USA 4th of July, is everyone cerebrating?

Gary Sinise / Lieut. Dan

July 4th, 2013! That was my first time to witness how they do. On internet, everyone can find its meaning. Sure. Just three days ago, Paul Kagame and Uhuru Kenyatta had joined Burundians for the Independence Day. But what may it still mean, especially that US? I spent the whole day at Arlee. No way to see late Arlee! What a stupid idea! Not as “stupid as stupid do”, because when the master of ceremony said, “Let’s remember our ancestors”, I then asked to Allyson Kellum who was just beside me, “do we get off the hut?” That was during powwow: very interesting as I said some days ago. Then, after Ariel Barrett had our ticket to the Rodeo! Yes, I sow that cowgirl! That was my first time to see that, live! I then asked to  Andres Perez , “Is really the world serious?” He said, “What?” I replied “La corrida!” He laughed as he knows the song. (…) In the night, I went down to watch TV when others climbed “M” to watch the fireworks: on Fox news, the debate was all about “Data: when our secret is out!” Another one was “They come to America!” Very interesting title, this last one! Yet, during the Powwow, the MC had said, “Please join us and let’s dance, the feast is for all of us!” He was one of those “Native American”, who have seen things, in their life. Before I went to sleep and this whole Friday, I remembered the movie “Forrest Gump”. Can it help to understand my question? (…) As this "melting pot" is really huge, everybody can still try to find out what they are passing through, since 1776.

Audace Machado

M.Conner Humphrey (10 then 25-2001)

John Worsham/ F. Gump

The saying “Life is like a box of chocolates”, adapts well the movie “Forrest Gump”. Not only every place’s life is made of good and bad experiences and opportunities, but when the US way of life comes, Forrest Gump describes as well this “melting pot” of big country, and gives a nice picture of either most values and anti-models of America.
Since the beginning of this long movie (more than 2 hours), we find where may be the power of this country: in addition to the education for every kids, America has developed special schools for children with abnormal IQ.

Moreover, education in this country promotes diverse students competence, especially sport. For example, Forrest Gump, despites his intelligence challenges, he graduated after five years of studying, but chiefly performing well football. Last example, in terms of culture, we find entirely through this movie, the power of music. Forrest has met “The King of pop music” since he was young. Besides, Gospel music helped him to socialize better. The same, Jenny her friend since childhood,  has survived and even seen this world harmony through music.

Politically, Forrest Gump is showing how America should be/is seen as a country of freedom of speech.  Let’s remember this big gathering at a public place to denounce the war in Viet-Nam: “We must declare to that fucking impostor in the White House -- Johnson. We ain't going to work on your farm no more!” “Yeah!”  The master of ceremonies is cheered up most of the time he loudly uses the “F-words-, regardless his shirt made in USA’s national colors. We may call it “deface”, but that Hippie movement spread in the world as “Peace and Love” movement.  

Sally Fiels / Mrs Gump

 You’ve got to put the pass behind you before you can move on”, suggested the mother of Forrest, especially when “Shit happens”, had offered Gump, later on. America can’t hide the discrimination that affected its people. Am I correct if I say that “probably American just trust in God?” I don’t even believe in that. Probably some of them: “God is mysterious”, Gump resumed her mother. What is sure, Forrest grew up with “Momma said not to be taking rides from strangers.” I remember, one off these last days, riding on a bike just to relaxe, I stopped to admire not only those kids playing, but also that public garden they were enjoying life. One of them sow me and run away. I then remembered that people in Montana are not so much accustomed  to "african" people! Very rare! Some even don't know about Buffalo Soldiers.

A. Machado at Ft Missoula

 Forrest kept on mind what theories such as that of Ku-Klux-Klan have made of America. Therefore, though the movie shows more love and help instead of hatred especially that based on race, it had invested till the public services such as education, and some authorities (such G. Wallace, the Governor of Alabama), even some States incarnated it. This prejudice has even been manifested through violence to political assassinations. In 1972, Wallace was shot, Nixon has been targeted. In 1981, Reagan escaped in extremis. Kennedy bothers didn’t escape in the year 1960’s. Nevertheless, tears and bloodshed through years too and among normal people, especially young volunteering in army, because of the America imperialism, if we swear by “Where have all the flowers gone”, a famous American funeral song.

Hanna Hall as young Ginny

Robin Wright as Ginny

All in all, in America, there is always a way to become someone from almost nothing. One day! Bob Dylan’s called it “Blowin’ In the Wind”. It looks easy:  “Have you given  any thought to your future?” was he asked when Uncle Sum needed him, for Viet-Nam. Because, people dream, not only Jenny: “You remember that time we prayed, Forrest? We prayed for God to turn me into a bird so I could fly far, far away?”

In terms of American values and vicious package, we can’t omit the perfect friend ship embodied by Jenny and Lieutenant Dan, both Forrest best friends and who escaped suicide, especially pushed in by alcoholism and personal extreme problems. Last, it’s about the motherhood personified by Mrs Gump (the mother of Forrest) and Jenny who almighty loved and protected their sons before dying tragically, while he became well-heeled.

I thought my understanding of the meaning of that day can continue. I just said, "It was amazing", when Dr Sandra Janusch asked me, "how was it?"

Burundi, is violence the last refuge of the incompetent?

Remember the Pope John Paul II saying, "The social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create"

Audace Machado

People called it “intifada”. I thought about “Indian removal.”  How policemen happened to impound this retired Justin Nyakabeto’s family from his property since 30 years, and that way?
Chiefly, the main problem is the violence that happened in Burundi last may 28th. Yes, bullet, stones, contact fighting, etc., were used in Bujumbura last Tuesday. Yes, there was bloodshed!  Some may think “it happens everywhere in the world, so what?” Let’s say yes, as some do, but let’s not agree that pregnant women can be physically abused in different ways.

Picture/ Teedy Mazina

So, simply, let’s just say “No!” It can’t continue like that. The case is also different because of some regional and local socio-economic and political realities. Now, I can remember Jeannette Rankin saying, “I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for the war”. And if there still any unemotional “yes”, stay tuned here till the video access.

Back to some roots of the problem, it’s about a family whose father is a Justin Nyakabeto who bought, legally, a house in 1972. This house is now declared to belong to someone else. So, Justin and his family are urged to leave it by hook or by crook. 
Policemen came execute that National Land and Property Commission (CNTB) judgment, as Nyakabeto’s still claiming injustice! Neighbors came to support that family. That was hours of fighting.  Policemen used real bullets, gas, stones against young inhabitants. Women were physically abused. Is that “Monopoly of violence” that people are learning?  Independent personality   tried to get involved to “cease the fire”. How can those authorities, including, stay as stubborn as mule?
Might everyone be interested to understand why that is happening in that main place, Ngagara?     Meanwhile, Ngagara is different from Kibera, it is, from Armenia  or Georgia.
But, why do people wait people fight, revenge or even die, to act?

Picture/Iwacu (CNTB)

Let’s remind that we are in a country where particular crimes are still on, despite political arguments. That commission were represented by Pasteur Habimana,  seen claiming to journalists, “come and see me now,how strong I am!” I wish he could know some people like   late Daniel Inouye.

This event rose back some  political and social questions,  : people thought that policemen were really re-formatted  from what some opinions call “bush behaviors.”

But, Ngagara may also recall Soweto in some way, on the world watch! These people don’t have Representatives kinda Jon Tester, that I had the chance to meet.  I know, I dream, but I wished you dreamed like me because, when others think about get together and development, I am afraid while learned that “National isolation breeds neurosis.”

"Today is me, tomorrow's someone else" (Phil Rutaya)

 

HARD, BUT HERE IS THE VIDEO OF WHAT HAPPENED (by Teddy M.)

What may mean,The Global Peace Talking ?

Hosted by the UM English Language Institute and the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center, the JRPC would like to invite the public to participate in the second talk in a series featuring visiting Humphrey Fellows at the University of Montana's English Language Institute in Missoula.  Speakers from a diverse group of countries - Algeria, Brazil, Burundi, China, Colombia, Congo-Brazzaville, Haiti, Romania and Vietnam –are available to share their various global perspectives.  The next Intercultural Dialogue Series with Humphrey Fellows will be the Thursday, June 6, 5 pm, at the JRPC.

The event on June 6 will focus on global health issues and health policy issues common to the US and developing countries. 

Sandra Janusch & Audace Machado from Burundi

The first in this series was held on April 25 to a full house and focused on human rights in Burundi and among the Roma people.  Audience members were able to engage in lively and informative discussions with our speakers, and several commented that it was one of the best opportunities available in the area to learn about other cultures.One attendee commented on how much he “appreciated the opportunity to learn firsthand what other countries experience.”

Florin Priboi (in black suit) from Roumania

We recognize the effects of globalization have made these issues relevant at the international level and that dialogue is essential to further the cause of peace and justice in an increasingly interconnected world.

Talks are held 5pm in the JRPC Conference Room, 519 S. Higgins in Missoula.  Following this event, there will be two more talks in the series, June 27 on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and the last talk is tentatively set for July 11th, and will cover Public Policy. 


Contact:  Betsy Mulligan-Dague,
JRPC executive director;
406-543-3955  /   peace@jrpc.org

Career and Gender Identities, break the rules!

 If we trust that “Man is always looking for someone to boast to; woman is always looking for a shoulder to put her head on” (Henry L. Mencken), probably the world can’t change whereas it is a permanent and competitive one. Some thought that Liberia became forever a modern and democratized society being ruled by Mrs Ellen Johnson Searleaf, as the first African Head of State. Consequently, in a male monopoly field such as the African Presidents’ forum, how could she stand and be seated, and speak up? “I am the greatest. Not only do I knock em out, I pick the round!” could she quote Muhammad Ali? And, in that post armed conflict country, there was nothing else but competition above all other speculations such as, believes – religious and alike – or even sciences’ –biology, psychology, etc.-, considerations.  Let’s swear by Dalton Camp’s “Politics is made up largely of irrelevancies” to hold this discussion going through a particular and highly technologic profession: the pilots’ career. For sure, everyone might have the right to choose his/her profession moreover, competition and abilities must support the employments and professional career process rather than the gender identities. 

Evoking the liberty to choose one’s profession, going to some Leadership lessons, I met Dr Patty Kero who chose to become a teacher though she was trained and licensed to fly some aircraft. She is teaching leadership through different fields. Her story is about a family whose father was a pilot. He died through an accident during his profession. Kero’s mother who had preceded the late father in aircraft piloting but, who rarely practiced, decided then, that the children studied piloting, beside other good schools they were sent to. 

Did anybody hear “Competition is the whetstone of talent”? The website, “Celebrities you didn’t know were pilots” illustrates from some American superstars, such as, Morgan Freeman, Harrison Ford, Clint Eastwood, etc.; and we could not imagine that the list could continue with Angelina Jolie or Gisele Bundchen. They both learned and know how to fly an airplane.  Although it is recognized some gender and career-level differences, this testify that both men and women can be and equal pilots.

Chiefly, the pilot career developed during and after the World War I. As some results, the aviation research and industry joined, and then followed the fighting psychology. According to Dr Acharya Ganesh and Joseph Catherine, “high-spirited, happy-go-lucky sportsmen”  were favored aircrew. Yet in 1929, twenty women experienced a historical race, 100 hours in solo flight that was named the Women’s Air Derby. The men had to spend same hours and following same rules in the National Air Race.

Here, we have to understand that, the race was a kind of test of ability, also seen like a spectacle but, a competition. Either men or women participated in it, and speculations didn’t miss.  In addition, Novello and Youssef (1974) found general-aviation female pilots to be more similar to their male pilot counterparts than to women in the population at large (…) Novello and Youssef hypothesize pilot personality styles that transcend gender.(p.2) 

Nevertheless, for longtime, back to the psychological aspect, the sayings implicated some qualities attributed to male pilots: the courage, reserved persons, intense mental application, gallant, with a military posture, able to act in the wink of an eye, etc.

According to Jacqueline R. Luedtke, “public opinion and political pressure; both of these had a great impact on the success or failure of a woman’s aerial career. After any accident involving a woman, there was usually a public outcry to restrict women from the flying arena.(p.4)” 

Moreover, in the American aviation, there are still restricting rule that limit female from flying aircrafts especially in fighting aviation. And beliefs related to those bounds are still fed today. The case of Bessie Coleman, the first black licensed pilot, didn’t need comments: “She could not persuade anyone in the United States to teach her to fly; she traveled to France in order to take flying lessons.(p.45)” 

              However, elsewhere and eagerly, as Katherine Stinson did it at sixteen, being the first worldwide woman to fly in 1911;  Esther Mbabazi, 24, defeated the world’s common credits becoming the first Rwandan female pilot in the year 2013. Born in Bugarama, her familly went back in Rwanda in 1996. Her mother is known as the only girl in her electricity class. Esther proved that in this era of competition, the business and technology facilities have deleted the barriers to knowledge, from africa to Florida. Proudly, she declared "There are not so many male Rwandan pilots either. So even though I am the first female, my colleagues are the first male Rwandan pilots to be flying commercial planes. So I think it's a big change for all of us Rwandans and something that should be celebrated."  Like Kero's father, Esther's father who was a pastor, died in an aircraft accident in today's Republic Democratic of Congo.

                    Hence, taking the African culture in general, Esther is regretting that in the past, "women have to cook” and she wrote to me, "Time is changing", whereas she now parallels, “If you really work hard and you prove that you can do something well, I don't think there's a question of you being a woman.” Esther then precised, "For me, there is no job for a particular gender". Last thursday, may 23rd Esther added "It was simple but, always good feeling that I just landed safely at Nairobi airport. Fathers, mothers, sisters, husbands, etc.,were getting home safe."

One day in 2008, before the North West America airplane (NWA) had to land off from Tacoma airport, I heard the commandant pilot granting “Ladies and gentleman, I have the pleasure to announce my last flight, to be replaced by my daughter after fifty years of career.” Should passengers clap as they did if a retired pilot was presenting his son as successor?

In other words, is it still correct just to consider employments and careers as advancements and opportunities than comparing gender identities?

Audace Machado

"The USA greatest embassy dedicated in Burundi"

In terms of international relations or in geopolitics matters, it looks logic, especially in Africa. Remember when South Africa soldiers rushed in Africa by the end of 1990’-beginning of the 2000’s. That was there!  After reading the, my colleague’s (et alii) “Chinafrique", I went to Pamela Slutz, the former Burundi US Ambassador with one of those questions. "Ahan !", she almost simply replied. The actual Ambassador, Liberi,D. is more clear.

This is happening when some years after Bill Clinton was involved in Burundi peace accords (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/901922.stm ) Georges Bush was near, in Rwanda, not so long ago      ( see http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/world/africa/20prexy.html?_r=0  )
Barack Obama is waited in nearbouring countries, Tanzania & Rwanda(as announced early), next coming june. 

All this seems meaningful to me! I'd say too, "Ahan!"

Audace Machado

From
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/05/209767.htm 

In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with the Republic of Burundi, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, Dawn M. Liberi, dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura today.

Occupying a 10-acre site near the city center in Kigobe, the $133 million multi-building complex provides a state-of-the-art, environmentally-

sustainable workplace for embassy personnel.

Perkins + Will of Washington, D.C. was the concept design architect and Einhorn Yaffee Prescott of Washington, D.C. was the architect of record. The project was constructed by Caddell Construction of Montgomery, Alabama.

The new facility incorporates numerous sustainable features to reduce operating costs and conserve resources, most notably an extensive system of over 950 photovoltaic panels; a white “cool” roof and the use of architectural shading of the building to reduce solar heat gain and energy cooling costs; and on-site treatment of wastewater that is reused for irrigation. An estimated 95% of construction waste was diverted from landfills for reuse by the local community. The facility has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 102 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 40 projects in design or under construction.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.

More information, Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov or (703) 875-4131.

Some times, America dreams

Some hearsay acknowledges that Native Americans and Canadians have modernized the music. Amongst them, the Cherokee Jimi Hendrix deserved the blues music “ancestor”; Elvis Presley, another Cherokee, according to such reports, has king-sized himself through different kinds of music, but the deep reference  to the roots, remained. 
April 18th, I had an appointment with Dr Zhang Shali who, welcoming me in her office, told me just a bit about the 12 Native American flags just up behind her main seat.

From these supposals, that people is represented in some institutions. Have you heard concepts such as “Affirmative action?” What about Charles Curtis who was the 31st Vice   President of the United States?    (See Museum of Kiganda ) And, remembered about this "The Last Resort "

That may still look strange, and here is why, from Africa, I suggested an understanding of some Native Americans’ culture perceptus. They call it “Powwow” and let me share some comparative aspects from my Burundi ,  Heart of Africa

 By Audace Machado,

some pict.,by Tedd Campbell

April 19th they mustered at the University of Montana as they had powwow.  How should people confer american culture assumption and unification?

Around seven P.M, the main play-hall of the university was cheering with different colors. Aligning for tickets, joyousness spread, mixed with excitement and impatience. That special event “helps Native Americans to gather, and celebrate heritage”, said Phillip Paul Egying, a tribal elder; but it was more than a legacy performance. It was a competition too.

Vigorously, the master of ceremonies called bystanders to stand up “in the honor of God and ancestors”, he exhorted. 
“Do you know the saying, if you know your history, then you should know where you are coming from?” asked Phillip P. Egying. I answered that I have heard that. “We are pure Americans due to our ancestors who shed their blood here to give us identity and dignity. So we owe them respect.”

Culturally dressed, a man blessed the process, and “The Grand Entry” began. That special convoy leading the long, liturgical and bounce dance is measured by special songs. “In our culture, the Eagle is a sacred bird. That song and dance is out of the image of an eagle’s screech and its wings’ battle. And those elegant persons holding flags make a special team that we call ‘the eagle staff’”, explained Phillip.  Plus, “the first song you heard at the beginning is the flag song and note that it is a high honor to be in that leading team,” Phillip, a sociologist, continued. ( See the King's dancors or  Intore  )    

                                                                                                                         

One of the universal discussion is about the symbol of drum, either power or it’s association with plenty. According to the elder Phillip P.Egying “we almost don’t beat the drums, as hurting them symbolizes hurting, abusing, punching or torturing a woman. So, we can just say that we play the drums, and that happened as a dedication to a fight’s victory.” ( See umurisho )

And this feminine image in the powwow brings to the circle dance and to the place of a woman in that culture. The Egying talking about the universe, believes that, “the moon is the wife of the sun”, saying “Look at those accessories on men’s head in the form of sun.

(See Zimanumuntu ,  Umutsibo or Umuyebe )

And, people dance rolling while evolving in a circle movement, and the feather is the main clothes’ beautification to witness our link to nature.”           (see agasimbo)  

The tribes gathered at the University of Montana on Friday coming from Native American reservations, specifically rich in natural resources: Flathead -not far from Missoula-, rich in clean water; Blackfeet –in the extreme north- rich in oil; Rocky boy’s-rich in clean water-; Fort peck rich in oil and gas, and from Crow Nation-rich in oil, water and fishing. Although these  reservations are in Montana States, there were also representatives from Navajo Nation in New Mexico and other States.

Burundi/Jeopardy: Freedom of Press and Epression

What would happen if media freedom is handicapped?  Here is the case of Burundi
see https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/by.html#top    

Last April, the 3rd 2013, a NewPress Law project was voted by the national representatives. The minister of communication explained her disappointment. “We can never respect this new law if the senators and the Republic’s President do as these Representatives”, said Innocent MUHOZI, one of the media responsible, this April 18th, 2013.  (Here, in front of the belgium embassy, journalists were attacked by policemen)

Religious leaders, civil society, “vox pop”  see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbzS_qNOnVk
(journalists and civil society marching for freedom of speech and, to be attacked by the police), UN local offices, the Reporter Without Borders, the East African Journalism Association; and different local and international organizations claimed their indignation when the Senators analyze that project this April 19th, 2013.
Example? See  http://www.cpj.org/2013/04/cpj-urges-burundi-to-reject-restrictive-media-law.php#more

A short recall:

By 1992, Burundi recovering multiparty system, the era of a new political and opinion freedom was being reestablished. Here is the time Burundi got its first Press Law that was renewed in 2003. It’s only by 2010 that, during a general country’s dialogue, press professionals proposed to rework on it. The local government and the legislative assembly renewed it, their own way. We have to note the role of media in this country during last twenty years of political and socioeconomic crises.

Example of an evaluation:  See http://burundi.usembassy.gov/ne_050312a.html
What are the more than 10 radio stations and 4 TV stations, dealing with in such a tiny and power country? I just remind, “Burundi media synergy: an example of multi-cooperation partnership.”

See http://newsletterappa.over-blog.com/article-the-media-synergy-in-burundi-an-example-of-multi-cooperation-partnership-55786138.html

Opinions’ agree that it’s a next coming (2015) electoral process that is the main reason of what some call “manipulation”. “We are not in Bokasa’s era and Burundi is not North Korea”, reminded Muhozi.

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzf9PbV8QuM

Audace Machado