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albanian albanian
 
M$1 May 08, 2009 01:56 PM

How would America react to a state visit by the new president of South Africa?

Newly elected President Zuma is a strong advocate of traditional family values. As he is a Zulu, this means he has three wives. If he were to make a state visit to Washington he would be unlikely to be discretely quiet or apologetic as some polygamous leaders are because he is very proud of his Zulu heritage. How would Americans react to a photo op of the US President and First Lady standing with the South African President and First Three Ladies?
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tracebooks tracebooks
 
 May 08, 2009 06:41 PM
I think we may be creating a problem where none exists. President Zuma might not even bring a single wife with him, or he might, out of politeness knowing that most of the rest of the world frowns on polygamy, bring only one of them.

Were he to show up with all three, I'm sure the Obamas would be gracious, and I'd hope the press would be, too. No way could *anyone* equate the U.S. for merely receiving the head of another state as agreeing with every single thing that state does, up to and including choice of spouse(s).
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albanian albanian
 
May 08, 2009 09:33 PM
I brought up the question because President Zuma is in the news today with his election but yes it is early to guess what he might do should a state visit be scheduled. I agree the Obama's would be gracious hosts; but, expecting the press to be gracious about anything at all is pretty far-fetched.

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brian san brian san
 
May 08, 2009 03:42 PM
That would seem to pose some problems for Obama. I'm sure his opponents would have a field day with the photo op. Maybe there are some protocols in the books where he can restrict the number of visitors to exclude any and all spouses?

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asenath asenath
 
May 08, 2009 08:31 PM
I think President Obama is between a rock and a hard place. He got into trouble for shaking hands with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. If the South African President brings all his wives, and my bet is all will want to come along, Obama will get into trouble for shaking hands or a photo up. On the other hand, one cannot only shake hands with people that one agrees with. I am sure the president of South Africa believes in civil rights and so does Obama. I doubt the president of South Africa believes in abortion, but Obama does.

I think at some point you have to be all things to all people or at least meet people halfway.

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albanian albanian
 
May 09, 2009 01:19 AM
Regarding abortion, it is legal in South Africa and the party that passed the law is the same one that President Zuma leads. Although I haven't read about his opinion specifically it is likely that Zuma is actually pro-abortion, as opposed to pro-choice. It is regarded as an important policy to improve the lot of poor black women who would otherwise have too many children to support. The leading cause of death for under 1 year olds there is abandonment.

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