STOP LOOKING TOO FAR...IT'S RIGHT HERE

You know I'm out of words. The stereotype is "not in Canada". It only happens "there", in "third world" countries. We are too "rich and civilized"! Well, try telling that to the people of Attawapiskat. Canada is an illusion (hey don't bite yet...slow down). I know it's "better" here, oh excuse me "racism is less in Canada", and immigration laws and policies are fantastic. Wait a minute! why should there be any allowance for racism, discrimination, exclusion, oppression, imperialism, and "royalty"? Well tell me it's part of the human condition (I know, I know, I know). But of course then, you must stop pretending that it's only Africa that these issues happen. It occurs in our backyards every day. living in a country where 90 per cent of the time people are in doors and 5 per of the time in their cars; leaving little or no accommodation for community building and sense of belonging, it's tough. Well, if you do get to meet an aboriginal, it's almost like a special honour because their stories and existence is so far removed from "royal throne" of Canadian parliament, supreme courts and edifices of authority. Well, I am trying to make a point, but I guess I'm not good at it so, here you go:

Red Cross workers arriving in Attawapiskat with aid | CTV News

It's interesting the amount of racist and discriminatory comments out there amongst Canadians about this situation. Rather than thinking about the root causes of the problem they are locked down in "forced relocation", "$70,000 has been provided for each person since 2006", "where did the money go" "ask the Chief 93 million is a lot of money", "imposing Western lifestyle and urbanization on this community" etc. Why don't you just ask the inhabitants of Attawapiskat what do they really need and for once stop this imperialistic, racist and paternalistic attitude. Gosh, what a world - sometimes. It just hurts!!!! Well, maybe Serena and her sister can help steer us toward hope in dealing with this systemic issue rather than resorting to "quick fix".

GOING BACK TO MY ROOTS

Ask me what it feels like going back home where there is no electricity or tap born water after living in the West for over 10 years? I'd say it is very difficult. But ask me, how do I feel about going back to my roots, I'd say GREAT! You want to know why? Because Liberia/Ghana/Africa is my home. No amount of challenge, frustration and struggle can ever deter me from fulfilling my moral obligation. That is, contributing my quota to engineer social change on the continent. Thus, the story is about picking to my heels to Liberia and Ghana for 4 consecutive weeks to teach, research and do business

My joy knew no bounds as I stood before fellow Liberians at Cuttington University's Graduate School of Public Health and Buduburam Refugee Camp's Christian Center for Leadership Development and Counseling to impart knowledge and skills for sustainable development. Who knew that after all these years, I will be returning to the refugee camp I once received ration at - but now in the capacity of the Director of Flowers School of Public Health Sciences and Science to deliver the keynote address to 141 graduants of CCLDC? Well, I'm still trying to be the change I want to see in the world. See Ghana Daily Graphics of November 17, 2011.

Daily Graphic Newspaper, November 17, 2011

PROUDLY LIBERIAN

When you are very sensitive (I guess because you are born in September - so my Mama says) you hurt a lot! Because, when your history and identity is tied to slavery where the oppressed becomes the oppressors - the shame it generates catapults you to a position of simultaneous regrets and acceptance. You mutter on a daily basis, you criticize and you end up shunning your own (most times) because the worse happens - a bloody civil war that lasted for 14 years claiming 250,000 lives and forcing many into the state of protracted displacement, refugeehood, undocumented status. You are beaten, raped, and abused in all shape, form, size and colour. Yet, you get so mad (I mean really ANGRY) when outsiders only see the negative side of your culture, your people, your society, ecetera ecetera - you know like VBS TV Guide said "Liberians eat human flesh"?

Then, on October 7, 2011 you wake up to the most beautiful news ever ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF AND LEYMAH GBOWEE two distinct Liberian women takes away the most prestigious honour in the world. Then you begin to wonder - so good things do come out of Liberia/Africa. And as a matter of fact, some African countries, (Liberia, South Africa and Botswana - to name but a very few) have made historical strides which makes topics such as "feminism in the Western world" a mockery sometimes. Because on the one hand, these societies claim to be more progressive, civil and respectful of women's rights yet, are so far removed from the realities of most African women.

Well, there's not much to say but for the first time in my life, I feel PROUDLY LIBERIA - so emotional! CONGRAT MA ELLEN, SIS LEYMAH and my friend TAWAKKUL KARMAM!!!!

60 MILLION GIRLS - I WAS PART OF THAT NUMBER

Yes, it's only 18 years ago that I was being counted as one of several million refugee girls around the world who had no access to education. Then one day my luck shine only because my Mama - as poor as she was -  forbid me to follow boys (OH YES SHE DID) and put my "head in my books". See Mama is the toughest disciplinarian I have ever known in my life. My siblings and I often reflect on her "no-nonsense" disciplinarian style - most times we crack up with endless laughter. BUT back then it was no joke - I'm not kidding you. Many days, like any normal teenager, I bickered with her wondering why she was so tough on me. One day, I had the audacity to say to Mama that she's not my real mother because if she were, she won't treat me with such ironed fisk. Mama just laughed and said - "go find your real mother." Of course, she is my biological mother - it's taken me some three decades plus to really appreciate her fully! I bless every day in my life to have her - all that I am and have become, I owe it 100 per cent to Mama.

I am very much aware that I'm veering off but you see, you must realize that my story is never mine but rather seamlessly interwoven with that of my Mama's. So, if you are in Montreal, Quebec area come listen to my mother's story lived through me. Visit 60 Million Girls for more details.

EDUCATING LIBERIAN CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS

If you are an extremely hard working person you will feel my excitement! You know the feeling you get when you have spent sleepless nights completing your "side jobs" because daylight wouldn't permit you? YES! The picture on the right hand side of this post explains it all.

It started two years ago when the Good Citizen Project (GCP) was started with my fellow Liberians McAnthony Keah and Dan Brown. I was asked how and what can I contribute? I instantly thought about writing children's books to educate them about human rights. GCP loved the idea and we instantly dubbed the Volume - Human Rights Series. Soon after, I happened to make my first trip to Liberia - 18 years after I left. And though I have no experience with writing children's books, there was no shortage of stories in Liberia. From the Ministry of Education to small villages across the counties, I watched, observed, and wept - not just for my poverty stricken past but that even after some three decades plus children are still in such impoverished situation in Liberia. I keep asking why and what can be done to ameliorate this concern?

I returned to Canada and instantly put pen to paper. Miatta & Kiazulu Wants to Have a School in their Village was the result. Yesterday, I held for the first time, the 21 page colourful glossy print. Published by First Choice Books, it begins with Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "Everyone has the right to education" and Article 28 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child "...governments should make primary education compulsory and available free to all". This story highlights Miatta and Kiazulu's conversation as they journey to school miles away from their village. 

As this is the first of GCP's Human Rights Series, we look forward to ensuring that every child in Liberia has a copy to the book. It is our long-term goal that through GCP, children in Liberia/Africa will become good citizens, leaders and human rights advocates. Watch this space for more information on how to obtain a copy of Miatta and Kiazulu Wants to Have a School in their Village.

This post will be incomplete without saying thanks to the person behind the beautiful coloring - Frederic Jacques Carrasca, the Illustrator. Merci beaucoup mon ami - nous l'ai fait!
Paix!!!

MY TRIBUTE TO JACK LAYTON

I don't watch TV! So apparently, all of Canada probably already knew Jack Layton had passed before I stood at the news stand on Tuesday, morning August 23rd sobbing like nobody's business. I wept because I knew deep within my bones that Canada had lost one of its greatest. I met the charismatic, passionate, down-to-earth, pleasant and handsome Jack Layton at Afrofest in Toronto, 2009. Seated in the crowd, I spotted him and his beautiful feisty wife from a distance. With excitement and uncontrollable laughter, I rushed towards him with a hug and said, this is a dream come true. I have longed to meet you and will take a picture with you right now. He effortlessly put his arms around me and posed for the perfect shot. 

I knew Jack Layton from afar but I understood his vision and dreams for Canada. Quoting a fellow sympathizer from the NDP website I say, Jack Layton was the best Prime Minister Canada never had. It is so sad to see you go because it would definitely be long before your kind is re-birthed on to this soil. Thank you for sharing your life with us and for teaching us how to effect change with charisma, respect, humility, and love. We will definitely be missed! I will miss you!!! It is my hope that The DIVINE ONE will gird your family with courage and strength as they endure such difficult moment.

With much Love,
Veronica

A letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton
August 20, 2011 Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.

Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.

I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.

I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.

A few additional thoughts:

To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.

To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.

To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.

To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.

To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,

Jack Layton

THE LIES, THE LIES AND THE REAL CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY

Don't get me wrong. I'm no supporter of human rights abuses neither do I condone any leadership that inflict pain and suffering on its own people. I have no relations to Gaddafi or Libya except that we are all proud Africans. That being said, I do highly respect Gaddafi's proposition to the African Union re:  United States of Africa. Well, for some reason politics always comes in the way of true solidarity and equality for all. At the same token, I HATE this well crafted manipulation by Western media and "super powers" whereby Gaddafi is constantly demonized whiles they simultaneously violate human rights and commit mayhem. What is NATO doing in Libya if not killing innocent people and destroying lives and property? Why isn't NATO in Israel "redeeming" the Palestinians? How convenient! AND where is the African Union? And the UN? How diplomatic! When did violence and force ever proved to be THE way to solve conflicts? AND why charge Gaddafi with war crimes when George W sits in Texas freely? Such a deceptive and unfair world. And the worse part, Africans desperately in need for change do not stop to think how carefully orchestrated these "interventions" are. In the long run, the damage that will be cause becomes irreversible and endemic. 

I must confess, it makes me sick sometimes to be a part of the human race - too evil, unjust, and demonic for my liking! Were I to return to life after death, I'll definitely come back as a Simba - the Lion King. Go figure!
















See my point? This is exactly what I'm talking about - just received this from CDC Public Health Law News letter - even worse than Tuskegee Trials:

“It’s ironic — no, it’s worse than that, it’s appalling — that, at the same time as the United States was prosecuting Nazi doctors for crimes against humanity, the U.S. government was supporting research that placed human subjects at enormous risk.”

GOOD NEWS UPDATE FOR GUATAMALA (January 20, 2012)

U.S. pledges $1.8 million in response to unethical Guatemalan medical studies

 

U.S. Apologizes for Syphilis Tests in Guatemala