When I heard that Wyclef Jean is running for president of Haiti, my immediate response was great. Some of my friends and associates think I have lost my mind. “Are you for real,” they bellowed. Yes, I replied, why not. Haiti was the first Black nation to become independent in 1804, yet Haiti is still the poorest country in the western hemisphere. I believe it is way past due for Haiti to join the twenty-first century and find ways to help its citizens.
The reasons behind my thinking Wyclef is a good choice for president are based on pure logic. It has been two hundred and six years since Haiti became a free nation, but very little change has occurred. A young celebrity like Wyclef would bring the necessary clout that would help bring much needed tourism to Haiti. Many other third world country’s economies are based on mainly tourism.
I think Wyclef would get the support of many other countries to help turn things around in Haiti. As I speak, celebrities such as Sean Penn, Matt Damon, and Angelina Jolie have made numerous trips to Haiti. Other celebrities would follow suit. Their clout would stir much needed interest, and hopefully builders would want to open resorts in Haiti. Haiti is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. I could actually see Haiti booming with tourism just like Mexico and Jamaica.
Wyclef could put a delegation together that would be responsible for building roads, schools, hospitals, and many more important improvements to the infrastructure. He could easily seek the help of other countries to help bring these goals into a reality; more importantly, he can hire Haitians living in Haiti so the people have a way to bring in some income.
Lastly, I think it is of vital importance that Wyclef come up with a viable plan to decrease the number of kidnappings in Haiti. This is very important because not too many tourists would visit Haiti if this situation was not dealt with. No one is foolish enough to subject themselves to being kidnapped, especially in a third world country.
I am known for being too much of an optimist, but I think it is better to have a positive outlook than to have a negative and gloomy disposition. Why wallow in negativity? Life is too short; I tend to see the glass as half full instead of half empty.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Wilbur Grey
was he not ruled ineligible to run yesterday?
2 - Zedd
Another reason would be that he is already pretty well off. He wont be as tempted by money to become corrupt and squander the wealth of the nation as so many have.
3 - Clavos
According to this morning's Miami Herald, he can't run; the Haitians don't want him.
Makes sense. Experience as a hip-hop artist is about as relevant to being president as experience as a community organizer is.
4 - Nicole Weaver
Hey,
I was hoping Wyclef would get a chance to run because of his clout as a well known artist. " Sweet Mickey" a well know singer is on the ticket to run for president. I agree with what Zedd said, case in point!
"Another reason would be that he is already pretty well off. He wont be as tempted by money to become corrupt and squander the wealth of the nation as so many have."
5 - Clavos
Uh huh.
He's unqualified, and the Provisional Electoral Council recognized that.
It was a good decision.
6 - Nicole Weaver
Hey Clavos,
You are entitled to your opinion, no worries
7 - Clavos
So is the Council...
8 - Nicole Weaver
Hey Clavos,
Do you always have to have the last word? Are you Haitian? Why are so determined to drill this point to the ground? I get it, the council voted against it, yet Sweet Mickey who is also a singer was allowed to stay in the presidental race. He has as much experience as Wyclef. Go figure!!!!!!!!!!!
9 - Clavos
Do you always have to have the last word?
No, but apparently you do.
I'm not Haitian, but I have traveled there on several occasions over a span of 50 years, visiting a number of towns and villages, including Port-au-Prince, Petionville, Arcahaie, Gonaives, Mole Saint-Nicolas, Port-de-Paix, Cap Haitien and others.
As you no doubt know, Wyclef Jean, though born in Haiti, moved to the USA at age nine, where he has lived ever since -- he is far more American than Haitian, and it's likely the Council had some reservations about his qualifications to be president on that point alone.
Going back five centuries, to the days of Columbus and later the revolution resulting in liberation from French rule, the Haitian people have been systematically exploited, robbed and mistreated, first by the French, and ever since, by their own leaders. Wyclef Jean has a questionable background, ironically in regard to a Haitian relief fund he established, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, and it would appear the members of the Council made their decision, at least in part, because of that as well.
10 - Nicole Weaver
Clavos,
That settles it ! I am Haitian and I know more about my native country than you ever will!
11 - Clavos
OK, Nicole, whatever you say...
12 - El Bicho
"I am Haitian and I know more about my native country than you ever will!"
The article doesn't indicate that. You write "I think Wyclef would get the support of many other countries to help turn things around in Haiti. As I speak, celebrities such as Sean Penn..."
Penn is quoted as saying "I'm very suspicious of it, simply because [Wyclef], as an ambassador at large, has been virtually silent. For those of us in Haiti, he has been a non-presence." So what proof is there that Wyclef who was ruled ineligible before this article was published would have any pull with celebs?
Are any of your friends and associates who you've think you've lost your mind Haitian?
13 - Nicole Weaver
El Bicho,
No those friends are not Haitian. A family member went to school with Wyclef, grew up with him and knows him very well. You can't always believe what the media spews about people, not all they say is always the truth. As for Wyclef having pull with celebs, celebrities are known to support each other for worthy causes.
14 - Zedd
Clavos,
I don't think you are familiar with Wyclef. He is not merely a hip hop artist.
While Bono is a rock artist, he is much more than that. It's the best example that I can give you.
15 - Arch Conservative
Yes every loud mouthed movie star or singer is not just a movie star or singer but rather they are all experts on economics, military affairs, environmental science and any other issue that comes up.
I think we can all agree that America would be much better off with Sean Penn or George Clooney at the helm.
16 - Nicole Weaver
Arch Conservative,
I so agree with you! maybe loud mouthed conservatives like Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin would be better at the helm! I think not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
17 - Arch ConscienceStain
America would be much better off with Sean Penn or George Clooney at the helm.
America would be much better off with people who are as dumb as a box of hammers, but I don't think we can do much about that.
Beer pong, anyone.
18 - Nicole Weaver
Geesh Arch,
Your self-esteem is at an all time low , you should refrain from describing yourself as "Dumb as a box of hammers" Agreed on one point though, We can't do much about conservatives like yourself, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and of course we can't forget good old boy Sean Hannity.
19 - Clavos
America would be much better off with people who are as dumb as a box of hammers
The $800 ones our government is so fond of buying?
Good description of most of our politicians.
20 - Clavos
you should refrain from describing yourself as "Dumb as a box of hammers"
He didn't.
21 - roger nowosielski
Actually, Nicole, that was one of Archie's best. He'd surely outdone himself this time.
22 - Clavos
Actually, Nicole, that was one of Archie's best.
Except for one pesky fact:
Arch didn't post it...
23 - Arch Conservative
Who the fuck is Nicole Weaver?
24 - Nicole Weaver
Ouch!!!! Nice use of the English language Arch.
25 - El Bicho
Wyclef can't even get The Fugees back together so I am not sure why he's going to be able to fix Haiti.
"The $800 [hammers] our government is so fond of buying?"
you don't think that's actually what the money is being spent on, do you? That's just what it says on the invoice