President Bush is in Brazil today for the first stop of his Latin America tour. On Wednesday, the president explained his hopes for the trip.

President Bush: “You know, oftentimes people really don’t understand the United States, and my trip is really to explain to people that we believe in education for all, we believe in human rights and human dignity. We believe in prosperity. And the people of this country have been very generous with their help and support to people.”

After Brazil, the president will touch down in Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. In Colombia, thousands of people turned out Wednesday for a protest ahead of Bush’s visit. Demonstrators burned American flags and scuffled with police. Several protests are expected throughout Latin America during President Bush’s six-day tour.