Clinton’s Trip to Africa

President Clinton’s African journey is a stunning example of the art of politics and the use of meaningless rhetoric (March 25). Only our magnanimous current president could use so many words to say so little and do such a striking job of speaking directly over the heads of the captivated African audiences and into the American television cameras.

Clinton suggests that our most detestable sin against Africa is neglect and yet he continues to neglect history and logic. As the issues of slavery is dwelt upon, perhaps a few people have forgotten just how the whole thing worked. The slaves were in America, not in Africa, and their descendants are here. If we do need to address and amend the trespasses of some of our forefathers, it makes no sense to cross the Atlantic to do so. Furthermore, many Africans were sold into slavery by other Africans.

If we are going to dwell on the past, let’s at least cling to some semblance of reality. Clinton is banking on the idiocy of Americans as they stare mindlessly into their televisions and get some sort of warm fuzzy feeling about all of this.

TRENT M. ENGLAND

Claremont

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What good is balanced budget in the United States when the president, during his present trip to Africa, is dropping money like rose petals along the way at every stop. (March 24)

I don’t understand his reasoning for giving away tax dollars to Africa except perhaps to enhance his possible legacy as a benefactor to a nation that has more financial and humanitarian problems than we will ever have. It is easy for him to give way funds from hard-working Americans, to make himself look good to another nation.

Come on home, Mr. Clinton, and take care of your nation’s business!

MARY J. MONK

San Clemente