Maybe President George W. Bush gets a bit blue thinking about all those foreigners that hate him. Hey, Georgie, cheer up – the Cargo Cultists of Tanna still love America!

This month saw the residents of Sulphur Bay celebrate the first appearance in 1930 of John Frum. This mysterious spirit, dressed as a GI, promised the residents of the South Pacific island of Tanna (now part of the republic of Vanatu) democracy and peace. Since then, the cult has kept alive the idea that Frum will return and herald in a new age of prosperity.

So it seems there’s still at least one nation that believes that America is going to export democracy to them. Admittedly, they also believe that Frum lives inside a volcano, but it’s a start. Now if Dubya can only get Vanatu (population 211,000) to contribute some troops for Afghanistan.

This article appears in February 16 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.