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BU’s observation stands, how can our modern day leaders borrow from Sankara’s philosophy and approach to push for fundamental change. It is easy to tinker with economic policy but how does one execute tactics to drive behavioural change, change interwoven in nationhood.
Socrates didn’t leave an autobiography.
@ Dompey
“And why was (sic) all the philosophers prior (to) Socrates called Pre-Socratic Philosophers?
Could it be that they came before Socrates?
@ Dompey
Does it matter who is/are the foundation of Western Intelligence?
Again a rhetorical question that you do not need to answer.
Reading a lot of your posts you are often off topic and seem to have a sort of inferiority complex.
All of us have been blessed with a brain, and knowledge; some with more than others.
However no one is impressed by how you spout as though you have to prove you are smarter than all others.
I agree with David that the Articles posted are not about you and any other commentator, several of whom behave in this matter.
It should also not be about anyone belittling each other.
I have found most of the Articles on BU to be useful in providing information on what goes on locally FOR THE MOST PART.
In regards to the current Article posted my take is that man is ultimately driven by greed and power. When placed in a position of power and adulation MOST men/women will change their initial outlook for the greater good and seek to remain in control even if it means selling their souls and kicking down the ladder.
Pachamama
Now go and search for your information on the internet. You got the Balls!
easy squeeze i am speaking of leaders whose influence was guided by a interest to self empower its people ,a philosophy if used in its right perspective can be advantageous for the betterment and does not cling to old fashioned and repressive dictatorships , the bible does speak of one such leader ,who was able to aroused a spirit of defiance among his followers ,one that was rightfully use to tear down the chains of repressiveness and herald in a progressive approach giving new light for change and a different pathway to order ,just like other great leaders of today he too was killed,however what separates his ideaology and philosophy from some of todays :change makers ” is that he was able to effect change without the rule of an iron fist
Sankara may would have banned opposition parties and trade unions but he also abolished ministerial immunity to ensure those who steal from the treasury would not find shelter. Perhaps, we can look at the positives of Thomas Sankara and how he empowered the women and the average Burkinabe much to the envy of his dictatorial neighbours, France and Westerners who benefit from Africa`s misery.
@ ac | November 2, 2014 at 3:36 PM |
“what i am going to say might be a bit radical and hard for others to sallow …but there was a great black leader ! teacher and philosopher and his name is enshrined in many religious books and teachings ,he was a first( to) step out and revolutionize new way and order, taking upon himself to confront the wrongs that were done to his people of the race( Black) in the name of religious laws”
Well tell us, ac, who was this “great black leader, teacher and philosopher”? Are you talking about the brown Buddha or the blue Vishnu or the yellow Confucius (K’ung Fu-tzu)?
Are you referring to the mythical character Moses? Certainly not the blond blue-eyed Jesus whose mythical parthenogenetic birth was just one of the many enshrined in ancient cultures from Sumerian, Egyptian, Vedic and to the biggest plagiarists of all the Greeks with the legendary Zeus, Apollo and other godlike characters interfering in the affairs and events of human beings.
How can idiots like you and Dompey believe in the vindictive cruel god of the Bible and still come on BU and tell so many lies? Aren’t you afraid you might just get killed by a thunderbolt and turned into a pillar of garbage like those beautifying Barbados?
When are you black ignorant idiots going to stop believing in the white man concocted bible of myths and legends copied from other ancient cultures?
Do you believe in King Arthur and Merlin? What about Odin and Red Ridding Hood or Cinderella?
The same thing that is happening to Fumble Stuart for telling so many lies and deceiving fools like you will soon happen to you with the lies you peddle.
@David King an interesting video who can we point to among our politicians as the Upright Man since independence? Cost overruns, Over Invoicing, Poor Project Management and Finders Fees Deposited in Offshore Accounts for Captital Works have sunk the treasury. In my next life I would want to be either be named Glyne or of the Bannister family tree. Thank God for FATCA
miller yes i am speaking of a leader who the white man changed for symbolic purposes to hid a truth and to create a character or a figment of their own imagination uncharacteristic an unrepresentative of that Man in order to control and confuse the masses .one cannot fault a person because of others trappings and failures in a quest to hid the truth.
Thomas Sankara was Burkina Faso’s president from August 1983 until his assassination on October 15, 1987. Perhaps, more than any other African president in living memory, Thomas Sankara, in four years, transformed Burkina Faso from a poor country, dependent on aid, to an economically independent and socially progressive nation.
Thomas Sankara began by purging the deeply entrenched bureaucratic and institutional corruption in Burkina Faso. He slashed the salaries of ministers and sold off the fleet of exotic cars in the president’s convoy, opting instead for the cheapest brand of car available in Burkina Faso, Renault 5. His salary was $450 per month and he refused to use the air conditioning units in his office, saying that he felt guilty doing so, since very few of his country people could afford it. Thomas Sankara would not let his portrait be hung in offices and government institutions in Burkina Faso, because every Burkinabe is a Thomas Sankara, he declared. Sankara changed the name of the country from the colonially imposed Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means land of upright men.
neville Springer and the answer for sure !not MIA and the devils that encamp her in the Party, good leadership requires people of high moral character and she has none given the much touted testimony which unravels in full details her mis doings ,the ability to stand alone which she does not, her vocal cries of doom and gloom are always accompanied by political opportunist;; to tread muddy waters and , not playing to a theater of political misfits and gadflys and pretenders for instant relief,
Thomas Sankara’s achievements are numerous and can only be summarized briefly; within the first year of his leadership, Sankara embarked on an unprecedented mass vaccination program that saw 2.5 million Burkinabe children vaccinated. From an alarming 280 deaths for every 1,000 births, infant mortality was immediately slashed to below 145 deaths per 1,000 live births. Sankara preached self reliance, he banned the importation of several items into Burkina Faso, and encouraged the growth of the local industry
@ DofBU
What people of Burkina Faso have shown is a peaceful revolution occurs when there is consensus and tens of thousand of people take a stand and protest together saying same thing
Thomas Sankara utilized various policies and government assistance to encourage Burkinabes to get education. In less than two years as president, school attendance jumped from about 10% to a little below 25%, thus overturning the 90% illiteracy rate he met upon assumption of office.
Thomas Sankara was a pan-Africanist who spoke out against apartheid, telling French President Jacques Chirac, during his visit to Burkina Faso, that it was wrong for him to support the apartheid government and that he must be ready to bear the consequences of his actions. Sankara’s policies and his unapologetic anti-imperialist stand made him an enemy of France, Burkina Faso’s former colonial master. He spoke truth to power fearlessly and paid with his life. Upon his assassination, his most valuable possessions were a car, a refrigerator, three guitars, motorcycles, a broken down freezer and about $400 in cash.
In 1987, during a meeting of African leaders under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity, Thomas Sankara tried to convince his peers to turn their backs on the debt owed western nations. According to him, “debt is a cleverly managed reconquest of Africa. It is a reconquest that turns each one of us into a financial slave.” He would not request for, nor accept aid from the west, noting that “…welfare and aid policies have only ended up disorganizing us, subjugating us, and robbing us of a sense of responsibility for our own economic, political, and cultural affairs. We chose to risk new paths to achieve greater well-being.”
Here is his grave site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY2UpSxXPlw&feature=youtu.be
To repeat, there is a lot we can observe and use to drive change in Barbados and the Caribbean. It begins with leadership. Can you imagine any of our political leaders tossed into the Birkino Faso situation and expected to lead?
AC
It is senseless arguing with Miller from the metaphysical or ontological prespectives because he views his world through the len of Empiricism and Scientific-Experimentalism/Materialism. And he has that right, but it does necessary indicates that he is right because knowledge is a continuum .
@ ac | November 2, 2014 at 6:06 PM |
“miller yes i am speaking of a leader who the white man changed for symbolic purposes to hid a truth and to create a character or a figment of their own imagination uncharacteristic an unrepresentative of that Man ..”
So how do you know this ? How did you get know the truth / facts about the same “Man”? Give us at least one reference where we can find the ‘facts’ about this real black leader, teacher and philosopher.
You damn bull-shitter you! Are you competing for top position against Sinckler and Worrell? Don’t you know that in your god’s eyes a liar is the handmaiden of Satan?
Nevillle Springer
Then how do you historicize Mahatma Gandhi, who spent twenty-two years of his life fighting the racial apartheid of the South African government, before he took up the struggle in his country against the Bristish? A fact most people aren’t aware of. Thomas Sankara, haven’t had the universal appeal nor has he inspire the countless millions like Garvey and Gandhi.
@ Dompey | November 2, 2014 at 6:32 PM |
“.. but it does necessary indicates that he is right because knowledge is a continuum .”
Oh wise one Dompey, who rides on Balaam’s ass like a colossal of intellectual stupidity across the pages of BU!
For once, oh sage, I must recant my previous view of you as the kind of man who without a doubt would assassinate Galileo if he were alive today for arguing the earth revolves around the Sun.
Miller and Pach, here is a fact you educated -illiterates ought to know: after graduating university in England as lawyer, Ghandhi traveled to South Africa to fight on behaft of the large East Indian population who were also being discriminated against by the White apartheid government in South Africa. Ghandhi, ended up spending twenty-two years of his life in South Africa before he abandoned all his European traditions promising never to put a European suit again and to turn back to his Hindu root because of the vicious racism he had encountered in South Africa.
miller seek the truth , unfortunately or fortunately when the white man was erasing editing and omitting any tracings that would permeate and give truth about this man heritage ! culture and color, an unforeseeable truth one that cannot be reversed was left hanging in the scales of justice or the white mans BIBLE which has opened up the eyes and minds of those seeking the truth as to who this Man was, and the debunking of the myths and fairy tales which blacks and others were fed,
Miller
Galileo like Socrates and Martin Luther etc, were paradigmatic thinkers who challenged the established orthodoxy. This has happened during acient, medieval and contemporary times sir. Now, Miller, have you heard the saying that,” Education is the progessive discovery of our own ignorance.” And all are ignorant in many areas of life brother.
Miller,
Socrates was put to death for trying to educate the people, in Athens, a place which pride itself on education. If that does not expressed the true meaning of the word IRONIC, I don’t know what will.
David | November 2, 2014 at 5:14 PM | BU’s observation stands, how can our modern day leaders borrow from Sankara’s philosophy and approach to push for fundamental change.
Our ‘people-in-power’ wont push for change. That must come from the people, from ‘real’ leaders from the populace.
A little, but critical, amendment to your observation.
PS – for example, the Freedom of Information Legislation – the people were pushing for it, it is the ‘people in power’ that are resisting it.
@David :6:29: That’s an interesting question and I think we can both agree that the basic answer is no. BUT it would be unfair to expect any of them to be able to do that, I would suggest.
In simple terms, good leaders will blossom into and effectively handle their resident environment as well as their skill and circumstances allow. Really good ones in comparatively similar circumstances can transcend country & culture changes and still be effective.
But leaders from a vastly different model/set of circumstances will have grave difficulties to assert their skill-set successfully (quickly).
The tumultuous, unstable and essentially violent political climate that was Upper Volta/ Birkino Faso is too alien to our current leaders. It would be virtually impossible for them to get their hands around that and to lead others effectively in a short period.
Let me put that into better perspective, so my point is clear. Caribbean leaders/strongmen of the ilk of Forbes Burnham, Mike Manley, Eric Gairy, Errol Barrow and, I add to that mix Yasin Abu Bakr, could be tossed into that situation and be expected to lead very well. No doubt.
Those politicians all had that type of educational radicalism of the time and with it carried the ruthlessness of soul necessary. Abu Bakkar, is of course an outlier in English Caribbean political discourse but we all understand that the issues that brought him to prominence are broadly similar to those of this debate.
I would posit that our current leaders (Barbados in particular) are not built that way now.
A Burkino Faso is akin to Cuba, circa Fidel’s heyday.
So although I don’t see any of our current leaders in that radical model, as noted, good leaders grow into their environment so they would have adapted accordingly one expects.
Of the lot, MAM is the most scary. She has the absolute persona to have been a lethal, charismatic, dynamic fighting force then and to adapt quickly even today to do the same.
@Dee word, why Mia
@Anthony & David:
——-“I agree with David that the Articles posted are not about you and any other commentator, several of whom behave in this matter. It should also not be about anyone belittling each other. I have found most of the Articles on BU to be useful in providing information on what goes on locally FOR THE MOST PART. “————-
Thank You , I share the sentiments completely and implore the goodly BU fam to heed its inference to be polite and speak to educate and share a perspective rather than to grandstand!
Would bajans have the stomach to lead the government from its corrupt ways like the people in Birkina.
@Neville: Over the years my estimation of Mia is that she is an absolutely brilliant individual who has an awareness and perspective of her environment to be successful wherever she choose to be.
And that she is also absolutely ruthless, conniving and conspiratorial.
That’s why Mia. She would be a leader at anytime in any environment.
Not to sound foolish but as far as world leaders go, Mia Mottley most reminds me of Vladimir Putin. As I said, absolutely ruthless, conniving and conspiratorial.
Let me say here very clearly, I do not carry a brief for her. I speak only of how she has shown her leadership skills over the years.
I am also not saying that she is unique in her qualities. Of the young leaders of my upbringing, David was not dissimilar, frankly.
But she comes across as a very dangerous young women in my humble opinion.
Hope that answers the query. It’s not the ‘deep, wordy’ response a la Dompey but it should give you my perspective.
@Dee Word
A leader by definition will do what is required to get the job done.
De Word
I do not know Mia that well, and all that I have heard of her comes from the Verbal- Jihadists here on BU, but I hardly think that there is any parallelism or complementariness beteween Vladmir Putin and Mia, after hearing what this man is capable of. Did Putin ordered the killing of the defected KGB agent in Germany a few years ago.
It is a lonely journey when leading people who idealized those who see them as exploitable and expendable. Are we surprise that some degree of ruthlessness and paranoia be necessary?
History has proven that good leaders with sincere hopes for their people are vulnerable to those closest to them, and their greatest enemy are the same people they were trying to save.
David
If a leader by definition will do what is required to get the job done? Why is it then, that a lot of totalitarian dictatorships throughout Africa and elsewhere in the world, appropriates the nation’s resources and utilize it for their personal gratification? Isn’t that what the contemporary definition of a leader has evolved to in the part of the world?
@ Dompey.
No two people are alike Dompey but you bring the facile into your reasoning very quickly and oh soooo often.
When de Word makes the comparison about Mia and Putin it speaks to the similarities of character not the absolute facsimile of actions which, by virtue of individual experience is impossible.
“No two objects can occupy the same spaced at the same time” sort of concept which I know will be lost on you.
Anthony, in speaking of your contributions in an earlier submission says “Reading a lot of your posts you are often off topic and seem to have a sort of inferiority complex”
This captures you quite aptly… off topic and constantly trying to curry favour with one blogger who in your estimation is a good speaker and to whom you seek to attach your echolalia like the tail of a meteor, or more aptly pinning the tail on a donkey.
So that you understand the “De Word comment” in simple terms that you might possibly understand .
Suppose one were to say that Sugar Ray Leonard the boxer reminded one of Cassius Clay such does not mean that Sugar Ray avoided the Draft for Vietnam War, the similarities speak to boxing style
He makes the very clear and really frightening point that while Mia does have the determination to impact on our society like a Sankara she also has the inherent ruthlessness to seek “by any means necessary” to take control of what she deems to be the Mottley GOD GIVEN RIGHT.
A lot of us, even the unstoppable AC, are afraid to speak to that issue here because we, in realising that one day, barring GOD’s coming or the Harbinger of Death, Mottley may become Prime Minister and then we fear the repercussions
Death comes to us all, whether in one’s sleep or through slow, debilitating poisoning, that confines us to wheelchairs, it will come.
For many of us we do this intellectual dance much like the burying of one’s head in the sand, I cant see it so it is not there.
At the core of Sankara like contributions is that selfless conviction towards country which sadly I among a few of our citizens, DO NOT BELIEVE THAT MIA MOTTLEY HAS FOR BULBADOS.
Bush Tea
I Need not engage you in the intellectual sphere because you’re what the English philosopher Bertrand Russell characterized as the “Practical-Man”. Who is obviously incapable of thinking in abstract terms. You’re a literalist, who is liken to a child in its psychological probing for the answers which gives meaning to his existence. Remember now Bushie, we had previously discussed the Intellectual-Infrastructure which is required in order to move beyond the literalistic threshold of knowledge?
@ Dompey …… ????? what the hell is that…???
….anyhow….Bushie is beginning to understand you.
It is like how – ever so often, a fellow has to go to the bathroom to relieve himself. Some of us may have some control of this urge while others (you included) just have to go when the urge hits….
Now it has been clear for some time now, that your methodology of relieving yourself is to, rather than enter some unpleasant bathroom, run to some online facility and to relieve yourself….
Unfortunately for the BU family, it seems that you computer defaults to this site and that, hence, BU is you toilet of choice…..
This apart, you don’t seem to be a bad fellow…. so here is an idea for your contemplation…..
….in your computer, why not consider BARBADOS FREE PRESS as your favourite site….your ‘contributions’ will receive better reception over there.
Better yet, there is a relative of yours called Jack (donkey) Boremann (Bushie don’t have to tell you what the ‘Jack’ is the shortened name for…) who has just the site that you need… You two would have a ball together…. You will be at home …and Jack will get some hits..
LOL
ha ha ha
……………….. (eclipses 🙂 )
pieceuhderockyeahright | November 3, 2014 at 6:14 AM |
“No two people are alike Dompey……………………..”
So wait PUDRYR……… you mean to tell me that Dompey, Life Changer ++ and that “Left Brain” fellow that does be on Brass Tacks are not the same individual???? We have to contend with three?
Gosh, it harrows me with fear and wonder.
Esoteric Freedom Fighter
@Bush Tea
Oh lord! It looks like I have touched a sensitive nerve Bushie? I am so sorry bro. But you know something though brother: it isn’t about you and it is certainly not about me neither Stuart, Arthur, Mia, David, nor even Georgie Porgie. It transcends the superficiality and triviality we engage in here on BU a daily basis. It is about bring all of those intellectual artifacts to bear upon the central issues in our human existence such: is there a God? What is the nature of reality? Has evolution given us an absolute account of the origin of our human existence? And should we really trust the scientific- inquiry which falls short of asking the fundamental question of the First Cause?
And where does the Life-Force go after death has taken it captive? You see brother, I live every waken day pondering the answers to life challenging questions? And I have discovered one important change in the habits of my mind, as I have gotten older. I now find myself these day pondering my mortality but not in hypochondriac fashion like Piece and your boy GP. I do it more in a philosophical and intellectual fashion.
@Pieces:
As I read your remarks they gave me pause…I re-read my comments and was concerned of their inference based on your ‘by any means necessary’ comment.
So let me clarify that I do not believe that the much maligned MAM would resort to non-legal or non-peaceful measures to achieve her goals to be Bdos’ PM or to retain such position.
Big Red’s oft quoted remarks speak directly to violent end-game actions which very much characterized his life’s view at that time but as he evolved more into the Malcolm X’s -El Shabazz- persona he would not have evoked absolute violence to achieve his goals.
So in that sense, her ruthless persona would not carry her that far nor would our environment support such behaviour.
BTW, thanks for the clarification to Dompey. I wish you luck with that.
I believe we need to consider all options regarding him/her. Someone, mentioned that he/she could be a PC program. Fair enough. He could also just be an agitator having fun or he could be an NSA plant doing his best to see who here is a threat (yes I know, but I just finished reading another Baldacci novel).
As everyone has realized his postings are so full of wordy verbiage that no one intent on meaningful chat would continually be so ineffectual.
Just as some people have a spliff, others a girly site and still others an adrenaline pump after exercise. He gets his groove on here. He loves the attention and being engaged.
Remember someone tongue-in-cheek mentioned being so charged after reading BU there was some bed wetting; well imagine how many stains Domp’s sheets have!
So, either be kind and help this person get off or ignore the dude.
@ Bush Tea
So intent was your antithesis to blambaste or lambaste you that he directed his ire to you and not dis ole fogey heheheh
@ Artaxerxes
In some cases ” two hearts do beat as one” and it is one body dennn
@ De Word
“In the beginning was The Word and The Word was with God and The Word was God….”
The rules of your engagement and those of others are not the same my divinely led friend
What modern day leaders .most leaders who have tried and survived the “winds of change” have failed miserably in their abilty to maintain the promises (made ) without subjecting their people to harsh and unrealitics demands and imposing inhumane laws and penalties
Refuse to accept mediocrity
The protestors of Burkina Faso seem to be physically strong
they must have good gymns
http://youtu.be/DdPgGqvdY6g
The People’s Democratic Congress (PDC) awaits Dr. Rodney Worrell’s analysis on the many political views and actions of Thomas Sankara – a former political figure in the country of Bukino Faso.
PDC
@ AC#2
So true.
Paul Biya, Cameroon: Prime minister, then president, for 39 years, 122 days.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Equatorial Guinea: President for 35 years, 88 days
Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Angola: President for 35 years, 88 days
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe: Prime Minister, then president, for 34 years, 195 days
Yoweri Museveni, Uganda: President for 28 years, 274 days
Unfortunately as with the case of successive black Bajan governments post our cvntry’s independence, it seems like if it is always “us” niggahs and despots that, even in the face of such abundance of “water”, are incapable of meting out anything other than inhumane treatment and physical/mental/social/political RAPE upon our fellow citizens
Whereas our colonial masters were calculating ( I would respectfully suggest “were” to be in sync with the history books but the correct verb is “are”) in his maltreatment of us, de niggah wid de keys, or post colonial parties in power, in our dominant black cvntries is, in the absence of vision and commitment to self and nation, cruel and despotic and ten times more unkind in administering our respective post independence governance
I have to be very careful when I find myself agreeing with you AC (de madam she gone to town or out shopping?
Capitalism/Democracy has one nexus that is valuable and priceless ( well with in the bounds of rationality and reasonableness) is Freedom. no matter how many countries have tried alternatives methods ,be it communism .,socialism; .marxism. they have had an uphill battle trying to keep there country intact, reason being people hate to be told what to do or think. and what choices they should or should not make, cuba and even venezuela . china are all test book cases, that when a govt tries to restrain and hold back their citizenry ,the fall out can be heard around the world of cries of “suppression” from the people, .not surprising that with all SANKARA good ideas and the changes he made when all was said and done there were not sufficient enough to rally all the people for his cause when the french came to get
‘
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