Opinion-Deval Patrick's Election May Ignite New Politics of Interest-Not Ethnicity Within African Community

Masschusetts Governor, Deval Patrick addresses supporters during an election night party at the park Plaza Hotel in Boston after being re-elected to server for 4 more years as the head of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. by H.Maina/Ajabu Africa

by Rev. Torli H. Krua, posted Novermber 5, 2010

I present my compliments, congratulations and best wishes to Governor Patrick and the well-organized Governors' African Council for the victory of November 2, 2010. It was a well deserved and "sweet victory," demonstrating the trust citizens of the commonwealth have in the leadership abilities of Governor Patrick.

I enthusiastically extend my best wishes also to Chief Justice-designee Roderick I. Ireland, a shinning example of Governor Patrick's foresight and visionary leadership in making long term systemic changes that will last long after he is gone. As a minority and an advocate for refugees and immigrants, I would also sound a word of admonition about justice, equal opportunities and power.

Governor Patrick did such a great job in his first term, he was unstoppable in the campaign that led to his recent victory. I am delighted and most excited that Governor Patrick began his 2nd term with JUSTICE-The appointment of Chief Justice-designee Roderick I. Ireland. America is the greatest nation on earth with a great constitution and government but America has not always afforded all of its citizens, especially those of African descent, Native Americans and other ethnic minorities equal protection and equal opportunities guaranteed by the constitution.

For example, the republic of Liberia was established by African Americans because of officially sanctioned racial discrimination in America that forced citizens in exile abroad. Ten presidents of Liberia were citizens of the United States, born and educated in America. Because of the denial of their basic civil and human rights they were forced to seek refuge in Africa, where they founded Liberia. English is the official language of Liberia and the US Dollar is legal tender.

In Liberia, the settlements of Maryland, Louisiana, Virginia, etc and Liberia's red, white and blue flag vividly shows Liberia as America' progeny. Even so, officially sanctioned discrimination based on ethnicity and race is still a reality of life for many American citizens of Liberian descent in 2010 Massachusetts. According to President Dwight Eisenhower, the ultimate purpose of democracy in the world is for "...the protection of the weak." On that count there is still room for change in Massachusetts.

Equal Opportunities
Irving Kristol reminded the world that democracy was more than mere conduct of elections: "Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions - it only guarantees equality of opportunity." It follows that a democratic government cannot and does not exclude any citizen or group of citizens from accessing equal opportunities without justifications. All over the world the greatest need is for governments to protect the weak in society or ensure equal opportunities for all citizens. On that count there is still room for change.

Protection of Weak
In the summer of 2003, President Bush ordered operation "Shinning Express" to protect American installations in Liberia and evacuate American citizens to safety. Since their evacuation in 2003, these young Americans have been denied equal protection and adequate access to their basic human needs for no justifiable reasons. At the same time, other similarly situated individuals from brutal wars around the world, including Liberians have been continuously given protection, affording them equal opportunities. On that count there is still room for change.

Gov Patrick With Young American Evacuee and Rev. Torli H. Krua

Politics of Interests
In the mid-term elections, Latinos made significant progress by focusing on their interests and their interests alone. Where it suited them, they fielded Latino candidates on Republican tickets. As a result, there are two Latino gubernatorial victories in the state of New Mexico and Nevada. Expediency called for a Latino "Fire Wall" that protected Senator Harry Reid in Nevada. AT the end of the day, it was a win win situation for the Latino minority. The African immigrant community is by no means monolithic. However the interest of the African Diaspora in security, equal opportunities trumps whatever difference there maybe. Hence, it is extremely important that Africans push for a politics of interest, not of ethnicity. That will mean tolerance of descent and encouraging dialogue and debate on all issues. On that count there is still room for improvement and the leadership of the Governors African Council is strategically positioned for interest-based politics.

Conclusion
According to Mark Twain, "government is a servant, a temporary servant.., it is its job to take orders..." In conclusion there are many items on the unfinished business agenda that I present to Governor Patrick. While this may be his last term, there is still room for CHANGE and many citizens of the Commonwealth still await what they think is justice and fairness-change that costs nothing. Governor Patrick will never please all citizens of Massachusetts.

However, those waiting to be touched by policies that transform their lives are weak and vulnerable and cannot vote because of their age or circumstances.

Unlike his Republican predecessors, Governor Patrick appointed the 1st director of the Massachusetts Office For Refugees and Immigrants who is neither a refugee nor immigrant, replacing a Haitian-born Republican Director. The Massachusetts Office FOR Refugees & Immigrants is out of touch with most immigrants and refugee communities in Massachusetts. On this count, there is still a room for change.

The traditions of excellence established by Massachusetts' immigrants and refugees, exemplified by refugee Albert Einstein and Liberian immigrant, Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, the 1st African American Psychiatrist did not sway Governor Patrick to appoint qualified immigrants or refugees in his cabinet.

Without immigrants or refugees at the table the VOICE of refugees and immigrants was the voice of EXPERTS, not the people themselves. On this count, there is still a room for change.

The Governor's African Council (GAC)

The New American Agenda was a great idea from Governor Patrick.

However, statewide public hearings were dominated by experts not the immigrant and refugee communities themselves. Although requested, not a single "PUBLIC" hearing was held during weekends when most refugees and immigrants community organizations and faith-base organizations meet. On the contrary, the GBIO and every immigrant group meet on weekends, leaving the New American Agenda an agenda of experts, not the immigrant and refugee communities it was envisioned to serve. On this count, there is still a room for change.

Young Black American citizens evacuated from Liberia because of violence caused by civil war, through Operation Shinning Express, ordered by President Bush in June 2003, including those who arrived in Massachusetts have been languishing in the commonwealth, without access to their basic human needs, without equal protection and equal opportunities. On the other hand nearly all Liberian citizens in American because of civil war enjoy protection, benefits, opportunities. On this count, there is still a room for change

Nb. The opinions expressed in this artilce are solely the responsibility of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of AjabuAfrica.com.

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