How a President Obama would fix Africa

[jefferson_dem]

How a President Obama would fix Africa

By KEVIN J KELLEY
Special Correspondent

Citing his status as “the son of a Kenyan goat herder family in Kenya,” Senator Barack Obama is arguing that his life experience makes him “uniquely suited to show the world a new face of America.”

Should he be elected president of the United States, Mr Obama adds in a campaign paper on global development, he will encourage a more favourable view of the US by engaging with “all nations — foe and friend.”

This inclusive approach will reverse a widespread perception of “American arrogance and obstrutionism,” the candidate declares.

Mr Obama also pledges to double US assistance to developing countries, bringing the total amount of American aid to $50 billion a year by 2012. Such an investment would pay dividends, he says, because “the security and wellbeing of each and every American is tied to the security and wellbeing of those who live beyond our borders.”

US relations with African nations are given emphasis in Mr Obama’s set of international policy proposals.

He promises, for example, to launch an Add Value to Agriculture Initiative aimed at triggering a Green Revolution in Africa. This programme would forge US government partnerships with charities, universities and businesses to spur research on “improved seeds, irrigation methods and affordable and safe fertilisers.”

Mr Obama would also commit the US to helping African nations achieve the Millennium Development Goals. He promises to use new US aid to “build healthy and educated communities, reduce poverty, develop markets, and generate wealth.”

The paper’s focus on issues of high concern to Africa reflects the influence of Susan Rice, a former assistant secretary of state for African affairs. Ms Rice ranks as one of Senator Obama’s top foreign policy advisors. She worked in the administration of President Bill Clinton, as did former National Security Advisor Tony Lake, another key figure in the Obama campaign.

These Clinton administration officials’ alignment with Mr Obama indicates that they view him as potentially more effective than Senator Hillary Clinton.

<SNIP>

http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/News/news1712200710.htm

[IndyOp]

1. AFRICOM -- We need candidates to speak bold truth about AFRICOM -

According to the site, "U.S. Africa Command will better enable the Department of Defense and other elements of the U.S. government to work in concert and with partners to achieve a more stable environment in which political and economic growth can take place. U.S. Africa Command is consolidating the efforts of three existing headquarters commands into one that is focused solely on Africa and helping to coordinate US government contributions on the continent."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x326359

[Ytzak]

2. Fixing America has, I hope, a higher priority.

His use of ex Clinton advisers doesn't give me warm fuzzy's. Clinton was the best Conservative President since Eisenhower. We don't need another conservative administration, even if it is similar to Eisenhower's and calls itself Democrat. I have the same problem with Hillary.

[sandnsea]

4. Clinton people opposed to the war

That's why they aren't with Hillary, they don't agree with her.

[Ytzak]

7. Look at the whole package.

They were Clinton's people who backed Clinton's conservative pro corporate agenda and his conservative interventionist foreign diplomacy. There is more to be concerned about than just the war.

With a voting record that differs little from Hillary's, the use of Clinton Administrastion retreads as advisors, his own pro corporate bias, his willingness to vote present rather than take a stand when he was in state government, his refusal to advocate universal Health care, his use of anti-gay people in his campaign, and his willingess more than any other Democrat to court the Jesus crowd, fails to inspire me to vote for him in the primaries.

[Maven]

8. I'm kicking your post.

:applause:

[sandnsea]

16. You can't put an entire administration in a box

Many people have split from the Clintons. Susan Rice, for instance, has been working with Gary Hart. She has also spoke out against Blackwater and other corrupt contractors.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-rice/blackwater-is-just-the-ti_b_67379.html?load=1&page=2

He also does not have any pro corporate bias, there is nothing to prove that. He has said he would create single payer health care, if he were creating it from scratch, and absolutely does advocate real health care for all. His refusal to engage in right wing political games is exactly what we need to take them on, which he has done directly to the religious fanatics' face, unlike any other candidate.

You've been fed a lot of lies that you choose to regurgitate instead of getting the facts yourself.

[Ytzak]

62. Splitting from the Clintons doesn't meant they have changed.

The corporate friendly imperial policies they championed under Bill Clinton will be updated to an Obama administration and noting will change.

In the same way that the Bush Administration was a retread of the worst of Bush I Regan, and Nixon, and Obama Administration will simply be a retread of the worst of Clinton. Ultimately, these people split with Clinton because they think that Obama will win and he will be their ticket to power.

[goldcanyonaz]

3. Africa? Can't we ever do anything within our country first!!

[sandnsea]

5. This is making our country more secure

Money we invest in the people is money we won't have to invest in stupid wars down the road. That is money we can use to build our country. And we have enough money to do both. You do realize our budget is trillions every year, $50 billion is peanuts.

[amandabeech]

13. We will go to war in Africa over resources, particularly oil.

The Chinese are already there.

The African people won't matter too much except as soldiers.

[sandnsea]

17. Well what an attitude

The African people won't matter? *sigh*

I don't even know what to say to that. And to presume it's just a done deal. Who do you support anyway?

[amandabeech]

18. Personally, I feel bad for Africa and its people.

However, I don't run the country, and I'm more progressive than average, and my post reflects what I think will happen, not what I'd like to see happen.

I guess I didn't make that clear.

As to who I support--1. Edwards, 2. Biden, 3. Dodd, 4. Kucinich (mostly because I don't think he's electable). Then there's a break and its' 5. Obama and 6. Clinton. Richardson said that he wanted to pump Great Lakes water to New Mexico and I WILL NOT pull the lever for him him ever.

[sandnsea]

30. I don't get where you're coming from

So I will leave it at that.

I do hope you understand that there is an element of politics where just about anybody will say just about anything to beat their opponent. Barack Obama is no more a corporate candidate than Dennis Kucinich. It's absurd. But I don't blame Edwards for trying to paint him that way, that's politics.

[amandabeech]

41. Are you responding to my lack of enthusiasim for Obama or

views on why or why not we would get involved in Africa.

I have written about what I think the U.S. will do in Africa, which is not what I would do if I were running the show. I have stated that I feel badly for the people there.

Now, you're talking about Obama vs. Kucinich?

I have not made any negative comment about Obama here, except to state that he is low on my list of candidates.

I have no idea of what you're getting at.

[sandnsea]

52. I wouldn't choose Dodd

if I were concerned about the US going to war in Africa. I would think twice about Biden. And after Edwards' IWR vote and centrism during his Senate term, I'd think 3 times.

So I don't understand your political view to choose those three candidates if you want to avert more wars in Africa.

[BeyondGeography]

9. I'm having an Archie Bunker flashback here

[babylonsister]

10. LOL! Yep. nt

[goldcanyonaz]

20. Another hit and run by you too.

[babylonsister]

23. I wasn't 'talking' to you. And what do you mean by another? Are you

taking notes? :freak: Oh, and welcome to DU.

[goldcanyonaz]

26. Thanks for the welcome, but I don't get the Archie Bunker post....

care to elaborate?

[babylonsister]

28. I agreed with it as Archie was known for his own self-interests

and was 'challenged' by anyone who was different than himself. By your remark about 'us' first, it seemed to echo Archie.
I find comfort in the hope that Obama could make such a difference. In order to do that, he'd have to stop the money bleed to Iraq, which is of utmost importance.
No disrespect to you was intended.

[goldcanyonaz]

31. Archie Bunker was a racist pig, and my caring about our county more than Africa is NOT racist.

Ever visit Africa? Much of it is run by guerrilla's, and not the cuddly type either.

[babylonsister]

32. You asked for an explanation, I gave you one.

Sorry if you don't like it. I've tried to be civil; you might want to try, too. I don't dispute how much you care for our country, as I do. That doesn't mean that we couldn't do some good in Africa, as the whole continent isn't run by uncuddly guerillas. Maybe if we paid more attention, the guerillas wouldn't be so prevalent.

[goldcanyonaz]

33. I grew up in Africa and the guerrilla's are a way of life there.

My heart warms to someone like you, and I wish it was so easy to remedy but sadly it isn't. These guerrilla's aren't one party, they're the ones with the guns. Ever watch the movie Blood Diamonds? I'm sorry to tell you the truth but that movie truly reflects the reality of those living there.

You're a good person, and I'm sorry if I came across crass with you.

[babylonsister]

34. I saw the movie recently, and it was indeed

absolutely chilling. Call me an optimist, but if we concentrated on trying for peace instead of war, perhaps we could actually do some good in this world, our country included. We could certainly change the perception that war is all we're about.
And thanks for calming down; I didn't mean to make you angry.

[goldcanyonaz]

38. Sad to tell you but the only way we could help Africa is if we went to full war

with them.

In Africa those with the biggest guns are in power.

[jefferson_dem]

50. I'm curious.

Where in Africa did you grow up?

Generally, I wouldn't expect to see someone with African roots so disdainful and dismissive of things there. What gives?

Welcome to DU, by the way. :hi: Enjoy yourself.

[goldcanyonaz]

57. I grew up in Ghana on the border of the Ivory Coast.

I've seen villages raped and shot down, and I must tell you that most of the rapes happened after they were shot down.

[goldcanyonaz]

12. Archie Bunker flashback? WTF is that supposed to mean??

I'm a black woman and would LOVE if we took care of our own country first.

[oasis]

15. Obama gets his marching orders from Oprah now. (eom)

[goldcanyonaz]

19. Another hit and run by you.

[BeyondGeography]

37. People have lives, go figure...Your post was simple-minded

in an Archie Bunker, jingoistic kind of way.

[goldcanyonaz]

44. Your rather an ass aren't you? You're probably aren't that popular at parties either.

I was raised in Africa. Smoke that!

[BeyondGeography]

45. As if that makes you right

or even interesting.

[goldcanyonaz]

46. You're no African and have never been there. I'm black and proud and

you are very offensive.

[BeyondGeography]

47. I thought I was rather an ass

make up your mind already.

[goldcanyonaz]

49. Whatever, you are obviously not someone from Africa like me.

[Chulanowa]

53. I'll repeat another posters' question; Where?

I'm going to assume that, being raised in Africa, you at least know the name of the nation you grew up in. Heck, I'll bet you even remember the town.

Now besides that, I don't exactly see what relevance your point of origin, whatever it may be, has on the topic at hand. No, the majority of Africa is not run by "the guerrillas." Significant portions of the DRC, Sudan, and Somalia are, but these nations really don't speak for the continent as a whole. Their state is largely due to foreign hamhandedness and lack of concern for the people involved - a problem which Obama is speaking of addressing here.

Yeah, fixing America is a priority, and one he's spoken of frequently. I see no reason for the United States to not take part in not only cleaning up its own African mistakes, but also encouraging and actually assisting these nations towards prosperity. Though hte cynical part of me wonders just how much of this "green revolution" will have the Montsanto logo stamped on it...

[goldcanyonaz]

58. I grew up in Ghana on the border of the Ivory Coast.

My mother was murdered by guerrilla's. My father and brother were taken by them. I've never seen them since.

[TeamJordan23]

6. It's good to see at least one candidate talking about Africa for once. nm

[blm]

11. Kerry and his wife, Teresa spoke about Africa often, especially Teresa.

Many people don't remember that Teresa was raised in Mozambique and traveled with her father into villages throughout that region to bring them healthcare. The media had no interest in sharing the reality of the Kerrys' record and the issues they brought up throughout that campaign.

[bunnies]

14. Excellent article. More great things about Obama that I didnt know. nt

[Bitwit1234]

21. Wait a minute what right would the president of the USA have to

interfer in the running of a country. We found out the chaos bush caused in Iraq. I think if he wants to fix it so much he should apply for citizenship and move there. AMERICA COMES FIRST.

[annie1]

22. His interest in Africa is a plus for me. Africa is a sad...

scary place for so many. when i read about the atrocities that go on there, i want to be sick.

[goldcanyonaz]

24. Checked out the atrocities happening on your back porch lately?

Much of Africa sadly is run by guerrilla's, and not the cuddly type.

[jefferson_dem]

25. Whoa... What exactly do you mean there?

n/t

[goldcanyonaz]

27. Ermm, Guerrilla warfare.

Fucked up on the spell check last time around.

*trots off to fix it*

[calteacherguy]

29. .

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other

One...life

One

[William769]

35. Fuck Africa!

I want America fixed first. Is that petty of me? I really don't care.

[bcoylepa]

39. yes it's petty

and extraordinarily narrow minded.
we all benefit from African nations being stronger - the world has gotten very small - like Pete Seeger sang Somas el Barco ( we are the boat) - we are in this together and sentiments like yours are just painfully ignorant.

[William769]

40. You are free to move there and pitch in.

sentiments like yours are just painfully ignorant.

[jefferson_dem]

48. That's seriously fucked up, Billy.

People may see societies in need out there, some well beyond our shores but not unharmed by our meddling, that could benefit from progressive *global* policies. Your narrow "move there and pitch in" snark...is about the shittiest thing i've read here - in The *"Democratic Underground"* - in a long while.

Welcome back...

[Hippo_Tron]

61. Your sentiment is ignorantly based on the assumption...

That what happens in other parts of the world doesn't effect the United States and its interests. Luckily for you, there's a candidate who shares your views. His name is Ron Paul.

[Little Star]

36. Can we fix NOLA first? Please.

[NYCGirl]

42. Why can't we do both? One does not preclude the other. NT

[Catherine Vincent]

43. Obama is good but he's not that good.

I doubt he can fix a whole continent.

[goldcanyonaz]

51. I grew up in Africa and I'm sorry to say that we can't fix it without..

going into a full blown war.

[jefferson_dem]

56. Thanks for pointing that out...again.

If you scroll back through this thread, you'll see that some of us are interested in your origin and experiences.

Please enlighten us.

[dugggy]

54. Open borders with Africa

would be a good start.

[LittleBlue]

55. Western intervention has been the problem in Africa since day 1

Let's get out of Africa and let the Africans solve their own problems. The idea of "us" fixing "their problems" seems a bit imperialistic.

[goldcanyonaz]

59. oops,

[blm]

63. Medical advances and medicine should be shared with ALL countries.

.

[goldcanyonaz]

60. Where did all my American friends go??