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Roots

7/30/2015

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"I stand before you as a proud American.  I also stand before you as the son of an African.  Africa and its people have helped shape who I am and how I see the world." (CBS/AP, 2015)  President Obama concluded a historic trip to Africa on July 28, 15, addressing the African Union in Ethiopia.  In his address to Africa’s leaders, President Obama spoke about the economy, security, and human rights issues.  He also called for an end to corruption, suggesting African leaders’ should not stay in office past their constitutional allotted term. 

President Obama has been able to observe a number of African issues and events from a distance.  Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, may have been in existence before the turn of the century, but has become a prominent threat since 2009.  In February 2011, the revolution in Egypt brought the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, who was in office for thirty years.  In September 2012 came the attack on Benghazi.  In August 2014, the Ebola outbreak in western Africa became an international health concern.  President Obama didn’t let current terrorist or health concerns detour him, as he became the first sitting president to visit Kenya and Ethiopia this last week. 

Egypt has remained in unrest since the 2011 revolution, with speculation still of an upcoming civil war.  After the fall of Mubarak followed President Mohamed Morsi.  He served just one year in office before his removal by Egypt’s armed forces.  Morsi was recently sentenced to death for conspiring with foreign militants to free jailed Islamists in 2011.  Another revolution in 2011 took place in Libya.  That revolt led to a civil war, in which ruler Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed after four decades of power.  On July 28, 15, Gaddafi’s son, Saif was sentenced to death for war crimes that took place during the 2011 uprising.  Libya still remains divided today between an elected eastern government and an Islamist western government. 

It seems the uprisings resulted in the removal of regime, without bringing a better alternative to power.  Currently only bloodshed flows freely within these nations. The war within these countries may cease if they able to establish a democracy.

President Obama spoke of Africa being the fastest growing continent, and made mention of necessary changes to ensure future progress.  Less corruption, and upholding human rights would be a positive step forward.  We’ll have to watch the next generation to see what becomes of their descendants. 

Works Cited 
CBS/AP. (2015, 07 28). Obama wraps historic trip with bid for Africa's future. Retrieved 07 29, 2015, from CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-africa-ethiopia-fight-against-hunger-african-union-security/

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An Important Date in History

7/17/2015

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An individual’s roots can influence not only their future, but also the future of countless others.  One small town boy had a rough beginning, yet spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights.  He’s credited for co-founding the ANCYL (African National Congress Youth League), in April of 1944.  This group was trained to rise against the apartheid South Africa. 

While once a man of peaceful non-violent protests, that didn’t remain his position.  In the 1950’s the National Party enforced harsher laws against blacks, leading to greater segregation. When peaceful protests were responded to with violence by the South African government, it became clear that those fighting for freedom must answer with violence to gain peace.  

In the early 1950’s he was sentenced for nine-months due to the protests he led.  In the mid-fifties, he was arrested and charged with treason.  When the charges didn’t stand, he and others formed the antiapartheid movement Umkhonto weSizwe (the Spear of the Nation).  This armed unit of the ANC was put in play in December of 1961.  It was an option that veered away from the previously non-violent tactics that proved unsuccessful.       

In 1962, he was arrested once again and sentenced to five years for illegal travel.  Then in 1963, charged with high treason to which he received a life sentence.  While serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison, this political prisoner was a topic of discussion worldwide.  The United States was just one of the countries who called on the South African government to release him.  On February 11, 1990, he walked out of prison a free man.     

This man was known as a terrorist, and also a winner of the noble peace prize.  He was the first in many significant achievements and will be remembered throughout the world.  The former South African President is honored and celebrated July 18, with the Nelson Mandela International Day.  Many nations celebrated with weeklong events.

This week will be historic as well regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran.  The UN is expected to vote on the deal Monday, July 20.  We must remember that South Africa is the only nation to ever voluntarily relinquish their nuclear weapons.  Some suggest they did this to avoid Nelson Mandela and the ANC getting their hands on them.  The limit some people will go to, in order to achieve peace.              

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    Author

    My banter was on current affairs and ran from 2011 - 2016. I currently enjoy writing satire and horror shorts.

    I chose themes to run against each current event to bring some entertainment to my Banters. I began writing the banter in February 2011, and wrote my last in February 2016.

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