[lbo-talk] some contrary thoughts on Haiti

[Joseph Wanzala]

While i share everybody's concern about Haiti and the obvious regional power 
play by the US, it is a little unseemly for the likes of Charles Rangel who 
typifies hypocrisy of the Democratic Party especially when it comes to 
foreign policy. Rangel will denounce Bush for going into Iraq, and now Haiti 
without UN approval yet he suppored US military involvement in Bosnia and 
Kosovo without UN authorization. Also, without being ungrateful for the 
assistance they appear to be providing against the devilish actions of the 
Bush admin, I am rather unimpressed by the cast of characters who have shown 
up as Aristides main supporter's club. Aside from Hazel Ross Robinson, 
Aristide also engaged the services of the illustrious patton Patton Boggs 
PR/Law Firm, well known for the fake incubator story in kUwait that provided 
the requisite indignation to lubricate public opinion prior to the 1990 
bombing of Iraq. It is a little odd, to me, that many of Aristides 
spokes-people Hazel Ross-Robinson, wife of Randall Robinson, has been on 
Aristides payroll. of course, somebody has got to do it, I supposem but the 
it is strange that people who lurk in the sinister world of law and PR firms 
representing the interests of invariably unserving foreign countries in 
Washinton should be welcomed uncritically as champions of freedom on 
Pacifica radio. Ronald Dellums, who has also featured in the unfolding drama 
has also been on Aristides payroll as a lobbyist for Haiti in DC. Not to be 
outdone, Jesse Jackson was also in on the action and of course Maxine Waters 
and Danny Glover - by far the most sincere of the lot. I do not doubt the 
sincerity of these people as far as the issue in Haiti goes, but I do find 
it odd that these voices are suddenly very loud on this issue when other 
instances of inconsistent US foreign policy do not receive as much attention 
nor did KPFA/Pacifica at any point do crisis coverage of say the still 
unfolding crisis in the Congo over the last decade. Of course KPFA 
Flashpoints will do what it can and cannot be everywhere, but there are some 
assymetries to this whole Haiti business that I think are worth pointing 
out. Finally, the picture would be incomplete without turning the issue into 
yet more ammo for the barren 'Anybody But Bush' armory, even Kevin Pena was 
singing the praises of John Kerry all the way from Haiti. Finally, I thought 
it was a little odd that Kevin Pena would take the trouble to single out Max 
Blanchet and Larry 'don't-leave-your-brain-at-the-door' Bensky as agents of 
ignominy on Flashpoints today.

Joe W.

_________________________________________________________________
Get business advice and resources to improve your work life, from bCentral. 
http://special.msn.com/bcentral/loudclear.armx