[afro-nets] Eliminating world poverty: making governance work for the poor (38)

["Shepherd Shamu" <shamushe@yahoo.com>]

Eliminating world poverty: making governance work for the poor (38)
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Dear Robert
   
Your piece to Craig was well articulated. The Western world does not realize the burden of colonization is what's making Africa struggle. The world, as Kris also observed before, needs a new World Order, a new leadership model, a reversal of roles, a situation where the developing world and in particular, Africa defines its own path. So far Africa is isolated on the Island of Alcatraz where the choice is either you jump into the ocean and get swallowed or you live by what is given. Given Craig's analysis, which capitalist in his/her greatest senses would like to relinquish his/her grip? The Western capitalist model has made sure that only a few graduate from the have-nots to the haves, albeit slowly. This is the kind of mentality and values that they have given to Africa, and I am so sorry to Africa.
   
For example, Democracy and governance, two values  that have so far been advocated and pampered by the West have their best weapon in the use of secret balloting. This ironically, has been abused in so many countries: why because voting has now become a game of counting 'Xs' instead of addressing people's issues. Even in the West they talk about how many votes did So and So get? how many were spoilt?, as if they are counting chickens instead of people's issues. In any case why would democratic and transparent societies exercise their votes by secret ballot? why is one not free to have his/her vote matched by his/name, address and choice of candidate? A case where one does not even know which party or politician his/her wife/husband, son or friend voted for.  This only shows dubiousness on the part of those who want to use their values to advance their cause, albeit by confusion.

Shepherd Shamu
Consultant Health Economist
Southern Africa
Contact Cell: +263-023-309 964
E-mail: mailto:shamushe@yahoo.com or mailto:shepherdshamu@hotmail.com