(PHOTO CREDIT: VANDERLEI ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama is in Chile today, the second stop on a three-nation, five-day trip to South and Central America. It's his first time in the region since he took office.
But it comes at a time when our country is suddenly involved in another hostile military action, airstrikes in Libya, the possible meltdown of nuclear reactors in Japan following an earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands and may cripple that country's economy for some time.
And on the home front, a budget crisis and game of Russian roulette over raising the national debt limit that could lead to the shutdown of the federal government. Perfect time to pack up the wife, kids, mother-in law, and whoever else and go to Carnivale in Rio.
The White House says the goal of the President's trip to Latin America is to expand trade and create more jobs here in the United States.
But Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are challenging that, saying that President Obama has dragged his feet on free trade deals with two Latin American allies - Colombia and Panama.
McConnell says that these trade deals were negotiated and finalized about three years ago and have broad bipartisan support. He says it's the administration that is holding things up.
Here’s my question to you: Is this the right time for President Obama to go to Latin America?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jason in Denver:
Yes. The president is in Latin America trying to shore up jobs and investment to get us out of this downturn. The president can and is doing his job from anywhere in the world. It's called telecommunications!
Rose:
No, it is not the right time for him to be in Latin America. It appears that Hillary Clinton has taken the lead on the issue in Libya. And where is our Vice President Biden? I think I read that he is holding a fundraiser. It appears that Obama has his priorities in the wrong order. We are now playing a game of follow the leader but who is the leader?
Kirk in Apple Valley, Minnesota:
Why do you ask these kinds of questions? Of course it's the right time for President Obama to go to Latin America, or any other place in the world. Is Libya the only problem he should worry about? Or the Japanese nuclear power plant debacle? Give me a break, Jack.
Ed in Maryland:
Is that where they're attacking next?
Jenna in Roseville, California:
Why not? Is there anything that he can't do from Latin America that must only be done in D.C.? I think not. You forget that we have a president that can walk and chew gum at the same time. I know that this was an impossible task with the last president but it isn't with Obama.
Bob in Pennsylvania:
When you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Rich in Texas:
Did Obama go somewhere? He better get those frequent flyer miles on Air Force One in while he can because 2012 is right around the corner and any thing he flies on after that he will be paying for.