Dear readers, far to often when the continent of Africa appears in the news it is about war, corruption, famine, ethnic conflict etc. Excerpts from the following story paint a different more hopeful picture. I firmly believe that our western press is only concerned about negative stories, pictures and narratives when reporting on Africa.
Former President Bill Clinton's remarks on Meet the Press underscores this point, as he states:
The American–first of all, I wish we could have a cessation in the use of the word Africa for just 18 months while America learns that Africa is a continent that just in sub-Saharan Africa has 48 separate countries, and that it’s not just the geography, it’s the politics, the culture, the language, everything is different, and that yes, there’s been bad news in Darfur, yes, there’s been bad news out of Zimbabwe, but you have country after country after country with very high growth rates and remarkable progress.
So, enjoy this story I found in this weeks Final Call.
Political leaders moving continent towards a United States of AfricaBy Saeed Shabazz
John Atta Mills has become president of Ghana, returning the National Democratic Congress, the party founded by former president, Jerry Rawlings, to power after an eight year hiatus. Some analysts believe the recent election in Ghana marked a new era of democracy in Africa.
“That is the greatest lesson for Africa,” stated a representative of the Nigerian-based Alliance for credible Elections, according to press reports. Francois Grignon, analyst and Africa director for the International Crisis Group said the Ghanaian election resonated throughout the whole of Africa. “In 2009 we have to try to get some more positive results,” Mr. Grignon said.
Voters in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa are going to the polls between March and June. There are also elections slated in 2009 for Algeria, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Sudan and Tunisia.
Analysts are also saying that more African nations are moving towards stability and peace; the African Union has asserted itself as a regional diplomatic and peacekeeping force; and there are signs of a growing middle class throughout the continent. Mobile phones and the internet are also revolutionizing how Africans communicate throughout the continent.
For more of this story click Africa
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Changing of the Guard - election notes
Inauguration Day Notes
Well, the day many of us thought would never happen just happened. Words can not capture the joy and elation we collectively feel. But let us be mindful Obama is not a savior nor god; no, he is a mortal being, hence, we all must pitch in to bring about the change we want.
I Can't?
The phrase I can't because of racism - toss it out, as President Obama just modeled, hard work, education and determination and the sky is the limit. Yes, racism is still alive and kicking but it is a hurdle we can overcome. Let us stop imposing artificial barriers on our dreams and goals.
Role models
It was truly a magnificent sight to see the exultation of a beautiful black family. I pray this is only a beginning and that the day we look up to thugs and gangsters becomes gone with the wind.
The Angry Fat Man
As expected, out of touch Rush Limbaugh has already broadcast his sentiments (on inauguration day - how tacky) that he wishes Obama fails. He later explained last night (Wednesday, Jan. 21st) on Sean Hannity's show, he meant he hoped that Liberalism fails. He said Liberalism is a deeply flawed philosophy that historically hurt our economy. Oh really, let us reflect back on how conservative corporate - steal all you can - economics has worked when unchecked.
The Great Depression of 1929 - result of failed Wall Street economic policy of two republicans - Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.
The Recession and Inflation crisis of the 1970's - result of failed economic policy of two republican presidents - Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
The Recessions, junk bond and S&L bank scandals from 1983 to 1991 can you say Ronald Reagan and Papa Bush.
On the other hand, the supposedly liberal Bill Clinton balanced the budget and left Baby Bush with a three trillion dollar surplus. W gave to the rich, let the thieves on Wall Street police themselves and fought against all corporate regulation - we all know where that has left the country!
The Fat Man of the radio needs to shut up and leave the stage - perhaps join W in Texas retirement.
Well, the day many of us thought would never happen just happened. Words can not capture the joy and elation we collectively feel. But let us be mindful Obama is not a savior nor god; no, he is a mortal being, hence, we all must pitch in to bring about the change we want.
I Can't?
The phrase I can't because of racism - toss it out, as President Obama just modeled, hard work, education and determination and the sky is the limit. Yes, racism is still alive and kicking but it is a hurdle we can overcome. Let us stop imposing artificial barriers on our dreams and goals.
Role models
It was truly a magnificent sight to see the exultation of a beautiful black family. I pray this is only a beginning and that the day we look up to thugs and gangsters becomes gone with the wind.
The Angry Fat Man
As expected, out of touch Rush Limbaugh has already broadcast his sentiments (on inauguration day - how tacky) that he wishes Obama fails. He later explained last night (Wednesday, Jan. 21st) on Sean Hannity's show, he meant he hoped that Liberalism fails. He said Liberalism is a deeply flawed philosophy that historically hurt our economy. Oh really, let us reflect back on how conservative corporate - steal all you can - economics has worked when unchecked.
The Great Depression of 1929 - result of failed Wall Street economic policy of two republicans - Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.
The Recession and Inflation crisis of the 1970's - result of failed economic policy of two republican presidents - Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
The Recessions, junk bond and S&L bank scandals from 1983 to 1991 can you say Ronald Reagan and Papa Bush.
On the other hand, the supposedly liberal Bill Clinton balanced the budget and left Baby Bush with a three trillion dollar surplus. W gave to the rich, let the thieves on Wall Street police themselves and fought against all corporate regulation - we all know where that has left the country!
The Fat Man of the radio needs to shut up and leave the stage - perhaps join W in Texas retirement.
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