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It is very sad that the US President and leader of the free world is turning not to be the President the free world expects due to his vulgarity, insults and total disrespect of those outside his political base.
Reality is that the people President Trump envisions as originating from “shitholes” or failing to return from their huts are productive, well-educated citizens who have contributed immensely to the economic development of the United States. Similarly, many Americans who have decided to do business in Africa are as well contributing immensely to the African continent.
The key fact to remember is that the world has become a global village; a global market that is solidly inter-twined to such an extent that what happens in America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or Africa has a direct impact to every other continent including the Americas. It is therefore naïve and silly for anyone to condescendingly label the other as either superior or inferior because we are all one.
In Kenya for instance, an American company is constructing the Nairobi to Mombasa dual carriage highway. Why are the Americans there? As you stroll Nairobi, you notice immense and significant American investments that Kenya has embraced with open arms. Hotels such as Sheraton, Radisson, Hilton, Best Western, Comfort and many others are doing business in Nairobi. Food chains such as Dominos Pizza, Subway, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and many others also have presence in Nairobi. Mega companies such as General Electric, Price-Waterhouse Coopers, KPMG, General Motors are as well doing business in Kenya.
Presence of Europeans and Americans in Africa is not exclusive to Kenya; you see the same story repeat itself in almost every African country. Yet, the devoid American mentality thinks Africa is a “Shithole”; and yet, we the citizens of the African countries embrace and welcome with open arms the Americans who have seen the light and decided Africa is a good place for them to settle. Why then would America not do the same for Africans who have seen the light and decided America is a great place for them to be?
Africa is the next frontier for development; countries running away from Asia due to the high cost of business are finding solace in Africa. So, no more insults; respect us for mutuality. The words we use on each other must be measured.
By Paddy Mwembu | mwembu@yahoo.com | Los Angeles, California
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It is absolutely wrong to disrespect and insult an entire continent just because of naivety. Why is Trump invested in the Middle East and other "shithole" countries? My continent is not a "shithole". My people don't live in a "shithole"; period!
Why is "your" continent perpetually hungry, warring, ill, insecure etc in spite of fact it's in the midst of a lot of natural resources? Where have all the billions in aid gone? Address these and prove to me and others that Africa indeed is not a SHITHOLE!
Mlachake: Which continent and country do you reside in? Are you in America? If America, have you visited the Projects where the American poor live to see the desperation of the peoples? Have you been to major Metropolis like Los Angeles, Oakland, Chicago and even Santa Monica to see how many Americans sleep on the streets; hungry, diseased, mentally ill and permanently homeless. Did you recently hear of hepatitis C epidemic impacting these homeless communities due to lack of sanitation? Would New York, Chicago, San Francisco be any different? Would you label these "Shitholes" in the midst of the leader of the world? So, before you shoot blindly, pause and think.
Well, the places you mention in America are the exception rather than prevalent. That's the difference. Moreover, any one with a healthy appreciation of work CAN make it irrespective
Well, would similar exceptions apply to African countries? Wouldn't it? These are major centers of population in America that fit the President's description of Africa. Mlachake, would you take courage and call the entire US a "shithole"?
Iam not sure if Paddy Mwembu needs time to reseach responses to your questions,or he is conveniently avoiding them. Time and again I have wondered same: why are africans backwards despite all these technological advancement, and enlightenment. As you said elsewhere, the models are already there to emulate.I have not answer.Iwould hope that some of your social scientists will offer a credible response.So far most of the responses I have heard have fallen short. To name afew:
We are ayoung democracy
Our leaders are the problem
Democracy is Not for africans
Colonization messed us up
The west plundered and continue to plunder our resouces
Dispora dont want to go back and help out
Our tribal culture is holding us down
The reasons are endless.So how long are we going to give excuses;
@Mlachake: Yes, the world knows Trump is mostly politically incorrect. As you discuss those drowning in the Mediterranean, ask yourself; why were they not drowning 20 years ago? Who is the reason they are drowning? As for Libyans, even Trump agrees US and European actions are the result of the destitution there. Similarly, in Iraq and other countries where the West has been involved in conflicts. And if you care about those dying of starvation and disease, what can you, as Mlachake, do about it? And with corruption, you seem to suggest wherever you live is the "Heaven of Peace" that is corruption free; whom are you deceiving. See what you can do for your people; one step at a time but stop naively disparaging Africa.
I agree with Babu Owino, and Trump is right. Kenya is a shit-hole. Who loots and kills their people? I think that Africa should take this as a nudge to put their houses in order. It is not like Africa lacks resources or manpower. We have it all and good weather to boot. Those Westerners condemning Trump are not doing it because they love Africa, NO. It is because they do not want to antagonize the hand that feeds them. If DRC Congo was to shut its Cobalt mines today, the tech industry in the world would spin on its head. My friends, being a shit-hole is not a bad thing: we just need to realize our value. Literaly speaking, if we plug a human shiet-hole, death is swift and within 48 hours from sepsis. Think of it that way. I appreciate Trump bcoz dude is uncovering the stuff we have been pussy-footing around.
Sokora - above is an exact copy verbatim from a one Dr Sifuna responding in another blog on Mwakilishi (MP Babu agreeing that Africa/Kenya is indeed a shithole) It perfectly captures what I feel and it's my response to your comment.
So what are you doing in NC or is it Alabama? Go help your shithole continent since you have already identified the problems, stop yapping behind your PC .Go be part of those who are trying to change Africa . You are attacking the the continent that gave you breath before you relocated to the "first world North Carolina which has many shitholes places but yet you do not see it
I respect your opinion.
Now, outside emotions, I think that Trump's statement was very harsh.
However, do you think the African continent is nirvana?
Assuming it is Nirvana, why some people risk death in emigrating instead of staying in Africa.
Would you emigrate to Somalia, Eritrean, DRC or even Burundi.
I think you can immigrate anywhere because there are people who live there as long as you can find a niche within that society. While America is a great country, realize there are between 3,000 and 5,000 Americans who have recently migrated from the US to Ghana. Also, many Americans have surrendered their US citizenship and move to other countries such as the Netherlands because they are more comfortable there. Why? Because the grass is greener for them there. Life is all about risk.
Paddy,
Most of the people immigrating to Ghana are from the continent of Africa.
Immigration rules have changed in Ghana permitting descendants of slaves to easily settle and acquire a Ghana passport.
Believe me less than 2000 Americans ( of whatever color) have immigrated to Ghana.
Here is a link of an article about relocation of Americans to Ghana.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/african-americans-moving-afri…
Welcome to Africa where you colour keeps you alive.
Africa is beckoning back for its children, the world is a Global village and Africa wants to be Free from the shackles of its blind children who spit on her once they get what they want abroad, bring back the skills and the ideas, this is the next and biggest destination in the future ....come baby come back home...
Kenya is a shit hole. People are just too PC to say it. Just because some areas are affluent does not make the country equal to Europe/America - in fact even those that live in affluent areas surround themselves with barbed wire, electric fences and barricaded Windows. Just because you are insulted by someone saying you live in a shit hole does not mean it’s not true. Africa as a whole is a shit hole. “Young democracy” is just an excuse - Singapore was a shit hole when the British left - in 20 years they were part of the first world and now arguably better than many western countries to live in. Malaysia - Taiwan - South Korea - all great place that pulled themselves out of poverty. Now which country in Africa has done so? Hmmm let’s see...shit hole indeed
Paddy Mwembu, umeongea sawa just like a politically correct professional. FYI, Trump is no fan of political correctness and it shouldn't surprise you that he's used such blunt language. I actually prefer this to coat-painting language like the one you've used.
Tell me, several decades after independence, why are our sons and daughters dying in droves drowning while trying to cross the Mediterranean in dinghies as they head to Europe in such of greener pastures while others end up as slaves in Libya? Why? Why are sooo many folks still dying of hunger / starvation in this day and age when technology has virtually transformed productivity in all spheres? Why all the pilferage in government where authorities are in a mad frenzy to steal from public coffers in an uncouth, uncivilized accumulation stupor? Why are hundreds / thousands of otherwise brilliant kids unable to access high sch education coz they can't afford sch fees? Why is access to health care sooo wanting? Etc etc. Fact is, Africa is truly a SHITHOLE continent, period!. Trump is an idiot who hasn't got anything right but this he got.