Public Broadcasting Service, PBS. They get to everyone who cares to learn something.
I came home from a movie at about 12:30 am on Sunday morning and switched TV on. My plan was to fall asleep with TV as background noise. I had been watching some documentary on PBS before I left so the channel was on PBS. I was getting my blinds as I turned the TV on and had a moment of sheer confusion as I detected Swahili coming from TV. It peeked my curiosity and I paid attention. There was a hospital, in a place called Ogambe, a chief Kombo and certain “quacks” who “treat” the villagers when they fall ill. The documentary was largely about Malaria, research in Europe and test centers in Kenya and Gambia.
Well, chief Kombo is a very active chief. He went to the hospital to give some woman, whose child was admitted, money so he could be discharged and also some bus fare. He attempted to arrest the quacks but the villagers (about 15-30) stopped him. They said they needed the quacks to treat them. What the quacks are doing is causing resistant strains of malaria to develop by under prescribing malarial drugs. So the parasites remain within the body and recur as resilient types. Additionally, in the name of treating” people, they are causing deaths.
This whole thing is complicated. There are good reasons why these villagers need these quacks. This is a village that is very sparsely populated and obviously very impoverished. The chief walks everywhere and actually had to use rope to “cuff” one of the quacks because he didn’t have any other handcuffs. I also noticed the chief lacked police assistance. Basically, these villagers cannot afford the bills at the main hospital. Seriously, the bill for a child who had spent 3 nights was Ksh300. Sounds very little. But this woman could not afford it. Not only that, this child already had a resistant malarial strain and this lady did not buy the prescribed drugs because she couldn’t afford them. Needless to say, some 3 days later when the chief went to her house, her son was still ill, and yes, one of the quacks was in there.
My heart broke some many times as I watched this documentary. There was a European researcher who was begging the wealthy nations of the west to give out mosquito nets as a solution. Apparently they market these via ‘social marketing’ programs where they have plays that educate people as to why they need to buy the nets. The point they are all missing is that these targeted groups cannot afford the nets at any cost. So basically, the nets these wealthy nations provide sit in warehouses as scores of people die from Malaria. One of my heart breaking moments was when his plea fell on deaf ears. I watched, as he spoke, Charity Ngilu nodding her head to everything he said.
I fell asleep finally. Last I saw of this documentary was a chief Kombo frustrated but determined, giving in saying he had to deal with the quacks after the malaria season in September. The people needed them and he would meanwhile keep asking the quacks for their certifications. The villagers volunteered to fundraise so as to pay for the quacks education for certifications. The white guy from Europe, whose name I don’t remember ever hearing, continues to experiment with a malaria vaccine. This is one genuine white man after the health of the African, not the dollar or the pound.
I was amazed at how backward certain parts of Kenya are. I was also upset at the unwillingness of IMF and other bodies to genuinely assist these needy people. I was irate that people are dying from malaria in Kenya over drugs that cost less than ksh200. I questioned if the root problem was with the allocation of funds from the ministry of health to malaria prone areas. Or the problem was with the unwillingness of Kenyans to get involved with their own problems. Could maybe a “walk against Malaria” raise enough money annually to alleviate this scourge? I’m sure part of the problem is the quacks, who mean well, but are causing major issues. What about the lack of administrative presence to assist a man such as Chief Kombo? He very much seemed like a man who works alone. He physically went to the hospital to deliver the funds, walked to the villagers homes to see the ailing and also to make arrests. It’s interesting to note that I learn more about Kenya by not living in it. Kudos to chief Kombo. He is one dutiful man.
Where is Ogambe? I thought the people spoke a language close to kikuyu like maybe Embu or Meru. Every now and then though I thought it was Kisii. Anyone know? I didn't see any water mass. I usually associate that with malaria prone areas. Also, may I challenge anyone that still lives in Kenya to organize an annual "Stamp Malaria Out" walk?
Monday, April 10, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
Dedications
This past weekend, I took my friend to a diversity weekend at Ohio state University, from where she is considering beginning her journey to a law career. I had intended to write all about the very interesting and informative weekend. I'll get to that later.
Last week, just before I left for Ohio, a friend of a friend passed away. She has suffered from an unidentified liver condition since about 15 years ago. 2 liver transplants later, a regular hospital visit where they just unclogged her ducts turned out the terrible news that her liver had completely attacked itself, again. Third liver in a lifetime was where it all gave in. This time it was too late to hope for a transplant. Her liver was attacking itself vigorously, her kidneys failed almost immediately after, and the rest is history. Her body will be cremated following a wake and a service later this week. What will be left of her is her pieces of her first liver, which the doctors are still doing research on in an attempt to identify the cause of her very rare condition.
This morning, I received news that a friend of a friend's sister died in a road accident this past weekend. Let's refer to her as J. The accident was caused by a drunk driver who was driving the vehicle that rammed into theirs. It does make you stop and think. About the many times you watch your friends drive drunk, if not drive drunk or buzzed yourself. 3 of J's friends are in hospital following the same accident. J, the young girl whose life has met an early demise, was one I met over the well known rugby LA weekend this past February. A young energetic, flambouyant character, one who was full of life even where most of us just give in and take a rest. It's hard to imagine her not alive.
It must be at the reception of this news that I've decided to post this. I heard Terry Schiavo's dad on radio this morning, suggesting that the president should have placed his daughter under protective custody while therapy rehabilitated her. I'm beginning to appreciate the power of denial. It has been declared that Terry's brain was half the size of a normal brain at postmortem. I'm going to reserve my judgement of Terry's dad today. I can't believe that J died despite our somewhat brief meeting and experiences together. I keep seeing her walking, laughing and hearing her say what she said to me following a "situation" that arose from a bunch of females being together, "peacemakers and warmongers" created therefore. Thank goodness it was a very nice comment she made of me. I keep wondering if I'd been on the other side of this argument and she had said the opposite of what she said to me. Her being dead now, how would those words have taken on a new meaning, a new sting, maybe a new portion of personality to practice self loathing on.
Maybe we take death too seriously, maybe not, considering its finality. Whichever way, this post is dedicated to two young females, who have completed their journeys on earth, albeit a little too soon. Rest in peace.
Last week, just before I left for Ohio, a friend of a friend passed away. She has suffered from an unidentified liver condition since about 15 years ago. 2 liver transplants later, a regular hospital visit where they just unclogged her ducts turned out the terrible news that her liver had completely attacked itself, again. Third liver in a lifetime was where it all gave in. This time it was too late to hope for a transplant. Her liver was attacking itself vigorously, her kidneys failed almost immediately after, and the rest is history. Her body will be cremated following a wake and a service later this week. What will be left of her is her pieces of her first liver, which the doctors are still doing research on in an attempt to identify the cause of her very rare condition.
This morning, I received news that a friend of a friend's sister died in a road accident this past weekend. Let's refer to her as J. The accident was caused by a drunk driver who was driving the vehicle that rammed into theirs. It does make you stop and think. About the many times you watch your friends drive drunk, if not drive drunk or buzzed yourself. 3 of J's friends are in hospital following the same accident. J, the young girl whose life has met an early demise, was one I met over the well known rugby LA weekend this past February. A young energetic, flambouyant character, one who was full of life even where most of us just give in and take a rest. It's hard to imagine her not alive.
It must be at the reception of this news that I've decided to post this. I heard Terry Schiavo's dad on radio this morning, suggesting that the president should have placed his daughter under protective custody while therapy rehabilitated her. I'm beginning to appreciate the power of denial. It has been declared that Terry's brain was half the size of a normal brain at postmortem. I'm going to reserve my judgement of Terry's dad today. I can't believe that J died despite our somewhat brief meeting and experiences together. I keep seeing her walking, laughing and hearing her say what she said to me following a "situation" that arose from a bunch of females being together, "peacemakers and warmongers" created therefore. Thank goodness it was a very nice comment she made of me. I keep wondering if I'd been on the other side of this argument and she had said the opposite of what she said to me. Her being dead now, how would those words have taken on a new meaning, a new sting, maybe a new portion of personality to practice self loathing on.
Maybe we take death too seriously, maybe not, considering its finality. Whichever way, this post is dedicated to two young females, who have completed their journeys on earth, albeit a little too soon. Rest in peace.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Now, I've heard it all
Has anyone read from CNN that the FBI cannot afford e-mail accounts for its agents? The reason for this is even better. The FBI, has its own Anglo leasing. Yes, the FBI invested some $2B, (B stands for billion, you're reading correctly) for some supposed, well dreamed, technology project. The contracting company never delivered, and no one is demanding this money back. Instead, as a way of combating questions into the flabbergasting possibility that the FBI is denying some of its agents e-mail accounts; one lady said that some 2000 agents would have e-mail accounts by December. Seriously? It will take the enormous institution 9 months to set up 2000 e-mail accounts? In terms of affordability, this cost compared to the operating costs of this bureau does not amount to a drop in the ocean. What is going on with Bush's administration?
Gossip has it that the port deals, the ones that they would not let the UAE company through to run. Guess who is going to get the deal? Think again. You got it, HALIBURTON. Yes, Haliburton. Haliburton is the same company that charges $100 for a soldier's meal in Iraq and they fed them crap. Including giving them untreated water from either the Euphrates or the Tigris, who knows. The same Haliburton charged to the government, $1400 for hammers after giving them a politically correct name that made it sound important. No government contract has been pulled from this company yet. Yes, they are completely immersed with the Bush family. So all of you screaming in pleasure about dignitaries from this West you choose to assume is so great and not corrupt, please stop. Tell them instead to pull out the logs from their eyes before they point out the splinter in yours.
Away from politics, here is a neighbor not to have. How annoying. They should set him up for a public flogging and then turn his yard to a dog poop dump site. Make him watch that and like it.
Want an error proof job? Meteorologist. They had been singing about 3-18 inches of snow. We were lucky to see a dusting here this morning. Some errors are acceptable but when they have everyone turning on their emergency units and going over emergency drills, for nothing! And this isn't the first time. I guess good guessing is what they do. They're telling us we'll see a dusting tomorrow, I think we'll be buried in snow then.
Did you know the Irish white consider it a no, no to marry outside of Irish? Yeah. They look down on that. I learnt that at some St. Patty's parade/drinking binge last Friday. What would they say to a mixed race marriage? Did you also know the Puerto Rican Latino is considered the Latino trash? Yeah. And J. LO and her husband are Puerto Ricans. I was given this as a reason why she has had so many amazing issues. So like calling a Mexican, Puerto Rican is a good way to make enemies. Tribalism is rampant in Africa as we all know. Basically, does anyone believe there's a chance of ever uniting this world?
Gossip has it that the port deals, the ones that they would not let the UAE company through to run. Guess who is going to get the deal? Think again. You got it, HALIBURTON. Yes, Haliburton. Haliburton is the same company that charges $100 for a soldier's meal in Iraq and they fed them crap. Including giving them untreated water from either the Euphrates or the Tigris, who knows. The same Haliburton charged to the government, $1400 for hammers after giving them a politically correct name that made it sound important. No government contract has been pulled from this company yet. Yes, they are completely immersed with the Bush family. So all of you screaming in pleasure about dignitaries from this West you choose to assume is so great and not corrupt, please stop. Tell them instead to pull out the logs from their eyes before they point out the splinter in yours.
Away from politics, here is a neighbor not to have. How annoying. They should set him up for a public flogging and then turn his yard to a dog poop dump site. Make him watch that and like it.
Want an error proof job? Meteorologist. They had been singing about 3-18 inches of snow. We were lucky to see a dusting here this morning. Some errors are acceptable but when they have everyone turning on their emergency units and going over emergency drills, for nothing! And this isn't the first time. I guess good guessing is what they do. They're telling us we'll see a dusting tomorrow, I think we'll be buried in snow then.
Did you know the Irish white consider it a no, no to marry outside of Irish? Yeah. They look down on that. I learnt that at some St. Patty's parade/drinking binge last Friday. What would they say to a mixed race marriage? Did you also know the Puerto Rican Latino is considered the Latino trash? Yeah. And J. LO and her husband are Puerto Ricans. I was given this as a reason why she has had so many amazing issues. So like calling a Mexican, Puerto Rican is a good way to make enemies. Tribalism is rampant in Africa as we all know. Basically, does anyone believe there's a chance of ever uniting this world?
Friday, March 17, 2006
Definitely makes you go mhhhh
*I guess love will lead people to do strange things.
* Jessica Simpson snubbed Bush... Hehehehehe.
Maybe she isn't as dumb as she looks.
*Q: Kenyans, mercenaries, Raila, Kibaki, government ---> Hog-wash?
A: True
*Crude oil has been getting cheaper past few days, gas prices are going higher. The oil companies are making record profits. Congress is meeting them to discuss this trend. Anyone believe this will lead anywhere? Didn't think so.
* Iraq is teetering on the edge of a civil war. The US air force has launched a massive strike. Since they "control" Iraq via the so called new Iraq Government, are they at war with themselves? Oh, well. It was bound to happen sooner than later.
* The stinking rich KC Chiefs, their owners and the state of MO think taxpayers with little money to spare (aka me) should pay more taxes so that the stinking rich keep getting richer. Instead, they (rich ones) could each give up 50% of their $7-15M earnings per year and build the damn roof at Arrowhead Stadium themselves. Making me madder is that there's no financial benefit to the state, but plenty to the chief and Royals owners, to be gained from this. That translates to me paying taxes for this roof for years. Goodness, why when the average cost to park a vehicle during a chiefs game is $25??! Strangely, I know the average taxpayer will vote to allow this damn tax just so that they don't lose the chiefs to LA. You ask me, I love the chiefs but c'mon, don't sucker me!
* This state had 92 tornadoes touch down 5 days ago and we should be snowing again within the next 24 hours? Given that tornadoes are a factor of warming temperatures and snow the opposite of that... AAhhhh, gotta love the Midwest.
* Jessica Simpson snubbed Bush... Hehehehehe.
Maybe she isn't as dumb as she looks.
*Q: Kenyans, mercenaries, Raila, Kibaki, government ---> Hog-wash?
A: True
*Crude oil has been getting cheaper past few days, gas prices are going higher. The oil companies are making record profits. Congress is meeting them to discuss this trend. Anyone believe this will lead anywhere? Didn't think so.
* Iraq is teetering on the edge of a civil war. The US air force has launched a massive strike. Since they "control" Iraq via the so called new Iraq Government, are they at war with themselves? Oh, well. It was bound to happen sooner than later.
* The stinking rich KC Chiefs, their owners and the state of MO think taxpayers with little money to spare (aka me) should pay more taxes so that the stinking rich keep getting richer. Instead, they (rich ones) could each give up 50% of their $7-15M earnings per year and build the damn roof at Arrowhead Stadium themselves. Making me madder is that there's no financial benefit to the state, but plenty to the chief and Royals owners, to be gained from this. That translates to me paying taxes for this roof for years. Goodness, why when the average cost to park a vehicle during a chiefs game is $25??! Strangely, I know the average taxpayer will vote to allow this damn tax just so that they don't lose the chiefs to LA. You ask me, I love the chiefs but c'mon, don't sucker me!
* This state had 92 tornadoes touch down 5 days ago and we should be snowing again within the next 24 hours? Given that tornadoes are a factor of warming temperatures and snow the opposite of that... AAhhhh, gotta love the Midwest.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Enough Already!
Perpetual Victim Syndrome. As per the description of a victim, I can't help but wonder if this also becomes a disease. I can't help but notice the symptoms of a chronic illness brewing in Kenya. It is with everyone. And more so, it is exasperating to watch. Victims of unfair practices, victims of undelivering governments.
Standard/KTN the victims?
Are they done whining yet? Over a week later and they are still talking about the raid? Has nothing else happened in that nation since? And these victims, are they telling us the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Has anyone else noticed how much their coverage is about the raid and not the 3 staff members and their cases? What is the reason behind why these people were being held? I find it hard to believe that the only reason is because they wrote about Kalonzo and Kibaki meeting. That, I think, may have triggered an investigation. Into what I ask, dear Standard? Because by all measures, why only the Standard was raided? What is the alleged security breach? I must point out, I'm all for shutting down every newspaper if it provides a security breach. Also, I'm not a believer in the news/media being over and above the safety of the people. If there's a leak in State house, speak or serve time. My safety and my family's before news, which by the way are biased as is possible to be. Has any of you asked if Standard/KTN is being completely honest? Have they lied by omission? I think so. But they can. Because you eat it up. They have control over you and they know it.
The crowds are screaming for blood
In a recent post, I described the pontius Pilate Syndrome. Where everyone gathers and starts screaming for blood. And it's happening again. Why, I ask, have Kenyans turned off their brains? Why are you all so willing to be manipulated? Why must you all agree on nothing? How comes, it's so easy for you to believe in everything you read, despite years of literature that have taught you to analyze what you read. How comes the only solution you all have for everything that goes wrong is resignation? What happened to correction? Who says you're all perfect? If we ran our businesses this way, would we have a single surviving one? Could we possibly fire everyone that errors, without investigation, and say, we find that they are guilty, without a process of correction? For everyone that resigned following Anglo Leasing, how many projects have stalled? Was this worthwhile or could they have been working, since after all they're getting paid as investigations continue?
Angry or Crazed
The way I see it, Kenyans are angry. About many things and rightfully so. But I'm unhappy with how they are handling this. Kenyans are jaded, so they are venting. I liken these acts of idiosyncrasies to throwing crystal objects to walls as a show of anger. Because they are angry, Kenyans are spreading misery. To everyone in power. I'm amazed that anyone runs for elections with a crowd like this one. Who would want to claim charge over people that refuse to be helped? People who want to "preach to the world" that they have been wronged, and cannot wait for the next example to showcase. The Kenyans have been victims of injustices for so long and they must complain about it some more. Oh, oh, oh, here comes another chance to prove we, kenyans, are victims. My advice to you all, snap out of it. You can only whine so much before those listening have heard enough. There are those that haven't though. Does it concern anyone that the UK house has time to debate what is going on in your country? Did they stop their daily affairs to debate the starving people? This they interfere with? Tell me, why did your forefathers fight for freedom? How comes, you all think it's a great day when the world is debating your dumb acts? Don't you see that the people that suffer are those where the potential aid would have helped them? Why does someone not turn to these people and tell them to help without sanctions, especially where it does not involve concern with spending of allotted funds, or shove it! I'm particularly proud that Kibaki said he wasn't firing anyone to appease the crowds anymore. Good one, NOT Pontius Pilate!
Why you have no choice but to process and discard the bad stuff
Remember Hitler and the Jews? Recall Rwanda? Everyone agrees that Hitler was horrible. So were the interhamwe and the people influencing the general Hutus to kill their Tutsi countrymen and women. Agreed. But are these the only people to blame. Isn't the honest and appropriate feeling towards these genocides disappointment in the human race? The general German elitist and Hutu elitist who killed another man because he was influenced, is he innocent? Wasn't he responsible for his thoughts? Did he not have control over that? Could he not decide not to believe crap he heard? That's where you all come in. You can think the worst of the government and every official in it. Just think it. After you have read and observed, conclusively think it. Don't give reasons such as "I read in the papers" and believe that to be a sufficient answer? Let that prompt you to find out more or to know that there could be more to learn. There are always 2 sides to every story. And listening with an open mind to both sides is the key to being honestly informed. The worst and most dangerous person is he with little information. Because he thinks he knows when he doesn't. And the general Kenyan is here right now.
The White Man doesn't know better
Trust me. Therefore stop writing about how the "white world is up in arms against this or the other" ,because it agrees with your sentiments, as a happy thing. If you thought it, that should be sufficient to give it weight. Weight is not when 27 delegations chip in their 25 cents worth? If they can see a pattern, so can you and the next Kenyan. If they say it, it isn't automatically right. I beg kindly that you cease and desist to make important news of the white man's opinion. I'm quite sure it carries no more thought process than my own. IT gives them reason to deny you much needed aid though. And also gives them reason to claim you're incapable of handling this or the other on your own. After all, aren't you always looking up to them to confirm your opinions?
Clock's Ticking:
In reality, Kenya is a very developed country with great human resource, in comaprison with 3rd world countries. In reality as well, Kenyans are excitable and are easily manipulated into tunnel vision. In greater reality, Kenya's debt was not pardoned while that of its neighbors, its general competitors was. Translate that to this. Kenya has a very short while to cement its worthiness. As we speak, the other countries have capital not accessible to Kenyans until after they're done paying off debt. Kenyans need to simmer down and start concentrating on true and effective methods that secure the competitive edge of the nation. Forget the Standard Newspapers and address the starving. The Standard can afford its own lawyers. Concentrate on enticing foreign investment now, while there's still an edge. Time is running out. Make sure when you all stop whining about how angry you all are it's not because you're too hungry to continue. Make some goals and attain them. Let not everyday propaganda veer you off that path that easily.
Standard/KTN the victims?
Are they done whining yet? Over a week later and they are still talking about the raid? Has nothing else happened in that nation since? And these victims, are they telling us the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Has anyone else noticed how much their coverage is about the raid and not the 3 staff members and their cases? What is the reason behind why these people were being held? I find it hard to believe that the only reason is because they wrote about Kalonzo and Kibaki meeting. That, I think, may have triggered an investigation. Into what I ask, dear Standard? Because by all measures, why only the Standard was raided? What is the alleged security breach? I must point out, I'm all for shutting down every newspaper if it provides a security breach. Also, I'm not a believer in the news/media being over and above the safety of the people. If there's a leak in State house, speak or serve time. My safety and my family's before news, which by the way are biased as is possible to be. Has any of you asked if Standard/KTN is being completely honest? Have they lied by omission? I think so. But they can. Because you eat it up. They have control over you and they know it.
The crowds are screaming for blood
In a recent post, I described the pontius Pilate Syndrome. Where everyone gathers and starts screaming for blood. And it's happening again. Why, I ask, have Kenyans turned off their brains? Why are you all so willing to be manipulated? Why must you all agree on nothing? How comes, it's so easy for you to believe in everything you read, despite years of literature that have taught you to analyze what you read. How comes the only solution you all have for everything that goes wrong is resignation? What happened to correction? Who says you're all perfect? If we ran our businesses this way, would we have a single surviving one? Could we possibly fire everyone that errors, without investigation, and say, we find that they are guilty, without a process of correction? For everyone that resigned following Anglo Leasing, how many projects have stalled? Was this worthwhile or could they have been working, since after all they're getting paid as investigations continue?
Angry or Crazed
The way I see it, Kenyans are angry. About many things and rightfully so. But I'm unhappy with how they are handling this. Kenyans are jaded, so they are venting. I liken these acts of idiosyncrasies to throwing crystal objects to walls as a show of anger. Because they are angry, Kenyans are spreading misery. To everyone in power. I'm amazed that anyone runs for elections with a crowd like this one. Who would want to claim charge over people that refuse to be helped? People who want to "preach to the world" that they have been wronged, and cannot wait for the next example to showcase. The Kenyans have been victims of injustices for so long and they must complain about it some more. Oh, oh, oh, here comes another chance to prove we, kenyans, are victims. My advice to you all, snap out of it. You can only whine so much before those listening have heard enough. There are those that haven't though. Does it concern anyone that the UK house has time to debate what is going on in your country? Did they stop their daily affairs to debate the starving people? This they interfere with? Tell me, why did your forefathers fight for freedom? How comes, you all think it's a great day when the world is debating your dumb acts? Don't you see that the people that suffer are those where the potential aid would have helped them? Why does someone not turn to these people and tell them to help without sanctions, especially where it does not involve concern with spending of allotted funds, or shove it! I'm particularly proud that Kibaki said he wasn't firing anyone to appease the crowds anymore. Good one, NOT Pontius Pilate!
Why you have no choice but to process and discard the bad stuff
Remember Hitler and the Jews? Recall Rwanda? Everyone agrees that Hitler was horrible. So were the interhamwe and the people influencing the general Hutus to kill their Tutsi countrymen and women. Agreed. But are these the only people to blame. Isn't the honest and appropriate feeling towards these genocides disappointment in the human race? The general German elitist and Hutu elitist who killed another man because he was influenced, is he innocent? Wasn't he responsible for his thoughts? Did he not have control over that? Could he not decide not to believe crap he heard? That's where you all come in. You can think the worst of the government and every official in it. Just think it. After you have read and observed, conclusively think it. Don't give reasons such as "I read in the papers" and believe that to be a sufficient answer? Let that prompt you to find out more or to know that there could be more to learn. There are always 2 sides to every story. And listening with an open mind to both sides is the key to being honestly informed. The worst and most dangerous person is he with little information. Because he thinks he knows when he doesn't. And the general Kenyan is here right now.
The White Man doesn't know better
Trust me. Therefore stop writing about how the "white world is up in arms against this or the other" ,because it agrees with your sentiments, as a happy thing. If you thought it, that should be sufficient to give it weight. Weight is not when 27 delegations chip in their 25 cents worth? If they can see a pattern, so can you and the next Kenyan. If they say it, it isn't automatically right. I beg kindly that you cease and desist to make important news of the white man's opinion. I'm quite sure it carries no more thought process than my own. IT gives them reason to deny you much needed aid though. And also gives them reason to claim you're incapable of handling this or the other on your own. After all, aren't you always looking up to them to confirm your opinions?
Clock's Ticking:
In reality, Kenya is a very developed country with great human resource, in comaprison with 3rd world countries. In reality as well, Kenyans are excitable and are easily manipulated into tunnel vision. In greater reality, Kenya's debt was not pardoned while that of its neighbors, its general competitors was. Translate that to this. Kenya has a very short while to cement its worthiness. As we speak, the other countries have capital not accessible to Kenyans until after they're done paying off debt. Kenyans need to simmer down and start concentrating on true and effective methods that secure the competitive edge of the nation. Forget the Standard Newspapers and address the starving. The Standard can afford its own lawyers. Concentrate on enticing foreign investment now, while there's still an edge. Time is running out. Make sure when you all stop whining about how angry you all are it's not because you're too hungry to continue. Make some goals and attain them. Let not everyday propaganda veer you off that path that easily.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
The Pontius Pilate Syndrome
This is to be considered an angry blog. This will be coming out soon on your shelves with the exact same title. I'm suffering completely from a superiority complex from the world around me. I'll be happy if it turns out to be just that, a complex. But I doubt it. There have been too many Jesus' being crucified in the recent past. And the media, here exists a love hate relationship, has tons to do with it. Sometimes as Pharisees and sometimes as the screaming crowds.
Main/Original characters:
Jesus, Barrabas, Pontius Pilate, Pharisees and the screaming crowds. Refer to various chapters in the bible. "Crucifixion of Jesus" google search will give you the entire story just in case this religious literature has never made it into your realm of knowledge. Pay attention to this story. I'm going to base everything else on this story. I will be trying to show that the world has gone crazy, is screaming bloody murder at the wrong people. Worse, that the people with the power, authorities or not, are doing the "wash my hands' clean act and delivering innocent people to the slaughter. As far as I'm concerned, enough!!!!
Copy Cats:
This story is being enacted everyday. Here are a few known stars:
Recently, Oprah as Pontius Pilate, James Frey as Jesus, The smoking Gun as the pharisees and as usual, the screaming crowds as themselves. Ultimate crime, the book "a million little pieces.
So who told Oprah this book was written for her, to her or because of her. This book had sold over 700, 000 copies without her intervention. The smoking gun.com, finds exaggerated issues in the memoir's details. They don't claim the memoir has falsehoods. No. They claim Oprah has been duped. This would have had little to no effect had Oprah not bought into the falsehood that this book has anything to do with her because she picked it for her book club. It is just a book club Oprah! Anyway, she calls in to Larry King Live's show, gives her honest opinion, then has to rescind that with the words "I was wrong, you were right". "You" here cannot refer to myself and those like me. You is the smoking gun, the people who keep her wealth and power going. She proceeds to berate poor James Frey over nothing. So there were falsehoods, lets take every memoir and tear into it as the TSG did with this book. Of course, of course there will be tons of thing like this to find. And you know what? This book is not about prison. But Oprah, saved herself, washed her "innocent" hands clean and send James Frey to the slaughter house. Shame on Oprah and those like her. Especially the audience that greeted James Frey with applause, and were booing him before the show was over because she berated him. If you have to get your own opinion from Oprah... Need I say more? Oprah, get it that you went after James Frey and not the other way round. If you feel stupid and embarrassed, blame your bad judgment not James. He never came after you. And you being Oprah, calling him, does not demand that he change his tune from how he marketed the book. Get over yourself!
Saddam as Jesus (the irony of this is not lost to me), Bush and his government as Pontius Pilate, Osama as Barrabas, the people of the US as usual as the screaming crowds.
Does anyone need a brief synopsis of this? Of course in this case Pontius Pilate had more in mind than just keeping his hands clean. But still, the people needed vengeance over crimes and they were happy to send the young lads, aka the army, to fight the enemy? What??? The enemy was never Saddam. Not within their angry context. And now Saddam is crucified as Osama walks free. Where have we seen this before? And do we know that this particular story's Barrabas is wanting to wreak more havoc. Of course we do. So the people wanted blood. And they got it. Unfortunately, a lot of it has come from the US as well.
Government of Kenya as pontius Pilate, Raila and LDP as the pharisees, the real culprits of the Anglo leasing and Goldenberg scandals as Barrabas and the usual screaming crowds as themselves.
Dear Kenyans, if you all don't stop screaming along with the crowds for people where their guilt has not been proven to resign. If you all don't stop asking for blood now and without due process, you are going to get blood. It will be that of Jesus, whomever that turns out to be. And the Barrabas will continue to walk amongst you all. It is imperative that you step back and breathe. Think. Patience. It is pretty apparent that the Pilate here is beginning to give in to the demands of the crowds. Even teh real Pontius Pilate could see that by all means, Jesus was innocent. But he gave teh crowd what they wanted. And they were happy. I wonder how long it was before Barrabas was up to his old tricks again. Again I urge you all, think. Some things are better done correctly, and that sometimes means a little more slowly. Don't help crucify Jesus. We were meant to have learnt something from the bible story after all, weren't we?
So...
So the blood the Americans got and continue to get has a lot of their own mixed in with it. Herein bringing me to my point, that we must all stop and think before we join the crowds screaming for blood. We must identify who needs to be saved, Jesus or Barrabas. The above is just but a few examples of this happening everyday. We all must stop sending Barrabas free, just so as to be in tune with the rest of the world. It's high time someone stood up for the facts and not the hype! As I mentioned before, this is just the beginning. May I urge that everyone reading this take a step back and wonder where in their lives they have become part of the screaming crowds. And maybe change their ways and urge the Pilate not to wash his hands, but to insist that due process be allowed to rule the day.
Main/Original characters:
Jesus, Barrabas, Pontius Pilate, Pharisees and the screaming crowds. Refer to various chapters in the bible. "Crucifixion of Jesus" google search will give you the entire story just in case this religious literature has never made it into your realm of knowledge. Pay attention to this story. I'm going to base everything else on this story. I will be trying to show that the world has gone crazy, is screaming bloody murder at the wrong people. Worse, that the people with the power, authorities or not, are doing the "wash my hands' clean act and delivering innocent people to the slaughter. As far as I'm concerned, enough!!!!
Copy Cats:
This story is being enacted everyday. Here are a few known stars:
Recently, Oprah as Pontius Pilate, James Frey as Jesus, The smoking Gun as the pharisees and as usual, the screaming crowds as themselves. Ultimate crime, the book "a million little pieces.
So who told Oprah this book was written for her, to her or because of her. This book had sold over 700, 000 copies without her intervention. The smoking gun.com, finds exaggerated issues in the memoir's details. They don't claim the memoir has falsehoods. No. They claim Oprah has been duped. This would have had little to no effect had Oprah not bought into the falsehood that this book has anything to do with her because she picked it for her book club. It is just a book club Oprah! Anyway, she calls in to Larry King Live's show, gives her honest opinion, then has to rescind that with the words "I was wrong, you were right". "You" here cannot refer to myself and those like me. You is the smoking gun, the people who keep her wealth and power going. She proceeds to berate poor James Frey over nothing. So there were falsehoods, lets take every memoir and tear into it as the TSG did with this book. Of course, of course there will be tons of thing like this to find. And you know what? This book is not about prison. But Oprah, saved herself, washed her "innocent" hands clean and send James Frey to the slaughter house. Shame on Oprah and those like her. Especially the audience that greeted James Frey with applause, and were booing him before the show was over because she berated him. If you have to get your own opinion from Oprah... Need I say more? Oprah, get it that you went after James Frey and not the other way round. If you feel stupid and embarrassed, blame your bad judgment not James. He never came after you. And you being Oprah, calling him, does not demand that he change his tune from how he marketed the book. Get over yourself!
Saddam as Jesus (the irony of this is not lost to me), Bush and his government as Pontius Pilate, Osama as Barrabas, the people of the US as usual as the screaming crowds.
Does anyone need a brief synopsis of this? Of course in this case Pontius Pilate had more in mind than just keeping his hands clean. But still, the people needed vengeance over crimes and they were happy to send the young lads, aka the army, to fight the enemy? What??? The enemy was never Saddam. Not within their angry context. And now Saddam is crucified as Osama walks free. Where have we seen this before? And do we know that this particular story's Barrabas is wanting to wreak more havoc. Of course we do. So the people wanted blood. And they got it. Unfortunately, a lot of it has come from the US as well.
Government of Kenya as pontius Pilate, Raila and LDP as the pharisees, the real culprits of the Anglo leasing and Goldenberg scandals as Barrabas and the usual screaming crowds as themselves.
Dear Kenyans, if you all don't stop screaming along with the crowds for people where their guilt has not been proven to resign. If you all don't stop asking for blood now and without due process, you are going to get blood. It will be that of Jesus, whomever that turns out to be. And the Barrabas will continue to walk amongst you all. It is imperative that you step back and breathe. Think. Patience. It is pretty apparent that the Pilate here is beginning to give in to the demands of the crowds. Even teh real Pontius Pilate could see that by all means, Jesus was innocent. But he gave teh crowd what they wanted. And they were happy. I wonder how long it was before Barrabas was up to his old tricks again. Again I urge you all, think. Some things are better done correctly, and that sometimes means a little more slowly. Don't help crucify Jesus. We were meant to have learnt something from the bible story after all, weren't we?
So...
So the blood the Americans got and continue to get has a lot of their own mixed in with it. Herein bringing me to my point, that we must all stop and think before we join the crowds screaming for blood. We must identify who needs to be saved, Jesus or Barrabas. The above is just but a few examples of this happening everyday. We all must stop sending Barrabas free, just so as to be in tune with the rest of the world. It's high time someone stood up for the facts and not the hype! As I mentioned before, this is just the beginning. May I urge that everyone reading this take a step back and wonder where in their lives they have become part of the screaming crowds. And maybe change their ways and urge the Pilate not to wash his hands, but to insist that due process be allowed to rule the day.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Meanwhile, in East Africa...
I find it very entertaining that the mother in this article was acting all chill mode. It's amazing how people keep calm when the things others consider most shocking are going on around them. Personally I'd be screaming and rushing the kid to hosi and very very worried about all sorts of diseases, most of them I would be creating and inventing as I carried on my screaming. Oh well, thank goodness for the face of calmness...
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