The Speech of A Lifetime by Barrack Obama

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware , the Vice President-elect of the United States , Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston .

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta . She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression a cro ss the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham , a bridge in Selma , and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin , a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America , through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America

YES WE CAN!!!

Martin Luther King Jnr. said it in his speech, “I Have A Dream.”

The brooding statue of America’s 3^rd president, Abraham Lincoln offered many an optimist the desire to dream.

They said it would be a long day coming before we could ever see a Black man run for – and win – the presidency.

Well, they said pigs would fly….

And here we stand today; the 5^th day of the month of November, the year 2008.

The day when history was rewritten.

The day change came to America. And to the rest of the world.

The day everyone waited with bated breath for that bell to toll the good news.

The day Senator Barrack Obama became the 44^th president of the United States of America.

The day when it was indeed noted worldwide…that never has it been more fashionable to be black. Black, firm, proud, strong, ambitious, intelligent, wise and ready to serve.

I salute Barrack Obama.

His life is the stuff of legend.

YES WE CAN!!!

Chew on This...

This was in the Standard Newspaper some time back by humor columnist Ted Malanda. Makes you wonder what this world is coming to, considering that our generation should probably be more successful than our priors, what with technology and advanced “knowledge” et al…

“When I quit my previous job, my employer refused to part with his contribution of KSh390,000 towards my pension saying I had to wait till I became 55, wrinkled and frail before he paid me.

One and a half years ago, I asked him to transfer that withheld pension to my new boss. "I want to consolidate my savings in one basket," I lied. Truth is I was moving my money because I don’t trust government pension schemes.

To my great surprise, they sent a cheque for KSh430,000 last week. In other words, my pension had not been ‘eaten’ as I had feared. It has actually been laying eggs and in three years, it has made me KSh40,000 richer.

Yet when I resigned in 2005, a quarter an acre of land in the neighbourhood of Ongata Rongai was going for half a million bob, payable in beer rounds and small cash installments. Today, the same piece goes for KSh1.2 million, hard cash.

Thus, anyone who bought land is getting rich without lifting a finger while I and millions of other idiots(like yours truly…yes me, the bloggist) whose savings are locked up in fancy pension schemes are only paying investment bankers and getting poorer.

In fact, when we retire, that pension won’t even be worth a skinny he-goat. (Or a Vitz; that crappy contraption that’s invaded the streets of Nairobi)

When my father retired in 1977, I was in Standard Two. His pension was 700 bob a month. Last year, it had appreciated to KSh2,000 — the equivalent of an average beer bill for the evening.(Or a nice pair of sexy stilettos)

To be honest, I still get shocked that the old man, aided by his cute wife who happened to be my mother, squeezed us through school. Don’t forget that unlike these days when we have one spoilt brat, my parents practically raised a football team. Of course, they didn’t achieve this feat on the old man’s KSh700-a-month pension.

Foresight.

Being a man of foresight, he had invested in two zebu heifers in 1959. The magic about zebus, what colonial farmers derisively called shenzi (stupid) cattle, is that they can literally survive through hell.

Unlike pampered hybrid cattle, zebus don’t need veterinary doctors, artificial insemination, mineral water and luxurious foods like Napier grass and biscuits. They are tough. They practically live on sisal and boiled rags.

By the time the old man was fired in 1977, his two heifers had multiplied to 85, including Jomo, a champion bull that sired calves left, right and centre and held the village bullfight champion award for a record four years.

It is those zebus that took my siblings and I through school. Every beginning of term, he would sell a cow or two and shoe us — three pupils at any given time — off to school, while Jomo did his thing. Now contrast that with yours truly, my father’s allegedly "educated and widely traveled" son.

leaky affairs

I own neither land nor livestock. My puny savings are instead locked up in fancy unit trusts, risky insurance schemes, questionable stocks, leaky pension schemes and a second-hand car that guzzles fuel like a witch and depreciates in value each day.

While my father wakes every morning to his mooing assets and the comforting aroma of fresh cow dung, I could wake up to news that some crooked investment broker has tinkered with my stocks and rendered me destitute.

My father knew. Jomo could always sire another calf. But a task force won’t bring back money that a government pension fund took from me by force and gleefully flushed down the urinal.”

I can easily related to Malanda’s ruminations. What a life…it really makes one feel quite wasted now, doesn’t it??

N.B: Italicized phrases are Citycat’s random thoughts…

Always Have A Plan B

I came across this story; and it kinda put things in perspective. That Plan B? A major priority!

A pretty woman was serving a life sentence in prison. Angry and resentful about her situation, she had decided that she would rather die than to live another year in prison.

Over the years she had become good friends with one of the prison caretakers. His job, among others, was to bury those prisoners who died in a graveyard just outside the prison walls. When a prisoner died, the caretaker rang a bell, which was heard by everyone. The caretaker then got the body and put it in a casket. Next, he entered his office to fill out the death certificate before returning to the casket to nail the
lid shut. Finally, he put the casket on a wagon to take it to the graveyard and bury it.

Knowing this routine, the woman devised an escape plan and shared it with the caretaker. The next time the bell rang, the woman would leave her cell and sneak into the dark room where the coffins were kept. She would slip into the coffin with the dead body while the caretaker was filling out the death certificate. When the care-taker returned, he would nail the lid shut and take the coffin outside the prison with the woman in the coffin along with the dead body. He would then bury the
coffin. The woman knew there would be enough air for her to breathe until later in the evening when the caretaker would return to the graveyard under the cover of darkness, dig up the coffin, open it, and set her free.

The caretaker was reluctant to go along with this plan, but since he and the woman had become good friends over the years, he agreed to do it.

The woman waited several weeks before someone in the prison died. She was asleep in her cell when she heard the death bell ring. She got up and slowly walked down the hallway. She was nearly caught a couple of times. Her heart was beating fast. She opened the door to the darkened room where the coffins were kept. Quietly in the dark, she found the coffin that contained the dead body, carefully climbed into the coffin and pulled the lid shut to wait for the caretaker to come and nail the

lid shut.

Soon she heard footsteps and the pounding of the hammer and nails. Even though she was very uncomfortable in the coffin with the dead body, she knew that with each nail she was one step closer to freedom. The coffin was lifted onto the wagon and taken outside to the graveyard. She could feel the coffin being lowered into the ground. She didn't make a sound as the coffin hit the bottom of the grave with a thud. Finally she heard the dirt dropping onto the top of the wooden coffin, and she knew that it was only a matter of time until she would be free at last.

After several minutes of absolute silence, she began to laugh. She was free!
She was free! Feeling curious, she decided to light a match to find out
the identity of the dead prisoner beside her.

To her horror, she discovered that she was lying next to the dead
caretaker…

Many people believe they have life all figured out..... but sometimes
it just doesn't turn out the way they planned it.

Think of a 'Plan B'!

Truisms…

'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so
that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other
people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

- BARACK OBAMA

Cartoon of the month!

I have to hand it to Gado;dude is a genius...

If this here illustration doesnt make u bray with laughter, then nothing will. I mean, look at those expressions on Uhuru and Karua's faces...MY GOD!

Lets see...satire, check. Wit...check check. Sarcasm...triple check!

Enough said.

Looking back...

http://www.eastandard.net/politics/InsidePage.php?id=1143994954&cid=289&

I came across this interesting article, just as I was ruminating over issues regarding our country’s CEO’s performance record.

I must say, dude hit the nail precisely on the head. And with this in mind, I can only add my 5 cents worth: this country was more or less better off in the Moi days.

Yup, there I said it. Now bring out the rungus and machetes…but before you cast the first stone, you might want to think about this a bit. Go on, chew on this piece of cud…

Does anyone honestly feel that this country’s institutions are much more efficient than they were some 8 years ago?

True some exceptions can be drawn, and even some privatized institutions have a lot to show for themselves. But I sincerely miss the days when Moi would just crack the whip and all disgruntled and unruly "chieftains" would be back on track, toeing the line. True, the former CEO was a bit too heavy on the “Big Man” character, but I feel in the long run, this country was spared a lot of mudslinging and name calling as is now the norm amongst our MPs.

Well, we may draw comparisons for an entire decade but methinks Moi knew how to keep his country well oiled and running. Of course, it reached a point when democracy(which can be very very loud) had to have the day; but I wish Kibaki would have borrowed a leaf or two from the “Professor of politics”…

Of true women friends …

There are women who will make your life miserable if you allow them to.

There are women who will go behind your back to report/bitch talk/yap/gossip/hate on you,

There are also women who want what you have: your job, your confidence, your peace and joy - and your husband!

There are those who will look at you from head to toe and find a fault to pick on.

Then there are those who want to be you (not realizing that you have your own insecurities).

There are those who want to know where you shop just so they can rate your class and how far up the ladder they are.

Then of course, there are those who secretly want your boyfriend or husband.One truth in life is that even if drawn together by the same faith, community or interests, not every woman can be your true friend.

A true friend would never compete with you. In fact, when life beats you up so hard that you can't dream, she dreams for you.

When you can't afford a trip out of town, she pays for your ticket. If you introduce her to a male friend, she will ask you a hundred times if you like the guy before she shows any interest.

She would never date your ex because when he became a jerk to you, he might as well have become a jerk to her as well, never mind who was at fault. I have found that it is necessary to find female friends (and become one as well) with whom you connect deeply.

Women who are confident in who they are without being arrogant.

Women who know that there is more to life than who is dating who and who bought what from where.

Today, tell all your TRUE female friends that your world would be less without them.

Friendship

is a promise spoken by heart. It is not given by a pledge, neither is it written on a paper.

It is a promise renewed every time friends keep in touch.

69 Questions

1. What’s worse - Physical or Mental cheating?
Si cheating is cheating?

2. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
To forgive….forgetting…well, that’s a matter of the heart, and frankly speaking, my heart tends to overwrite my brain many a time.

3. Can men and women be ” Just Friends?”
Heck yeah…happens like ALL the time

4. Dating co-workers?
Mmm….

5. All expenses paid vacation to anywhere?
Hurray! Where, when, what time? Can I carry two hand luggage pieces???

6. On the way to the electric chair - What’s your last meal?
Meal??!! Are u freakin kiddin me?? I’m about to die n***a!!!

7. Water parks are…?
WTF are water parks???

8. When you are “In Love” do you notice other people?
What do “other people” and “in love” have to do with each other???

9. Is flirting cheating?
Ok, didn’t I just answer a cheating question somewhere along the line??? C’mon now!

10. Would you rather have 1 great friend or 5 pals?
Def – 1 super duper friend!

11. If someone called you a bitch would you be offended?
Who me? A bitch? B***h its ON!!!

12. Are you ok with your significant other being friends with an ex?
Significant other? Significant how? When did this significance happen? Who gives a rat’s tail anyways?

13. Would you live with someone without marrying them?
Ok, this is outrageously hilariuos!!! We r jus livin together!!!Helllooooo??

14. Favorite sport?
Sport….hmm….lacrosse???

15. Is toilet paper hung over or under?
WTF???

16. Do you squeeze toothpaste from the middle or end of the tube?
Ok, this is a trick question, right?

17. How do you feel about tanning booths?
Tanning….ok, I ain’t white…so clearly…

18. Friends with benefits?
Friends are friends…whether with benefits or not.

19. Do you believe in angels?
Yup….I know a couple…

20. Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures?
Take….

21. Have you ever flirted with someone you had no interest in?
Nope…that would beat the whole purpose, now wouldn’t it?

22. Ever kissed a random person and then walked away?
Nope

23. Would you buy bootleg merchandise?
Shhh…don’t say that aloud! DAMN! (yes I would)

24. What color looks best on you?
Blue...and black

25. If you could play any sport professionally what would it be?
Tennis...I love them short skirts!

26. Ever break up with someone and regret it?
Mmm…not reeeeally.

27. Are you a jealous person?
I can be…

28. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
NO! its plastic!

29. When do you want to get married?
Who wants to get married?? C’mon…trick questions…gat to stop!

30. Who has the sexiest accents?
Ok….sexy is relative…so…Brits??

31. Next concert you’re attending?
I would only ever attend a rock concert, and seeing that we’re in Kenya…I’m guessing that will never happen…so…never?

32. Favorite song?
Contagious by Avril. Oh…gat to squeeze in Gravity by Sara Bareilles

33. Favorite movie?
Hitman…must have watched this like 10 times…probably know it backwards

34. What’s your occupation?
Editor…holy cow! I have a deadline!!! EEK!!

35. What’s your sign?
Taurus….I am a BULL!!!

36. Are you a beach, country or city person
City, city, city…I enjoy the fast life…

37. Best vacation spot you’ve been to?
Malindi…

38. Have you ever had a “secret affair?”
Hmm…define secret…

39. If you could own a non-traditional pet which would it be?
“Non-traditional”???

40. Favorite show as a child?
The Smuffs

41. Where do you spend most of your money?
Shopping for shoes!!

42. Are you currently working at a job that you hate?
I love my job…just hate the place…make sense??

43. Have you ever been so heart broken that you called in sick to work?
Good grief!! Does that actually happen for real?

44. Favorite summer drink?
Ok, we are ALWAYS experiencing “summer”…that said…Alvaro! And no, I don’t care whether its alcoholic or not.

45. Can you change a car tire?
Why should I?? Aren’t there some guys who get paid to do that?

46. Favorite cologne / perfume?
Flower by Kenzo

47. Favorite candle scent?
Potpourri

48. Would you consider yourself adventurous?
Yeah…my whole life is practically an adventure…

49. What is your My Space profile song?
My-what???

50. Favorite concert attended?
Ok, I just did a concert question somewhere up yonder..

51. Would you date an already attached man / woman?
Attached? To what? Or where? Are we talking Siamese twins or somethin?

52. Would you sing Karaoke in front of co-workers?
I would sing, period.

53. Can you shoot pool?
No, but I can shoot a b***h…

54. Do you like your siblings’ significant others?
Ok, this significance ish is so yesterday.

55. Can you drive a stick?
Drive a what? Ok, I need a translator.

56. Did you wear white at your wedding?
Wedding…again. (Huge, collective sigh)

57. Have you ever sat and hoped for a phone call?
Mmm…lets see…I’ve hopped on the spot, jogged, twiddled my thimbs, wringed my fingers till they turned blue, chewed on my lips, tugged at my meager hair…well, sitting doesn’t quite fit in here, now does it?

58. Ever skip school and spend the day at the beach?
Beach, no. Bed yes.

59. Favorite TV show/s?
Gilmore Girls, 24, 2 and A Half Men, Prison Break, America’s Next Top Model, Scrubs, Ugly Betty

60. What do you think about gay marriage?
I don’t think about it.

62. What are you waiting for at the movies?
What?

63. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas!!

64. Describe your fighting style: drunken master or angry monkey?
Ok, I’m a very refined person, so clearly mudslinging competitions and cat fights aint my thing. I prefer strategic arbitration when dealing with distasteful incidents. Catch my drift?

65. Piercing?
Yes…ears

66. Tattoos?
I want

67. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Mmm…

68. Thongs? yes or no.
Maybe

69. Write 2 truths and 1 lie.
I don’t want to. Lying is bad

May it be noted that shortly afterwards, yours truly passed out

Men, men, men…

N.B. : Yes…its true…every once in a while, I digress and address less “serious” matters (a la politics n Co.) So, true to my spontaneous nature, I post this somewhat “less tedious” tidbit…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A wise man once told me, "My advice to you young lady... don't try to understand men because you only end up being more confused than before..."

Well, lets just say I think dude was on to something...

See…

1. The nice men are ugly.

2. The handsome men are not nice.

3. The handsome and nice men are gay.

4. The handsome, nice, and heterosexual men
are married.

5. The men who are not so handsome, but are
nice men, have NO money.

6. The men who are not so handsome, but are
nice men with money think we are only after their
money.(hmm…anybody differ?)

7. The handsome men without money are after
OUR money.

8. The handsome men, who are not so nice and
somewhat heterosexual, don't think we are beautiful enough.

9. The men who think we are beautiful, that
are heterosexual, somewhat nice and have no money,
are cowards.

10. The men who are somewhat handsome, somewhat nice and have money

and THANK GOD are straight, are shy and NEVER MAKE THE FIRST MOVE!!!(ok,

seriously, what’s up with that?)

11. The men who never make the first move, automatically lose interest

in us when we take the initiative

So once again I think…for ONCE…the wise man was right…

Just a thought

Okay, it seems that the controversy surrounding the sale of the Grand Regency hotel just went a notch higher. Apparently, the Libyan owners of the luxurious hotel have changed the name to Laico regency or something of the sort. Now, if that’s not a lousy stamp of ownership being brandished before us, then I don’t know what is. The hint is loud and clear for all you doubting Thomases; the hotel is ours so back off! That’s what they seem to be saying.

So I’m left to wonder; what exactly will the Cockar commission accomplish, now that business seems to be going on as usual? The hard fact is that the Libyans are not about to back off. They have a tenacious grip on the hotel title deed and no amount of “evidence”, accusations and counter accusations will make them budge.

Frankly speaking, this all seems to me to be a waste of time, energy and money. Just like any other commission of inquiry, this one will also go down in history as yet another group of persons who sat down and produced a document. Nothing will come of it. Because one would expect some sort of intervention whereby, the disputed hotel is reclaimed by the CBK until the matter of the inappropriate sale is sorted out.

But if the events on the ground are anything to go by, then this is all but a pipe dream. It was only about three weeks ago that Gaddafi’s special envoy, Mr Bashir Saleh Bashir gave a terse statement to the effect that the Libyan government is officially the new owner of the hotel(whether we like it or not) and that the debate as to whether the hotel should be repossessed by the CBK is moot.

Well, there you have it; the Grand Regency, sorry, the Laico Regency, is well and truly gone. Yup, what’s gone is gone. Deal with it!

In other news…

The VP’s wife apparently pockets 400K per month. Okay, I may be behind events on this one but seriously, someone explain to me exactly why she is earning so much money. What exactly is all this money for? And when was it decided that she should be paid by taxpayers’ money for doing whatever it is she is supposed to do? Crikes! What else is new???

My God! This is really the straw that breaks the camel’s back!

A DVD a Day May Keep Fazul Away

Well, I thought that in this day and age of unfathomable technology and mind reeling advancement, the entire world would have caught on and tried out a few high-tech antics in almost every sector; from science, agriculture to even security.

Of course the “First” world is well past this stage of trying out the novel technical mish mash that constitutes technological know how. It’s the developing countries that are slowly, but steadily getting grip of the wonders of technology and trying to put these to use to better the performance of their institutions.

Well, I may have beaten around the bush somewhat so let me hit the nail squarely on the head. Is it that our Kenyan police force are not dazzled by any of this technical how or is it that they are completely stymied when it comes to dealing with the apprehension of international terrorists and other criminals?

Take for instance the case of Fazul Abdullah a.k.a Fazul of the August bomb blast that shook Nairobi in 1998. The guy is clearly leaving the cops in a bit of a stupor. Because if the facts are right, then this man may just be the next best bet after Houdini; he has managed to creep, crawl, jump, dash and sidle through every possible nook, exit and barricade that the police have managed to create and left them looking dimmer than a hydrogen bulb.

Why is it that the police have been unable to nab the “most wanted terrorist” on this side of the Sahara? Despite the numerous tip offs, close encounters and manpower that they have, they simply just cant catch Fazul! And to think that the fellow has a kidney problem that would make a toothache seem like a mild cold. He probably cant even walk straight. But no! Somehow, some way, he has managed to elude the police, over and over again.

The worst part is that they always appear thoroughly unfazed and diffident when relaying their incapability to nab the bomber. Like recently when a team of anti-terrorist officers ambushed a building where Fazul was hiding in, it somehow didn’t seem to cross their minds that the building needed to be completely surrounded. So while the good police were busy hammering in the front door, the terrorist managed to sneak out through the back and rush away to sweet freedom. Again!

For crying out loud, haven’t the numerous programmes such as 24, Prison Break and CSI, just to name a few, taught these fellows anything? Okay, I know these programmes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but frankly speaking, if I was a cop, I think I’d be keen to know just what exactly these “cop programmes” have to offer that I don’t already know. Whether its fictitious or fact. Because I bet there are some pretty cool moves and antics that many a cop would learn. Even our very own “Cobra Squad” may have something to offer.

Forget the crazy sci-fi effects and the coded gibberish that the actors bark at each other when approaching a building where a suspect is holed in. Concentrate on how they approach the building or suspect, how they speak, how they walk, crawl, creep or dash in and how they accost the suspect etc etc. I think its surprising what one can learn from these programmes.

True, they are just but figments of some very creative director’s imagination, but frankly, some ideas are quite feasible.

So please, someone lend these guys a DVD or two. Maybe this may just give them a couple of ideas on how to deal with Fazul and his cohorts.

And his nine lives may quickly come to a screeching end.

Schools Fiasco

The kids are at it again. Strike – Season 3…clearly we are being feted by the best of the best.

Something is seriously wrong; I know strikes are no strange thing but 300 schools affected! In a span of 4 weeks! Over 70 students have been arrested and charged with arson and damage to property…That has got to send some alarm bells ringing.

The Minister of Education has moved quickly to set up [yet another] commission of inquiry to look into this ‘unprecedented” rise of school unrest. Clearly, our memories are wanting. Wasn’t it just the other day [year 2001] when Henry Kosgey was minister of the same ministry, that a commission was set up to look into the very same issue? And didn’t this committee, chaired by Director of Education, Mrs Naomi Wangai, table a comprehensive report of its findings? And didn’t this report outline the various recommendations that would help to put such unrest at bay?

Well, in true Kenyan fashion, this never happened….the Wangai report’s recommendations have never been implemented. Despite its candid proposals that included the amendment of the outdated Education Act and streamlining the mode of school governance, nothing has been done yet.

And here we go, forming another commission that is of course, funded by none other than you and I (yes, taxpayers’ money) to tell us the same old things that we already know. The same things that were mentioned seven years ago. Its sickening, to say the least.

I think kids these days have had it too easy. No corporal punishment, thanks to the Children’s Act which abhorred this form of discipline to the point of prohibiting it altogether; this must have been the point of no return. Hi-fi systems and DVD screens in 62-seater buses, three course meals, mobile phones(complete with airtime) and enough pocket money to make a casual labourer in Majengo green…well, these kids sure do know how to ask for the most amazing things…at least that’s what I have managed to gather from the kids’ wish lists, according to the news.

For crying out loud, do these kids know how hard life is out here? Okay, they may have their innocent, blue-eyed moments where they feel they should have it easy in school but then again, did we have it easy? Definitely not! And this was thoroughly instilled into our subconscious. School was a military-like institution where such lofty ideas such as the ones these kids are airing could not even stand the light of day. Mobile phones? Get out of here! Exams are too tough? Crikes! That’s the whole point of school, dummies! Its not meant to be a holiday camp. Its meant to be a place that toughens you and turns your skin into hide. Impermeable to all the stuff that life will throw at you once you’re out of there.

Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see if the cane and switch will triumph and find their way back to the classroom. Because as long as we try to be mellow with the kids, they’ll always cry over anything. Even the razor – when we know damn well it will cut them…

The Grand Scam(Part 3)

Dominic Odipo’s commentary, in The Standard on June 30^th 2008, was well on point. He argued that Cabinet Ministers are knowingly ignoring the rule of law largely because they know that even if they flout a thousand laws, nothing whatsoever will happen to them. And he’s right. After all, this is Kenya; nothing ever happens to the tope elite, even when they contravene the rule of law. They are indeed the “untouchables.” That’s why Amos Kimunya can afford to say that all the ministers who are chastising him for selling off public property at a throw away price, should themselves resign as they are proving to be incompetent.

I must admit that I too have been thoroughly bemused by this apparently “clean deal” that is the sale of the Grand Regency and all the bickering and cacophony that has kicked off the week.

I may not understand the dynamics with which Amos Kimunya “sealed the deal”, so to speak, nor who exactly are the new owners of this controversial piece of property. But what I do know for a fact is that Kimunya will not resign.

He knows that whatever he did was purely based on vested interests. He dared not spare a thought for the taxpayers.

And he did all this with the comforting notion that absolutely nothing would be done to him.

Infact, it would come as a huge surprise if he were to actually heed the full throated calls of Kenyans and his colleagues alike and resign. Because, as we all know, Kenyan (and even African) political leaders are not famous for their ability to exercise honesty and do the noble thing; admitting that one is wrong and stepping aside for investigations to take place.

So as Mr. Odipo pointed out, our Cabinet ministers will continue to break the law with outright impunity, because they just don’t care about the ramifications.

For all the Kenyans and politicians baying for Kimunya’s blood, spare a thought for this evaluation: If Samuel Kivuitu, he of the infamous ECK, failed to tender his resignation, even after presiding over botched elections, why is it that we believe that Kimunya will resign?

Seriously, the man even dared to retort on national TV that he would “burn with the country”, if that was deemed fit by the electorate! We all know that never happened. The man and his band of commissioners, is still drawing his hefty salary package every end month. No signs of burning with the country there…

Well, I will simply lean back and watch how this drama will unfold. But pray, do forgive me my fellow citizens if I don’t bet my two cents that Kimunya will do the honourable thing. Well…at least not unless he’s dragged out of office by a dozen horses and a carriage.

Tax Them!

I’m at a loss – someone help me out here…

I don’t know which is more pathetic; the whines of an eight year old, whose got a piece of meat stuck in his molar, or the whines of grown up men and women, who are grumbling about the possibility of their larger than life allowances being taxed.

God knows this country’s taxpayers are already bent double at the waist with the weight of MPs salaries. Earning over 200,000 shillings per month(this is the only bit that’s taxed) and scooping enormous allowances that sum up to a total earning of about 850,000 shillings…this is really the height of irony, in a country that’s reeling from post-election violence effects, spiralling inflation rates and soaring food prices.

Kenya’s MPs earn more than their British counterparts and are among the most highly paid legislators in the continent. So when Finance Minister, Amos Kimunya decided to propose a tax cut of the MPs huge allowances, the expected happened – grumbling, whining and outright rage. How dare the Finance Minister consider such a despicable idea? The nerve! Oh, the shame of being taxed! MPs are not happy. Well, at least the majority of them aren’t.

I honestly used to believe that anyone with a conscience would never be able to sleep comfortably, knowing full well the problems plaguing his neighbours and also knowing that he could do something about it. But as far as our MPs are concerned; I gave up on them a long time ago. Because while their constituents continue to endure the daily grind that is life, the MPs continue to live the high life. They build palatial homes, cruise in fuel guzzlers, eat the choicest meat and generally live on the lap of luxury. All in the full glare of their constituents’ bleary eyes.

So forgive us, oh worthy “honourable members of parliament” if we side with Mr. Kimunya on this one. Because he seems to be listening to our pleas, rather than “playing the public gallery” as Peter Kenneth suggests. Okay, even if he is(I don’t really care), at least he has the guts to propose the “unthinkable” for the second time. I just hope that this time, his noble motion wont be scuttled out of the August House. We all know they will anyway. I’m just trying my hand at some optimism.

But I seriously think its well overdue, this whole idea. These people need to know that if it wasn’t for us (and an inept electoral commission), they wouldn’t be feeling on top of the world. Those pedestals on which they perch can easily come down.

So while the likes of Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani MP) argue that those calling for tax have already benefited from financial scandals, Kenyans continue to shake their heads in disbelief. I mean, who gives two hoots whether some MPs have enriched themselves from shady deals or not! After all, birds of a feather flock together; and these birds all seem alike to me. So big deal! All we want to see is some action – let these people be taxed! That’s one way of showing Kenyans that they seriously care about our suffering. And that they too have consciences.

We are behind you 100% Mr. Kimunya. Don’t let your colleagues talk you out of this one or else you will have failed the populace mightily.

On that note:

Will these retail chains and kiosks quit messing around? I’m still waiting for the price of a loaf of bread to go down by 5 shillings, at least. Hello??? Kimunya zero rated tax on basic commodities like bread and rice, and reduced tax on wheat. So that really translates to something like this – BREAD IS BACK ON THE BREAKFAST TABLE! (At least it should be…)