The Chia Report

ANC “OLD-BOYS-CLUB” SUCCESSION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Innocent Chia

The relay baton to the Presidency of South Africa effectively changed hands from Thabo Mbeki to Petrus Kgalema Motlanthe last September 25, 2008. At best, there is arguable consensus among observers that the transition perpetuates and guarantees the solidity of democratic culture in post apartheid South Africa: From President Nelson Mandela, (1994 -1999) to President Thabo Mbeki (1999 – 2008) and now President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Such peaceful transitions, either in keeping with the Constitution or in towing Party dictum, are rare occurrences in African geo-politics where bloodbaths and coups are more of a rule than an exception. There is, however, an after-taste feeling in this particular transition from Thabo Mbeki to Kgalema Motlanthe, and ultimately to Jacob Zuma at the upcoming elections in 2009.

AFRICA’S IRRELEVANCE IN U.S 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

In spite all the brouhaha on foreign policy know-how, the experience of the current field of US presidential candidates has, from monitoring the candidates and media reports, not included Africa. Foreign policy experience has been focused squarely on how familiar candidates are with the “hot spots” around the world that have significant and active American military presence, countries with nuclear capability or the potential to become nuclear powers. Without a doubt, American interests drive its foreign policy direction. The question, meantime, is that of examining how Africa has managed to slip out, or had itself dropped off, the list of areas of interest where foreign policy acumen counts for something. How has Africa solidified its baneful status? How did it come to this?

Obama’s Race to the White House

…Long! Very long! Very, very long indeed! This “race” is no ordinary race, which makes the “race” reference in American Presidential politics no misnomer. Such races, in sports lingo, are known as marathons. You probably do not remember that Senator Obama joined four other hopefuls in the presidential race on January 16, 2007, three months before Senator McCain did same in April of 2007. As seconds tick away on the clock towards Election Day on November 4th 2008, there couldn’t be a better time to revisit what routines have prepared the campaigns, especially the Obama camp, for this moment.

Is Jesus Christ Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

The evangelical vote in US politics is a crucial one that has generally gone Republican. One of the major defining faith areas polarizing Republicans and Democrats has been on abortion. Depending on which side of the pendulum one is, the debate has been framed separately: The question from the Republican perspective is that of knowing “when does human life begin”? Meantime, Democrats have structured the debate within the confines of the following question: “Who but the woman has the right to determine whether to bring her pregnancy to term or not”? Both sides passionately defend their points. We, however, will argue in this article that Christ will not be satisfied with either side, Republican or Democrat, even though He was pro-choice.

Obama: The Community Activist - Republican Disconnect ‏

By Eric Tande

Even when Republicans have common roots, their understanding of the lives and concerns of the less advantaged is lightweight.  How can Gov. Palin – and her speech writers - not understand what a Community Activist does? How can she not understand the significance of a young man dedicating his life to mending the lives of people who have lost their livelihoods and the ability to support their families and community after the closure of steel mills in Middle America? Her attempt at belittling the service Obama rendered as a community activist does not even qualify as political theatre.

REPUBLICAN PARTY DEMAGOGUERY In John McCain’s VP Selection?

Innocent Chia

The party that prides itself of having family values at the core of its foundation may be in more trouble waters than any hurricane pay back that the Republicans may be getting from their mishandling of Katrina some three years ago and the reminder that Gustav serves. Bristol Palin, the 17 year old teenage daughter of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, John McCain’s choice for Vice President, is five months old into her single mom pregnancy.

Barack Obama has amply clarified his position that any attack on family members, “especially children…are off limits”.  In fact, he was classy enough to add that his mother delivered him at age 18. He omitted that she was married, the eventual separation notwithstanding. Therefore, there are un-strenuously connected and legitimate questions related John McCain’s judgment, or lack thereof, based on this selection of Governor Palin and the baggage that seems to be unraveling even before the eyes of the John McCain and the RNC.