These rules are directed towards the dumb girls (with no common sense) who make the good girls look bad (so obviously, only a dumb girl would get mad). You say you want honesty, so here you have it:
Rule #1: Going to clubs, bars, parties, dressing skanky (which shows insecurity), acting skanky, posting skanky pics of yourself and getting wild isn’t attracting decent guys. If you want a good guy, stop going for the partiers, the bad asses, and life of the party guys with a million friends (there's no such thing as a bad boy with a good heart, so stop dreaming). And seriously, anyone who gets you into those scenes doesn’t care about your well being. Don’t let people who you probably won’t see in 15 years dictate your life (like if they disapprove of the guy you're dating. So what, you're the one dating him, not them.) Parties, bars, clubs, BBQ's, tailgates, drinking, etc....is that all you know how to do? You drink something that tastes bad, breaks your bank, makes you act stupid and vomit, and the next morning gives you headaches. Wow, you're cool now, lol.
#2: It takes most men about 5 minutes to know whether or not they’d commit to you. Men like "simple" women, not women who are fake, stupid and can’t think for themselves (and it’s so easy to tell them apart). Remember the first time you got drunk (or stoned)? I’m sure you didn’t want to start, but a "friend" pushed you, you did it, and now you like it! That shows you can’t think for yourself. Sadly, people who are truly themselves, and stick to their values and beliefs tend to be alone and get overlooked often, but that’s not their problem. Just because some people use their brain, it doesn’t mean they’re boring. People who can't enjoy their life without alcohol, drugs, partying, and all their friends, are much more pathetic than people who can enjoy life without all that.
#3: You need common sense and street smarts to survive in this world, not a paper that says "degree". I know too many people with PhDs and MBA's who are working sh!t jobs because of bad decisions they made. Who cares if you're too tall, too short, thick (which most men like), too skinny, deaf, live at home, etc...it doesn’t change you. A true friend and lover will accept you exactly how you are. Everyone has flaws, imperfections, baggage, and issues (though there's a fine line between a flaw and ignorance/stupidity).
#4: This is a rule that girls never understand: Girls don’t like guys who whine, are bitter, negative, insecure, clingy, stereotype, judge, etc. These things are human nature, we all do it, girls especially! I’ve never met a girl who isn't whiny, insecure, stereotype, and bitter like it’s her job (just look at most girls' profiles, most say "omg don’t message me if..."). Do you honestly think people wake up one morning and decide to be bitter/whiny for no reason? Maybe if people were nicer to one another, people wouldn’t be like that. And honestly, you girls will date any guy as long as he’s hot, lol. You'll date guys who are drunks, criminals, don’t have high school diplomas, controlling...yet you won’t date a clingy guy? Lastly, the reason jerks don’t whine, is because they have no reason to! They’re jerks, and still get girls!
#5: Why are girls so mean to nice guys? Because nice guys don’t talk back. A girl will never mouth off a jerk because he will tear her heart apart. So when she finds a guy who will take her whiny attitude, she mouths him off (then wonders why no guy wants to be nice to her, lol). Yes, girls love the 'edge' bad boy thing........till they get heartbroken lol). Girls are turning nice guys into jerks everyday because of all this.
#6: If you think nice guys are boring, you'll think husbands and marriages are boring. Jerks get girlfriends, nice guys get wives. Who's going to make a better husband and father? The bad ass drunk, or the nice dude? Some girls say they dig tough guys because they feel more protected (umm, protected from what? lol). Plus, girls don’t dislike overly nice whiny guys, because if some tall, hot tough guy was being whiny, bitter, and knitting, girls would fall in love lol. It’s just most nice guys aren’t "hot". Girls go for jerks in hopes to convert him to a nice guy, but trust me, you will fail. You wont change men.
#7: To girls it’s all about looks (height especially, and you shouldn’t demand a guy be any taller than you). Guys don’t care for looks, they care for sex. All a girl has to do to get a guy is spread her legs. Looks fade: We all know someone in high school who was butt ugly and 10 years later is smokin hot. The more you bond with someone, the more attractive they become anyway. If some unattractive guy came up to you at a social event and started talking, you'd talk, get along, and eventually really like the guy and may end up dating. Now if that guy wrote you online, you'd take one look at his picture and never write back.
#8: Biggest rule of all: Girls are too superficial. They watch too many romance, fairy tale movies and think its reality. Girls date thinking love is easy, then dump him months/years later because she realizes its not easy and she just wants to have fun (women do call for the majority of divorces). If you think you're going to date/be married to someone and never argue, never be bored, always seeing each other and having fun, talking, laughing, never being hurt, and never getting nasty and bitter at each other; you're living in a dream world. Did our grandparents do all that? No, and they lasted! Im a satirical blogger so humor is great, but even I know not to expect it all day.
#9: Girls love drama and games. They love to play games like 'hard to get', and guys don’t. This is why guys don’t like to give compliments, because you'll just play 'hard to get', and when you do, he's going to run off to his backup girl, which all guys have. Why? Because no guy trusts his girlfriend 100% percent, no guy! Why? Because girls can be really naive and ignorant when they go out, and all guys know that girls are always the ones running away the moment something goes wrong. Relationships are not one way streets, you have to give and get, talk stuff out like adults, and you have to sacrifice a little.
#10: Thanks to girls, dating is turning into a game. If a guy mentions sex, politics, religion, money, his ex's, jokes, doesn’t pay on the first date (dutch is the best way to go, why pay for someone you may never see again?), doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, he's done. (If a guy and girl are going to date, shouldn’t they be able to talk about anything together?) Sadly, that’s all dating is: A game. And it’s a game that girls will never win, because guys know girls more than girls know themselves lol. It's true, we guys know that the girls who say they dont put out, are the ones who do. The girls who say they cant stand drama and games, are the ones who actually love it. Never say "I dont care what you think!". All guys know that females care "too much" what everyone thinks! lol. We guys can tell just by looking at your pics and profile, exactly what kind of girl you are. Yes, girls are that predictable.
#11: Every time a guy mentions anything sexual, the girl runs off. Why?! Sex is the most natural, normal thing alive. You wouldn’t look at the other gender if it wasn’t for sex. Girls are far hornier and want sex more than guys do (they just hide it, which shows dishonesty). In relationships, it’s the girls who want to fool around all the time (and if he's not good or doesn't do it often, she'll dump him, lol). Waiting till marriage is fine, as long as you'll do other stuff. Just look at how girls dress, act, dance, etc and it’s obvious they are horny as hell. No good guy wants a slut, but all guys want a freak in the bed. All guys know that "keeping" a girl is all about how good you are in bed lol. Getting a girl though, is all about telling her what she wants to hear and not being yourself lol.
#12: Some guys pretend they don’t care for sex (then use you for it lol). Ladies, all guys care! So if a guy mentions sex, he’s an honest guy! You want honesty? I LOVE legs and oral sex. Some girls say they don’t want to do things on dates because it’s whoreish or because they’ve put out and the guy never called them. Well guess what, you girls are no better! We guys spend our hard earned money on you, and you don’t call us back! There's nothing whoreish or wrong about fooling around as long as you two like one another. But girls say "you risk stds that way", which is an excuse. Did you and your ex's ever get tested? Probably not, so how do you know he’s clean? Lastly, stop being co ckteasers (like sucking on a guy's finger then stopping.) No, finish what you start.
#13: You can’t expect a spark, connection, chemistry (words you all love to use, yet can’t define lol) on a first date. Were you and your best friend, best friends right away? Of course not. Again, the more you chill with someone, the more attractive they become. First dates are supposed to be weird and awkward; you're hanging out with someone you barely know! Speaking of words, girls say it’s about confidence (even though girls lack it), yet none of them can tell us what 'confidence' means lol. They're just in love with "saying" those words. It’s simple: If he's hot, there's a connection lol.
#14: This is very important: Girls want a "man". Well guess what, men want a "woman". No girl wants a guy who knits, sews, bakes cakes, watches/enjoys cheerleading, flowers, etc, right? Well no man wants a girl who drinks like a fish, has a sailor mouth, watches/enjoys ufc (or does that), or acts all tough. You're not impressing "good" guys by being into that stuff. Females are becoming more un-lady like, and it’s a big reason why relationships don’t last as long and aren’t as healthy as they used to be. Sure, guys will date those kinds of girls (for ass), but they wont commit to them (unless it’s for ass). You want us to act like men? Well you act like women. Girls wonder if there's any good guys left, well we guys wonder if there's any "women" left lol.
#15: Girls are difficult and complicated. I know so many girls who refuse to chill with girls because "they are too difficult" (there’s a reason most world and company leaders aren’t women, lol). Girls expect too much out of life, relationships and people, whereas guys are simple. Guys can sit around all week watching TV and talking, and they’ll still call each other the next day. But girls? You won’t hear from her after the first day if you do that lol. Ladies, the world isn’t going anywhere! No guy is going to get in debt and take you out everyday.
16: You want to know what pleases men? Food, football, and women. Make us lunch, put on our football game (watch it with us as long as you're not whiny), and when the game is over put on a cute outfit and take us upstairs, that’s it! But women; you have to take them out everyday, make a picnic, buy flowers, buy a necklace, go here, go there...yikes! Here's a rule: If you won’t act/dress like a Victoria's Secret girl, don’t expect us men to act/dress like soap opera guys.
#17: Think "realistically". Everyone wants to be with someone who's gorgeous and amazing in bed. But realistically, 85% of people wont. Until you learn to accept that, you'll be disappointed. Also, get used to sitting around doing nothing, because that's how relationships/marriages are after a few months. Actually, girls dont mind sitting around doing nothing, as long as their boyfriend is hot lol. This is why I say: Girls aren’t in love; they’re in love with the "thought" of being in love. They don’t want love; they want excitement (which are two different things lol). Be realistic.
#18: When men get older, they do start getting serious about life, money and their careers. Most young people treat life like it’s a joke, then they get older, see reality and go "oops!" At least men are smart enough to admit that they do stupid things, that their friends aren’t 'real friends', and that they’ll probably regret their actions in 20 years. Girls though, seriously think they’re going to be young and stupid forever lol. Kenya is a serious country (unfortunately), if you want to live life like it’s a huge party and joke forever, move to Europe. And it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can "live up" at any age.
#19: Girls say they want honesty, but guys can’t be honest. Every time a guy is honest with you, you call him a jerk. If he does the slightest thing wrong, he’s a jerk. If he says one bad thing about himself or life, he’s a negative pessimist. If he says one thing good about himself, he’s cocky. If he’s nice to you, he’s a pushover. If he doesn’t help you out one day, he’s a jerk. If a girl says bad things about guys, guys just laugh and play along. But if a guy says bad thing about girls, girls get bitchy and defensive (because they know it’s true). It's okay for girls to reject guys, but if a guy rejects a girl, it makes him a jerk who's only after sex. Wow, girls cannot handle rejection, can they?
#20: Men are more attracted to introverts. Extroverted girls, girls with big jobs and big cars are intimidating to guys (unless all he wants is sex). Sadly, nowadays more and more people get these big jobs and put those jobs ahead of their family and love. We guys would rather a sweet faithful housewife, than a girl who makes big bank, can’t shut up and is always out. It's funny how the "majority" of girls nowadays are big extroverts, highly educated, bar hoppers, or partiers. Hmm, I wonder why. This is why. You dont see "many" nerdy introverts in pubs, do you? Maybe that should tell you something..
#21: I love girls and their "omg live everyday like it’s your last". Umm, if today was your last day, you'd be having sex all day. Or "life’s too short". Umm, life is the longest thing you have, lol. Or how about the "I like to have fun sometimes!” I like to have fun everyday! Oh but "fun" doesn’t just mean 'drink, party, be wild and stupid' to some of us. Or, "I have the best friends ever!” Yeah, till you both have a crush on the same guy, or til you ditch the party scene (then see how many of your friends still talk to you). Speaking of friends, you're not approachable when you're with your friends.
#22: So you may be thinking, "what girl wants to date a guy who talks sh!t about girls?!” Well I guess you don’t want any guy then, because all guys do it, just not publicly. See, the more ignorant girls are, the more ass a guy gets, so guys want girls to be ignorant. And I don’t care if all of your friends are guys; guys say totally different things when just one girl is around, as opposed to when it’s all guys.
#23: I found an article by a dating expert. She says the best ways to see if a guy is a keeper are: He has his act together (isn't a party boy). He puts you first (like if he makes dinner, he asks which piece you want first). He's not afraid of your germs (if you get sick, he offers to come over and take care of you). He's a family man (cares about his/your family). He is a cheerleader for you. He listens to you and remembers the little things (like how did your work meeting go?). Seeing you happy, makes him happy. He compromises, doesn't point the finger and yell. Hmm, sounds like a "Nice Guy", you know, the kinds you reject and criticize all the time? Lol. Maybe I’m wrong about all of this, but there's a reason why so many of you have been here forever and still single.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Reasons to Wake up early.
1. Work on yourself
Early morning is an excellent time for personal development. How many times you complained you don’t have time to read that self-improvement book? Read it in the morning! Quiet morning time is a god sent gift which you should use for growing yourself – professionally, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Use this time to “sharpen the saw”.
2. Exercise your body
Do I really need to comment it? Exercise at home, go jogging or go to gym (they open early)…
3. Get ready for big stuff
Clean up small stuff to take it from your way to big things you plan to do during the day. Jump on that bunch of emails sitting in your inbox so it doesn’t drag your attention later in the day.
4. Increase your productivity
If you start early, you make your day longer, you can do much more in one day than you usually do. Got a lot of work pressing on you? Wake up earlier, jump to work, you may be done by the afternoon…
5. Use morning time for thinking
Jim Citrin wrote: “The quiet of the morning is often the time when your mind is at its clearest and most well-suited to solving important problems”. Read his article Tapping the Power of Your Morning Routine to get more insight on how valuable morning time can be. In the same article Jim reports that 80% of executives he questioned wake up at 5:30am or earlier.
6. Go with the nature
The nature wakes up every day when the sun goes up. So should you because your body is a part of the nature! Of course it depends at what time sun goes up in your area (in some areas, it doesn’t go down for half a year :-) , but you have got the idea…
7. Medidate
Meditation induces well-being and emotional balance. If you start your day with meditation you will carry that balance through the day, improving your life. Morning is a better time for meditation because you are fresh, your brain is relaxed and mind is much sharper.
8. Beat the traffic
If you spend too much time commuting to and from work every day, you can actually save time if you wake up and drive to work earlier. Even if you work fixed hours, by arriving to work earlier you can spend the extra time you’ve got on things listed above – reading, exercising, planning, and so on. It’s free time for you, which otherwise you would waste in traffic jams.
Early morning is an excellent time for personal development. How many times you complained you don’t have time to read that self-improvement book? Read it in the morning! Quiet morning time is a god sent gift which you should use for growing yourself – professionally, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Use this time to “sharpen the saw”.
2. Exercise your body
Do I really need to comment it? Exercise at home, go jogging or go to gym (they open early)…
3. Get ready for big stuff
Clean up small stuff to take it from your way to big things you plan to do during the day. Jump on that bunch of emails sitting in your inbox so it doesn’t drag your attention later in the day.
4. Increase your productivity
If you start early, you make your day longer, you can do much more in one day than you usually do. Got a lot of work pressing on you? Wake up earlier, jump to work, you may be done by the afternoon…
5. Use morning time for thinking
Jim Citrin wrote: “The quiet of the morning is often the time when your mind is at its clearest and most well-suited to solving important problems”. Read his article Tapping the Power of Your Morning Routine to get more insight on how valuable morning time can be. In the same article Jim reports that 80% of executives he questioned wake up at 5:30am or earlier.
6. Go with the nature
The nature wakes up every day when the sun goes up. So should you because your body is a part of the nature! Of course it depends at what time sun goes up in your area (in some areas, it doesn’t go down for half a year :-) , but you have got the idea…
7. Medidate
Meditation induces well-being and emotional balance. If you start your day with meditation you will carry that balance through the day, improving your life. Morning is a better time for meditation because you are fresh, your brain is relaxed and mind is much sharper.
8. Beat the traffic
If you spend too much time commuting to and from work every day, you can actually save time if you wake up and drive to work earlier. Even if you work fixed hours, by arriving to work earlier you can spend the extra time you’ve got on things listed above – reading, exercising, planning, and so on. It’s free time for you, which otherwise you would waste in traffic jams.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Cathars and Cathar Beliefs
The Cathars were a religious group who appeared in Europe in the eleventh century, their origins something of a mystery though there is reason to believe their ideas came from Persia by way of the Byzantine Empire, the Balkans and Northern Italy. Records from the Roman Catholic Church mention them under various names and in various places. Catholic theologians debated with themselves for centuries whether Cathars were Christian heretics or whether they were not Christians at all. The question is apparently still open. Roman Catholics still refer to Cathar belief as "the Great Heresy" though the official Catholic position is that Catharism is not Christian at all.
Cathars believed in two principles, a good creator god and his evil adversary (much like God and Satan of mainstream Christianity). Cathars called themselves Christians; their neighbours distinguished them as "Good Christians". The Catholic Church called them Albigenses, or less frequently Cathars.
Cathars maintained a Church hierarchy and practiced a range of ceremonies, but rejected any idea of priesthood or the use of church buildings. They divided into ordinary believers who led ordinary medieval lives and an inner Elect of Parfaits (men) and Parfaites (women) who led extremely ascetic lives yet still worked for their living - generally in itinerant manual trades like weaving. Cathars believed in reincarnation and refused to eat meat or other animal products. They were strict about biblical injunctions - notably those about living in poverty, not telling lies, not killing and not swearing oaths.
Basic Cathar tenets led to some surprising logical implications. For example they largely regarded men and women as equals, and had no doctrinal objection to contraception, euthanasia or suicide. In some respects the Cathar and Catholic Churches were polar opposites.For example the Cathar Church taught that all non-procreative sex was better than any procreative sex. The Catholic Church taught - and still teaches - exactly the opposite. Both positions produced interesting results. Following their tenet, Catholics concluded that masturbation was a far greater sin than rape, as mediaeval penitentials confirm. Following their principles, Cathar could deduce that sexual intercourse between man and wife was more culpable than homosexual sex.
Cathars believed in two principles, a good creator god and his evil adversary (much like God and Satan of mainstream Christianity). Cathars called themselves Christians; their neighbours distinguished them as "Good Christians". The Catholic Church called them Albigenses, or less frequently Cathars.
Cathars maintained a Church hierarchy and practiced a range of ceremonies, but rejected any idea of priesthood or the use of church buildings. They divided into ordinary believers who led ordinary medieval lives and an inner Elect of Parfaits (men) and Parfaites (women) who led extremely ascetic lives yet still worked for their living - generally in itinerant manual trades like weaving. Cathars believed in reincarnation and refused to eat meat or other animal products. They were strict about biblical injunctions - notably those about living in poverty, not telling lies, not killing and not swearing oaths.
Basic Cathar tenets led to some surprising logical implications. For example they largely regarded men and women as equals, and had no doctrinal objection to contraception, euthanasia or suicide. In some respects the Cathar and Catholic Churches were polar opposites.For example the Cathar Church taught that all non-procreative sex was better than any procreative sex. The Catholic Church taught - and still teaches - exactly the opposite. Both positions produced interesting results. Following their tenet, Catholics concluded that masturbation was a far greater sin than rape, as mediaeval penitentials confirm. Following their principles, Cathar could deduce that sexual intercourse between man and wife was more culpable than homosexual sex.
Friday, October 23, 2009
PLEASURES OF MEMORY
Hail! Memory hail! In thy exhaustless mine,
From age to age unnumbre'd treasures shine,
Thought & her shadowy brood they call obey,
And place & time are subject to thy sway,
Thy pleasures most we feel when most alone,
The only pleasures we call our own,
Lighter than air, hope's summer-visions die,
If but a fleeting cloud obscure the sky,
If but a beam of sober reasons play,
Lo! Fancy's fairy frost-work melts away,
But can the wiles of art the grasp of power,
Snatch the relics of a well spent hour,
These when the trembling spirit wings her flight,
pour round her path a stream of living light,
And gild those pure and perfect realms of rest,
Where virtue triumphs and her sons are blest!
From age to age unnumbre'd treasures shine,
Thought & her shadowy brood they call obey,
And place & time are subject to thy sway,
Thy pleasures most we feel when most alone,
The only pleasures we call our own,
Lighter than air, hope's summer-visions die,
If but a fleeting cloud obscure the sky,
If but a beam of sober reasons play,
Lo! Fancy's fairy frost-work melts away,
But can the wiles of art the grasp of power,
Snatch the relics of a well spent hour,
These when the trembling spirit wings her flight,
pour round her path a stream of living light,
And gild those pure and perfect realms of rest,
Where virtue triumphs and her sons are blest!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Take time to develop your talents.
The deepest personal defeat suffered by human beings is constituted by the difference between what one was capable of becoming and what one has actually become. Ever heard that we are all born original and die photocopies? Well, that is what happens if you do not develop your uniqueness; basically your talents.There is a difference between simply existing and truly living,simply surviving and really thriving.
There is a huge treasure in everyone of us, and its only the bearer that can develop that into tangible results that make our lives and even lives of those that we relate to better. Do not spend time thinking about your weaknesses, rather, concentrate on your strengths and how your can make that even stronger.
The weakest among us has a gift, however seemingly trivial,which is peculiar to him and which worthily used will be a gift also to his race.
So go on, take your time to develop what you got. And bear in mind that the first step is finding out what it is!
There is a huge treasure in everyone of us, and its only the bearer that can develop that into tangible results that make our lives and even lives of those that we relate to better. Do not spend time thinking about your weaknesses, rather, concentrate on your strengths and how your can make that even stronger.
The weakest among us has a gift, however seemingly trivial,which is peculiar to him and which worthily used will be a gift also to his race.
So go on, take your time to develop what you got. And bear in mind that the first step is finding out what it is!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Something you dd not know.
Did you know that the most blood soaked publication in the world was published by the Catholic church called "Malleus Maleficarum' ( roughly translated to The Witches Hammer). It warned against the '..dangers of freethinking women', instructing the clergy how to locate, torture and destroy them. Enlightened women were deemed as 'Witches'. Thats where the phrase 'Witch hunt' comes from.
Infidelity.
Blurred visions believing,
Unrelenting and seething,
Kindred constantly deceiving,
Unrequiting and suffocating,
Selfish gains pursuing,
Unabashed and rancoring,
Inchoate affection withholding,
Uncouth and tormenting,
Bullshit and canal vanity.
Unrelenting and seething,
Kindred constantly deceiving,
Unrequiting and suffocating,
Selfish gains pursuing,
Unabashed and rancoring,
Inchoate affection withholding,
Uncouth and tormenting,
Bullshit and canal vanity.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
International Youth Day.
August 12th was the International youth day. It was supposed to be the day that every young member of planet Earth was to do something towards sustainability of our environment. I wonder how many of us did anything towards the above course.
Today I am feeling proud of myself. I did something that, to me, was enough for a person of my standard; towards a better world. I encouraged a young generation to become better citizens of their world, more akin to climate change and their role in this big talk about environmental degradation. I left them with a sense of satisfaction within myself and a convergence of maturity with time, leaving energy with means; a recognition of accomplishment that frees the spirit.
So I have done something for the future generation; Let it not be said of you that you came took all you found and left nothing for them. Its selfish.
Today I am feeling proud of myself. I did something that, to me, was enough for a person of my standard; towards a better world. I encouraged a young generation to become better citizens of their world, more akin to climate change and their role in this big talk about environmental degradation. I left them with a sense of satisfaction within myself and a convergence of maturity with time, leaving energy with means; a recognition of accomplishment that frees the spirit.
So I have done something for the future generation; Let it not be said of you that you came took all you found and left nothing for them. Its selfish.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Obama's Speech. (Ghana)
Good morning. It is an honor for me to be in Accra, and to speak to the representatives of the people of Ghana. I am deeply grateful for the welcome that I've received, as are Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama. Ghana's history is rich, the ties between our two countries are strong, and I am proud that this is my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as President of the United States.
I am speaking to you at the end of a long trip. I began in Russia, for a Summit between two great powers. I traveled to Italy, for a meeting of the world's leading economies. And I have come here, to Ghana, for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well.
This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America's. Your health and security can contribute to the world's. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere.
So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world — as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility, and that is what I want to speak with you about today.
We must start from the simple premise that Africa's future is up to Africans.
I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world. I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family's own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story.
My grandfather was a cook for the British in Kenya, and though he was a respected elder in his village, his employers called him "boy" for much of his life. He was on the periphery of Kenya's liberation struggles, but he was still imprisoned briefly during repressive times. In his life, colonialism wasn't simply the creation of unnatural borders or unfair terms of trade — it was something experienced personally, day after day, year after year.
My father grew up herding goats in a tiny village, an impossible distance away from the American universities where he would come to get an education. He came of age at an extraordinary moment of promise for Africa. The struggles of his own father's generation were giving birth to new nations, beginning right here in Ghana. Africans were educating and asserting themselves in new ways. History was on the move.
But despite the progress that has been made — and there has been considerable progress in parts of Africa — we also know that much of that promise has yet to be fulfilled. Countries like Kenya, which had a per capita economy larger than South Korea's when I was born, have been badly outpaced. Disease and conflict have ravaged parts of the African continent. In many places, the hope of my father's generation gave way to cynicism, even despair.
It is easy to point fingers, and to pin the blame for these problems on others. Yes, a colonial map that made little sense bred conflict, and the West has often approached Africa as a patron, rather than a partner. But the West is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade, or wars in which children are enlisted as combatants. In my father's life, it was partly tribalism and patronage in an independent Kenya that for a long stretch derailed his career, and we know that this kind of corruption is a daily fact of life for far too many.
Of course, we also know that is not the whole story. Here in Ghana, you show us a face of Africa that is too often overlooked by a world that sees only tragedy or the need for charity. The people of Ghana have worked hard to put democracy on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers of power even in the wake of closely contested elections. And with improved governance and an emerging civil society, Ghana's economy has shown impressive rates of growth.
This progress may lack the drama of the 20th century's liberation struggles, but make no mistake: it will ultimately be more significant. For just as it is important to emerge from the control of another nation, it is even more important to build one's own.
So I believe that this moment is just as promising for Ghana — and for Africa — as the moment when my father came of age and new nations were being born. This is a new moment of promise. Only this time, we have learned that it will not be giants like Nkrumah and Kenyatta who will determine Africa's future. Instead, it will be you — the men and women in Ghana's Parliament, and the people you represent. Above all, it will be the young people — brimming with talent and energy and hope — who can claim the future that so many in my father's generation never found.
To realize that promise, we must first recognize a fundamental truth that you have given life to in Ghana: development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans.
As for America and the West, our commitment must be measured by more than just the dollars we spend. I have pledged substantial increases in our foreign assistance, which is in Africa's interest and America's. But the true sign of success is not whether we are a source of aid that helps people scrape by — it is whether we are partners in building the capacity for transformational change.
This mutual responsibility must be the foundation of our partnership. And today, I will focus on four areas that are critical to the future of Africa and the entire developing world: democracy; opportunity; health; and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
First, we must support strong and sustainable democratic governments.
As I said in Cairo, each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions. But history offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable and more successful than governments that do not.
This is about more than holding elections — it's also about what happens between them. Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20% off the top, or the head of the port authority is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end.
In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success — strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples' lives.
Time and again, Ghanaians have chosen Constitutional rule over autocracy, and shown a democratic spirit that allows the energy of your people to break through. We see that in leaders who accept defeat graciously, and victors who resist calls to wield power against the opposition. We see that spirit in courageous journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who risked his life to report the truth. We see it in police like Patience Quaye, who helped prosecute the first human trafficker in Ghana. We see it in the young people who are speaking up against patronage and participating in the political process.
Across Africa, we have seen countless examples of people taking control of their destiny and making change from the bottom up. We saw it in Kenya, where civil society and business came together to help stop postelection violence. We saw it in South Africa, where over three quarters of the country voted in the recent election — the fourth since the end of apartheid. We saw it in Zimbabwe, where the Election Support Network braved brutal repression to stand up for the principle that a person's vote is their sacred right.
Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans and not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.
America will not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation — the essential truth of democracy is that each nation determines its own destiny. What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance — on parliaments, which check abuses of power and ensure that opposition voices are heard; on the rule of law, which ensures the equal administration of justice; on civic participation, so that young people get involved; and on concrete solutions to corruption like forensic accounting, automating services, strengthening hot lines and protecting whistle-blowers to advance transparency and accountability.
As we provide this support, I have directed my administration to give greater attention to corruption in our human rights report. People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don't, and that is exactly what America will do.
This leads directly to our second area of partnership — supporting development that provides opportunity for more people.
With better governance, I have no doubt that Africa holds the promise of a broader base for prosperity. The continent is rich in natural resources. And from cellphone entrepreneurs to small farmers, Africans have shown the capacity and commitment to create their own opportunities. But old habits must also be broken. Dependence on commodities — or on a single export — concentrates wealth in the hands of the few and leaves people too vulnerable to downturns.
In Ghana, for instance, oil brings great opportunities, and you have been responsible in preparing for new revenue. But as so many Ghanaians know, oil cannot simply become the new cocoa. From South Korea to Singapore, history shows that countries thrive when they invest in their people and infrastructure; when they promote multiple export industries, develop a skilled work force and create space for small and medium-sized businesses that create jobs.
As Africans reach for this promise, America will be more responsible in extending our hand. By cutting costs that go to Western consultants and administration, we will put more resources in the hands of those who need it, while training people to do more for themselves. That is why our $3.5 billion food security initiative is focused on new methods and technologies for farmers — not simply sending American producers or goods to Africa. Aid is not an end in itself. The purpose of foreign assistance must be creating the conditions where it is no longer needed.
America can also do more to promote trade and investment. Wealthy nations must open our doors to goods and services from Africa in a meaningful way. And where there is good governance, we can broaden prosperity through public-private partnerships that invest in better roads and electricity; capacity-building that trains people to grow a business; and financial services that reach poor and rural areas. This is also in our own interest — for if people are lifted out of poverty and wealth is created in Africa, new markets will open for our own goods.
One area that holds out both undeniable peril and extraordinary promise is energy. Africa gives off less greenhouse gas than any other part of the world, but it is the most threatened by climate change. A warming planet will spread disease, shrink water resources and deplete crops, creating conditions that produce more famine and conflict. All of us — particularly the developed world — have a responsibility to slow these trends — through mitigation, and by changing the way that we use energy. But we can also work with Africans to turn this crisis into opportunity.
Together, we can partner on behalf of our planet and prosperity and help countries increase access to power while skipping the dirtier phase of development. Across Africa, there is bountiful wind and solar power; geothermal energy and bio-fuels. From the Rift Valley to the North African deserts; from the Western coast to South Africa's crops — Africa's boundless natural gifts can generate its own power, while exporting profitable, clean energy abroad.
These steps are about more than growth numbers on a balance sheet. They're about whether a young person with an education can get a job that supports a family; a farmer can transfer their goods to the market; or an entrepreneur with a good idea can start a business. It's about the dignity of work. It s about the opportunity that must exist for Africans in the 21st century.
Just as governance is vital to opportunity, it is also critical to the third area that I will talk about — strengthening public health.
In recent years, enormous progress has been made in parts of Africa. Far more people are living productively with HIV/AIDS, and getting the drugs they need. But too many still die from diseases that shouldn't kill them. When children are being killed because of a mosquito bite, and mothers are dying in childbirth, then we know that more progress must be made.
Yet because of incentives — often provided by donor nations — many African doctors and nurses understandably go overseas, or work for programs that focus on a single disease. This creates gaps in primary care and basic prevention. Meanwhile, individual Africans also have to make responsible choices that prevent the spread of disease, while promoting public health in their communities and countries.
Across Africa, we see examples of people tackling these problems. In Nigeria, an interfaith effort of Christians and Muslims has set an example of cooperation to confront malaria. Here in Ghana and across Africa, we see innovative ideas for filling gaps in care — for instance, through E-Health initiatives that allow doctors in big cities to support those in small towns.
America will support these efforts through a comprehensive, global health strategy. Because in the 21st century, we are called to act by our conscience and our common interest. When a child dies of a preventable illness in Accra, that diminishes us everywhere. And when disease goes unchecked in any corner of the world, we know that it can spread across oceans and continents.
That is why my administration has committed $63 billion to meet these challenges. Building on the strong efforts of President Bush, we will carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS. We will pursue the goal of ending deaths from malaria and tuberculosis, and eradicating polio. We will fight neglected tropical disease. And we won't confront illnesses in isolation — we will invest in public health systems that promote wellness and focus on the health of mothers and children.
As we partner on behalf of a healthier future, we must also stop the destruction that comes not from illness, but from human beings — and so the final area that I will address is conflict.
Now let me be clear: Africa is not the crude caricature of a continent at war. But for far too many Africans, conflict is a part of life, as constant as the sun. There are wars over land and wars over resources. And it is still far too easy for those without conscience to manipulate whole communities into fighting among faiths and tribes.
These conflicts are a millstone around Africa's neck. We all have many identities — of tribe and ethnicity; of religion and nationality. But defining oneself in opposition to someone who belongs to a different tribe, or who worships a different prophet, has no place in the 21st century. Africa's diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division. We are all God's children. We all share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to access education and opportunity; to love our families, our communities, and our faith. That is our common humanity.
That is why we must stand up to inhumanity in our midst. It is never justifiable to target innocents in the name of ideology. It is the death sentence of a society to force children to kill in wars. It is the ultimate mark of criminality and cowardice to condemn women to relentless and systematic rape. We must bear witness to the value of every child in Darfur and the dignity of every woman in Congo. No faith or culture should condone the outrages against them. All of us must strive for the peace and security necessary for progress.
Africans are standing up for this future. Here, too, Ghana is helping to point the way forward. Ghanaians should take pride in your contributions to peacekeeping from Congo to Liberia to Lebanon, and in your efforts to resist the scourge of the drug trade. We welcome the steps that are being taken by organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS to better resolve conflicts, keep the peace, and support those in need. And we encourage the vision of a strong, regional security architecture that can bring effective, transnational force to bear when needed.
America has a responsibility to advance this vision, not just with words, but with support that strengthens African capacity. When there is genocide in Darfur or terrorists in Somalia, these are not simply African problems — they are global security challenges, and they demand a global response. That is why we stand ready to partner through diplomacy, technical assistance, and logistical support, and will stand behind efforts to hold war criminals accountable. And let me be clear: our Africa Command is focused not on establishing a foothold in the continent, but on confronting these common challenges to advance the security of America, Africa and the world.
In Moscow, I spoke of the need for an international system where the universal rights of human beings are respected, and violations of those rights are opposed. That must include a commitment to support those who resolve conflicts peacefully, to sanction and stop those who don't, and to help those who have suffered. But ultimately, it will be vibrant democracies like Botswana and Ghana which roll back the causes of conflict, and advance the frontiers of peace and prosperity.
As I said earlier, Africa's future is up to Africans.
The people of Africa are ready to claim that future. In my country, African-Americans — including so many recent immigrants — have thrived in every sector of society. We have done so despite a difficult past, and we have drawn strength from our African heritage. With strong institutions and a strong will, I know that Africans can live their dreams in Nairobi and Lagos; in Kigali and Kinshasa; in Harare and right here in Accra.
Fifty-two years ago, the eyes of the world were on Ghana. And a young preacher named Martin Luther King traveled here, to Accra, to watch the Union Jack come down and the Ghanaian flag go up. This was before the march on Washington or the success of the civil rights movement in my country. Dr. King was asked how he felt while watching the birth of a nation. And he said: "It renews my conviction in the ultimate triumph of justice."
Now, that triumph must be won once more, and it must be won by you. And I am particularly speaking to the young people. In places like Ghana, you make up over half of the population. Here is what you must know: the world will be what you make of it.
You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities and harness your energy and education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world. You can conquer disease, end conflicts and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move.
But these things can only be done if you take responsibility for your future. It won't be easy. It will take time and effort. There will be suffering and setbacks. But I can promise you this: America will be with you. As a partner. As a friend. Opportunity won't come from any other place, though — it must come from the decisions that you make, the things that you do, and the hope that you hold in your hearts.
Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom's foundation. And if you do, we will look back years from now to places like Accra and say that this was the time when the promise was realized — this was the moment when prosperity was forged; pain was overcome; and a new era of progress began. This can be the time when we witness the triumph of justice once more. Thank you.
I am speaking to you at the end of a long trip. I began in Russia, for a Summit between two great powers. I traveled to Italy, for a meeting of the world's leading economies. And I have come here, to Ghana, for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well.
This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America's. Your health and security can contribute to the world's. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere.
So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world — as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility, and that is what I want to speak with you about today.
We must start from the simple premise that Africa's future is up to Africans.
I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world. I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family's own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story.
My grandfather was a cook for the British in Kenya, and though he was a respected elder in his village, his employers called him "boy" for much of his life. He was on the periphery of Kenya's liberation struggles, but he was still imprisoned briefly during repressive times. In his life, colonialism wasn't simply the creation of unnatural borders or unfair terms of trade — it was something experienced personally, day after day, year after year.
My father grew up herding goats in a tiny village, an impossible distance away from the American universities where he would come to get an education. He came of age at an extraordinary moment of promise for Africa. The struggles of his own father's generation were giving birth to new nations, beginning right here in Ghana. Africans were educating and asserting themselves in new ways. History was on the move.
But despite the progress that has been made — and there has been considerable progress in parts of Africa — we also know that much of that promise has yet to be fulfilled. Countries like Kenya, which had a per capita economy larger than South Korea's when I was born, have been badly outpaced. Disease and conflict have ravaged parts of the African continent. In many places, the hope of my father's generation gave way to cynicism, even despair.
It is easy to point fingers, and to pin the blame for these problems on others. Yes, a colonial map that made little sense bred conflict, and the West has often approached Africa as a patron, rather than a partner. But the West is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade, or wars in which children are enlisted as combatants. In my father's life, it was partly tribalism and patronage in an independent Kenya that for a long stretch derailed his career, and we know that this kind of corruption is a daily fact of life for far too many.
Of course, we also know that is not the whole story. Here in Ghana, you show us a face of Africa that is too often overlooked by a world that sees only tragedy or the need for charity. The people of Ghana have worked hard to put democracy on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers of power even in the wake of closely contested elections. And with improved governance and an emerging civil society, Ghana's economy has shown impressive rates of growth.
This progress may lack the drama of the 20th century's liberation struggles, but make no mistake: it will ultimately be more significant. For just as it is important to emerge from the control of another nation, it is even more important to build one's own.
So I believe that this moment is just as promising for Ghana — and for Africa — as the moment when my father came of age and new nations were being born. This is a new moment of promise. Only this time, we have learned that it will not be giants like Nkrumah and Kenyatta who will determine Africa's future. Instead, it will be you — the men and women in Ghana's Parliament, and the people you represent. Above all, it will be the young people — brimming with talent and energy and hope — who can claim the future that so many in my father's generation never found.
To realize that promise, we must first recognize a fundamental truth that you have given life to in Ghana: development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans.
As for America and the West, our commitment must be measured by more than just the dollars we spend. I have pledged substantial increases in our foreign assistance, which is in Africa's interest and America's. But the true sign of success is not whether we are a source of aid that helps people scrape by — it is whether we are partners in building the capacity for transformational change.
This mutual responsibility must be the foundation of our partnership. And today, I will focus on four areas that are critical to the future of Africa and the entire developing world: democracy; opportunity; health; and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
First, we must support strong and sustainable democratic governments.
As I said in Cairo, each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions. But history offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable and more successful than governments that do not.
This is about more than holding elections — it's also about what happens between them. Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20% off the top, or the head of the port authority is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end.
In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success — strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples' lives.
Time and again, Ghanaians have chosen Constitutional rule over autocracy, and shown a democratic spirit that allows the energy of your people to break through. We see that in leaders who accept defeat graciously, and victors who resist calls to wield power against the opposition. We see that spirit in courageous journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who risked his life to report the truth. We see it in police like Patience Quaye, who helped prosecute the first human trafficker in Ghana. We see it in the young people who are speaking up against patronage and participating in the political process.
Across Africa, we have seen countless examples of people taking control of their destiny and making change from the bottom up. We saw it in Kenya, where civil society and business came together to help stop postelection violence. We saw it in South Africa, where over three quarters of the country voted in the recent election — the fourth since the end of apartheid. We saw it in Zimbabwe, where the Election Support Network braved brutal repression to stand up for the principle that a person's vote is their sacred right.
Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans and not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.
America will not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation — the essential truth of democracy is that each nation determines its own destiny. What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance — on parliaments, which check abuses of power and ensure that opposition voices are heard; on the rule of law, which ensures the equal administration of justice; on civic participation, so that young people get involved; and on concrete solutions to corruption like forensic accounting, automating services, strengthening hot lines and protecting whistle-blowers to advance transparency and accountability.
As we provide this support, I have directed my administration to give greater attention to corruption in our human rights report. People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don't, and that is exactly what America will do.
This leads directly to our second area of partnership — supporting development that provides opportunity for more people.
With better governance, I have no doubt that Africa holds the promise of a broader base for prosperity. The continent is rich in natural resources. And from cellphone entrepreneurs to small farmers, Africans have shown the capacity and commitment to create their own opportunities. But old habits must also be broken. Dependence on commodities — or on a single export — concentrates wealth in the hands of the few and leaves people too vulnerable to downturns.
In Ghana, for instance, oil brings great opportunities, and you have been responsible in preparing for new revenue. But as so many Ghanaians know, oil cannot simply become the new cocoa. From South Korea to Singapore, history shows that countries thrive when they invest in their people and infrastructure; when they promote multiple export industries, develop a skilled work force and create space for small and medium-sized businesses that create jobs.
As Africans reach for this promise, America will be more responsible in extending our hand. By cutting costs that go to Western consultants and administration, we will put more resources in the hands of those who need it, while training people to do more for themselves. That is why our $3.5 billion food security initiative is focused on new methods and technologies for farmers — not simply sending American producers or goods to Africa. Aid is not an end in itself. The purpose of foreign assistance must be creating the conditions where it is no longer needed.
America can also do more to promote trade and investment. Wealthy nations must open our doors to goods and services from Africa in a meaningful way. And where there is good governance, we can broaden prosperity through public-private partnerships that invest in better roads and electricity; capacity-building that trains people to grow a business; and financial services that reach poor and rural areas. This is also in our own interest — for if people are lifted out of poverty and wealth is created in Africa, new markets will open for our own goods.
One area that holds out both undeniable peril and extraordinary promise is energy. Africa gives off less greenhouse gas than any other part of the world, but it is the most threatened by climate change. A warming planet will spread disease, shrink water resources and deplete crops, creating conditions that produce more famine and conflict. All of us — particularly the developed world — have a responsibility to slow these trends — through mitigation, and by changing the way that we use energy. But we can also work with Africans to turn this crisis into opportunity.
Together, we can partner on behalf of our planet and prosperity and help countries increase access to power while skipping the dirtier phase of development. Across Africa, there is bountiful wind and solar power; geothermal energy and bio-fuels. From the Rift Valley to the North African deserts; from the Western coast to South Africa's crops — Africa's boundless natural gifts can generate its own power, while exporting profitable, clean energy abroad.
These steps are about more than growth numbers on a balance sheet. They're about whether a young person with an education can get a job that supports a family; a farmer can transfer their goods to the market; or an entrepreneur with a good idea can start a business. It's about the dignity of work. It s about the opportunity that must exist for Africans in the 21st century.
Just as governance is vital to opportunity, it is also critical to the third area that I will talk about — strengthening public health.
In recent years, enormous progress has been made in parts of Africa. Far more people are living productively with HIV/AIDS, and getting the drugs they need. But too many still die from diseases that shouldn't kill them. When children are being killed because of a mosquito bite, and mothers are dying in childbirth, then we know that more progress must be made.
Yet because of incentives — often provided by donor nations — many African doctors and nurses understandably go overseas, or work for programs that focus on a single disease. This creates gaps in primary care and basic prevention. Meanwhile, individual Africans also have to make responsible choices that prevent the spread of disease, while promoting public health in their communities and countries.
Across Africa, we see examples of people tackling these problems. In Nigeria, an interfaith effort of Christians and Muslims has set an example of cooperation to confront malaria. Here in Ghana and across Africa, we see innovative ideas for filling gaps in care — for instance, through E-Health initiatives that allow doctors in big cities to support those in small towns.
America will support these efforts through a comprehensive, global health strategy. Because in the 21st century, we are called to act by our conscience and our common interest. When a child dies of a preventable illness in Accra, that diminishes us everywhere. And when disease goes unchecked in any corner of the world, we know that it can spread across oceans and continents.
That is why my administration has committed $63 billion to meet these challenges. Building on the strong efforts of President Bush, we will carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS. We will pursue the goal of ending deaths from malaria and tuberculosis, and eradicating polio. We will fight neglected tropical disease. And we won't confront illnesses in isolation — we will invest in public health systems that promote wellness and focus on the health of mothers and children.
As we partner on behalf of a healthier future, we must also stop the destruction that comes not from illness, but from human beings — and so the final area that I will address is conflict.
Now let me be clear: Africa is not the crude caricature of a continent at war. But for far too many Africans, conflict is a part of life, as constant as the sun. There are wars over land and wars over resources. And it is still far too easy for those without conscience to manipulate whole communities into fighting among faiths and tribes.
These conflicts are a millstone around Africa's neck. We all have many identities — of tribe and ethnicity; of religion and nationality. But defining oneself in opposition to someone who belongs to a different tribe, or who worships a different prophet, has no place in the 21st century. Africa's diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division. We are all God's children. We all share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to access education and opportunity; to love our families, our communities, and our faith. That is our common humanity.
That is why we must stand up to inhumanity in our midst. It is never justifiable to target innocents in the name of ideology. It is the death sentence of a society to force children to kill in wars. It is the ultimate mark of criminality and cowardice to condemn women to relentless and systematic rape. We must bear witness to the value of every child in Darfur and the dignity of every woman in Congo. No faith or culture should condone the outrages against them. All of us must strive for the peace and security necessary for progress.
Africans are standing up for this future. Here, too, Ghana is helping to point the way forward. Ghanaians should take pride in your contributions to peacekeeping from Congo to Liberia to Lebanon, and in your efforts to resist the scourge of the drug trade. We welcome the steps that are being taken by organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS to better resolve conflicts, keep the peace, and support those in need. And we encourage the vision of a strong, regional security architecture that can bring effective, transnational force to bear when needed.
America has a responsibility to advance this vision, not just with words, but with support that strengthens African capacity. When there is genocide in Darfur or terrorists in Somalia, these are not simply African problems — they are global security challenges, and they demand a global response. That is why we stand ready to partner through diplomacy, technical assistance, and logistical support, and will stand behind efforts to hold war criminals accountable. And let me be clear: our Africa Command is focused not on establishing a foothold in the continent, but on confronting these common challenges to advance the security of America, Africa and the world.
In Moscow, I spoke of the need for an international system where the universal rights of human beings are respected, and violations of those rights are opposed. That must include a commitment to support those who resolve conflicts peacefully, to sanction and stop those who don't, and to help those who have suffered. But ultimately, it will be vibrant democracies like Botswana and Ghana which roll back the causes of conflict, and advance the frontiers of peace and prosperity.
As I said earlier, Africa's future is up to Africans.
The people of Africa are ready to claim that future. In my country, African-Americans — including so many recent immigrants — have thrived in every sector of society. We have done so despite a difficult past, and we have drawn strength from our African heritage. With strong institutions and a strong will, I know that Africans can live their dreams in Nairobi and Lagos; in Kigali and Kinshasa; in Harare and right here in Accra.
Fifty-two years ago, the eyes of the world were on Ghana. And a young preacher named Martin Luther King traveled here, to Accra, to watch the Union Jack come down and the Ghanaian flag go up. This was before the march on Washington or the success of the civil rights movement in my country. Dr. King was asked how he felt while watching the birth of a nation. And he said: "It renews my conviction in the ultimate triumph of justice."
Now, that triumph must be won once more, and it must be won by you. And I am particularly speaking to the young people. In places like Ghana, you make up over half of the population. Here is what you must know: the world will be what you make of it.
You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities and harness your energy and education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world. You can conquer disease, end conflicts and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move.
But these things can only be done if you take responsibility for your future. It won't be easy. It will take time and effort. There will be suffering and setbacks. But I can promise you this: America will be with you. As a partner. As a friend. Opportunity won't come from any other place, though — it must come from the decisions that you make, the things that you do, and the hope that you hold in your hearts.
Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom's foundation. And if you do, we will look back years from now to places like Accra and say that this was the time when the promise was realized — this was the moment when prosperity was forged; pain was overcome; and a new era of progress began. This can be the time when we witness the triumph of justice once more. Thank you.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Great fighters
Good fighters put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat. Securing yourself against defeat lies in your own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is presented by the enemy himself. To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence. The thing is to see the plant before it has germinated. One may know how to conquer,without being able to it. In such instances, you become wise in taking unremitting precautions.
A wise fighter is the one who not only wins but excels in winning with ease. You need to put yourself in a position that makes losing impossible. Make moves when you are favorably circumstanced, if you don't,then you are really afraid, if not a coward.
The Art of War
A wise fighter is the one who not only wins but excels in winning with ease. You need to put yourself in a position that makes losing impossible. Make moves when you are favorably circumstanced, if you don't,then you are really afraid, if not a coward.
The Art of War
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Things you should know.
I have come to discover many things.Life is not so unfair after all. Think about it. I mean, traffic jams eventually clear up, sunsets are for free,Art can correct most human misconceptions; if you take it right, most planes take off and arrive on time...
Am also learning that most folks are good folks, who are just as timid as I am to start a conversation.
To live happy and fulfilled, we just need to get rid of the saboteur, within or without.
Am also learning that most folks are good folks, who are just as timid as I am to start a conversation.
To live happy and fulfilled, we just need to get rid of the saboteur, within or without.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
THE A-Z OF HAPPINESS
A spire to reach your potential
B elieve in yourself
C reate a good life
D ream about what you might become
E xercise frequently
F orgive honest mistakes
G orify the creative spirit
H umor yourself and others
I magine great things
J oyfully live each day
K indly help others
L ove one another
M editate daily
N urture the environment
O rgaise for harmonious action
P raise performance well done
Q uestion most things
R egulate your own behavior
S mile often
T hink rationally
U nderstand yourself
V alue life
W ork for the common good
X -ray and carefully examine problems
Y earn to improve
Z estfully persdue happiness
All the best.
B elieve in yourself
C reate a good life
D ream about what you might become
E xercise frequently
F orgive honest mistakes
G orify the creative spirit
H umor yourself and others
I magine great things
J oyfully live each day
K indly help others
L ove one another
M editate daily
N urture the environment
O rgaise for harmonious action
P raise performance well done
Q uestion most things
R egulate your own behavior
S mile often
T hink rationally
U nderstand yourself
V alue life
W ork for the common good
X -ray and carefully examine problems
Y earn to improve
Z estfully persdue happiness
All the best.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
BUSH LESSONS
As much as we welcome change and hope into today's direction of the world,and our lives, it is important that we take lessons from the past. We all loved to see Bush leave, but I must say i learnt a big deal from the dude. Here are some of the important lessons Bush taught me.
1.
Always have a plan, and stick to it, no matter what. Even when nobody approves of your plan or intentions, you assume they cant see as well as you can, or they are short sighted! That makes the problems theirs.
'Eye Rack' had many problems, its only that they were visible through 'Bush' eyes. And Saddam Hussein was a real threat to humanity. (Talking about Saddam, I don't know how he would feel if he were around to share a name with an American President!)
2.
Once you make a gross mistake, you should never be there to explain yourself, just in case some bright fellow figured. Bush once said "....I will be long gone before somebody ever figures what happened in this oval office."
3.
Intellect is overrated. I mean you don't really need to be so sharp to achieve your goals ( ..or even your fathers). This might be partly because intellectuals have a way of confusing simple things with simplistic ones. You can be simple without being simplistic. Simplistic is worse by the way.
4.
If you have grammar problems, or issues with self articulation get bright people to do the work for you. That's how Condi comes into play. Do not get a person of your mental capabilities. Get better, because you don't have to understand half the things they say, you just trust its nice on your side.
5.
If you must leave a legacy, and you notice you are running out of time, make a bad one. Because if you want to make something bad, no matter how bad it is, you can always make it. And bad legacies are much more outstanding since they are few and isolated, hence easier to pinpoint. The last time there was a financial crisis as bad as the Bush one was 1930s. How many American presidents do you remember between Roosevelt and Obama? Three? Bush included? They are close to nine! so who's the man?
1.
Always have a plan, and stick to it, no matter what. Even when nobody approves of your plan or intentions, you assume they cant see as well as you can, or they are short sighted! That makes the problems theirs.
'Eye Rack' had many problems, its only that they were visible through 'Bush' eyes. And Saddam Hussein was a real threat to humanity. (Talking about Saddam, I don't know how he would feel if he were around to share a name with an American President!)
2.
Once you make a gross mistake, you should never be there to explain yourself, just in case some bright fellow figured. Bush once said "....I will be long gone before somebody ever figures what happened in this oval office."
3.
Intellect is overrated. I mean you don't really need to be so sharp to achieve your goals ( ..or even your fathers). This might be partly because intellectuals have a way of confusing simple things with simplistic ones. You can be simple without being simplistic. Simplistic is worse by the way.
4.
If you have grammar problems, or issues with self articulation get bright people to do the work for you. That's how Condi comes into play. Do not get a person of your mental capabilities. Get better, because you don't have to understand half the things they say, you just trust its nice on your side.
5.
If you must leave a legacy, and you notice you are running out of time, make a bad one. Because if you want to make something bad, no matter how bad it is, you can always make it. And bad legacies are much more outstanding since they are few and isolated, hence easier to pinpoint. The last time there was a financial crisis as bad as the Bush one was 1930s. How many American presidents do you remember between Roosevelt and Obama? Three? Bush included? They are close to nine! so who's the man?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
OBAMA'S INAUGURAL SPEECH
OBAMA: My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do. Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government. Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good. As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it. As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do. Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government. Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good. As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it. As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Try this today.
-Leave excuses out of your life. You are good enough as you stand.
-The greatest casualty of fear is love. Fear not, in loving. We fear being without love, but unseemingly, we are more afraid of being in love.
-The more uninteresting you choose to become, the more difficult your life becomes.
-The greatest casualty of fear is love. Fear not, in loving. We fear being without love, but unseemingly, we are more afraid of being in love.
-The more uninteresting you choose to become, the more difficult your life becomes.
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