Oppression in the Name of Resisting Imperialism

Much as dependency syndrome and imperialsm have deep-rooted overture between the West and Africa, these concepts have unfortunately become buzzword for dictators
around the world to justify their atrocities toward their own people. Libya's Quadafi dilusional narrative for clinging to power has been that his people adore him and that the resistance has been formented by western imperialists who want to steal Libya's oil.

Mr. Gbagbo has also justified the unrest in Ivory Coast as an attempt by imperial France and the UN to interfere in their internal affairs--we all know he Gbagbo called for the unrest when he repeatedly failed to concede election defeat and honor the will of the Ivorian people.

What is alarming though is how fast this false narrative is gaining traction among the unsuspecting public. We should all understand that our universe has changed and for that matter what happens in Ivory Coast has a far-reaching implications in Ghana, France, USA if you will. Besides, the so-called imperialists are usually the ones who pick the bill when the dust settles.

Nigeria: Wake the Giant In You

Following this weekend election in Nigeria where the incumbent president, Mr. Jonathan was declared the winner, there are reports of pockets of violence in the Muslem-North, the stronghold of the opposition.

From all indications, the election has been characterized as free and fair by independent observers so it behooves the other candidates to concede and move on.

Nigeria is blessed with so much resources and potentials but unfortunately has been stifled by internal conflicts.

Africa is looking up to Nigeria to get it right this time round and claim its leadership spot on the continent. We are currently witnessing the consequences of prolonging this thing in Ivory Coast and we surely do not want a history repeat.

Elections come and go and for now the next election may sound like an eternity to the opposition but they will be surprised to see how time flies so fast--they can use this period to reinvent themselves and position themselves well for the next election.

One thing most African politicians fail to understand is that an opposition is a very strong pillar in a democracy. So to the opposition, in the interest of promoting democracy in Africa, learn from Ghana's example and accept your loss and let the will of the Nigerian people prevail. Congratulations, President Jonathan.

Life after Gbagbo in Ivory Coast

The news of the arrest of former Ivorian president, Gbagbo was greeted with a sign of relief. This guy who was a university professor and deemed to have known better ignored the wishes of his people and gambled with the precious lives of innocent Ivorians.

In the end, Mr. Gbagbo's gamble did not pay off but the sad part is that he has plunged his country into a precarius and volatile state demanding measured steps going forward.

So far Mr. Quattara (arguably responsible for some of the atrocities) has made all the right calls. I am glad he is shying away from witch-hunting and calling on all Ivorians to look forward. May God grant him wisdom to navigate this tough assignment.

War on the Middle Class

The Repuublican Party has initiated its calculated assault on the middle class all in the name of deficit financing. If they truly want to reduce deficit, why are they saying no to tax increase but yes to slashing of entitlement programs?

Contrary to what the republicans are misinforming us, evidence suggest that reigning in entitlement cost will do very little to reduce long term deficit yet there are compelling demand side argument to fund entitlement not to mention the humanitarian dimension.

The Republican supply side (reverse taxation) is flawed because it only works as best case scenario.

Democracy by the Sword

We should not misconstrue recent interventions in domestic affairs by the international community including the UN to restore the will of the people as isolated cases. These are well-thought through policy to send a message to tyrants that the game has changed and there is a new boss in town who takes no prisoners!

Global stakeholders have eventually learned that what happens in Ivory Coast eg. affects the national interest of the US--just imagine the UN leading a preemtive bombing campaign in Ivory Coast to avoid humanitarian crisis.

Notwithstanding all the conspiracy theories critics offer to discredit such actions, its power of signalling tyrants around the world that their days are numbered cannot be second-guessed.

Where are the jobs?

We all welcome the news that jobless rate keeps dropping in the US.The question is, why aren't the Obama administration laughing out loud over this good news? This is in part because the latest job data has so many caveats it is hard to measure its real impact.

I may be among the minority who see the prevailing high unemployment rate as an issue of national interest--consider the fact that a disproportionate number of the unemployed demographic are youth with some college degree. This trend is clearly diminishing premium society places on higher education.

The disturbing piece of the puzzle is that there are so many things our government can do that it does not have political will to do or doing it half-way because it wants to be politically correct.

Mr. Obama, as you begin the journey of renewing your commitment to the poeple, I implore you to employ the necessary tools to give the youth hope they can believe.