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Mandela: 15 Pearls of Wisdom

nelson-mandela-prison-garden

Mr. Mandela is one of the most politically gifted individuals of all time and one of the most admired men in history. Together with other brave South Africans, he helped engineer the first peaceful, non-violent revolution in the history of the world.

“In Africa there is a concept known as ‘ubuntu’ – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievements of others.” -— Nelson Mandela, 2008. Continue reading “Mandela: 15 Pearls of Wisdom”

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Native Indian Class Action Lawsuit Scores $680 Million From USDA

apache-indians

On Thursday this week a nationwide class action lawsuit was settled. The historic Keepseagle settlement agreement requires the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay $680 million in damages to thousands of Native Americans and to forgive up to $80 million in outstanding farm loan debt.

The Indians filed the Keepseagle class action lawsuit 11 years ago. They alleged that for three decades Native American farmers were denied the opportunity to obtain low-interest rate loans and loan servicing from the USDA. The Indians alleged that this resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses for Indian farmers. They said that these loans were given instead to their white neighbors. Continue reading “Native Indian Class Action Lawsuit Scores $680 Million From USDA”

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Mr Gene Sharp: Why Dictators and Despots Fear His Name Everywhere

eugène-delacroix

Gene Sharp is relatively unknown to the American public. Around the world he is held in high esteem by activists and is regarded with fear and animosity by many authoritarian leaders.

This humble, shy 83-year-old intellectual, through his practical writings on non-violent revolution, has had a broad influence on international events for two decades. Though he is quick to dismiss his role, his ideas are credited with helping to advance a global democratic awakening. Continue reading “Mr Gene Sharp: Why Dictators and Despots Fear His Name Everywhere”

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Revolution Comes to Egypt and Sweeps Across The Arab World

revolution

Tonight as I write this a revolution of change is sweeping the Arab countries of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Yemen.

The revolution was started in Tunisia by Mohamed Bouazizi (26), a humble vegetable vendor. He set himself alight in December as a sign of protest. Mohamed had endured police bullying that resulted in the “last straw” confiscation of his vegetable cart. He died of his wounds in early January and instantly became a martyr to students and the unemployed. A wave of protests against poor living conditions began. Three weeks ago the country’s dictatorship fell sending a spark to ignite the unrest that is now burning out of control in this region of autocratic rulers. Continue reading “Revolution Comes to Egypt and Sweeps Across The Arab World”