Haiti Elections
Today’s a very important time in the Caribbean state of Haiti. A run-off election is being held, the first in the country’s history. I’ve been religiously 
searching “Haiti elections” in Google News all day. What’s happening? Are there any protests? Is there any violence? From what I’ve been reading so far, the country is relatively calm. Polls are placing Martelly slightly ahead of Manigat. All though those are simply polls, I am excited to see Martelly ahead. I personally believe that although he lacks political experience, he is the best fit to rule the country. Manigat was a first lady at one point in time. Her husband won the tightly controlled election with 50.29% of the vote, however the voter turnout was under 10%. Many consider this election un-democratic. Leslie Manigat was President from Feb 1988 to June 1988 overthrown by Namphy. Manigat’s platform is a motherly one. She wants to show that as a woman she can care for the country as a mother does her offspring. This sounds great, however everything happens for a reason. There is a reason her husband did not last in office and she should not be given a chance to try again. Martelly on the other hand is a lot more personable. He knows the people, he’s performed for them all over the
country. He can interact with them in ways that Manigat cannot even dream of. He can be their friend and friends help friends. He is a breath of fresh air and gives the people a voice. People may talk about his episodes of mooning and dressing in drag, but what they must understand is that he is an artist. Flamboyant Sweet Micky is not running for President, well-spoken Michel Martelly is. I congratulate these two for running in the election because the country is in a terrible situation. This really shows their love and devotion to their country in a very very difficult time.
Also in the news is Wyclef being shot (or cut by glass). Wyclef is quoted saying “The way I can explain it is that the bullet grazed me in my right hand. I heard blow, blow, blow and I just looked at my hand.” Cops claim this is untrue after meeting with the doctor who took care of Wyclef. They concluded that he was cut by a glass in an accident. With regards to the situation at the polls, Edmond Mulet, head of the U.N. mission in Haiti, is quoted saying, “Everything is peaceful, is more or less OK, much better than Nov. 28.” while touring the polling stations. I guess there is nothing more to do than sit, pray the situation remains calm, hope for decent voter turnout (more than the 23% that voted in the first round) and patiently await the March 31st preliminary results.
Peace Love & Freedom
What is it that we, as people, desire? What do we long for? People? Objects? Emotions? Is it healthy to have desires? Is it selfish to have desires? I believe that we all desire one thing, and that respect. If you sit and think about it, everything we desire in life has its roots in the concept of respect — more specifically self-respect. In order to love, you must have respect for others. In order to be loved, you must have respect for yourself. In order to advance and arrive at your goals in life, you must have self-respect. This self-respect will ultimately teaches you how to respect bosses, managers, professors etc. no matter what curve-balls they may throw in your direction. My point? You cannot expect others to give you the respect you desire if you do not begin with respecting yourself first.
