The reason I am not actually spending more time here enjoying the climate and the scenery is that I have to get back to deal with the resource fight that is going on. Apparently, spending a penny out of every dollar seems to be too much for those who have to vote on our budget. I find it so shocking, especially as I now have met with so many African leaders who ask so little from which we can get so much. And we have to understand that America cannot lead on the cheap. Foreign aid is not a give-away program.
Foreign assistance is in America's interest.
And you, for whom I am also fighting for resources, you are America's finest. You need to be respected as our military is, and you are America's first line of defense, and I can assure you that I will fight for you. I was deeply moved at President Nyerere's funeral because I think, and as I have found from talking to African leaders, they have said, I hope you will agree Ambassador Stith, they have found a spirit of renewal themselves in learning more about this remarkable African leader who believed in tolerance and equality and unity and independence and perseverance. I want to very specifically thank our Tanzanian partners and friends here today and to thank the Foreign Service Nationals for the amazing work that you all have done in supporting the work of this embassy. And so, I am honored to close our gathering today by recognizing Mr. Eddie Kapesa as a member of our guard staff.