Dominica Island Blog: Sharing Every Dominican Moment with the World

Is Patriotism Good or Bad?

Written by Danielle in Ramblings 5 Comments →

Photo credit:Buffalosoldiers.com

It was quite a fulfilling past time to familiarize myself with the colourful flags of our World Nations from my childhood encyclopedias in my tender years. I felt more conscious of my place in the diverse global community, and of course more knowledgeable, having learnt of the national symbols of pride, honour and prestige of various countries.

Today, many would agree, at least to a certain extent, that flags might as well be treated as obsolete. Invariably they seem to be taken for granted while our political leaders have implanted their eternally smiling faces in the minds of numerous societies, far and wide, as the alternative national symbols. It’s quite ironic that these leaders would dare to compel us to view them as symbols of unity while many of them use divisive strategies to rule their own people.

When you think of Venezuela, you think of Hugo Chavez. When you remember Cuba, you remember the revolutionary Fidel Castro. Certainly, thoughts of a country such as Zimbabwe would be dominated by bitter thoughts of Mr. Robert Mugabe.

Today, the United States of America can seldom be spoken of without instant talk of George W. Bush and his bloody war in Iraq, the divine Barack Obama and his miraculous campaign for change and maybe even the old white-haired John McCain.

Think ‘France’- and you may think delightful thoughts of savoury French cheeses, croissants and croque-monsieurs at a country cottage in the gilded shadows of a grape vineyard. But they’re likely to come after you remember the famous Jacques Chirac, Mr. Popularity Nicolas Sarkozy and even the legendary Napoleon.

Our world is faced with a dilemma in which inclinations to patriotism or love for country and countrymen are marred by the seemingly pressing need for unconditional devotion to one’s leader. Hence Americans blindly supported Bush’s war on the innocent in the name of ‘national security’. Anyone who disagreed 3 years ago was judged a disloyal, treacherous bonehead.

From the days of the Buffalo Soldier, conscription in the U.S. military has been perceived as the epitome of patriotism- even if it means fighting a meaningless war driven by an insatiable lust for oil. But luckily, many Americans now know better. The bitter tales of men who fought in terrible wars for their country, and returned with one leg to find that they had lost their jobs or that the bank had seized their house have hit home.

For us in the Nature Isle, many lament that we’re not as patriotic as we should be. And I’m honestly not sure how many Dominicans would be willing to fight with guns and missiles in any war to defend this nation. Maybe that’s not altogether a bad thing- after all, war is never the answer. And I’m unsure as to whether or not the bloodshed and destruction would even be worth it.

I feel that patriotism should be mainly about love for one’s culture and history, and not merely unconditional support for the deeds of one’s nation. But I really don’t feel that it’s as important as many try to make it seem. Its very definition has too often been distorted to suit perverse political agendas. How can one proclaim and profess unconditional support for his country when his leaders have destroyed the homes of millions of innocent women and children in foreign lands?

Furthermore, we must not forget that all over the world, many continue to dedicate their lives to their country with countless years of committed service, sacrificing opportunities for opulence elsewhere. When they become senior citizens their pensions barely reflect the value of the work that they have done for all those years.

I do love my country, but I really don’t feel like patriotism is altogether a good thing. Like almost everything else in this world, it isn’t flawless- and it often leads to fatal consequences.

5 Things You Should Know About Politicians

Written by Danielle in Ramblings No Comments →

Image Source:norrie.wordpress.com

Editor’s note:This is a guest post from Danielle Edwards - a Literature and History student and an aspiring Journalist.

What an uncanny coincidence that this week’s posts have all been laced with political themes! Perhaps it’s the inadvertent consequence of the omnipresent political influence of our global leaders. We just can’t seem to get away from their decisions on the type of food we eat, our energy sources, matters of education and even our domestic lifestyle.

You must have noticed that politicians- from France to Latin America - all seem to share common characteristics. In fact it is cliché that: ‘all politicians are the same’. If you ever attempt to defend a politician, I dare say you would be ‘putting your hands in fire’.

There are 5 things you should know about all politicians. I’m no astrologer, so expect exceptions. But don’t be surprised if there are none.

The name Robert Mugabe comes to mind. He liberated Zimbabwe in the name of freedom- once dominated by racist and oppressive White people. Through his leadership, it became the ‘bread basket of Africa’. Today, he’s still in control, uniting with thugs to persecute the opposition- and one U.S. dollar is worth $ 54217199510 Zimbabwe Dollars.

After all, diapers- unlike pampers- can be used after washing. In other words, I’m not suggesting that we do away with any politician for good- but leaders certainly need to be made aware of the fact that they can and should be replaced from time to time- something they often forget.

Don’t be surprised if the most principled politicians you’ve ever met switch party allegiance to suit their means. They may proclaim to be the most ethical, decent and god-like creatures you’ll ever meet. But when power hits the palate, it’s a whole new ballgame.

Power isn’t like a drug. It IS a drug. And it’s addictive. Some people will do anything for drugs, and a politician will consider doing almost anything for power. So next time you dare to put your TRUST in a politician, think twice. Some of us can’t trust our girlfriends, boyfriends, sisters, parents, in-laws, classmates we’ve known for 10 years or even our children. So why are we so willing to trust politicians?

Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party. ~Winston Churchill

Churchill knew what he was talking about. He was a politician too.

Whether he’s doing good or bad, a politician is always thinking of the next election. Bill and Hillary Clinton have shown the world just how much foresight lies within our politicians. Even when they can’t run for the next general election, they’re paving the way for their wives and political cronies to win. That way, the well never runs dry.

So next time you’re about to believe a politician who promises to fix all your country’s problems during his next term in office, remember that it’s in his interest to fix none of those problems when elected. If there are no problems left to be fixed, there will be no need for any more politicians.

Somehow, I’ve always had this ridiculous notion that a good politician should be a servant to his people- not a ‘head’ or ‘master’ or ‘chief’ or ‘lord’. And maybe if more people felt the way I do- and didn’t lionize and idolize politicians, or clap for every single thing they said, or praise and adore them, or request that they fulfill their ‘visions’ and ‘dreams’ and do us favours and miracles, instead of jobs- they would probably act the part of a humble servant too.

I firmly believe that if we don’t treat politicians like they are any ‘greater than us’, they will inevitably have difficulty acting like they are. We have, I fear, confused power with greatness. ~Stewart Udall

Have you ever wondered how Germans living 65 years ago could declare that they were oblivious to the fact that over 6 million of their neighbours were being forced into concentrations camps and crushed in gas chambers overnight? Or why politicians are always so opposed to the media?

They’re supposed to trick us. It can be mathematically explained:

But luckily, God gave us eyes to see through politicians, ears to hear the lies, noses to smell a rat, tongues to taste the sweetness of democracy and bitterness of oppression, a brain to think for ourselves… and hands to vote.

References: http://www.quotegarden.com/politics.html

Is Barack Obama The Second Coming of Christ?

Written by Chris in Ramblings 5 Comments →

Today I had this strange déjà vu –you know the kind where you tell yourself “I’ve heard or seen this before.” While riding the bus, and I overheard this conversion between a group of people seating at the back of the bus. They were talking about Barack Obama, and how he came from nothing to being one of the most highly respected men in the world.

Traits they believe are already prophesized in the bible – where a Child will venture forth - for the first time - to bring the light unto the entire world.

Not taking any heed to the conversion which I just overheard, a few hours later I came across this article on the internet entitled: Barack Obama, the second coming of Christ.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian Desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.

The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.

When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: “Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?”

In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites.

And so it was, in the fullness of time, before the harvest month of the appointed year, the Child ventured forth - for the first time - to bring the light unto the entire world.

—–Personal Note——

For some strange reason I feel like the universe is trying to tell me something. How ironic is that ah? In one day I was lucky enough to accidentally come across this same topic - or maybe it wasn’t an accident. You can call me crazy if you want – but I do believe that Obama was sent by god to save mankind from himself. “Yes We Can.”