Bush Confident Congress Will Approve Financial Bailout Plan
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US financial turmoil issue dominates free trade meeting with other Western Hemisphere leaders on sidelines of UN General Assembly
U.S. President George Bush says he is confident that Congress will agree on a robust plan to bailout America's troubled financial sector. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, there is strong opposition to the president's $700 billion rescue plan among lawmakers.US President George Bush, Mexican President Felipe Calderon prepare to make a statement on free trade with Western Hemisphere leaders at Council of the Americas in New York, 24 Sept. 2008President Bush met with other leaders from the Western Hemisphere to talk about free trade on the sidelines of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.But it was America's own financial turmoil that dominated the session. Mr. Bush said he knows leaders want to hear about the rescue plan he has submitted to Congress."They can see our legislative process is full of give-and-take, that there is ample debate. But I am confident that when it's all said and done, there will be a robust plan. And there needs to be," Mr. Bush said.The president wants Congress to allow the government to buy as much as $700 billion worth of devalued assets from troubled financial firms. The bad investments have made banks reluctant to lend money, and the lack of credit threatens to stall the U.S. economy. The president's top economic advisers urged members of the Senate Banking Committee to quickly approve the rescue package. But the Democratic chairman o the committee called the plan "unacceptable" in its current form. The committee's top Republican said it must be closely examined to ensure that it does not waste taxpayers' money.President Bush canceled plans to attend a political fundraiser in Florida Wednesday and will instead return to the White House after his meetings in New York.Mr. Bush met with the leaders of 11 countries that have a free trade agreement with the United States or have one pending before Congress. "These agreements are mutually beneficial. And most importantly, they help small business owners and workers and farmers and ranchers," Mr. Bush said.Mr. Bush and the leaders of Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru agreed on a new plan to continue the economic benefits of free trade. "This initiative will provide a forum where leaders can work to ensure that the benefits of trade are broadly shared. It will deepen the connections among regional markets. It will expand our cooperation on development issues," Mr. Bush said.In the nearly 15 years since the North American Free Trade Agreement came into force, President Bush says trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico has increased by a combined total of more than 200 percent.Mr. Bush again called on Congress to approve free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
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UN Says N. Korea Ejects Inspectors From Nuclear Reprocessing Plant
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North Korea takes dramatic steps toward fulfilling its threat to resume production of nuclear weapons material
North Korea has taken dramatic steps toward fulfilling its threat to resume production of nuclear weapons material. VOA's Kurt Achin reports from Seoul.North Korea's spent nuclear fuel rods kept in cooling pond are seen at nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, in this 1996 file photo, released from YonhapThe International Atomic Agency, or IAEA, confirms North Korea has ended international supervision of activities at its main nuclear reprocessing facility in Yongbyon. Melissa Fleming, a spokeswoman for the U.N. agency, confirms it has complied with North Korea's demand to remove seals and cameras."There are no more seals and surveillance equipment in place at the reprocessing facility," she said.Fleming says the North has disclosed plans for the facility in the near future."The DPRK has also informed the IAEA inspectors that they plan to introduce nuclear material to the reprocessing plant in one week´s time," she said. "They further stated that from here on the IAEA inspectors will have no further access to the reprocessing plant."South Korean officials say they are very concerned about North Korea's actions, which pose a serious challenge to an international deal aimed at ending its nuclear weapons capabilities.Pyongyang promised South Korea, the United States, Japan, China and Russia last year it would fully disable the Yongbyon facility, and declare its nuclear programs as a step toward eliminating them altogether. After submitting the declaration months past the agreed deadline, North Korea has refused to agree on a set of steps for outside teams to verify that the declaration is accurate.The United States says it will not remove North Korea from a State Department list of nations accused of sponsoring terrorism until there is a verification agreement. North Korea says the verification issue is separate from Washington's promise to remove it from the terror list. In recent weeks, it has threatened to restart the Yongbyon reactor, and says it is no longer interested in being removed from the U.S. list.South Korea has hinted it may delay energy and other assistance it committed to provide North Korea under the six-nation deal. That could further constrict North Korea's impoverished economy, which has endured strict international sanctions since Pyongyang tested its first nuclear weapon in 2006.
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Israel Describes Iranian President's UN Speech as Anti-Semitism
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President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad referred to 'deceitful' Zionists who are manipulating Americans and Europeans and who control world's financial system
Israel has reacted angrily to the United Nations speech of the president of Iran, who lashed out at Jews and the Jewish state. Robert Berger reports from the VOA bureau in Jerusalem. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks at UN, 23 Sep 2008Israeli officials are describing the speech by Iran's president at the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday as a notorious manifestation of anti-Semitism. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad referred to "deceitful" Zionists who are manipulating Americans and Europeans and who control the world's financial system. Officials here say it is reminiscent of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion"- an anti-Semitic book from the early 1900s that described a Jewish plot to take over the world. Right-wing Israeli parliamentarian Avigdor Lieberman is a former Cabinet minister who coordinated strategy on Iran. "Ahmadinijad is not hiding his intentions," Lieberman told Israel Radio, and "Israel must take the necessary steps" to stop him. Lieberman was asked if that means Israel might launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities."There is a full menu of options and proposals," he said, adding that he could not discuss them on the radio. He said it is better not to talk but to act. Israel has grown increasingly alarmed about Iran's nuclear program since 2005, when President Ahmadinejad threatened to wipe the Jewish state "off the map." Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but Israel is convinced that Tehran is developing atomic weapons. Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that there is a military option. And Mr. Ahmadinejad's U.N. speech has added to the sense of urgency here that Iran must be stopped before it is too late.
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Pakistani Army Recovers US Drone Near Afghan Border
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Army official says drone was flying along Pakistan-Afghan border and crashed because of technical reasons; wreckage fell on Pakistani territory
Pakistani military officials say they have recovered an American drone aircraft that crashed in a village near the Afghan border. VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad that locals in the region say they shot down the drone, but the military is denying the claim. USAF photo of a MQ-1L Predator UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 2006 file photoLocals in South Waziristan told reporters that Pakistani border troops shot down the drone late Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon, army spokesman Major Murad Khan said the military had recovered the drone and an inspection indicates it was not shot down. He says it was flying along the Pakistan - Afghan border and when it crashed because of technical reasons, the wreckage fell on Pakistani territory. He says the military does not believe the drone operation was a violation of Pakistani airspace. The drone crashed in a village near Angoor Adda - where U.S. troops conducted a controversial cross-border raid earlier this month. That incident drew harsh criticism from the Pakistani military and politicians, who warned the unilateral military strikes undermine the war against terrorism and could spark a backlash in the tribal areas. Pakistan's military has said that it retains the right to retaliate in self defense against any foreign aggression. In recent weeks, Pakistani intelligence officials have twice reported that border guards fired on U.S. helicopters flying near the Pakistani border. The reports have not been independently verified and U.S. and Pakistani military officials have denied any such incidents have occurred. Following complaints by U.S. defense officials that Pakistan's military had backed away from confronting militant groups in the tribal regions in the past year, the U.S. defense secretary recently praised Pakistani military offensives.Since early August, Pakistani forces claim they have killed nearly 700 militants in the Bajaur tribal agency and battled with militants in the Swat valley. On Tuesday, the military said its troops engaged in heavy fighting in Darra Adam Khel, killing some 50 fighters and re-securing a key tunnel that had been controlled by Taliban since late August.
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India Optimistic US Financial Troubles Will Not Harm Economic Progress
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But US business leaders warn it will be more difficult for emerging economies to attract foreign investment
American business leaders say the global financial turmoil will make it more difficult for emerging economies like India's to attract foreign investment. However, Indian officials expect the country's economy to escape relatively unscathed. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, where industry leaders from the two countries met to push for deeper commercial ties. Chairperson of the US-India Business Council, Indra K. Nooyi, delivers her speech during a business meeting in New Delhi, 24 Sep 2008The chairman of the United States India Business Council, Indra Nooyi, says American industries can play a larger role in several critical areas in India, such as creation of modern infrastructure and boosting agricultural productivity.India-born Nooyi is chairman and chief executive officer of American cola giant PepsiCo. Nooyi warns that financial crisis rocking the United States will make it harder to attract investment. She spoke at a meeting of the US-India Business Council in New Delhi."We recognize that the competition for capital is fierce - especially at this moment," Nooyi said. "Cash is in short supply and there are many pressing infrastructure needs in the United States, too. But India can attract the investment with the right policies."American business leaders say the Indian government must create the "right environment" by ensuring that contracts and government levies are not changed after projects get underway. Indian leaders have been calling for tens of billions of dollars in investment to build roads, ports and power plants, as the country's growing economy grapples with worsening infrastructure bottlenecks.India's economy is expanding at more than eight percent a year, making it the world's second fastest growing economy. India's Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal told American business leaders that economic growth may lower marginally, but will continue to be strong. "With the financial meltdown we are already seeing soothsayers of despair suggesting that India's growth rate will not cross seven percent. But even seven percent, in a situation of this nature, is perhaps good enough for us to move forward," Sibal said.Indian officials have expressed optimism that the country's banks and other financial institutions will be unaffected by the crisis triggered by the collapse of American investment banks But they admit that the country could see lower investment, in the coming year, as the world grapples with a liquidity crunch. India's stock markets have already been hit as foreign investors have pulled out billions of dollars, since the crisis.
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Obama, McCain Call for Changes in US Financial Bailout Plan
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Both presidential candidates seem to agree on some changes they want made to proposed $700 billion response to country's financial crisis
U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain both say they want changes in the Bush administration's proposed $700 billion response to the country's financial crisis. VOA's Kent Klein reports from Washington. Barack Obama in Clearwater, Florida, 23 Sep As Congress debates the enormous package of legislation intended to rescue the troubled American financial industry, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain both seem to agree on some changes they want made.Obama, the Democratic Party nominee, is calling for greater oversight over the massive bailout."I am prepared to work as hard and as long with them as possible to get it right, but what I am not willing to do is to put taxpayers in a position where they are writing a blank check and could end up being on the hook for enormous amounts of money with no assurance that it is actually going to solve the problem," he said.The Republican nominee, McCain, also says increased oversight is essential. He suggests establishing a bipartisan board to oversee the bailout.John McCain in Freeland, Michigan, 23 Sep 2008"That oversight for this rescue is absolutely essential," he said. "We will not solve a problem caused by poor oversight with a plan that has no oversight. Never before in the history of our nation has so much power and money been concentrated in the hands of one person, and there must be protections and oversight in place."Both candidates also want to ensure that taxpayers are repaid if the bad loans are repackaged and sold at a profit, or if the rescued companies recover.And both Obama and McCain insist on limiting the pay of executives at firms covered by the bailout."What the American people and taxpayers rightly expect is that there is going to be accountability, that this is not a welfare program for corporate CEO's," said Obama."It is wrong to ask teachers, farmers, small business owners to fill the gas tanks of the helicopters of Wall Street tycoons," said McCain.McCain is demanding transparency in the bailout process, and wants to put the rescue proposals on the Internet for the public to see."This cannot be cobbled together behind closed doors," he said. "The American people have the right to know which businesses will be helped, and what the selection will be based on, and how much that help will cost."Obama is calling for helping homeowners in danger of foreclosing, and he is again calling for tax cuts for middle-income Americans, which McCain has opposed."When it comes to the middle class tax cuts that I have called for, that is something that I believe is absolutely necessary to strengthen an economy that is going to be sliding, probably, into a deeper recession," he said.While Obama and McCain held news conferences on the campaign trail Tuesday, top U.S. financial officials testified before a Senate committee on the $700 billion bailout proposal.Meanwhile, the FBI is investigating four major U.S. financial institutions whose collapse led to the proposed bailout. Two law enforcement officials say the FBI is looking at possible fraud by mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as Lehman Brothers Holdings and the massive insurance company AIG.
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Female-Majority Parliament Hopes to Lead Rwanda Forward
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Last week, African country became first nation to elect a majority of women to its legislature; some hope that having more mothers in parliament will help ensure peace
Last week, Rwanda became the first nation to elect a majority of women to its legislative assembly. It has been a long road since the 1994 genocide, when many women were raped or widowed. Some in the country hope that having more mothers in parliament will help ensure peace. Thomas Rippe has the story from Kigali.Connie Bwiza Sekamana will join 44 other women in Rwanda's next parliament. Together they will form the first female majority in the world. "The women of Rwanda, as tradition and culture has put, they have always been in the backyard," she says. "And now they are coming to the limelight. And they can express themselves."Sekamana will be serving her third term, but her involvement in Rwandan politics started when she joined the Rwandan Patriotic Front as a student in Uganda. "It is actually a calling," she says. "To me I find it has something like a mission, because the Rwandan people need people to understand the realities and the history and have even a way forward."National Electoral Commission Chairman Chrysologue Karangwa says the way forward began after the 1994 genocide, with an effort to eliminate ethnic and gender-based discrimination. "Since 1994 our country is really focusing on gender promotion,' he says. "So in terms of gender promotion, when you have an increasing number of women, of course you are in a positive way implementing that policy. That is why we are very pleased to see that the number of women in our parliament is increasing."The 2003 constitution guarantees 30 percent, or 24 of the 80 seats in the chamber of deputies, to women. Women's groups around the country decide who gets the seats. As a member of Rwanda's transitional parliament in 1999, Sekamana led the fight to secure those seats."Women have never been exposed to the public political positions," she says. "So we need affirmative action. So through this affirmative action we said it is the only way that women can come out and get in public and get ideas."Diane Uwimana, 18, (right) voting in her first election, receives voting instructions at Ecole Primaire Kabeza in Kabombe district of Kigali, 15 Sept. 2008This year an unprecedented 20 of the 53 seats reserved for Rwanda's political parties went to women. And one of two seats reserved for youth went to a woman. These seats are not directly elected by the people. Instead voters choose one of the parties. The National Electoral Commission then assigns seats based on the percentage of the vote won by each party. The ruling RPF, for example, won 78 percent of the vote and was awarded 42 seats. All parties submit a list of candidates before the election. In the case of the RPF, candidates one through 42 will get seats in the next parliament. Protais Rumanzi of the Electoral Commission points out that the majority of women in the parliament reflects Rwanda's population."Because they have been, a long time ago, through traditional rulers, through the colonial period, and even during the first and second republic women were not considered," he says. "And now it was time to consider their number, and that number is powerful. And then you have to implicate them, include them in the national activities."Sekamana says that development in Rwanda is not possible without women."So if you are someone really thinking about sustainable development, how do you leave a bigger part and a major part of society, who can model the children right from the upbringing as a small baby up to someone grown-up," she says. "So that was unrealistic, leaving the women behind."Sekamana is a mother of three boys. But while some working mothers find it difficult to balance career and family, Sekamana connects the two. "Our families are very important and fundamental," she says. "I am sure we could not be doing much for Rwandan society if we are not caring for our families. Our children, our husbands, our relatives, they mean a lot and they are very important in the whole process of what we are doing. Because what we do, it is for them. And they must see that what we are doing, it is good for them and for the rest of the Rwandan people."But how do the men in parliament feel about being overwhelmed by women?"Actually I am happy. I am happy that I will be surrounded by many women," says Francis Kaboneka, who is currently serving as one of the two youth representatives, and will join the next parliament as a regular member. He says women participate on equal terms with the men, and that they bring their own perspective to the debate. "If I may say, they are peace lovers, compared to men," he says. "Naturally they are kind, they like their children compared to men. So, because of that they are likely to protect their children, protect them from wars and whatever."Sekamana says women in parliament have successfully pushed for stronger laws against gender violence and for the right of women to inherit property.South Africa may elect Africa's first woman president. Could the same thing happen in Rwanda?"It is possible. Why not? It is possible because for us, as a country we have opted to believe in merit and ability," Sekamana says .Sekamana says women in government are an example to women who succeed in other areas of society. Can women run a successful business? Can women excel in schools? More and more Rwandan women are asking, Why not?
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Malaysia's Anwar Again Delays Bid to Take Power
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Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly claimed to have enough defectors from government ruling coalition to oust government
Malaysi an opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he will proceed "cautiously" in his bid to topple the government, backing down from previous assertions his opposition alliance was poised to take control. VOA correspondent Nancy-Amelia Collins reports.Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim talks to media during press conference in Kuala Lumpur, 18 Sep 2008 Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has signaled more delays in his bid to topple the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.Anwar has repeatedly claimed to have enough defectors from the government ruling coalition to oust the government, but several self-imposed deadlines to seize power have passed without results.In a statement released Wednesday, Anwar asked Malaysians for "patience" and said bringing down the government was a huge task and he wanted it done within the law.Political analyst from Malaysia's Monash University, Wong Chin Huat, says Anwar may not have the necessary defectors to bring the government down. "I suspect that this is what he's trying to hint," Wong said. "By him saying don't fix a date, be patient, is basically saying that his strategy of getting a number of defectors to start a snowballing effect. That strategy is not paying off now. It's not effective." Wong says there may be a window of opportunity for Anwar to push his bid for power on October 18th, when parliament convenes. "If he has the numbers, I suppose that the best thing, the easiest thing for him to do is to defeat the government budget bill… So, I think actually he would lie low now," Wong said. "If he has the numbers, he perhaps would pull it off on late October. I mean, by defeating the budget bill, that's effectively a no confidence on the government. I think, like it or not, his failure in fulfilling his plan has eroded a bit of his credibility." Anwar is also fighting charges he sodomized his male aide, a crime punishable in Malaysia by up to 20 years in jail.Anwar denies the sodomy charges and says they are politically motivated to stop him from bringing down the government.Wednesday, Anwar's lawyers argued against moving his case to the high court because they believe the judge might be biased against him.The case was adjourned until October 7.
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Facebook Impacts Turkish Politics
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Social networking Internet tool takes on a new dimension and becomes a political pulpit for rights activists in Turkey
Facebook is a way for people around the world to network and keep in touch with friends. But in Turkey, Facebook has taken on a new dimension as a political pulpit. Dorian Jones reports for VOA from Istanbul on the growing political power of Facebook in Turkish politics. "Well this is my Facebook profile actually my first purpose was to reach friends I have not seen for a while. But like everyone I have received invitations to some groups. And I have accepted especially the groups against the current government, especially regarding the secular system," said Melten Col, who is one of two million Facebook members in Turkey.
Col is a young woman living a secular life in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. She fears the right to a life without religious pressure is threatened by the government. But her generation grew up in the 1980s in the time of military rule, in Turkey with zero tolerance to traditional platforms of civic society. Facebook, Col says, is now enabling people to overcome that legacy."In democracy, I believe civil society is a big need and they must be very active," she says. "But you know we don't have this feeling of going and becoming a member of such groups. But people are now acting as individuals and creating such groups.And how useful is it to her?"It is good to know that you are not alone," she says.
But it is not just opponents of the government who are fighting it out on Facebook.A demonstration last July in the heart of Istanbul against attempts by Turkey's constitutional court to close down the ruling AK party. It was organized by the civil rights group, Young Civilians. The demonstration along with most of the group's other activities was organized through Facebook. In fact, the whole movement was born on Facebook, says Ceran Kener, one of the founding members of the group."Actually before we had an office we had an Internet group, so I believe the Internet and different tools of the Internet, they serve this young people in a very positive way, because we don't have assets we don't have capital. But we have a tool for free, and we can reach people through this tool," said Kener. "Some people know Young Civilians but they were not interested in activities they just wanted to be a member of Facebook. Then they started to participate in activities, so Facebook is a very important tool for us."But this Facebook revolution is not only confined to the city's well-educated youth. Berke Bas, who teaches media studies at Istanbul's Bilgi University, says all of society is now getting connected. "With this transmission of information, maybe it will help Turkey to be a more democratic society, but there is also the danger that it will create more division within society, because nobody wants to listen to the other," said Bas. "When you create your group your Facebook, when you refuse and you deny all the others , with other political points of views then we cannot talk about democratization but we can only witness a divided country taking shape even on the internet."But Kener doesn't share such concerns. She sees Facebook and other social Internet groups as a powerful tool to challenge the growing threat of political apathy among Turkey's youth. "Political apathy among young people is much related to how young people perceive politics as a job of old men. But I think Internet is based on mutual relationship. In Facebook people are using their initiatives , they are writing comments they can talk with people. You cannot write comments when the president is talking on the television," added Kener. "But you find a way to express yourself. We have a mail group and it is so vivid. So many people are making comments about so many issues. These people have some ideas when they find a way to express it they do express it so Internet is an important thing. Facebook along with other social networking groups is set to play a key role in the next chapter in Turkey's struggle for democracy and human rights. The government has committed itself to replacing the constitution, which was written by the military. Already the discussion about what that constitution should be is proving deeply divisive. For now at least the jury is out on the question of whether Facebook groups are empowering the people, or adding to the polarization of Turkish society.
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All Systems Go for China's Manned Space Launch
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Country's third manned trip to outer space scheduled to launch Thursday; one of three astronauts on board will be first Chinese to walk in space
China says all systems have passed through final preparations and are ready for the country's third manned trip to outer space, which is scheduled to launch Thursday night. One of the three astronauts on board will be the first Chinese to walk in space. Stephanie Ho reports from Beijing.In this photo distributed by the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, Shenzhou-7 manned spaceship, Long-March II-F rocket and escape tower are vertically transferred to launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, 20 Sep 2008Three Chinese astronauts met with reporters Wednesday, one day before they are due to launch into outer space in the Shenzhou 7, which means "sacred vessel" in Chinese.Astronaut Jing Haipeng says China is ready to impress the world.Jing says he and his fellow astronauts have confidence, determination and capability to take the first step in outer space for the Chinese people.Astronaut Zhai Zhigang says the mission marks a historic breakthrough in China's manned space program.Zhai says it is a great honor for him to represent China as an astronaut.This is China's third manned mission to outer space. China sent up its first Shenzhou mission in 2003.Chinese authorities say the Shenzhou 7 space ship is due to launch Thursday night, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch center in the western province of Gansu. It will orbit the earth at an altitude of 343 kilometers.The deputy director of China's manned space engineering office, Wang Zhaoyao, says the highlight of this mission will be what is called extravehicular activity, or EVA, which is better known as a spacewalk.Wang says one of the Chinese astronauts will conduct the spacewalk and recover experimental sample devices. The mission's other tasks include the release of a small monitoring satellite and satellite data relay trials.The astronauts will be wearing either a Chinese-made Feitian space suit or a Russian-made Orlan suit.Wang called the Shenzhou mission "an important event" in the history of manned space flight cooperation between China and Russia.Meanwhile, China is also well on its way to the moon. The country last October launched its first ever lunar probe, called the Chang-e-One, which is due to be in orbit for about one year.At the time of the launch, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Chinese people have been dreaming of flying to the moon for more than 1,000 years. He said the success of the Chang-e-One mission will elevate China's international status and, in his words, "cement" national cohesion.China plans to send a mission to the moon in 2012.The launch of the Change-e-One came shortly after Japan launched its first ever lunar probe. India is expected to launch its own lunar probe later this year.
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Buddy Guy Shares Spotlight on 'Skin Deep'
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Bluesman, 72, whose prowess as a singer, songwriter and guitarist has earned him five Grammy Awards and induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, still in top form
Bluesman Buddy Guy, 72, is known in the music business as a "triple threat." His prowess as a singer, songwriter and guitarist has earned him five Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As VOA's Doug Levine tells us, Guy is still in top form and shares the spotlight with some of his closest friends on his latest album, "Skin Deep."Buddy Guy never considered slowing down. He now joins forces with a handful of rock and blues greats on his first studio album in three years. Among them, pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph on the track "That's My Home."Guy has never had trouble attracting an audience. In fact, one of his biggest fans was Jimi Hendrix, who sometimes cancelled his own concerts to attend a Buddy Guy show. Texas blues-rocker Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the lucky few that got to perform alongside his idol. He once said, "Buddy Guy plays from a place that I've never heard anyone play."Other famous fans include Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and frequent collaborator Eric Clapton who traded guitar solos on "Every Time I Sing The Blues." Buddy Guy with reporters at Singapore's Esplanade performing arts center, 15 March 2007Guy has come a long way since his arrival on the Chicago blues scene in the late-1950s. He earned a recording contract by winning a local competition over fellow West Side guitarists Magic Sam and Otis Rush. Since 1965, few have surpassed Guy as America's best-selling electric blues artist.As for his live shows, most who attend never forget them. Typically, Guy will play while roaming through the audience, often allowing fans to strum the guitar while he bends the notes. On a good night, Guy will play the guitar with his teeth, his feet or with a drumstick; play it behind his back; or toss it into the air and then flip it backwards before letting it fall into his arms. Guy credits New Orleans bluesman Guitar Slim for inspiring his flamboyant showmanship.In June, Buddy Guy shared the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with B.B. King, Carlos Santana and other modern guitar heroes for the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs Of All Time." Guy's 1961 recording of "Stone Crazy" made the list at Number 78.
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