George Bush is on another meaningless international jaunt. This time to Africa to spew more nonsensical platitudes on democracy, while he cases the joint seeking new exploitation opportunities for his corporate colonialist free-trade enablers. And, once again, just for old times sake, he defined himself and his presidency by demonstrating his misplaced priorities.

Commenting on the worsening violence in Sudan's western Darfur region, which is now escalating tensions with neighboring Chad, Bush said he had a tough decision early on as to whether to send troops to Darfur. But he decided not to.

Two million people have fled their homes in Darfur and hundreds of thousands have died horrific deaths. Yet George Bush did nothing; instead invading and occupying a country that never attacked us based on distortions and lies for the purpose of enriching his war profiteering buddies. In doing so, we are responsible for the deaths of almost a million people, are less safe, more reviled and spinning aimlessly seeking to recapture our moral center.

Imagine if we had sent troops and resources to save the victims in Darfur. What that would have done for the people there and our standing in the world. Human beings tend to embrace those who are selfless, compassionate and seek to help those who are suffering . . . not try to kill them.