, United States Trade Representative; Secretary Elaine Chao, Department of Labor; Director John Walters, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and Secretary Ed Schafer, Department of Agriculture. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

The Louisiana State University Tigers appear on the South Lawn Monday, April 7, 2008, as President George W. Bush welcomes the 2007 NCAA National Football to the White House. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

President George W. Bush holds up an LSU Tigers' jersey presented to him Monday, April 7, 2008 by the 2007 NCAA Football Champions during their visit to the White House. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

Louisiana State University Tigers' running back Jacob Hester stands next to President George W. Bush after presenting him with a football during a visit to the White House Monday, April 7, 2008, by the 2007 NCAA Football Champions. White House photo by Eric Draper

President George W. Bush meets with small and mid-sized business owners on the Economic Stimulus Package Monday, April 7, 2008, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

[snugs]

First lady Laura Bush, right, seated with the first lady of of Tanzania Salma Kikwete, second from right, and others, watch a performance of "One Destiny" by actors from Ford's Theater, Monday, April 7, 2008, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

First lady Laura Bush, far right, seated with the first lady of of Tanzania Salma Kikwete, watch a performance of "One Destiny" by actors from Ford's Theater, Monday, April 7, 2008, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. The actor are Stephen Schmidt, left, and Michael Bunce, center

[snugs]

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush (R) greets St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa (L) and first baseman Albert Pujols before the Houston Astros MLB National League baseball home opener against the Cardinals in Houston April 7, 2008.

[snugs]

All clear - please feel free to post or re-post any photos or graphics in the spirit of this thread

[luvie]

Ahhhh....an athletic “trophy”! No wonder he’s got such a
grin on his face. He is SUCH a sports enthusiast!

Thanks for Sanity Island tonight. It’s more and more welcome
as we come nearer to the next election!

[MamaB]

Hey snugs

How are you? You know I have been having severe pain in my right arm and hand. Well, it started hurting so bad Wednesday night that I went to the ER Thursday night. The dr. there said I need to have carpal tunnel surgery again. So, granddaughter and I have appts. the 14th with our surgeon down in B’ham. This is all I need but I know something has to be done. I can not put up with this much pain for much longer. We will see how things go after the appt. Prayers would be appreciated for both of us.

[maica]

President Bush: ***During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was signed, my administration has worked closely with the Congress to seek a bipartisan path for considering the agreement. We held more than 400 consultations and meetings and calls. We led trips to Colombia for more than 50 members of the Congress. We worked closely with congressional leaders from both parties — including the Speaker, Leader Hoyer and Chairman Rangel, Minority Leader Boehner, Ranking Member McCrery, and Senators Baucus and Grassley.

On May 10th last year, my administration and congressional leaders concluded a bipartisan agreement that provided a clear path for advancing free trade agreements, including the agreement with Colombia. As part of that agreement, we included the strongest labor and environmental provisions of any free trade agreement in history. These provisions were negotiated with — and agreed [to] by — by the leadership of Congress — like the Democratic leadership in Congress.***

cspan have this statement by President Bush scheduled to air at 11:30pm Edt

Investors Business Daily has two excellent editorials about the Trade Agreement and the Democrat congress.

Pass The Pact
By INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Monday, April 07, 2008 4:20 PM PT
The Hemisphere: President Bush’s risky decision to force a vote on the Colombia free trade agreement in Congress wasn’t undertaken lightly and underscores that this pact is about far more than politics.
Read More: Latin America & Caribbean | Business & Regulation
Toward the end of his term, there’s probably nothing a president wants less than to take big risks. But Bush is forcing Colombia’s trade pact to a vote without congressional leaders’ approval, right in the heat of election season.
Why? Because doing nothing would be worse than losing.
“By acting at this critical moment, we can show a watching world that America will honor its commitments,” Bush announced.
This is a first. No major trade pact has ever failed in Congress. Yet no ally to our south has ever been so valuable to the U.S. as Colombia. Bush isn’t just forcing Congress to vote within 90 days on the permanent treaty. He also is asking Congress whether, after years of deliberation and winning every amendment Democrats have sought, they really want Colombia to be as rich and democratic as the U.S. — or an isolated pariah state shut out of investment and a regional laughingstock at the mercy of our enemies.
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=292460781731011

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U.S.-Colombia Deal Faces Labor Deceit
By MONICA SHOWALTER
INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Monday, April 07, 2008 4:30 PM PT
Colombia is America’s closest friend in South America. Free trade is perhaps the best way the U.S. can counter the influence of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, who seeks allies he can isolate from the broader global economy, dependent on his crude largesse alone.
U.S. labor groups, political activists and the mass media paint a grim picture of 2,500 killings against union members since 1986 as a rationale to shut Colombia out of the pact, with the sound bite that Colombia is the “most dangerous place in the world for labor.”
But that lumps in many years of drug- and terrorist-linked violence with vastly improved conditions over the last five years.
In Colombia, 17,198 people were killed for all reasons in 2007. That’s down 40.4% from 2002.
Deaths among Colombia’s 833,000 union members dived 86.7% over that time, to just 26 last year.
“There is a portion of ignorance with regards to what we have achieved,” said Gerardo Sanchez Zapata, head of the 13,000-member Rionegro Textile Union from Medellin, a pro-free-trade union. “There have been great advances in union liberties as well as decreasing crimes against labor leaders.”
U.S. unions’ focus on Colombian labor violence has become a perverse incentive for terrorists opposed to the trade deal and President Uribe to keep killing.
About 75 unions in Colombia favor free trade. They’re not a majority, but they are a new trend.

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=292460600468367