Asserts Clifton B., a conservative blogger in New Jersey: "I hate to zing another black conservative, but Michael Steele is just such a Drama Queen. Every time I turn around, there is Michael in the news kicking up some stupid drama. Steele’s latest bit of theatrics comes from an ABC News Radio interview where Steele lashes out at his critics, saying things like: 'get a life', 'shut up' and 'fire me or get out of the way'. The cherry on top of the cake is when Michael Steele follows in the ill-fated footsteps of Obama and grades his own performance for the year, giving himself a solid 'B'. Oh boy! The problem with Michael Steele is that he is in love with the sound of his own voice. He loves getting out there on TV and trying be such a hip, cool and edgy Republican. Here is the thing, right now the GOP does not need a hip, cool or edgy Republican leader, what the GOP needs is a solid and competent one."
He continues his commentary: "The GOP stands to do rather well in the 2010-midterm elections despite low fundraising and a base that has gone rogue. The GOP’s good fortune is not because of anything Steele has done, rather it has everything to do with the Democrats trashing their brand. If Steele really wants to really earn a solid 'B', he could start by getting everyone in the GOP leadership to abandon the stupid idea of watering down conservatism in order to create a 'big tent'. Just today, Gallup once again shows America is firmly center right. Americans don’t just want to flee the Democrats; they want something to vote for as well. This means Steele has to develop a message based on strong core principles and then support only candidates who live and breathe those principles. Stop wasting time and money on Republicans that waver all over the place. The day of poser is over, Americans want true substance."
More commentary from Mr. B., about Mr. Steele: "Unless Michael can tear himself away from the cameras and start getting serious about taking full advantage of the golden opportunities being offered by the Democrats gone wild, he is wasting everyone’s time and risks having the Tea Party movement actually become America’s new third party."
Michael Steele: Drama Queen
Bookeristas on TSA Profiling
Gregory Kane: "Siding With CAIR Against The TSA"
The conservative Republican columnist in Baltimore, Md. concurs with the Council on American-Islamic Relations in taking issue with the new U.S. air rules that single out people for special scrutiny based on nationality, instead of behavioral profiling: "CAIR's latest gripe concerns the new guidelines the Transportation Security Administration has adopted in the wake of terror suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's attempt to blow up an America-bound airliner with a bomb planted in his underwear. Because of the actions of the man some have dubbed 'Drawers of Doom,' the TSA has ordered airlines to give full-body pat downs to any U.S.-bound traveler coming from 13 [sic] countries that have large or overwhelmingly Muslim populations, and one that has virtually none at all. Nigeria, Abdulmutallab's native country, is on the list, as are Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan. CAIR representatives issued a statement quite unlike their near-apoplectic response to '24.' According to news sources, a CAIR spokesman had this reaction: 'Under these new guidelines, almost every American Muslim who travels to see family or friends or goes on pilgrimage to Mecca will automatically singled out for special security checks. That's profiling.'"
He continues his commentary: "It is, but that's not why I'm somewhat in agreement with CAIR. The spokesman who made the statement is named Nihad Ahwad, and he seems to have some misunderstandings about this country. First, traveling here is a privilege, not a right. Second, the rights of American citizens end at the border, and the same goes for foreigners. Yes, it's true, as I learned in a story about an American woman who underwent the full-body cavity search (for drugs) when she returned from Jamaica. Your constitutional rights don't apply when you're leaving, entering or about to enter the United States. No, I have a problem with the TSA guidelines for other reasons. Look at some of the countries on the list. Aren't Pakistan and Saudi Arabia supposed to be countries FRIENDLY to the United States? Didn't we invade Iraq to make it a country safe from harboring terrorists (among other reasons)?"
More commentary from Mr. Kane about profiling: "According to some of the people who fought for the Sudanese People's Liberation Army during the 1970s, '80s and '90s, I do [look Sudanese Arab]. In 1996 I and another reporter slipped into Sudan to report and write about the slave trade there. We stayed in a southern Sudanese village called Nyamlel, which was under SPLA control. One day I spoke to the province administrator, who was also in the SPLA, and he looked me square in the eye. 'You know, we should send you into the North posing as an Arab. With that beard, you'd look like a fundamentalist.' He and the other SPLA guys looked at me in all seriousness, while I waited for the punch line to what I thought was a VERY bad joke. It eventually came; the lot of them burst out into riotous laughter. 'I hope you guys have taken note that the black American ISN'T laughing,' I said to myself. It's true: Black Americans look like Sudanese Arabs. Put baggy pants hanging down over the butt on one of the younger ones -- along with a gold chain -- and he'd blend right in down in the 'hood. For all I know, some terrorist group has recruited some young, male 'Sudanese Arabs' to do precisely that. CAIR folks are right: It's better to profile behavior, not entire countries."
Franklin Cudjoe: "Why Target Nigerians For Profiling, But Not Kenyans Or Tanzanians?"
Asks the libertarian head of IMANI: Center for Policy & Education in Accra, Ghana: "So, Obama includes Nigeria as a favourite destination for America-bound Terrorists? I'm surprised he did not think Kenya and Tanzania could be potential candita[t]es for travel scrutiny. Either he has forgotten American interests were bombed in these two places or he really is IMMATURED [sic] with secur[i]ty matters as the Republicans have always maintained? Aww, poor Nigeria, in the line of amateurish foreign policy..."
WALAA IDRIS OP-ED: Is Labour On A Kamikaze Mission?
The Conservative Party activist in Britain, on yesterday's attempt by Labour Party members to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown as their leader: "Yesterday’s alleged coup attempt by Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt ‘to decide once and for all whether Labour MPs want Gordon Brown to lead them in the coming general election’ looked organized, well thought out and purposeful at the start. They emailed fellow Labour MPs before PMQs [Prime Minister's Questions] asking them to vote by secret ballot on whether they want Brown to lead them in the next election. And supposedly this plan had the blessing and backing of six Cabinet ministers. Both Hoon and Hewitt do not strike me as injudicious people, so what went wrong? While the act itself was well intended its timing was very poor. This type of survey should have been carried out last summer, sometime before the Labour conference. It would have generated conflicting headlines at the time but its impact and outcome would have been much better, it might even have delivered the intended result and strengthened the party, thus presenting it in a strong and united light."
She continues her commentary: "A few things emerged from yesterday’s episode; Brown is irremovable and very resilient and he will fight the next election as Labour’s leader come what may. It is also very clear that Labour is tired, confused and emotionally distraught. They have been in government longer than they are able to sustain and they are off course. Realizing their time is up pains them, but knowing that it might be decades before they are back again in office simply terrifies them. The Hoon-Hewitt plan though has been described as a coup in reality it was a desperate badly timed final attempt to save and unite a dysfunctional party. But that is not why it flopped, it failed because the party no longer trusts and belie[ve]s in each other."
Gays, Uganda And "The Man"
Dennis Sanders, a gay moderate Republican blogger in Minnesota, argues that a key group is being left out of the growing debate about the source behind a draconian proposed Ugandan law against homosexuality: Ugandans themselves (pictured): "I've seen how bloggers have asked American evangelicals to denounce the law and upon hearing that some evangelicals have been to the East African nation comparing gays to the worse of humanity there has been a swirl of righteous indignation. A few people have started to say that this story tells us that white evangelicals want all gays dead. In all this talk there has been something that has distrubed me: the sense that there is someone missing from this argument. That missing person or persons are the Africans themselves. Even though this is taking place in Uganda, it seems as if the Ugandans are the minor characters of what is the ongoing American culture war. This seems a bit odd, since it was the Ugandan government or rather a member of Parliament that proposed this bill. This MP could have decided not to, but did it anyway. Also, as a piece in the Advocate notes, it's not like Uganda was a gay par[a]dise before this bill was introduced..."
More commentary from Mr. Sanders about the culture war in Uganda: "The Uganda story is not simply about hateful white people going to Africa to infect the innocent black folk there. Yes, the conservatives who went there to spread their schlock did pour gasoline on a fire, it is important to remember that the fire was already there in the first place. In many parts of Africa it is difficult to be gay. Just this week, the world saw a gay couple in Malawi jailed for being gay. According to Wikipedia, about 38 African nations still outlaw homosexuality. Amnesty International reports that last year Burundi outlawed homosexuality. A report on BBC states a report from the International Gay and Lesbian Association that says homosexuality is punishable by death in parts of Nigeria, Mauritania and Sudan; Gambia, Kenya and Tanzania are punishable by up to 14 years in jail and in Zimbabwe it could be against the law for gays to show public displays of affection. I'm not saying that these evangelicals should be let off the hook, but it should be noted that it hasn't been easy for gays even before this law came into being. It would be nice if the people who trying to fight the culture war on an another continent would remember that."
"Invictus"
Charles Payne, a FOX Business financial analyst and conservative, compares the message in the movie about former South African President Nelson Mandela's life to the Obama administration's actions: "Over the weekend I saw the movie Invictus with my wife and son. Throughout the movie I could see my 13 year old son sneak a peek at me as tears streamed down my face. I glanced at him once and told him we would talk about it more really soon. Ironically while watching the movie District 9 I explained the system of Apartheid and why there could be such a large arms manufacturer in an African country. The thing that hit me several times during the movie was how different Nelson Mandela was about governing than Barack Obama. Both were the first black presidents of their nations but their routes to the top were vastly different. Ironically it was the president that took the harsher route that was more inclusive. The movie underscored how Mandela reached out to the Afrikaners through their beloved national rugby team. A move that met serious resistance from blacks in the nation that felt the team, and the colors of the team represented the brutal repression most felt in their lifetime. On the other hand president Obama has governed through anger at his political opponents and other Americans in his way."
He continues his commentary: "From Republicans, to bankers, to doctors and to successful people in business it has been a reign of harsh words, put downs, and challenges. The vitriolic nature toward fellow Americans is deeper and more heartfelt than that towards terrorists and real enemies of our country. Just think, Mandela spent 27-years in a prison cell the size of a broom closet for being black and demanding human rights. On the other hand one of the things Obama and McCain had in common were neither descended from slavery. Of course McCain paid an unbelievable physical and mental toll for being an American yet somehow that wasn't seen as a big deal during the election campaign. I know Mandela flirted with Marxism but when a man is drowning in quicksand he can be forgiven for grasping for anything including a vine of poison ivy. He let his captivity become a cocoon from which his wise nature was elevated. He learned about his captors and understood they were people, too."
More: "No, the circumstances were completely different for these two presidents. The scenes of Martin Luther King being beaten in Alabama were a day in the park compared to events like the Sharpeville Massacre. My mother grew up in Alabama and suffered numerous indignities but she doesn't carry the bitterness that our president seems to carry. The fact is I think most black people carry a flame of bitterness (some are flickers and others are forest fires) but the key is to not allow it to dictate your daily actions. President Mandela didn't allow revenge and hate to rule and his country avoided becoming another Zimbabwe. Most importantly is he didn't see his jailers and their families as the enemy, he saw them as fellow countrymen and countrywomen. When our president speaks we should all be proud to be Americans not wonder if we will have to run for cover because we make too much money or simply have a different opinion. The country felt pride on November 3, 2008 even those that didn't vote for Barack Obama. Unfortunately, he didn't understand what Mandela learned even while captive for close to three decades, a country can only be great when all its citizens are respected."
Property Ownership: Bookerista Perspectives
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko: "Providing Homes For The People - How Property-Owning Democracy Was Bastardized In Ghana"
The executive director of the center-right Danquah Institute (Ghana) opines: "Providing free school uniforms to a ‘privileged’ few conveniently classified as ‘deprived’ in a nation where the majority is described as ‘poor’, is the only new clear policy initiative in tune with the NDC [the ruling center-left National Democratic Congress] claim of social democracy. Worrying to some of us is that Ghana runs the risk of gaining a reputation as a nation where the gap between professed ideologies and practice is taken for granted as wide. Ideally, in the thinking of the NPP [the center-right New Patriotic Party], a primary duty of the state is to guarantee to individuals (who make up society) substantive freedoms to make them active agents of a positive change for prosperity rather than passive recipients of dispensed benefits. Crucial to this freedom is an inevitable social welfare foundation, which actively ensures the provision of an environment where every individual (particularly from childhood) has the opportunity (in freedom) to gain access (through decent, affordable education, housing and health) to climbing the ladder of self-development, prosperity and security."
He continues his commentary: "For the future, the NPP said, if re-elected for a third term [in 2008]: it would continue with the affordable housing scheme and extend it nationwide. It would create a special Housing the People Scheme to allow employers to receive tax credits for implementation of housing schemes for their workers. The NPP made a radical promise to provide 50,000 affordable houses every year for the next five years. Make many of these houses available for rent for those who can’t afford to buy; construct at least 13,000 units of decent, affordable housing across the North within the first two years; establish a mortgage culture to provide the loan facilities for more Ghanaians to own their own homes; name every street and number every property within our first term; create a new Department of Infrastructure and Physical Planning to ensure better land use and spatial planning in our cities; and, ensure cleaner streets with the development of 20,000 sanitation (Tankase) inspectors per year for the next five years in partnership with the private sector. It would have been the most ambitious mass housing project ever undertaken on this continent – even relatively more than what South Africa did for poor blacks, during the first 5 years of freedom. The NPP was even able to estimate that the quarter of a billion homes in 5 years project it was presenting to the electorate would cost $1 billion, for which it was sure funds could be found."
More: "So why was the programme ridiculed or ignored by the media and the party’s own commentators, including the Flagbearer? The NPP campaign team treated it as if it was smuggled into the manifesto. A lot of work went into it, and yet it was made to lack credibility. Unhelpful remarks from the Manifesto Committee Chairman that it was not government’s job to provide homes for the masses, coupled with the faint attempt at doing so in the previous two terms, contributed to such a vital socio-economic programme not tickling the voter. This was a programme if believed and voted for and implemented could have surely modernised Ghana and directly connected the NPP full-square to the needs of the so-called ordinary Ghanaian. It would have provided jobs for tens of thousands and direct homes for a million Ghanaians. The spiralling effect of creating a vibrant mortgage environment, expanding the building materials market and bringing down rents and house prices would have meant greater access to better shelter to some 10 million Ghanaians. Ghana would have clearly changed in 10 years!"
AfroCity: "Obama Speeches Are Worth Pennies On The Square Foot"
The moderate-conservative Republican blogger in Chicago, Ill. discusses being 40 and never being a homeowner, after discussing an Obama voter who thought that the president's election would result in her mortgage being paid: "This unified narrative that 'home ownership is the American way' played out in the form of envious tension within my friendships. I admit to a jealous wince here and there whenever a friend announced 'We just bought a new home'. Granted they often lived in Hinky Dink, USA aka the 'burbs'. Still, It was something to call their own while I was writing monthly checks to Ackbar Goldstein for my 500 square foot haven just blocks from Fairway and Urban Outfitters. I pay dearly for my city living. I shamelessly stored my Christmas items in boxes in plain sight with only a nice sari cloth thrown over them. Those boxes doubled as seating for my guests when I dared to have a party with 14 people in my UWS box apartment. New Yorkers understood me. Hell at 500 square feet, my place was a mansion to several of my friends who lived in apartments that equated to a walk in closet by suburban standards. Afrocity was a lucky girl in NYC and now that I have moved up to a $1850 a month 920 square footer!!!"
More commentary from AfroCity: "I am a lifetime renter. I accept it and I embrace my failure at achieving the American Dream. Afrocity does not want to come to the abru[p]t conclusion that she is actually living the American [D]ream now that she is a renter. I should feel sad about this. Renting is a gamble at long odds. Often renters are at the mercy of landlords who take advantage of tenants. In NYC my rent increased one year from $2100 a month to $2400. Then there are times when renters come out on top. But when we do, it usually means that the American [D]ream is a nightmare for someone else. My revenge seemed less kind as I watched an infomercial last week on a local Chicago TV station for auctions of foreclosed and 'short sale' homes. It looks like we are all losers in the real estate game."
DEVON SKINNER COMMENTARY: Judge Not?
The libertarian-conservative blogger in Texas discusses Biblical scripture about judging others: "One of the most used and often times misused biblical scripture is Matt 7:1, 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged.' Upon considering the instances where this verse is invoked, I have concluded that those who love it, use it because they not only love their sins, but they also want no one to tell them they are in the wrong. They are blackmailers in my opinion; threatening people with bible verses if they are called out. These individuals are in actuality looking for cooperation. What they actually want is a society where people agree on, 'I have a plank in my eyes, if you say nothing to correct me, when I see you doing wrong I will also say nothing to correct you.' In essence, this verse is used as a license for grievances rather than for good. To somehow conclude by that portion of scripture that Jesus intended for people not to judge is simply ridiculous. In life, we all make judgment calls. We judge the movies we watch and decide whether it was good or bad. We judge the service we receive at restaurants to decide whether the waiter deserves just 15-percent gratuity or more. The point is, we all make judgment calls in every aspect of our lives. If we were to accept that Jesus intended that we do not judge, we would all live in a sad world–and even then, we could not make the judgment call that the world was sad."
Mr. Skinner continues his commentary: "Some of you may argue that we should just hold ourselves accountable and stay out of other people’s business. That sounds good provided that the human race is capable of always doing the right thing. We are not. The problem is, not everyone will keep himself or herself accountable. Do we really think that those behind bars did not know right from wrong? They did, but they probably had no one in their life keeping them accountable when they started on a wrong path and that is why they are where they are. If people were capable in keeping themselves accountable, then why is it advisable for people to have an accountability partner? The answer is clear."
More: "When Jesus used these words, his intent was that those who were judging would clean up their life so that they can see clearly to judge other[s]. He was also establishing that judgments that dealt with eternal life were reserved for God. So let me be clear; Jesus was not advising people to hold the attitude that says, I have a plank in my eyes, if you say nothing to correct me, when I see you doing wrong I will also say nothing to correct you. That is our invention. Those who use this tactic, typically, know that what they are doing is wrong and they hope we can all agree around a bible verse to not hold each other accountable. A lack of accountability is the problem, not the answer. Accountability is only judgment when we rather not alter our course."
1/6 News: War On Terrorism
USA: Grand Jury Indicts Underwear Bomber On Six Counts
A U.S. grand jury has indicted Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on six counts in an alleged plot to bomb a passenger jet on Christmas Day. The charges against the 23-year-old Nigerian include attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison, attempted murder, and willful attempt to destroy or wreck an aircraft. Abdulmutallab allegedly attempted to detonate a bomb made from explosives PETN and TATP as Northwest Flight 253 was descending into Detroit Mich. en route from Amsterdam, Netherlands. There were 279 passengers and 11 crew on board. The flight landed safely after passengers and crew subdued him.
Capitol Hill Republicans quickly decried the Obama administration’s decision to prosecute Abdulmutallab in civilian court rather than turn him over to military custody and declare him an enemy combatant. Critics argue that by bringing Abdulmutallab before a judge and allowing him to face charges, the administration is missing an opportunity to interrogate him more thoroughly. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has said that Abdulmutallab spent “a number of hours” with FBI investigators who gleaned “actionable intelligence.”
Nigeria Says U.S. Air Rule Threatens Bilateral Ties
Bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States could be at risk if the U.S. keeps its requirement for tighter security for Nigerian travellers, a federal minister said today. The procedures, which took effect from Monday, come in the wake of a botched Christmas Day bombing attempt on a U.S. airliner blamed on Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. "Nigeria expresses its disappointment and concern of the undeserved placement of Nigeria on the countries of interest list and views this action as having the potential of undermining longstanding and established U.S.-Nigeria bilateral ties," said Information Minister Dora Akunyili. She did not elaborate on what could be at risk.
The Fall Of Gilbert Arenas: NBA Star Suspended Indefinitely
Without pay. Sandra Rose, a conservative blogger in metro Atlanta, Ga., responds: "Well, it’s about time. As you’ve heard by now, the FBI and local authorities have been investigating NBA player Gilbert Arenas [pictured] for using his workplace to stash his gun collection. His stash came to light after Arenas pulled a gun on another player in the locker room during an argument to settle a gambling debt. What followed was a series of denials and pathetic excuses on the part of Arenas and the Washington Wizards front office. Now, word comes down from on high that Arenas is suspended indefinitely. The NBA should have immediately suspended both players involved — first for fighting, 2nd for the gunplay and 3rd for gambling. What type of message was the NBA sending out to the kids by continuing to allow these two clowns to play? Gilbert Arenas is nothing but a joke on the basketball court. Sure, he’s seen better days as a player, but he sucks now. Even the Washington Wizards fans want him gone. Well, now they just might get their wish."
Booker Rising response: Not the birthday gift that Gilbert Arenas wanted, I'm sure. I have no problems with athletes carrying guns, assuming they are law-abiding. However, pulling out a gun in the locker room (workplace) on a teammate (co-worker)? When your life isn't threatened? When the NBA already has a policy about guns on NBA-affiliated properties? Virtually every other American would've fired on the spot for such an action. Did NBA Commissioner David Stern not issue any punishment for Javaris Crittenton, who did pull out a gun in response to Gilbert Arenas' actions? Or perhaps they feel that he acted in self-defense. Arenas risked his $111 million contract over a gambling debt (which he owed) of less than $500. I'm sure this two-handed gun salute photo, taken last night, didn't help matters. Sheer stupidity. SMH While I'm at it, kudos to Rev. Al Sharpton for his criticism of Arenas' actions.
News: Black Media
Smiley Ends State Of The Black Union
After 10 years, Tavis Smiley is ending his annual State of the Black Union conference, which spawned best-selling books and the liberal journalist's critical stance toward Barack Obama on whether improving the entire economy or specific policies targeting black problems was the best strategy. The activist and PBS host said that he needs time to focus on other projects, such as his four prime-time specials this year and his book company, which recently announced plans to publish the musician R. Kelly's memoir. Smiley also said that, unlike a decade ago, black issues now are being addressed by numerous other media outlets, commentators and bloggers. The State of the Black Union "doesn't have the premium that it used to have — and that's a good thing," Mr. Smiley said.
Mr. Smiley said he was inspired to start the conference because black issues were rarely addressed in the president's State of the Union speech or the national media. The conference, which took place each February, was broadcast on C-SPAN and averaged 7,000 to 10,000 participants each year. Mr. Smiley said money was not a factor in ending the series — which cost "well over seven figures" each year and was free to the public — because Exxon Mobil and Nationwide Insurance had committed to major sponsorship deals in 2010.
Black Press Seeks Ad Funds From Census Bureau
The nation’s black newspaper executives are asking for $10 million from the U.S. Census Bureau to advertise for the 2010 Census, but the government is reportedly only offering $2.5 million. NNPA officials said that the NNPA would use the $10 million in advertising to encourage African Americans across the country to participate in the 2010 Census. Commerce officials said the Census Bureau would take a second look at its $300 million communications campaign to determine if there are ways to make it better. The bureau kicks off its ad campaign next month and will conduct its head count via mail and door-to-door canvassing next spring.
Last month, a coalition of civil rights leaders met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in an effort to prevent an undercount of African-Americans in the upcoming 2010 Census. In 2000, the Census Bureau said about 4.5 million people were mistakenly overlooked - mostly African Americans and Hispanics. Census results determine how more than $400 billion in federal dollars are distributed across the country for services and facilities like hospitals, job training and public works projects and how many seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives.
South Africa: Row Over Xhosa King's Secession Bid
Hat tip to reader Dragon Horse for this one. South Africa has been plunged into a constitutional row after a Xhosa tribal king threatened to secede - and take 60% of the country's land with him. Officials dismissed King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo's plan as "downright silly". The king, who faces 15 years in jail for multiple offenses, had intended to inform parliament of his secession. But his lawyer said the king, of the Xhosa clan's Thembu sub-group, postponed his plans after receiving a letter from President Jacob Zuma. The lawyer said the the Thembu people would now decide on their next move.
The Thembu clan - which includes former President Nelson Mandela, who is a descendant of one of the cadet branches - claim to historically own KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape provinces and "portions" of the Free State province and the country's richest province, Gauteng. King Dalindyebo's legal team claim that 10 million people belong to the Thembu sub-group, and that the king had made an "executive decision" to take over the land on behalf of his people. But earlier Vincent Magwenya, President Zuma's spokesman, dismissed the plan as silly. "Claiming chunks of land within the Republic of South Africa to form an independent state, I doubt that they can even do that," he said. "How do you declare an independent state without technically declaring war with South Africa? I don't believe our constitution even makes a provision for such an act." While the role of kings and chiefs is recognized in South Africa they do not have sovereignty over the rule of the constitution, which recognizes the president as the leader of the entire state.
King Dalindyebo launched his plan to secede shortly after President Zuma refused to intervene in a criminal case against him. He is currently appealing against a 15-year sentence for crimes including culpable homicide, kidnapping, assault and arson. The charges stemmed from violence against his subjects in a small village near Mthatha between 1995 and 1996. Some children and a woman were kidnapped, homes were burned and young people were severely assaulted - one of whom died. His supporters have demanded that all charges against the king be scrapped and that the government pay 80bn rand (US$10.9 billion) in compensation for his "humiliation" in court.
News: Obamas Being Used In Ads (Without Their Consent)
Times Square Billboard Of Obama Draws White House Ire
The latest celebrity ad to grace a Times Square billboard doesn't feature an athlete, rock star or actor. It's U.S. President Barack Obama sporting a black jacket made by the company Weatherproof. But the White House isn't happy about the newest exposure, saying the president's image -- captured by The Associated Press during his November trip to the Great Wall in Badaling, China -- is not supposed to be used for commercial purposes (hat tip: Drudge Report). A senior administration official told Fox News that the no-commercial use policy predates the Obama administration and that the White House Counsel's office spoke to Weatherproof today and threatened to rightfully use its full superpower to swoop down on the company and its execs if it didn't get back in pocket formally asked the company to "take the billboard down." "This ad is clearly misleading because the company suggests the approval or endorsement of the president of the White House that it does not have," the official said.
Weatherproof President Freddie Stollmack said the company did not get permission from the White House to create the sign but it did get permission from the photographer who took the picture at the Great Wall of China and credited The Associated Press on the ad. "We're always looking to raise the image of Weatherproof and what better way to do that than with the president of the United States wearing our coat?" Mr. Stollmack said. The billboard went up today. The photo also appears on the home page of the company's Web site and is called "Obama Jacket". The Web site also features a link to its charity site, "Coats for Clunkers."
PETA's Use Of First Lady In Advertisement Angers White House
No strangers to controversy, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is up to its old tricks again. This time they've raised eyebrows by using an image of First Lady Michelle Obama in an anti-fur advertisement without her permission. The White House is not pleased, to say the least. The ad in question features the image of Mrs. Obama alongside the images of Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, and Carrie Underwood underneath the slogan, "Fur-free and fabulous!" The ads, which PETA says features "a bevy of the smartest, most stylish, and most influential women in America," are being plastered all over the Washington D.C. Metro mass transit system, in addition to appearing in various magazines and websites. While Ms. Winfrey, Ms. Banks and Ms. Underwood are all on record as publicly endorsing PETA's anti-fur efforts, Mrs. Obama cannot endorse special interest groups such as PETA. PETA says that its will not take down the ads and maintains that Mrs. Obama's past anti-fur declarations essentially give them license to use her image in a campaign.
Africa's Billionth Baby: What Future?
Asks James Shikwati, the libertarian head of the Inter-Region Economic Network (Kenya), now that Africa's population has surpassed 1 billion: " What a great opportunity for entrepreneurs! It will not come easy. The continent has 1 billion people to educate, feed, supply with drinking water, medicine, shelter, provide security and govern among other factors. Africa needs an education, political and economic system that recognizes the challenges that come with increased population. African citizens should deliberate on whether maintaining national boundaries or transforming their present form of nationalism to that of openness will add value to supporting huge populations. If the focus is on unified Africa; then the continent's education system ought to position itself to provide innovative manpower and business leaders who will target the one billion markets. The continent ought to evolve its own economic system that will focus on financing African entrepreneurs to exploit resources and reward the continent's skilled labor."
More: "Our baby billion will become a threat if we retain the model of education for jobs, politics for chang'aa (political bribery for votes by use of alcohol and drugs to the youth), land entitlement (for no tribe will allow trade in land property) and surrendering control of the continent's resources to those who have learnt French, English and German. Further threat to and from baby billion will come from surrendering the continent's destiny to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for they will not assist Africa develop a competitive economy - our little baby will be pinned down on primary industries (hewing wood from forests and scavenging for coltan from deep the bowels of the earth because of skewed global markets). Another threat to our baby will come from international NGOs (INGO) with their do-this-do-that agenda. Our little one might just end up some INGO truck driver! Baby billion need not fear the threats to it because the continent's youth are already handling them. Africa's youth are living in a world larger than their parents' now that China and India are at our doorstep."
He sees opportunity ahead for Africa: "The continent's political system is becoming more competitive as more family dynasties seek leadership through elective processes. The push to have greater participation by the continent's elders and traditional leadership in governance issues is gaining prominence. Africans are increasingly getting aware of their cousins across borders and are investing in regional markets. The business community is increasingly focusing on continent wide markets as exhibited in the cell phone communication, agriculture, beverages and transport sectors among others. Trans-Africa university education is picking up. Use of Kiswahili as a language of identity is picking up. African movies and music are capturing the entertainment market. There are expanded indigenous media outlets thanks to the [I]nternet. Baby billion can choose to blog itself into a media house or supply 1 billion coffee cups to Africa. Africa's billionth baby offers the continent a great opportunity to tap into its human capital. Population increase ought not to necessarily turn into a curse if we invest in nurturing young people to become productive members of society. Africa must invest in quality citizens who add value to the continent's prosperity. Increased population will remain a threat to the continent if we surrender our responsibility to chart our destiny to others. Developed economies are characterized largely by ageing populations. It is time Africa utilized its youthful population to position itself as a major player in the global economy. The key is to redefine the education given to the youth."
VIDEOS: Fast Food Drama
Is This Australian KFC Ad Racist?
Some Americans have taken offense to an Australian Kentucky Fried Chicken ad showing a white male in a crowd of Caribbean black people at a cricket match, using a bucket of fried chicken to get out of his supposedly "awkward situation." An Australian news site wonders if it might just be a cultural misunderstanding and claims that stereotypes that the ad - which has now been pulled from the airwaves - appears to support don't exist in Australia.
There's no cultural misunderstanding. The ad plays on racial stereotypes. There's a reason why the cricket fans surrounding him aren't, say, British, Bangladeshi, New Zealanders, Indian, Irish, or Pakistani. And why is he in an "awkward situation" requiring a "survival guide" simply because he is surrounded by peaceful black sports fans?
USA: Angry Customer Goes On McAttack
When employees at a McDonald's in Kansas City, Mo. reportedly messed up this woman's order, she showed out. Security camera video shows her throwing a bucket of mop water and a register at one of the employees, after demanding a refund on what she claimed was an inferior hamburger. She then continued hurling insults and other objects at the workers:
McDonald's managers estimate the damage at around $3,000. No employees or customers were hurt during the attack. Police are still looking for the woman.
Chris Matthews Accuses The Tea Party Movement Of Being All White; Bookeristas Disagree
Black Tea Partiers Rip Chris Matthews for 'Monochromatic' Remark
On the January 5 edition of his MSNBC program “Hardball,” Chris Matthews claimed that everyone participating in tea party rallies such as the one held in Washington, D.C. on September 12, 2009 was white. In a discussion with Mark McKinnon of the Daily Beast and Susan Page of USA Today, Mr. Matthews said: “And they’re monochromatic, right?...Meaning they’re all white. All of them - every single one of them - is white.” Members of the Project 21, a black conservative group, disagree.
Bob Parks, a Project 21 member from Virginia, said: “Here’s a news flash for Chris Matthews. I was there. So was my son. Last time I checked, both of us are black — and we weren’t the only black people there. I know other black people who attended the September 12 rally in Washington, including some of the ones who spoke at the podium! I guess the MSNBC camera people missed them.” He continues, “To me, this means Chris Matthews thinks that blacks who don’t toe the liberal line are either invisible - and apparently irrelevant - or such sellouts that they’ve become white. Obviously, he doesn’t have the guts to have us on ‘Hardball’ so he can call us all-white ‘teabaggers’ to our faces.”
Deneen Borelli, a Project 21 fellow from New York, was one of the speakers at the September 12 rally. She said: “Chris Matthews’ statement exposes how his narrow-minded liberal bias blinds him to the truth. I was a speaker at the FreedomWorks 9.12 March on D.C. and several similar rallies in Pennsylvania. I’m also an active member in a local tea party organization. The tea party movement is not about color. It is about Americans expressing their concerns about the growth of government which will diminish individual liberty.” Ms. Borelli continued: “Chris Matthews may be the first liberal of the new year to play the race card to try to stifle First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, but I’m sure he won’t be the last.”
Besides the September 12 rally in Washington, D.C., Ms. Borelli also spoke at tea party rallies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 9, 2009 and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on November 14, 2009. She has been asked to speak at the “Tax Day Tea Party” being organized by FreedomWorks in Washington, D.C. for April 15, 2010 and is a member of the White Plains Tea Party in New York.
Politik Ditto: "Chris Matthews, Host At All-White Network MSNBC, Accuses Teabaggers Of Being 'All-White'"
The conservative Democratic blogger in New York City opines about Mr. Matthews (pictured): "White liberals' love for playing the race card isn't anything new. Indeed, whether it's global warming, health care or 'gay rights', white liberals' fondness for reaching for the race card when they're promoting their radically leftist agenda (that has little, if anything to do with helping blacks) has been going on for decades now (meanwhile, black liberals sit by and do nothing while their white brethren play them for fools). But then if Chris Matthews were that concerned about race, why doesn't it seem to bother him when he looks around at all the 'white' faces at his own network (the ones on air Chris, not the ones in the mailroom)? Better yet, what does Matthews have to say about the brewing concern, that even black liberals have begun to express out loud, concerning Barry's lack of addressing the [b]lack community's needs and and wants? I mean they did vote overwhelmingly for the man in the last election. C'mon Chris, doesn't that deserve some attention at your lily-white network?"
FYI, More Postings
Here, here, here, and here are Booker Rising's posts on the 9/12 protest, which includes bookeristas who were at the D.C. tea party discussing it as well as bookeristas who attended tea parties in other cities on that day. This doesn't cover tea party activists like Kevin Jackson and Lloyd Marcus, who are part of tea party speaking circuit and who've written pieces about it. Tyrone, a tea party activist in Baltimore, cries foul about Mr. Matthews' comments.
BOOKERISTA OF THE YEAR: Thomas Sowell on Intellectuals And Society: Part III of V
Booker Rising readers' choice for 2009 Bookerista Of The Year introduces his new book, Intellectuals and Society. What is the vision to which contemporary intellectuals subscribe? Thomas Sowell discusses it. No embeddable link (grrr...), but you can watch Part III of the Hoover Institution interview with the conservative economist here.
Dr. Sowell - who is considered the father of modern American black conservatism - has studied and taught economics, intellectual history, and social policy at institutions that include Cornell University, UCLA, and Amherst College. Now a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, Dr. Sowell has published more than a dozen books.
Bookeristas In The News
USA: Harold Ford Jr. Mulling Senate Bid In N.Y.
This news was highlighted on Booker Rising back in November, but apparently it's now gathering steam as a news story (hat tip: reader Rikyrah). Former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. is considering a Democratic primary challenge against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Mr. Ford Jr. has told friends that he will make his decision within the next month and a half. The former congressman from Tennessee - who is now a vice chairman of Merrill Lynch - moved to New York three years ago. Among those encouraging him to run are a number of powerful New York Democratic donors. The New York Times also suggests that moderate independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg could back a Ford bid because of his public disagreements with Sen. Gillibrand.
Sen. Gillibrand was appointed last year by New York Gov. David Paterson to fill the seat of now-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and is running for election this fall. Should Mr. Ford Jr. enter the race, he would start at a fundraising disadvantage, as Sen. Gillibrand has already raised $4 million as of October. Also, senior Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), a former chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has reportedly pushed away potential primary challengers to Sen. Gillibrand. However, the Times notes that Mr. Ford Jr. -- the chairman of the moderate-liberal Democratic Leadership Council -- had been an adept fundraiser in the past, marshaling $15 million for his narrowly-lost U.S. Senate bid in 2006.
USA: Steele: "GOP To 'Embrace' Tea Party Movement"
The Republican Party will "embrace" the grassroots conservative and libertarian activists of the tea party movement, the Republican National Committee chairman says. RNC Chairman Michael Steele, appearing today on "Fox and Friends," said the movement "puts in stark relief where the American people are" and asserted it's important for the GOP to "understand this so that we can move towards it, embrace it, and then move into the future."
The moderate-conservative Republican credited the wins of Republican gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey last year on the movement of the GOP toward the positions of the tea party backers, saying, "I think it's what you saw in special elections that have been held since early 2009, where Republicans have won a significant number of special elections." The GOP leader predicted that as the mid-term November 2010 elections approach, it will be "one of those moments where we can crystallize that new foundational support for our principles and tie it" to Republican positions on such issues as healthcare and organized labor.
Harry Jackson Jr., Star Parker To Protest Opening Of Largest Abortion Clinic in U.S.
A coalition of pro-life advocates and religious leaders plan to gather in Houston on Jan. 18 to oppose what is expected to be the largest abortion clinic in the country. Planned Parenthood is turning a former bank into a 78,000 square foot facility that will include a surgical wing equipped to provide late-term abortions (hat tip: Drudge Report). Among the participants will be Bishop Harry Jackson, the conservative senior pastor of Hope Christian Church in metro Washington, D.C.; and Star Parker, the conservative Republican president of the Coalition for Urban Renewal and Education in metro Los Angeles.
Lou Engle, founder of the pro-life group The Call To Conscience, which is organizing the rally, compared the fight to the Civil Rights Movement. “As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘It is time to subpoena the conscience of America,’” he said. He says clinic is strategically surrounded by black and Hispanic neighborhoods. “We want to say that it’s not right to have an abortion super center that targets the minority community,” Mr. Engle said. He says Planned Parenthood targets low-income, minority women.
Education News
Cameroon Puts Brain Drain Into Reverse
Cameroon is reversing its scientific brain drain by boosting the salaries of university academics. The early signs are that a government fund of 4.2 billion Central African francs (almost US$9.5 million), created in early 2009, has increased the number of scientists and stabilized the research environment. New allowances are now paid quarterly to more than 2,500 lecturers and researchers - up from 1,800 at the start of 2009 - which suggests that academics are returning to their campuses, according to Ives Magloire Kengne, a scientist at Cameroon's University of Yaoundé. The fund was made possible after two major foreign debts were written off and Cameroon decided to put this 'windfall' to use in the health, engineering and education sectors.
Maurice Tsalefac, a professor at the University of Yaoundé's geography department, said that the old salary for top university professors was about US$550 a month. Many left for western African countries where monthly salaries for the top posts were closer to US$4,000, he said. Under the new system, salaries have increased for all levels of academics, he said. Professors now receive almost US$1,850, while senior lecturers have seen their monthly payments increase from US$530 to US$1,600, and lecturers are now paid US$1,100, up from US$490. Paul Henry Ngue, head of the monitoring unit at Cameroon's Ministry of Higher Education, said that since paying the higher salaries, researchers at state universities have also become more productive, with the Ministry of Higher Education counting about 100 scientific publications so far.
USA: Do You Know A Smart High School Senior Who Needs Money For College?
The Gates Millennium Scholars, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is taking applications until January 11 at 11:59 p.m. EST (hat tip: The Black Informant). Eligibility requirements: (1) be black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic; (2) U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; (3) have a cumulative GPA of 3.3/4.0 (un-weighted); (4) will be enrolling for the first-time at a U.S. accredited college or university as a full-time, first-year student in Fall 2010; (4) leadership abilities via community service, extracurricular or other activities; and (5) meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria (i.e., come from a poor family).
Andrew Mwenda: "Foreign Donors' Blackmail Of Uganda Because Of Anti-Gay Bill Is Bad"
The libertarian journalist - who has been one of the few voices in Uganda publicly opposing a bill that would penalize homosexuality with life imprisonment or death (and failing to report it with jail time) - also takes issue with the foreign aid industry's reaction. He argues that in seeking to impose their cultural views about homosexuality on Ugandans, they undermine open debate which would help to culturally transform Uganda: "Since Ndorwa West MP David Bahati introduced a bill to kill homosexuals, I have become wary of the behaviour of Uganda’s international donors. They have threatened to cut off aid if the government goes ahead with the bill. This way, they are literally using their money to blackmail government to respect gay rights. Yet this approach, although driven by good intentions, is actually counterproductive. Those hostile to homosexuals argue that gays are promoted by the West with money to undermine African culture although they have not produced even a scintilla of evidence to support this claim. But by threatening aid cuts if the bill is passed, donors are inadvertently proving the purveyors of this argument right. Donors should learn that cultural change should be a gradual internal process. To use force to make people change their attitudes would require a high amount of coercion that is certainly undesirable. Intimidation and blackmail are not effective weapons against cultural bigotry; open debate is."
He adds: "In threatening aid cuts, I suspect Western leaders are actually addressing their constituents. Their electorates see the bill as a barbaric move to suppress a fundamental right. However, donors need to be careful not to be seen to be arm-twisting the government. The biggest challenge gays and lesbians face in Uganda is not state law (however draconian) but deeply held cultural bigotry by the society. Therefore, a democratic government would find it difficult to resist popular pressure to hang homosexuals. Multitudes of Ugandans are homophobic and would not hesitate to sanction genocide against gays. To secure attitudinal change through force would require unprecedented violence. Our challenge is how to foster openness and tolerance. This can only be achieved through open debate. This is why although Bahati is subjectively homophobic, he is objectively an ally of gays. By introducing his bill with provisions to kill gays, he has inadvertently opened debate on a subject that has been taboo in Uganda. In the process, he has given gays and progressive intellectuals an opportunity and a platform to enlighten Ugandans about sexual diversity and expose the fallacies that inform homophobia."
Booker Rising response: Boy, has Mr. Mwenda generated a debate with this op-ed. A few Ugandans who respond in the comments section argue that the controversy is a Western social war, and that it's not worth it to risk donor cuts to Uganda's social services. However, most argue that it's about upholding Ugandan values from a foreign incursion that they believe seeks to "destroy the African family unit" in order to limit population growth. Others argue that they support the end of foreign aid anyway, while others wonder why Uganda is feeling the heat but Arab countries are not. Mr. Mwenda gets called a "homo sympathiser", he's accused of being gay and being a "white man dipped in chocolate" for supporting gay rights.
SHAMARA RILEY COMMENTARY: Former American Slaves Played Oppressive Role In Liberia's Past
Tomorrow marks Pioneers Day in Liberia, the January 7, 1822 landing of black American settlers to Liberia - Africa's first republic - and I've written a piece over at theGrio.com about it. Not quite the title that I'd have used for my piece, since I also discuss the Americo-Liberians' strengths and argue that this much-envied and much-maligned minority group remains critical to Liberia's development. My focus was more about why Pioneers Day is important to black American history and about changing notions of Americo-Liberian identity - especially now that the U.S.-born offspring of indigenous Liberians are returning to the country - that is taking place in Liberia.
An excerpt: "Yet just as the concept of being African-American is changing to represent the diversity of the U.S. black experience, the 'new Americos' are changing the concept of being Americo-Liberian. For instance, are individuals born in the U.S. to indigenous Liberian parents Americo-Liberian? What about individuals of indigenous ancestry who were born in Liberia, lived for some years in the U.S. and who've returned to Liberia? Is a person of indigenous ancestry who was raised by an Americo-Liberian family an Americo-Liberian? And with increasing intermarriage between Americo-Liberians and indigenous Liberians over recent decades, how Americo-Liberian does one have to be to be considered Americo-Liberian? Such questions are challenging the old 'Congo/country people' divide in Liberia and will pioneer new notions of Americo-Liberian identity. Liberians are even increasingly debating the very nature of Liberian itself, debating whether Liberia should maintain its blacks-only citizenship clause in an era when the U.S. has elected its first black president."
Democratic Politicians Call It Quits: Bookerista Response
Robert A. George: "Democratic Dominoes"
The moderate-conservative Republican blogger in New York City opines: "'Wave' elections have certain characteristics in common. One is a passion and energy imbalance between the two parties. Right now, Republicans are as fired up as they were in 1994 (and Democrats were in 2006). Another characteristic is when one side starts seeing more retirements -- which create open seat opportunities for the other party. The announcements yesterday that Byron Dorgan (North Dakota) and Chris Dodd of Connecticut are packing it in must be chilling for Democrats. Dodd, arguably, may actually be helping the party out (as similarly ethically-challenged Bob Torricelli did a few years back). But still, at least two GOPers -- former Rep. Rob Simmons and WWE co-founder Linda McMahon have huge head starts in campaign organizations -- even against popular Attorney General Dick Blumenthal. However, the look is pretty bleak in North Dakota -- a red state in which Dorgan and his younger clone Kent Conrad are the only Democrats who are competitive at the state level. This is about as sure of a GOP pick-up as one is likely to find."
Torrey Spears: "Are Rats The First To Abandon A Sinking Ship?"
Asks the conservative Republican in Florida: "We'd like to thank Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Bryan Dorgan (D-ND) and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter (D-CO) for participating in the 2010 political races. Please pick up your 'I joined the Democrat party and all I got is this lousy T-shirt and bad poll numbers' on your way home. When you add to Parker Griffith (D-AL) turning to (R-AL)...this is NOT a good start to 2010 for our friends on the Democrat aisle."
Clifton B.: "Beware The Dead Men Walking"
The conservative blogger in New Jersey writes: "Chris Dodd is expected to announce that he will not seek re-election today. This comes on the heels of Senator Byron Dorgan’s (D-ND) announced retirement yesterday. As the number of Democrat House Reps and Senators who will not seek re-election rises, many on the right are beaming with the prospect of House and Senate gains."
More: "What is being overlooked is that these Democrat House Reps and Senators are free to vote for whatever crappy legislation they please without a worry about answering to their constituents. In essence they are like Dead Men Walking. They have nothing to lose by going against the will of the people for the next eleven months. So as we all cheer about another Dem biting the dust before 2010, let us take time to realize the threat these retiring Dems pose."
D.C. Big Pappa: "Dems Heading For The Door"
The conservative Republican blogger in Washington, D.C. opines: "For anyone who went to bed last night well before midnight, you woke up this morning with a bevy of emails and tweets about not only longtime Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) retirement announcement, but also that of Governor Bill Ritter (D-CO) and Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). I’m sure the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is scrambling."
More: "At first look, it was quite the depressing night for Democrats. Dorgan, who’s been in DC for thirty years and in the Senate since 1992, was a major player in the health care reform debate. Chris Dodd, the Senate Banking Committee Chairman on the other hand, has been embattled for the last year and a half due a sweetheart mortgage deal from AIG, and also his role with health care reform. However, looking at the states a little more closely, national Dems may have caught a break in Connecticut (more on that in my next blog post), as there is a strong Dem waiting in the wings. One big question now remains. Who, if anyone, will be next to announce his or her retirement? All eyes should be squarely focused on Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)."
But What If I Consider Myself An Afro-American?
Duane Brayboy, a conservative blogger in metro Atlanta, Ga., discusses people who are upset that the U.S. Census form includes the term "Negro" as part of the "Black, African-American, or Negro" racial category: "'...offends some blacks.' Boy, tell me what does NOT offend us. Apparently some members of the 69 percentile of Black Americans who love bigger government are offended that the same entity that could not get Katrina right, can’t get health care right, can’t get the equal distribution of stimulus dollars right has the word 'Negro' on its once a decade head count (a.k.a. the census)."
More: "Over the years we have called ourselves Negro, Afro-American, Black, and now African-American (I know some militant cyber nerd is going to say that it was Whites who called us Negroes. Please check out just a couple of MLK and Malcolm X speeches and keep it movin’). The comical thing about the form itself is that there is only one descriptor for White folks (White), while we are the ones with multiple descriptors for the same race and yet some are still mad government can’t seem to get it right. Should we demand for another check box for those of us who are 20% European? You know, for accuracy sake."
When The Ayatollah Educates Ghanaian Kids
Kwame Okoampa-Ahoofe Jr., a board member of the center-right Danquah Institute (Ghana) and an English professor in New York, isn't at all feeling Iran's Muslim theocracy educating kids in majority-Christian Ghana: "Since June 12, 2009, the Islamic 'Republic' of Iran has been crudely grappling with the intricacies of the pursuit of the values of a just society and the democratic rule of law, with tens of protesters against the pseudo-religious, staged-managed presidential election that returned Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power having been either summarily mowed down by the gun-barrel, during various stages of protest demonstrations, or imprisoned for simply daring to demand the democratic rule of law. And so, naturally, it came to me as quite a surprise when, recently, I came across a brief news item captioned 'Iranian Embassy to Support Education of Muslim Girls' (See Ghana News Agency/Ghanaweb.com 11/25/09). The purported 'support,' which appeared to largely center around the Muslim community in Kumasi, Ghana’s unofficial second capital, was in the form of an 8-week public campaign aimed at 'highlighting the importance of education to development.'"
He continues: "Needless to say, the surprise here regarded how it came about that the Atta-Mills government of the so-called National Democratic Congress (NDC) decided to curiously delegate its primary responsibility of educating all Ghanaian citizens, irrespective of creed and/or religious and ideological suasion, to a foreign government that is not, in any way, known to champion the equality of the genders in the unequivocal manner in which the same is championed in Ghana. And here also must be underscored the fact that the host country has a full-fledged and secular Ministry of Education that has, for generations, facilitated the sound academic and cultural development of hundreds of thousands of both Muslim and non-Muslim Ghanaian citizens alike. Then also must be underscored the fact that Ghana’s Ministry of Education has, in the past, effectively collaborated with all the various religious denominations that sponsor educational institutions in the intellectual and cultural enrichment of Ghanaian citizens."
Professor Okoampa-Ahoofe Jr. sees a jihadist agenda afoot: "In sum, the grim reality of financial strictures, even at the national level, ought not to serve as a facile pretext for the unhealthy encouragement of any foreign government to, literally, bombard our children and future leadership generations with ideas and values that may not necessarily gibe with the direction in which Ghanaians want to carry our sovereign nation. What singularly piqued my curiosity, however, was the name of an Alhaji Mohammed Yushau, the reported coordinator of the Iranian-led academic campaign. A googling of Mr. Yushau’s name brought home some quite interesting revelations, including the fact of the latter being a board member of an institution called Watania Islamic School and located at Aboabo Number One, near the Aboabo Market in Kumasi. A casual perusal of the Watania curriculum, as published on the school’s website, indicated its Arabo-Islamic bent. But that was only the surface of the problem; a history of the school and its founder insisted, perhaps out of sheer arrogance, on the latter being a northern Nigerian indigene of Sokoto origins, even though visitors to the website are also informed that the founder’s parents permanently settled in Ghana as far back as 1913."
More: "In other words, what we have here is a group of Islamic ideologues who insist on both eating their proverbial cake and, simultaneously, retaining the same. We highlight the preceding because recent ideologically adversarial proclivities brazenly exhibited at the polls by denizens of the Asewases and Aboabos of Ghana, primarily and deviously instigated by Mr. Rawlings’ 'politics of envy,' by the way, may likely come to haunt the hospitable hosts. In other words, rather than envisage these Islamic communities as auspiciously complementary and organically integral to the host and/or majority culture, increasingly, we see these 'alien' Islamic communities (with their ideological 'herd mentality') becoming more like strategic beachheads than constructive collaborators who share a common cause with their host communities."
