Beyond U.S. electoral shenanigans, rewards and dynamics of a democratic republic hold lessons for African politics

Let me make the following points and draw some comparative lessons following the entangled November 7 U.S. presidential elections.

Third, amidst all the fierce debate, media exuberance, farcical drama on network news television, ethnic divisions in America, intimidation of minority voters especially Blacks, partisan rancor, technical hitches, allegations of voter fraud, and other electoral shenanigans, the demands, dynamics, rewards and terrible beauty of a democratic society are wonderful to behold. The developing world should, at least, learn that fact from the U.S., and leave the other inanities and banal pursuits which obscure serious issues during these elections.

Did you not know about how many times Gore sighed than any clear explanation of how the Bush and Gore Social Security plan will be handled? And even more important for my editorial constituency, why was the psycho-babble about Bush's smirk more important for the U.S. press corps than probing questions about why he believes the AIDS deaths, genocidal killings fields and oil resources in Africa are not priorities for the U.S. under a potential Bush presidency?

Fourth, after the Florida recount, we'll really begin the process of what counts: governing and the pursuit of U.S. and Africa bilateral interests. I recall that GW's father, former President George H.W. Bush, did not falter to pursue a real effort at "compassionate conservatism" when deaths and humanitarian needs arose in Somalia. I recall that I wrote a commentary which appeared in the Houston Chronicle and other U.S newspapers titled "Bush's cavalry hope in Somalia...."

With the high -profile of James Baker III in the Bush corner, he will be made to rethink. Former U.S. Secretary of State Baker has business and public policy interests inside Africa, as well as thousands of Houston, New York, Los Angeles and Colorado-based companies. I attended the remarkable reception chaired by Baker in 1999 at Rice University, here his team honored South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela. But continental Africans and African-Americans must lead the charge to cause a Bush rethink of his position on Africa, that is, should Bush become President. Gore knows better about Africa (see USAfrica The Newspaper).

Fifth, the U.S. like some developing countries still have ethnic political matters to contend with. Did you read one about Florida votes, Jews, Patrick Buchanan and the Nazi votes? An unamused Jewish community leader, member of the Democratic party, Gore supporter and Florida's county commissioner Bert Aaronson cut through the fine talk to state thus: "I don't think we have 3,000 Nazis in Palm Beach County" - referring to the Buchanan votes in the largely pro-Jewish county (which Gore supporters say were meant to be voted for Gore). For those who have lived under some rock or another planet, Buchanan has been charged by many Jewish leaders for being very critical of Jewish interests and personifying "anti-Semitism."

Sixth, should Bush win after all these twist and turns, I'll like to ask him, pointedly: Where's the beef in your "compassionate conservatism" slogan as regards Africa, Africans in America and peoples of African heritage? Are Africa's children dying of basic and shameful hunger be hopeless?

Does Bush know that most of those children whose homelands were torn asunder by U.S.-Soviet Union Cold War era politics can be saved with only 30 cents a day? Or they just children of a lesser God in this "compassionate conservatism" mantra? Or was it just an appealing slogan to blur the lines of the political choices for the 2000 elections? Worse, was Bush's dismissal of Africa as not being an area of priority a shameless dive for the right-wing votes? Recall that beneath the handsome, likable and mild-mannered face, Bush can play it real rough and strictly to his personal advantage. Example: his campaign in South Carolina and grating insensitivity to African-American concerns on the confederate flag; his march for votes and speech at the discriminatory Bob Jones College and the radio advertisements against Senator John McCain.

Any how, as we say back home, didn't Gov. Bush's younger brother, the incumbent Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush and his team promise to "deliver" Florida to make his presidential quest a success?
Jeb, seriously speaking, has been fair, it seems to all concerned. Now, what can you really "deliver" for your constituency and heritage beyond empty-talk?

Whatever Bush's answers or yours may be to my questions and our shared concerns, I'm certain that these, my friends, will be exciting but gridlock times for America. Indeed, beyond the assorted electoral shenanigans which have left question marks all over the ballot papers, the rewards and dynamics of a democratic republic such as the United States are truly wonderful to behold and instructive for Africa. Finally, the key for our community should be: no friends or foes, just who will "deliver" our permanent interests. No foolish sentiments.

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