Zambian Chronicle

By Belliah K Theise

I found this article on-line published by Nairobi Daily News,  Kenya. The article in Bold was written by

Tajudeen is deputy director UN Millennium Campaign, Africa.

I am so amazed to see how Africans are at their best bringing themselves down. It is a shame if this writer is African.

Below dark is from the article and light ink is my opinion.

A quote by African opinonist  Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem:

“There is a carnivalesque celebration across Africa about Senator Barrack Obama becoming the Presidential candidate for the Democrats in next November’s elections in the US.“

My opinion is:

Yes because Americans are the best. America is a melting pot. A notion that cancels itself when the world think otherwise ( racists). Actually to say the truth,they are not, compared to other nations like Europe, Africa and Asia. Americans take pride in diversity. If they blink sometimes, its because they are humans like anybody else.

Quote:

“The excitement is such that one would be forgiven for thinking that Obama was about to be sworn in. The enthusiasm ignores the fact that he is yet to be formally adopted and still has an election to fight against the Republicans. Nowhere is this excitement more infectious than in Kenya, the homeland of Obama’s father.“

My opinion is:

The writer would be rejoicing if he heard Obama is not wining. The best African Mentality, not wanting to give credit where it is due.

Quote from Daily news -Nairobi Opinion:

“Kenyans are not alone. I am not sure how many of the millions of Africans now jubilating about Obama’s possible victory, would be that enthusiastic were Obama to be standing for office in their own countries. Can you imagine an Obama as a presidential candidate in Ivory Coast?”

My Opinion:

Too bad so sad my friend. I am one of them who are celebrating his victory, not because he is black, but because of his positive outlook and hope on life. He motives the future leaders, besides he is very smart, charismatic, and he has a good heart. Come on who can not give this guy a credit? Are you just a jelousy person not accepting this Victory? What a shame!!!

Quote:

“Would he not be reminded that he is not African enough? How could he pass the ‘ivoirite’ test when even a former Prime Minister of the country, born in the country was disqualified? If Obama had stood in a Nigerian election would he have generated the same mass adulation?“

My Opinion:

It is shame to learn that all we do is bring ourselves down as Africans. I find nothing wrong in Africans rejoicing Obama’s victory. Europeans and Asians are celebrating his victory. You know why? He motives people, he gives hope, he is positive. It is like watching soccer. You can watch any team, and you would support any wining team. We are always watching world soccer, and we support teams that we do not have any links. it is the same with politics.

Ouote:

This is a continent in which a former President (Kenneth Kaunda), founding father of Zambia and a man who served as President for 25 years, had his citizenship stripped by his successor Chiluba (a small-minded small man) because his parents allegedly came from a neighbouring country (not even another continent) The former President of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa, had the citizenship of a number of Tanzanians annulled because they (or he suspected that they) disagreed with him politically.”

My opinion

Zambians did not strip the first Zambian President Dr K Kaunda’s citizenship. He ruled Zambia for 27 years. It was just time for change, unfortunately, there was only Chiluba who came forward to challenge his long leadership. Though Mr Chiluba was just another hypocrite. What ever treament he gave Dr K Kaunda, has come back to bite his own butt.

Quote:

“As part of his campaign of prolonging his gerontocracy, President Mugabe stripped many Zimbabweans of their citizenship. The journalist Trevor Ncube was declared a Malawian, but his siblings who were not considered sympathisers of the opposition, remained Zimbabweans.

Ethiopia and Eritrea shamelessly engaged in tit for tat denationalisation of innocent citizens because of the senseless war between the two leaders. There are so many examples of routine denial of citizenship across Africa.”

My opinion:

Your point of challenging Africans in their celebration to Obama’s victory, shows how negative you can be when it comes to people who try to acknowledge good work in this world. This has nothing to do with Obama being born from an African. Africans like Zambians are generally very good to foreigners. Do you know how many North Africans and southern that have migrated to Zambia? Most of them hold the mines. Yes Mugabe is a nut case, but you can not compare Zambian people to most African people. Zambians are good and very genorous to foreigners. I am sure if these words were coming from a white American, you would have been the first one to publish the article that whites are racists. All you are doing here is bringing down your fellow Africans.

Quote:

“The ease with which political opponents are foreignised in Africa would never permit Obama to dream of becoming a local councillor, let alone aspiring for the Presidency in an African country. Even within the same country, claims of who is an indigene, a settler, a resident, and so on, are used to disempower fellow citizens.”

Breaking News:

Posted By Belliah Theise

Obama is meeting with Hillary Clinton at the Clintons house in Washington DC. Like I said, Politics are just politics. I love the fact that the two wise candidates are showing us that no matter what happened in the campaign, they are still willing to meet one on one as friends. Big credit for both.

I LOVE THE FACT THAT Obama and Hillary outsmarted the Media. Never underestimate a smart guy like Obama. Already showing his skills in diplomacy.

I am loving it.

Stay tuned

1. Barack Obama is a candidate that does not owe any of the power brokers in Washington or elsewhere as he’s not accepted their money.
2. Barack Obama had the wisdom to not support the war action in Iraq, and has a plan to end the war in Iraq. Australia just pulled out of Iraq last Sunday. British pulled out.  Barack Obama is the only candidate willing to pull out and introduce diplomacy with the rest of the world and not just jumping in a costly war without thinking of the aftermath.
3. Barack Obama’s Health Care plan is comprehensive and the most viable plan for the majority of our citizens. Further, it could gain bi-partisan support.
4. The rest of the world is watching and hoping for a change that is of a serious and substantial nature.
5. Barack Obama has a deep understanding and respect for the constitution.
6. It will be wonderful to have children laughing and playing in the White House again.
7. Barack Obama loves this country in a way that is demonstrated by actions, not wearing a pin or where he puts his hand during the playing of the anthem.
8. Barack Obama is of a new generation of leaders who were born when the promise was made and know that the time of fulfillment has come.
9. Barack Obama is energetic, physically and mentally capable of managing the riggers of the office…two terms I’m pretty darned sure.
10. Barack Obama has a comprehensive policy to address the educational challenges of our nation and our youth.
11. Barack Obama will repeal the Bush buddies tax cuts and will use that windfall to create programs for the majority of the people, not a select few.
12. Barack Obama, a proven coalition builder with over eleven years legislative experience.
13. Barack Obama believes in the people of this nation and the aspirations of the next generation.
14. Barack Obama has a rounded view of the world and understands that communication with all is key to the creation of lasting peace.
15. Barack Obama has been courageous in the campaign, tackling sensative subjects with grace and eloquence.
16. Barack Obama followed the rules of the DNC in Florida and MI.
17. Barack Obama has had the integrity not to engage in “FAUX NEWS” politics.
18. Barack Obama is IN TOUCH with the people of this nation.
19. Barack Obama supports campaign finance reform.
20. A BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE AND AUTHENTIC

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By Bellah K Theise

When Women Rule they Rule Big

I am not the Hillary supporter, but I feel I should give her a credit for her strong will to fight .As I have always said, I have admiration for women who stand up for themselves. Women who believes that they should have equal opportunity in this world. Congratulation to Hillary for her victory in Indiana.

I support Obama, because In my own opinion, I feel, Obama is capable of  uniting the world, He has good sense of judgement when it comes to making decisions that are critical to his country.

On the other hand, I give Hillary a credit for her hard work. Mind you she is 60, and fighting like a 25 year old young lady with full of energy.

Hillary is not only an attorney by profession, but a real politician I have ever come across in this world. Even though she is behind in this campaign, I can say she is smart and her energy just gets a kick out of me. For that Mrs Clinton I can give you Kudos, as most of women in my native country Zambia get old in their 40s.

Tough tough……….Bill said the Clinton’s do not quit. Even a lose is a win.

At Least  Hillary spoke with passion here , than before. Though I see too many personalities in her depending on a situation hard to  tell the real Hillary.

A word for Zambian woman!!!!!! Get tough

This is the reason, Inonge Mbikusita and Maureen Mwanawasa should not give in. Girls you can do it. Just consult Hillary, she will show you how to play this game.

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The Clintons reported $20.4 million in income for 2007 as they gave the public the most detailed look at their finances in eight years. Almost half the former first couple’s money came from Bill Clinton’s speeches.

“I have absolutely nothing against rich people,” Hillary Clinton told North Dakota Democrats at their party convention Friday night in Grand Forks. “As a matter of fact, my husband — much to my surprise and his — has made a lot of money since he left the White House doing what he loves doing most, talking to people.”

The tax returns are a portrait in post-presidential success. The Clintons, who had lived in taxpayer-paid housing in the governor’s mansion in Arkansas or the White House for years, left the presidency struggling with a legal defense fund stemming from a spate of investigations. They now are wealthy enough that she could lend her presidential campaign $5 million earlier this year.

The campaign released tax returns from 2000 through 2006 and gave highlights from their 2007 return. The Clintons have asked for an extension for filing their 2007 tax returns, citing the dissolution of a blind trust last year.

The Democratic presidential candidate and her husband paid $33.8 million in taxes from 2000 through 2007. They listed $10.25 million in charitable contributions during that period.

Clinton has been under pressure to release her tax returns, especially from rival Sen. Barack Obama, who posted his 2000 to 2006 returns on his campaign Web site last week. Neither Obama nor Republican Sen. John McCain has made their 2007 tax returns public, though both say they will this month.

The Clintons last made their returns public in 2000 when they reported an adjusted gross income of $416,039 for 1999. Since then, the former president has embarked on a number of business ventures and has made millions from speaking engagements and books.

In the tax returns, the former president describes his occupation as “Speaking & Writing.”

Beside speeches and books, his biggest single business income is from his partnership with Yucaipa Global Opportunities Fund, a Los Angeles-based investment firm founded by longtime Clinton fundraiser Ron Burkle. Between 2003 and 2006, the returns show total Yucaipa partnership income of $12.5 million. The 2007 summary provided by the campaign lists $2.75 million in partnership income.

President Clinton also has been an adviser to InfoUSA, a data company whose chief executive, Vinod Gupta, has been a major donor to Democrats and gave at least $1 million to Bill Clinton’s presidential library in Arkansas. Clinton received $400,000 in payments from the company in 2006 and 2007, according to the documents.

According to a summary of the seven years provided by the campaign, the former president’s speech income since he left the White House totals $51.85 million and his income from his two books — “My Life ” and “Giving” — totals $29.6 million, including a $15 million advance for “My Life.” Bill Clinton has traveled the world, giving paid speeches to multinational corporations, investment banks and motivational groups.

Details of the former president’s speaking fees were included in Sen. Clinton’s financial disclosure report last year. In 2006 and 2007, he earned fees from $100,000 to $450,000 speaking to such corporations as IBM, General Motors, and Cisco Systems, finance giants such as Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers, and trade groups such as the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association. He also has been paid to speak to nonprofit or charity groups, including the TJ Martell Foundation, which finances leukemia research, Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund and, last March, to the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles.

The campaign has said Clinton typically donates millions of dollars worth of free speeches to charities

Hillary Clinton had $10.5 million in book income over the period from her book “Living History.” She donated earnings from her other book, “It Takes a Village,” to charity.

Clinton’s tax returns show that of the remaining presidential candidates, she is the one most able to access large amounts of personal money. She lent her campaign $5 million in late February and could contribute more if she finds herself falling far behind Obama’s proficient fundraising.

McCain’s wife, Cindy, is heiress to her father’s stake in Hensley & Co. of Phoenix, one of the largest beer distributorships in the country and her worth could exceed $100 million. But the couple has a prenuptial agreement that has kept most assets in her name. In his financial disclosures, McCain lists his major sources of income as his Senate salary of $169,300 and a Navy pension of about $56,000.

In 2006, Obama reported income of nearly $1 million, with nearly half of it coming from the publication of his second book, “The Audacity of Hope.” Last week, the campaign disclosed that Obama and his wife, Michelle, gave $240,000 to charity last year.

The tax return shows a rite of passage for the Clintons: 2002 was the last year they claimed daughter Chelsea, now 28, as a dependent.

The returns also reference interest free loans to unidentified “family members.” Based on the “imputed interest” listed in the 2006 return — that is interest that would have been paid — the loans likely total more than $300,000.

“The loans to family members are personal; the Clintons are going to respect their family members’ privacy,” Clinton spokesman Jay Carson said.

___

Associated Press writers Nancy Benac, Charles Babington, Nedra Pickler and Pete Yost in Washington and Beth Fouhy in Grand Forks, N.D., contributed to this article.

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By Belliah K Theise

Response to Shelby Steele Opinion : Marking Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and  Tiger Woods as “bargainers” a huge mistake.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01112008/watch2.html

Here is what  conservative republicans have to say:

“The irony inherent in Mr. Steele’s remarks is that he himself is arguably the best example of a “bargainer” one could find in American society.  He is a self-styled “black conservative.”  He uses his race to set himself apart from other conservative writers because his race makes him stand out.  I have read most of what he has written over the years.  It is nothing terribly unique or cutting edge.  In fact, if a white conservative writer offered the same analysis, he would likely never be published simply because Mr. Steele states little more than the obvious.  But Mr. Steele is America’s bargainer-in-chief and has consistently used his race as a means of acheiving success beyond his plebian talents.  Steele’s bargaining mask is the conservative agenda he pushes, an agenda that leads whites to pat him on the back and show him off as an example of what a “good negro” should be.

Mr. Steele’s analysis of Barack Obama is intellectually dishonest at its core because he remains trapped in his generation’s limited conception of how a black man in America is to be defined.  To Steele, there is no difference between Obama and Al Sharpton because, rather than attempt to nuance the ever-evolving nature of black manhood, he is content to deal in extreme caricatures thereof — the black liberal radical and the Uncle Tom.  His inability to grasp the reality that in 2008 a black American can rise to prominence based on his own merits is best illustrated by invoking the names of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Oprah Winfrey.  The common thread between these objectively remarkable people is that they are the best at what they do — nothing more, nothing less.  Excellence does not have a color. It justifies its own success on its own merits.  Sadly, it appears that Mr. Steele would be more comfortable with Mr. Obama if he went out and robbed a bank at gunpoint with a group of gang bangers.

Barack Obama is, without question, the most intelligent of all the presidential candidates.  He not only graduated from Harvard Law School, but acheived the highest honor possible by being named Editor of the Harvard Law Review.  He was also a successful attorney and devoted community organizer, offering countless hours of personal service to advance his Christian commitment to be his brother’s keeper.  And, yes, he is also a gifted speaker and politician. If there is any psychological theory at play here, it is Mr. Steele’s rather distasteful inability to acknowledge the fact that another black man has far superceded his own accomplishments.  This psychological phenomenon is most commonly referred to as jealousy.

The Obama’s of the world threaten every assumption upon which Mr. Steele has based his career. This is why he is forced by a toxic combination of ego, self-loathing and ignorance to dismiss Barack Obama as a “bargainer” rather than what he really is — a bridge to the kind of desperately needed racial reconciliation that would render Mr. Steel’s particular brand of race-baiting tripe obsolete. “

By a white conservative Christian Republican married to an amazing African woman.

———————————————–

Conservative columnist George Will penned an op-ed disagreeing with Steele for THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:

Steele has brilliantly dissected the intellectual perversities that present blacks as dependent victims, reduced to trading on their moral blackmail of whites who are eager to be blackmailed in exchange for absolution. But Steele radically misreads Obama, missing his emancipation from those perversities. Obama seems to understand America’s race fatigue, the unbearable boredom occasioned by today’s stale politics generally and by the perfunctory theatrics of race especially.

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