Monday, August 17, 2009
Astaphanism and Dominican politics
By Wilbert Connor
The most closely studied political economy is that of the United States of America. The politics of this country is characterized by what is termed as special interest groups.
Lobbyists are professional bodies formed to influence the direction of government policy. Special interests are what they are, groups interested in pursuing particular activities and projects.
They can determine where ‘earmarks’ are created and where they come to bear. Strategically, the elected government officials are positioned to carry out the calls of the special interest groups.
They provide bedfellows with campaign finance and the wherewithal to direct the local, state and federal elections. Policy initiatives are sometimes influenced throughout the tenure of elected officials and statutory institutions and individuals.
In the Caribbean, there are similar groups (usually businessmen) with similar functions. Historically, in the capitalist state, those with economic power have generally wielded political power whether directly or indirectly. Howell D. Shillingford comes to mind.
He was once upon a time the political king of the west coast partly because of his economic power - he owned a lot of land! Even the surname Charles was a powerhouse several years ago from J. B. Charles to Dame M. Eugenia Charles. Money meant power.
In our contemporary time there’s Astaphan: Anthony Waddy Astaphan (Tony), the son of Waddy Astaphan, grandson of Joseph Astaphan. They have the economic power and their affiliation have somewhat affected political power and direction in Dominica.
Tony Astaphan is an attorney by profession and his legal practice takes him across the Caribbean representing several prominent individuals like the Birds from Antigua, Dr. Kenny Anthony from St. Lucia, and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves from St. Vincent among others.
Of course, he’s popularly known as senior counsel by some and notoriously so by others. Nonetheless, this is an accomplishment he’s attained in his legal endeavours in 1999 bestowed upon him by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
When the Birds ruled Antigua & Barbuda Tony’s advice influenced government affairs there. Because of his outspoken and vocal nature and his consistent convincing manner of speech he is listened to. He continues to have much influence in the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the Labour Administration.
He is considered the number one public government defender! He claims to be merely an advocate. Depending on the issue at hand he is more or less a defender of the government or of the prime minister. He has been a public embarrassment both here and abroad too as we shall see.
Let me at this point attempt to define ‘Astaphanism’. Astaphanism represents the concerted precept whereby Anthony Astaphan’s political and economic views are superior to that of others and should stand.
Tony Astaphan was instrumental in having Ambrose George removed as Finance Minister during the tenure of Pierre Charles as prime minister of Dominica. At the time he proclaimed that no one should be finance minister but the prime minister himself. We would all recall the famous line from him in relation to Ambrose George, “He knew, he knew, he knew….”
Think of controversy, and think of a mediocre spin on it in the Dominican political context. Layou River Hotel saga, justified; suing Matt Peltier and The Times for exposing the truth about questionable land dealings by the Prime Minister – justified; the opposition parties which represent almost 50% of the nation’s voters on the question of electoral reform – ridiculed as being unnecessary.
Astaphanism is thus derived from the conspicuous presence of Mr. Astaphan’s well-known public positions which carry through in government policy. He speaks for the Prime Minister (I guess with or without permission).
This is also expressed in his legal services that are employed by the Labour Administration. For all intents and purposes it sometimes suits the government to allow Astaphanism precedence over the Ministry of Legal affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Legal services provided on behalf of the Government of Dominica on the current and very famous Layou River Hotel/ambassador David Hsui case in the British Virgin Islands is a case in point.
It is alleged that much financial help and other support was given to the Dominica Labour Party during their campaigns especially in 2005.
A senior counsel in legal terms is a high ranking distinguished lawyer, but Dominicans probably know Tony as the de facto prime minister of Dominica. It is said that he speaks for the prime minister out of convenience.
Ladies and gentlemen, regardless of what you think, the man is listened to by all. Unfortunately, his criticisms of those he apparently does not like are distasteful and uncharacteristic of a senior counsel. This is apparent when he calls them names.
It reminds me of the colonial era when ‘certain’ human beings were considered inferior, or less than others. Humans are humans, and not animals. Genetically, biologically, socially and intellectually humans are characteristically different from animals.
In spite of this expressed attitude some people still like the man. He apologizes when it suits him and takes back the apologies when he wants. Remember though, he is not a politician. Some people are afraid of him because he is a high-powered lawyer.
Contemporary Astaphanism really began to take hold when the late Pierre Charles was prime minister of this country. The distinguished calypso writer Pat Aaron penned the words of “Puppet Master”, and this song helps to explain the whole concept a bit clearer sharing some insight into Astaphanism and Dominican politics.
Perhaps a closer look at this splendid work of art will help you decide one way or the other if there’s any such thing as Astaphanism in this small island state called Dominica. Please read these two verses as expressed in calypso:
Does your country have a puppet master,
Who controls all the people through their leader?
He controls for his profit
He has the leaders in his pocket
He trades economic power for political power
Dominica has its puppet master
He doh like no foreign investor
The government is in his hold
He doh like leaders who he can’t control
Puppet master never runs for office
For people’s welfare that is not his business
He doh want man who competent
To have no say in government
He’s the king of the law
Taking anybody as leader
Each time a leader dies he puts a successor
Each time telling the public this is the best leader
He really thinks he is a little god
He sees desi black girls as his reward.
Please read the lyrics one more time, digest and think it through. The song makes reference to power hungry puppet master and propaganda puppet master. Pat Aaron is skilful at analyzing one’s personality and fashioning words to ably communicate that personality to his listeners through songs.
Notable criticisms of Astaphanism
Well-known and eloquent US-based Dominican attorney Gabriel Christian had this to say about Tony Astaphan recently on the Hot Seat on Q95: “Senior Counsel is loose with the truth…; the man is injurious to the national interest”.
Christian was expressing utter disgust at the fact that Mr. Astaphan responded “no” to a question from Christian as to whether or not he’d read the Contract between the government and West Indies Power granting the corporation rights to explore for geothermal resources in Soufriere.
He was aghast at the unsubstantiated defense being put up by Astaphan as a senior counsel defending something he was ignorant about. These two gentlemen campaigned for the very same cause years ago, that was to get the Dominica Labour Party in government. Some things must have fundamentally gone very wrong.
He is always in a battle of sorts with one of the Caribbean’s best eloquent and investigative journalists Lennox Linton. The only thing they agree upon is that they breathe the same air!
The Griffin St. Hilaire - Pierre Charles succession plan issue now comes to mind. There have been documented inconsistencies in the position(s) held by Astaphan. According to one journalist Astaphan says that there was an agreement in principle for St. Hilaire to have succeeded Charles at one point.
At another time he stated that there was no such agreement. What are we to believe? Was there a concoction of sorts, a confused defender or deliberate misunderstanding of the facts?
The latest embarrassment for Astaphan was a live incident on radio when he sought to characterize Athie Martin and Angelo Allen as political antagonists of the government.
He accused them of concocting a story about what turned out to be a factual statement made by Dr. Edwin Carrington insinuating that Hugo Chavez’s position could possibly be the biggest concern for CARICOM at the Summit of the Americas held recently in Trinidad. Astaphanism was put to shame.
He later apologized but still sort of later recanted. His lack of research, quick to condemn attitude, political biasness took precedence over better judgment. Alas, it was not a court of law!
According to the St. Lucia Star newspaper dated April 8th 2009 he apologized to Sir Fenton Ramsahoye in a Commission hearing when he represented Dr. Kenny Anthony former St. Lucian prime minister. This was another silly mistake that could have been avoided by the gentleman because he got the facts wrong.
Perhaps the most notable was the Matt Peltier Roosevelt Skerritt court case. The matter is still current but from all accounts both the court and public opinion are on Matt’s side.
The PM has already paid over $51,000.00 to the State in the land matter and the Court Master recently denied Mr. Skerritt’s legal counsel, led by Tony Astaphan, a request for disclosure of sources of information by Matt Peltier and The Times.
Benefits of Astaphanism
- Astaphanism has proven to be an effective distraction to the opposition parties. They always respond to his points of views whether or not they can be validated as truth or untruths.
- There’s a fair share of Mitsubishis in the public service right now
Setbacks of Astaphanism (cautious points)
Distraction to the conventional political process. When sitting governments
allow non-elected members to be so influential in the political process this skews everything from who has real power to who actually wields that power.
Elected members and even ministers are subjected to his legal, economic and political positions on matters of national interest.
When the prime minister does not speak on selected issues the senior counsel speaks on them. By all means he’s a much better spinner!
How will Astaphanism play in the upcoming general elections? I guarantee you these public outbursts will continue and the labour party’s ‘advocate’ will have his say in spite of and despite… Let democracy reign.
Democracy is perhaps the political system which is supposed to allow freedom of expression to reign. In this system however, some are freer than others to do or say as they please. One’s ability to articulate well will be advantageous to the orator.
If you continue to repeat truth over and over again the listener will believe, and likewise if you are bombarded with what appears to be untruths and distortions all the time the listeners will eventually believe!
The most closely studied political economy is that of the United States of America. The politics of this country is characterized by what is termed as special interest groups.
Lobbyists are professional bodies formed to influence the direction of government policy. Special interests are what they are, groups interested in pursuing particular activities and projects.
 Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan. |
They can determine where ‘earmarks’ are created and where they come to bear. Strategically, the elected government officials are positioned to carry out the calls of the special interest groups.
They provide bedfellows with campaign finance and the wherewithal to direct the local, state and federal elections. Policy initiatives are sometimes influenced throughout the tenure of elected officials and statutory institutions and individuals.
In the Caribbean, there are similar groups (usually businessmen) with similar functions. Historically, in the capitalist state, those with economic power have generally wielded political power whether directly or indirectly. Howell D. Shillingford comes to mind.
He was once upon a time the political king of the west coast partly because of his economic power - he owned a lot of land! Even the surname Charles was a powerhouse several years ago from J. B. Charles to Dame M. Eugenia Charles. Money meant power.
In our contemporary time there’s Astaphan: Anthony Waddy Astaphan (Tony), the son of Waddy Astaphan, grandson of Joseph Astaphan. They have the economic power and their affiliation have somewhat affected political power and direction in Dominica.
Tony Astaphan is an attorney by profession and his legal practice takes him across the Caribbean representing several prominent individuals like the Birds from Antigua, Dr. Kenny Anthony from St. Lucia, and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves from St. Vincent among others.
Of course, he’s popularly known as senior counsel by some and notoriously so by others. Nonetheless, this is an accomplishment he’s attained in his legal endeavours in 1999 bestowed upon him by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
When the Birds ruled Antigua & Barbuda Tony’s advice influenced government affairs there. Because of his outspoken and vocal nature and his consistent convincing manner of speech he is listened to. He continues to have much influence in the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the Labour Administration.
He is considered the number one public government defender! He claims to be merely an advocate. Depending on the issue at hand he is more or less a defender of the government or of the prime minister. He has been a public embarrassment both here and abroad too as we shall see.
Let me at this point attempt to define ‘Astaphanism’. Astaphanism represents the concerted precept whereby Anthony Astaphan’s political and economic views are superior to that of others and should stand.
Tony Astaphan was instrumental in having Ambrose George removed as Finance Minister during the tenure of Pierre Charles as prime minister of Dominica. At the time he proclaimed that no one should be finance minister but the prime minister himself. We would all recall the famous line from him in relation to Ambrose George, “He knew, he knew, he knew….”
Think of controversy, and think of a mediocre spin on it in the Dominican political context. Layou River Hotel saga, justified; suing Matt Peltier and The Times for exposing the truth about questionable land dealings by the Prime Minister – justified; the opposition parties which represent almost 50% of the nation’s voters on the question of electoral reform – ridiculed as being unnecessary.
Astaphanism is thus derived from the conspicuous presence of Mr. Astaphan’s well-known public positions which carry through in government policy. He speaks for the Prime Minister (I guess with or without permission).
This is also expressed in his legal services that are employed by the Labour Administration. For all intents and purposes it sometimes suits the government to allow Astaphanism precedence over the Ministry of Legal affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Legal services provided on behalf of the Government of Dominica on the current and very famous Layou River Hotel/ambassador David Hsui case in the British Virgin Islands is a case in point.
It is alleged that much financial help and other support was given to the Dominica Labour Party during their campaigns especially in 2005.
A senior counsel in legal terms is a high ranking distinguished lawyer, but Dominicans probably know Tony as the de facto prime minister of Dominica. It is said that he speaks for the prime minister out of convenience.
Ladies and gentlemen, regardless of what you think, the man is listened to by all. Unfortunately, his criticisms of those he apparently does not like are distasteful and uncharacteristic of a senior counsel. This is apparent when he calls them names.
It reminds me of the colonial era when ‘certain’ human beings were considered inferior, or less than others. Humans are humans, and not animals. Genetically, biologically, socially and intellectually humans are characteristically different from animals.
In spite of this expressed attitude some people still like the man. He apologizes when it suits him and takes back the apologies when he wants. Remember though, he is not a politician. Some people are afraid of him because he is a high-powered lawyer.
Contemporary Astaphanism really began to take hold when the late Pierre Charles was prime minister of this country. The distinguished calypso writer Pat Aaron penned the words of “Puppet Master”, and this song helps to explain the whole concept a bit clearer sharing some insight into Astaphanism and Dominican politics.
Perhaps a closer look at this splendid work of art will help you decide one way or the other if there’s any such thing as Astaphanism in this small island state called Dominica. Please read these two verses as expressed in calypso:
Does your country have a puppet master,
Who controls all the people through their leader?
He controls for his profit
He has the leaders in his pocket
He trades economic power for political power
Dominica has its puppet master
He doh like no foreign investor
The government is in his hold
He doh like leaders who he can’t control
Puppet master never runs for office
For people’s welfare that is not his business
He doh want man who competent
To have no say in government
He’s the king of the law
Taking anybody as leader
Each time a leader dies he puts a successor
Each time telling the public this is the best leader
He really thinks he is a little god
He sees desi black girls as his reward.
Please read the lyrics one more time, digest and think it through. The song makes reference to power hungry puppet master and propaganda puppet master. Pat Aaron is skilful at analyzing one’s personality and fashioning words to ably communicate that personality to his listeners through songs.
Notable criticisms of Astaphanism
Well-known and eloquent US-based Dominican attorney Gabriel Christian had this to say about Tony Astaphan recently on the Hot Seat on Q95: “Senior Counsel is loose with the truth…; the man is injurious to the national interest”.
Christian was expressing utter disgust at the fact that Mr. Astaphan responded “no” to a question from Christian as to whether or not he’d read the Contract between the government and West Indies Power granting the corporation rights to explore for geothermal resources in Soufriere.
He was aghast at the unsubstantiated defense being put up by Astaphan as a senior counsel defending something he was ignorant about. These two gentlemen campaigned for the very same cause years ago, that was to get the Dominica Labour Party in government. Some things must have fundamentally gone very wrong.
He is always in a battle of sorts with one of the Caribbean’s best eloquent and investigative journalists Lennox Linton. The only thing they agree upon is that they breathe the same air!
The Griffin St. Hilaire - Pierre Charles succession plan issue now comes to mind. There have been documented inconsistencies in the position(s) held by Astaphan. According to one journalist Astaphan says that there was an agreement in principle for St. Hilaire to have succeeded Charles at one point.
At another time he stated that there was no such agreement. What are we to believe? Was there a concoction of sorts, a confused defender or deliberate misunderstanding of the facts?
The latest embarrassment for Astaphan was a live incident on radio when he sought to characterize Athie Martin and Angelo Allen as political antagonists of the government.
He accused them of concocting a story about what turned out to be a factual statement made by Dr. Edwin Carrington insinuating that Hugo Chavez’s position could possibly be the biggest concern for CARICOM at the Summit of the Americas held recently in Trinidad. Astaphanism was put to shame.
He later apologized but still sort of later recanted. His lack of research, quick to condemn attitude, political biasness took precedence over better judgment. Alas, it was not a court of law!
According to the St. Lucia Star newspaper dated April 8th 2009 he apologized to Sir Fenton Ramsahoye in a Commission hearing when he represented Dr. Kenny Anthony former St. Lucian prime minister. This was another silly mistake that could have been avoided by the gentleman because he got the facts wrong.
Perhaps the most notable was the Matt Peltier Roosevelt Skerritt court case. The matter is still current but from all accounts both the court and public opinion are on Matt’s side.
The PM has already paid over $51,000.00 to the State in the land matter and the Court Master recently denied Mr. Skerritt’s legal counsel, led by Tony Astaphan, a request for disclosure of sources of information by Matt Peltier and The Times.
Benefits of Astaphanism
- Astaphanism has proven to be an effective distraction to the opposition parties. They always respond to his points of views whether or not they can be validated as truth or untruths.
- There’s a fair share of Mitsubishis in the public service right now
Setbacks of Astaphanism (cautious points)
Distraction to the conventional political process. When sitting governments
allow non-elected members to be so influential in the political process this skews everything from who has real power to who actually wields that power.
Elected members and even ministers are subjected to his legal, economic and political positions on matters of national interest.
When the prime minister does not speak on selected issues the senior counsel speaks on them. By all means he’s a much better spinner!
How will Astaphanism play in the upcoming general elections? I guarantee you these public outbursts will continue and the labour party’s ‘advocate’ will have his say in spite of and despite… Let democracy reign.
Democracy is perhaps the political system which is supposed to allow freedom of expression to reign. In this system however, some are freer than others to do or say as they please. One’s ability to articulate well will be advantageous to the orator.
If you continue to repeat truth over and over again the listener will believe, and likewise if you are bombarded with what appears to be untruths and distortions all the time the listeners will eventually believe!
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// posted by TheDominican.net @ 10:45 PM
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Welll said.i only wish that you had gone full circle and addressed the umbrella issue which is HOW THESE ARABS (Astaphan, Nassief, Karam, etc) have literally hijacked over and over our political parties and government for their own interests.......From Patrick John onward this has been a problem....not even ROsie could escape their fangs....these blood suckers.......and what is worse our present prime minister is so corrupt that he needs a 24HR SPIn MASTER (TONY) so he doesn't even have the fortitude to challenge these blood suckers in the interest of the poor....but don't worry...their time is coming...it won't be the ballot.....and yes TONY..make sure you keep a house in Antigua because one of these days not even Goodwill will be accessible to you and your ARAB WARLORDS..who've been reaping off my country for far too long.........
# posted by 
: August 19, 2009 10:01 AM
: August 19, 2009 10:01 AM
The comment above is so racist - contains threats of violence - it is libelous - it should not have been published.
"# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : August 19, 2009 10:01 AM" is a coward.
The editors of the Dominican should remove this comment b/c they could be proved to be liable.
ESQ
"# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : August 19, 2009 10:01 AM" is a coward.
The editors of the Dominican should remove this comment b/c they could be proved to be liable.
ESQ
# posted by : August 22, 2009 3:37 PM
: August 22, 2009 3:37 PM
ESQ ..you are also anonymous....might you be TONY?
well get this.......what is racist and "libel-ous" is how this group of ARABS has ingrained themselves into my country to the point where they have more power than the average dominican....why don't you talk about that...that's the issue..isn't it!
And if that's you Tony...the countdown is on.....no amount of law is gonna help you....times up! ARABS.....this is not a threat..this is a warning..that one of these days..just as the people of dominica have done in the past..when we rise up and put an end to dictators and thieves and tyrants...we will rise up against this ARAB-CLASS that's used their money to dictate political policy...NOW that's a crime.ESQ
well get this.......what is racist and "libel-ous" is how this group of ARABS has ingrained themselves into my country to the point where they have more power than the average dominican....why don't you talk about that...that's the issue..isn't it!
And if that's you Tony...the countdown is on.....no amount of law is gonna help you....times up! ARABS.....this is not a threat..this is a warning..that one of these days..just as the people of dominica have done in the past..when we rise up and put an end to dictators and thieves and tyrants...we will rise up against this ARAB-CLASS that's used their money to dictate political policy...NOW that's a crime.ESQ
# posted by : August 24, 2009 12:43 PM
: August 24, 2009 12:43 PM
I am a black Dominican. does that make me African? Tony is Dominican. To refer to him as Arab is of course racist an an attempt to promote race hate & division. Does his ancestry and ethnicity take away from his nationality. TheDominican.net is sinking to low levels and continues to detract from real issues and promote division. I know that it was started with good intentions but its beginning to look like the nasty petty partisan politics with personal attacks. SHAME!!!
# posted by : August 24, 2009 2:25 PM
: August 24, 2009 2:25 PM
Zapper referred to me as ESQ. My name is Michael Davis. I have a doctorate in jurisprudence. I am a Dominican. We in Dominica, as descendants of African slaves, mix in with European blood, blessed with Carib DNA and in some cases even blood of other regions of the world including Arabia.
Anonymous you are a RACIST! Tony Asptaphan was born in Dominica. I call on the Editor of the Dominican.net, my SMA classmate Thompson to remove your racist, hateful and un-Dominica rantings.
Michael Davis
Anonymous you are a RACIST! Tony Asptaphan was born in Dominica. I call on the Editor of the Dominican.net, my SMA classmate Thompson to remove your racist, hateful and un-Dominica rantings.
Michael Davis
# posted by : August 25, 2009 7:27 AM
: August 25, 2009 7:27 AM
Tony Astaphan is an ARAB born in Dominica...a member of an establishment class "Mr Jurisprudence" who has skillfully manipulated my countrys political heritage.....i am not racist....you talk only of my ARAB comment you refuse to address the fundamental points that i've addressed above.....can you tell me otherwise.....of course not...the historical facts are there. As i said before from PJ...to SERAPHIN to EUGENIA (Nassief),,,,and to Skerrit.....is that racist or fact..MR JURISPRUDENCE
I'll tell you what is shameful..is how we never address the real issues we just skuttle away under the selected sections of a comment...of course i guess that's what Jurisprudence teaches "us"....note i said us....you get the point...so take your libel crap some place else.......and don't you worry MR Thompson is old enough to know the truth in these posts that's why they've not been removed....Tony is a diservice to dominica....so if you're proud of him then you'rer welcome..but as for me...i look forward to the day when these BLOOD-SUCKERS have no place to run....we did it in GRANDBAY and we'll do it again. These folks are not dominicans these folks are exploiters of dominican people.
I'll tell you what is shameful..is how we never address the real issues we just skuttle away under the selected sections of a comment...of course i guess that's what Jurisprudence teaches "us"....note i said us....you get the point...so take your libel crap some place else.......and don't you worry MR Thompson is old enough to know the truth in these posts that's why they've not been removed....Tony is a diservice to dominica....so if you're proud of him then you'rer welcome..but as for me...i look forward to the day when these BLOOD-SUCKERS have no place to run....we did it in GRANDBAY and we'll do it again. These folks are not dominicans these folks are exploiters of dominican people.
# posted by : August 25, 2009 2:52 PM
: August 25, 2009 2:52 PM
Anonymous - you claim "what Jurisprudence teaches "us"....note i said us...." if you are legally trained - then you missed the class on how to make an effective argument ..
You complain that I "refuse to address the fundamental points that i've addressed above....." NO. Your racist hateful comments got in the way. These racist & hateful comments block your other arguments / issues from coming to light. You don't need to be hateful & racist to make your argument on the other issues.
The hate expressed is a hindrance to your success of explaining "the real issues we just skuttle away under the selected sections of a comment.."
You want to be effective in your arguments?
If you withdraw your racist, hateful and frankly un-helpful comments - and instead - placed the issue of prominent families "literally hijacked over and over our political parties and government for their own interests" without the hate - then most likely the reader we be more likely to address that issue directly.
Do you get the point?
MD
PS: If you wrote under your real name - and - NOT Anonymous - you would NOT have used such racist, hateful speech. As a rule - if you can't use your real name to what you write - then maybe, just maybe your morality is telling you what you wrote is wrong.
MD
You complain that I "refuse to address the fundamental points that i've addressed above....." NO. Your racist hateful comments got in the way. These racist & hateful comments block your other arguments / issues from coming to light. You don't need to be hateful & racist to make your argument on the other issues.
The hate expressed is a hindrance to your success of explaining "the real issues we just skuttle away under the selected sections of a comment.."
You want to be effective in your arguments?
If you withdraw your racist, hateful and frankly un-helpful comments - and instead - placed the issue of prominent families "literally hijacked over and over our political parties and government for their own interests" without the hate - then most likely the reader we be more likely to address that issue directly.
Do you get the point?
MD
PS: If you wrote under your real name - and - NOT Anonymous - you would NOT have used such racist, hateful speech. As a rule - if you can't use your real name to what you write - then maybe, just maybe your morality is telling you what you wrote is wrong.
MD
# posted by : August 26, 2009 9:29 AM
: August 26, 2009 9:29 AM
Fidel Castro says racist right-wingers fight Obama
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) -- President Barack Obama is trying to make positive changes in the United States, but is being fought at every turn by right-wingers who hate him because he is black, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday.
If Obama was Arab. Castro would have said "racist right-wingers fight Obama ... who hate him because he is Arab.
Anonymous - do you notice Castro's use of the word RACIST?
MD
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) -- President Barack Obama is trying to make positive changes in the United States, but is being fought at every turn by right-wingers who hate him because he is black, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday.
If Obama was Arab. Castro would have said "racist right-wingers fight Obama ... who hate him because he is Arab.
Anonymous - do you notice Castro's use of the word RACIST?
MD
# posted by : August 26, 2009 9:35 AM
: August 26, 2009 9:35 AM
Further - as a people who come history of slavery, blessed with Carib DNA, injected with European blood by any means necessary and mixed in with blood on occasion from other regions like Arabia or Asia - we a people whose history is of bondage and frighting for Freedom - we should appreciate how - - - how precious and yet ephemeral is the freedom we enjoy today.
If you take this Freedom from the families of Arabian decent - who is next? the Jews like in the Holocaust? the light skinned families? the dark skinned families? the Asians?
Where do you get off that slippery slope? Is it the day that you "Anonymous" and your family become the target this racist attack?
Our liberties are too precious - - and yet so ephemeral - is the freedom we enjoy today for anyone of us to tolerate your RACIST attack on the families of Arabian heritage in Dominica.
MD
If you take this Freedom from the families of Arabian decent - who is next? the Jews like in the Holocaust? the light skinned families? the dark skinned families? the Asians?
Where do you get off that slippery slope? Is it the day that you "Anonymous" and your family become the target this racist attack?
Our liberties are too precious - - and yet so ephemeral - is the freedom we enjoy today for anyone of us to tolerate your RACIST attack on the families of Arabian heritage in Dominica.
MD
# posted by : August 26, 2009 10:01 AM
: August 26, 2009 10:01 AM
MD or Michael "CHA---" you fail to0 get the point that this experience4 of culture that you lump together to arrive at DOMINICAN-HOOD" is very misleading..you see each of those groups that you refer to come into our national experience by different virtues ..some forced & some consentual....These "ARABS" Dominican experience is both consentual and PREDATORY....that is how dominica became their home...as a predatory environment....now i know it may hard for you having grown up on the hill and running around with "THE ASTAPHANS, etc" for you to fathom the fact that i don't see these folks in any positive light with regards to Dominica but it takes more parameters than just some consequential experience of birth to address the issues at hand. I am not racist, I am stating a historical fact. Which is: these particular group "ARABS" have hijacked my democracy. I am tired of them. And i believe sincerely that this issue needs to be addressed for real meaningful development to take place in my country.....this is not some slippery slope philodophy..i'll tell what the slippery slope is: The fact that you refuse to adnit that this class of people need to be addressed as exactly what they are. "BLOODSUCKERS" and i'm tired of that. They want to enjoy Dominica they need to start playing in dominica's interest.......these folks are no different from the BAUXITE interests in Jamaica or Guyana. And mark you! it is not their wealth that i abhor ...because i'm all for wealth...in fact it is because i'm all about wealth building that i despise them so much.....they have systematically orchestrated government policies that have stymed the ability of local folks to develop wealth...from the tarrif laws..to the systemic manipulation of or commercial bank venture (NASSIEF)..and on and on....and what this has resulted in is an absence of TRANSITIONAL ENTREPRENUAL WEALTH which is the most critical parameter to nation building within a democracy as fragile as ours.
So my friend...this is not a racist argument this is a sound socio-economic analysis which has been avoided within our national consciousness for far to long....and you why! Because we are afraid of that RACIST aspect of the conversation. Tank you!
So my friend...this is not a racist argument this is a sound socio-economic analysis which has been avoided within our national consciousness for far to long....and you why! Because we are afraid of that RACIST aspect of the conversation. Tank you!
# posted by : August 27, 2009 9:00 AM
: August 27, 2009 9:00 AM
Whoever you are – you obviously know who I am; I am at a disadvantage due to the fact that I don’t know who you are; that said, Anonymous – don’t get twisted.
The premise of your criticism depends on you describing these families in a derogatory tone – “HOW THESE ARABS”, “these BLOODSUCKERS” and in another case - with a threat “make sure you keep a house in Antigua because one of these days not even Goodwill will be accessible to you and your ARAB WARLORDS” and now “PREDATORY” – then now in your posting of August 27, 2009 9:00 AM – you acknowledge that you know you are being racist by stating: “Because we are afraid of that RACIST aspect of the conversation” - - - you confirm my first post: Your "comment above is so racist - contains threats of violence - it is libelous - it should not have been published."
When my dad built his house outside Roseau in a lime field – the second house in the area, he had goats, pigs, chickens, cows etc etc. Goodwill grew up around him after Federation Drive was created to honor West Indies Federation. So your statement - “now i know it may hard for you having grown up on the hill and running around with "THE ASTAPHANS, etc” seems to want to equate me or my family with your accusations and that I “fail to get the point that this experience of culture that you lump together to arrive at DOMINICAN-HOOD is very misleading..” is not only twisted but at attempt to divide us Dominicans – like Hitler divided the Germans so his narrow hateful ideology could take root.
Your hate is blinding your reasoning abilities.
Your thesis on “TRANSITIONAL ENTREPRENUAL WEALTH which is the most critical parameter to nation building within a democracy as fragile as ours” with its central point “this is not a racist argument this is a sound socio-economic analysis which has been avoided within our national consciousness for far to long....and you why! Because we are afraid of that RACIST aspect of the conversation” - - - has no rime or reason and somewhat disturbing along the lines of pre-World War II Germany or even Apartheid economics in South Africa.
"CHA---"
The premise of your criticism depends on you describing these families in a derogatory tone – “HOW THESE ARABS”, “these BLOODSUCKERS” and in another case - with a threat “make sure you keep a house in Antigua because one of these days not even Goodwill will be accessible to you and your ARAB WARLORDS” and now “PREDATORY” – then now in your posting of August 27, 2009 9:00 AM – you acknowledge that you know you are being racist by stating: “Because we are afraid of that RACIST aspect of the conversation” - - - you confirm my first post: Your "comment above is so racist - contains threats of violence - it is libelous - it should not have been published."
When my dad built his house outside Roseau in a lime field – the second house in the area, he had goats, pigs, chickens, cows etc etc. Goodwill grew up around him after Federation Drive was created to honor West Indies Federation. So your statement - “now i know it may hard for you having grown up on the hill and running around with "THE ASTAPHANS, etc” seems to want to equate me or my family with your accusations and that I “fail to get the point that this experience of culture that you lump together to arrive at DOMINICAN-HOOD is very misleading..” is not only twisted but at attempt to divide us Dominicans – like Hitler divided the Germans so his narrow hateful ideology could take root.
Your hate is blinding your reasoning abilities.
Your thesis on “TRANSITIONAL ENTREPRENUAL WEALTH which is the most critical parameter to nation building within a democracy as fragile as ours” with its central point “this is not a racist argument this is a sound socio-economic analysis which has been avoided within our national consciousness for far to long....and you why! Because we are afraid of that RACIST aspect of the conversation” - - - has no rime or reason and somewhat disturbing along the lines of pre-World War II Germany or even Apartheid economics in South Africa.
"CHA---"
# posted by : August 27, 2009 2:11 PM
: August 27, 2009 2:11 PM
"CHA---" you bring all these international connotations which addsnothing to theconversation...simply because you have no conversation beyond the racist line....you know....you could have used the Palestinians as a goodexample...of course i guess Hitlerand Jews adds more flair to your reasoning......but i'll leave it here for now because you have skillfully been avoiding the real issus "CHA---"
one of these days we'll take it up in person....oh and finally regarding your family...i knew your dad ...he was a hard working good dominican..i only used the goodwill analogy to illucidate what i feel arepersonal relationship issues that has avoided you from looking beyond this term ARABS......all the best MD....I guess.we disagree....
one of these days we'll take it up in person....oh and finally regarding your family...i knew your dad ...he was a hard working good dominican..i only used the goodwill analogy to illucidate what i feel arepersonal relationship issues that has avoided you from looking beyond this term ARABS......all the best MD....I guess.we disagree....
# posted by : August 27, 2009 10:05 PM
: August 27, 2009 10:05 PM
Ok - Cool, look forward to it (send me a confidential email: [email protected]) if not all the best. MD
# posted by : August 28, 2009 8:41 AM
: August 28, 2009 8:41 AM
Ports Minister Charles Savarin is cautioning against a growing trend of racism and xenophobia, saying every cry against foreigners will 'resonate worldwide'.
Savarin: no to racism
Savarin: no to racism
# posted by : September 1, 2009 9:28 AM
: September 1, 2009 9:28 AM Links to this post:
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