Thursday, April 23, 2009

Zumalicious


Following the run up to the South African Elections 2009 , was a lot like watching reality television. There was the boisterous, the bitchy and the plain fucking stupid. It went from false promises (which are pre-election standard issue) to down right dirty American smear campaigns. From the hilarious fake ANC posters to Zuma calling the Afrikaners the only "true white South Africans" (rhymes with moron). Then there is Julius Malema, the anti-democracy (like anti-Christ), who is so daft, that he has interpreted the constitutional right to freedom of expression as a right to freedom of stupidity – need I say more?-

Yet there are reasons to be hopeful. Why you ask? Well because, history has shown that it is NOT actually, the president that runs the country and because South Africa does have a lot to offer as it runs faster to catch up with the “first world” ( another blog altogether – don’t even get me started).

In terms of democracy South Africa’s is young and it will take much more than 15 years to erase 300 years of racism and oppression. South Africa’s history is full of memories of those strong enough to take forward the struggle for justice no matter how heavy the odds. In all fairness at this point in our countries young democracy more underprivileged people have access to medical and water facilities than ever before .

And you have to admit Zuma has something even Obama doesn’t…. his own sound track !

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing on the political scene. Don't get much news about it here in the States. I hope things turn out for the best! Obama's election here certainly has restored some of my faith in democracy.

desert demons said...

Hi wolf :) (somehow seeing you've visited always gets me to smile), yes we are hopeful that things will go well, as for Obama - do you really think his leadership will make a huge difference?

Anonymous said...

Obama is in for a challenging ride, simply because he is expected to be the salvation of the world. Needless to say that the economic crisis left behind by the goings-on of his predecessor will likely leave him in a precarious position. There is no easy fix and bail-out merely = band aid.

As for the South Africans, as long as there's a shower nearby......

Anonymous said...

So glad I can make you smile, DesertD!

Well, I certainly hope Obama's leadership will make a difference, not only at home but around the world. There is so much to be done, naturally, but I think it is already helping if you look at the recent tone of the Summit of the AMericas just held in Trinidad. Hugo Chavez and others would never have given Bush such respect, and I'm crossing my fingers that Obama will eventually persuade Congress to completely end the embargo against Cuba.

At home, there is such a palpable sense of relief. We have problems to face, certainly, but it feels like we have someone who can get us through it.

desert demons said...

hmmm anon, i find it interesting the whole messiah take that the world has taken on Obama - when all is said and done , does it really matter if the puppet is black or white, coz its still a puppet show...

What do you think wolf? I mean are the policies that different? especially looking at foreign policy?

Anonymous said...

Obama's foreign policies? Well, I'm sure some will remain status quo, you know, "U.S. interests" and all. It's too early to tell how much things will change--and i'm sure Obama will not go as far as this ol' bleeding heart liberal would. If nothing else, Obama's approach to foreign policy and his global view is much more positive than Bush's. We scraped the bottom of the barrel, so to speak, with Bush--so I don't see how we could get any worse!

BTW, I came to support Obama late in the campaign. I, too, worried about the whole "messiah" imagery. Of course, he isn't any such thing. Just human, but I hope a much more thoughtful and wise human.

Anonymous said...

It seems to me like he's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't.

If he eases his policy, he'll seem weak. If he doesn't he'll seem Bush-ish.

Poor oke's in a tight spot don't you think? I much prefer sitting here watching the puppets dance!!!

Anonymous said...

I always thought Mbeki was communist and when he didnt tow the line he was ousted by the communist leauge. With the communist league backing Zuma all the way i think further down the line South Africa is heading for communism. Just speculating (A)

Anonymous said...

The Communists backed his campaign in Polokwane but the Capitalists paid for his election campaign...

Perhaps SA is not going down that road without some careful consideration.

desert demons said...

hmmmmm well to all the anons ,I think that now is the time to sit back and watch the puppet shows , because speculate as you like - I firmly believe that South Africa has much to offer :)