Just a thought ... Oprah as a special U.S. envoy for Africa ???

[palintology]

It's payback time ... would she be able to bring anything positive to that continent ???

[Lucky 13]

1. I don't think so.

She's an entertainer and philanthropist, not an expert on foreign relations or any of the very serious issues that are problematic in Africa - like diseases, war lords, famine, civil war, bush meat trade, etc. We really need someone who's an expert in one or more of these areas if we are going to assist Africa effectively.

Also, this isn't about "payback". It's not about appointing people to positions who helped you get elected. That's cronyism and we've had 8 years too long of that. Find the best person for the job... period.

[Marrah_G]

9. Thank you!

people seem to forget that.

I didn't vote for Obama to put his supporters and friends in positions as a thank you.

I voted for him because I was certain he would find the best possible people for each position and hire them.

[polichick]

2. Doesn't she still have a school there? I think your idea is a good one!

[SweetieD]

6. Africa is a huge continent. She has one school in South Africa. This does not qualify her as an Afri

African foriegn policy expert, any more than David Hasselhoff is an expert in European affairs because he is big in Germany.

[polichick]

13. That really diminishes Oprah's interest in and dedication to the people of Africa.

[SweetieD]

3. Why Oprah? She hasn't really done much in the way of foreign affairs with Africa as a whole

She did build a school in S. Africa and knows Nelson Mandela but other than that she is probably clueless on the foreign relations of many African countries.

[Beausoir]

4. No. n/t

[SurfingAtWork]

5. Sounds like a wonderful idea.....

For a Southpark episode.

[onehandle]

7. How about Palin?

She could really help out that country.

:+

[stray cat]

8. I want excellence for a specific job not a pay back promotion

I had enough of that with Bush

[ecstatic]

10. Well she did set up a school. Maybe she could do more to help

in education. :shrug:

[ellacott]

11. She didn't do what she did looking for payback

There are many others who have devoted their time to African issues. They asked Oprah if she wanted a position and she said no.

[leftofcool]

12. NO!