[wvns] Democrats’ first debate is void of Africa
Democrats' first debate is void of Africa
By Harry C. Alford
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_3492.shtml
From left: Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del.; Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio; Mike
Gravel, former U.S. senator from Alaska; Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.;
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Ct.; former Sen. John Edwards of North
Carolina.; New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.; and Sen. Hillary Rodham
Clinton, D-N.Y.
Graphic: Harold Muhammad
Photo: AP/World Wide Photos
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The Democratic Campaign is void of a concern for Africa and it is the
responsibility of the citizens of the United States, particularly the
40 million plus African Americans, to raise the issue and demand
proposed solutions with stipulated action. America can do something
about the dire state of this continent and, as God is our Witness, we
(African Americans) must demand it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We cannot overestimate the importance of the Presidential Campaign for
2008. The world is in a big mess. China throws all the rules to the
wind as they develop into a massive economic monster. Russia is
yearning for the days of old, The Cold War. Genocide and suffering is
bigger now then ever before, while a corrupt United Nations (UN),
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank seem to be useless.
The United States leadership role in the world is being questioned
like never before. Now is the time for a true leader to step forward.
We need someone to present a vision that addresses all the major
problems, with solutions that can quickly turn around fear, death, and
horror with hope, progress and prosperity.
On the evening of April 26, at the HBCU campus of South Carolina State
University, the Democratic Party held its first debate involving eight
declared candidates. In essence, it was quite cordial. All the
candidates held mutual respect for each other and there were no
personal attacks. They concentrated on various issues. The biggest
issue was, naturally, the Iraq civil war. There is no textbook
approach to it, but they all agreed that we must get out as soon as
possible—some way, somehow. Then, came the usual issues such as
ethics, abortion, guns, healthcare, taxation, immigration, education,
fuel costs, international relations (generally speaking), gay
marriage, global climate change and Cuba. We waited and waited but
never heard the issue of Africa addressed for the whole 90 minutes.
There were a quick "half sentences" about Darfur mixed in with other
matters by Senators Biden and Edwards and Governor Richardson. There
was no statement of substance given to the continent at all. There is
just no way this campaign can go on and ignore 1 billion people who
are suffering from the intrusion and adverse policy of Europeans,
Americans, et al.
Africa should be at the top of every political agenda. People are
dying by the millions as a result of war, HIV/AIDS, corruption and
meddling from the first world operatives. The Western Hemisphere has
over 200 million descendents of Africa and we want the current state
of affairs to dramatically change for the better. How can anyone
striving to become the President of the United States, leader of the
free world, omit or ignore the state of affairs on the African
Continent? Who are the advisors and managers of these campaigns that
think they can get away with this? Are they trying to assume the Black
Vote again?
I am extremely disappointed in Barack Obama who is the son of an
African. How can he stand there for 90 minutes and not mention the
problems and plight of this whole continent? He is even on the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee, but when asked, "What are the three most
serious international problems?" he mentioned Europe, Asia and the
Middle East. Is he so presumptuous, that he need not address our
concerns? It reminds me of a statement he made about Michael Steele, a
Black running for U.S. Senate, "Don't vote for a person solely because
of his race." That applies to you, too, Senator Obama. We want to know
what you will do for the Diaspora. Say it and say it loud! Of course,
you must first start thinking about it. As one pundit stated, "He was
the most abstract politician I have ever watched." Remember Senator,
it is not what you are, but what you stand for and believe.
What about Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton? She and her husband resided
at the White House when the atrocious horror of Rwanda took place.
They just stood by and watched it happen. Afterwards, her husband,
President Bill Clinton, issued an apology. After millions of deaths it
was too little, too late. She should be particularly interested in the
genocides of Darfur and the Congo, plus the wars in Somalia and other
regions. What is her opinion on Zimbabwe, among other hotbeds? Does
she or the rest of them have a concern?
It is clear. The Democratic Campaign is void of a concern for Africa
and it is the responsibility of the citizens of the United States,
particularly the 40 million plus African Americans, to raise the issue
and demand proposed solutions with stipulated action. America can do
something about the dire state of this continent and, as God is our
Witness, we (African Americans) must demand it. Let's make this a
major issue in this campaign. Candidates from both sides must become
adept at the status of Africa and must provide viable solutions that
can be readily carried out. Those who don't, must not get our vote or
support.
(Harry C. Alford is the Co-Founder, President/CEO of the National
Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org.)
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