By Jennie
Musician and activist Wyclef Jean, who rose to prominence with the hip-hop group The Fugees, ended weeks of speculation this past week when he announced that he is running for the presidency of Haiti. The 37-year-old Jean was born in Haiti but emigrated to the United States at the age of 9 and has spent most of his life in America.
Jean’s presidential bid obviously comes at a critical time in the troubled island nation’s history – the devastating earthquake which rocked Haiti in January was only the latest in a long list of difficulties the country has faced. Jean has international name recognition and charisma, and (arguably) a sincere desire to better the lives of his countrymen. But he also comes with some baggage. It’s certainly questionable whether he has the experience and knowledge to lead a country whose problems are as numerous and complex as Haiti’s are. There are those who decry professional politicians and favor the idea of the “something new” that Jean feels his candidacy represents. I, myself, have never been a big fan of political dilettantes, the Schwarzeneggers and Venturas of the world who think they can just step in and figure it out. I no more like the idea of a political tyro taking over responsibility for a state (or a country) than I would would like a first year med student performing brain surgery on me.
There are also more specific and troubling questions about some of Jean’s actions – his charity Yéle Haiti has been hit with some pretty serious charges of irregular and possibly unscrupulous practices; it was recently dissolved by the Florida Division of Corporations.
It may be that if Jean were to win the presidency, he would bring some positive changes to Haiti. It’s just distressing that the best many can say about him at this point is that “he’s got to be better than Baby Doc“, or his father, or any of the other corrupt politicians who have terrorized and bled the country dry for decade after decade. Haiti deserves better. The may not get it, but they do deserve better.
If you are corrupt the best thing to be is a Politician. If you are not corrupt politics will corrupt you.
So, Stu, does that mean that you are an anarchist? 🙂
I think you have said that about me a couple of times now.
To answer your question….I just want some true leaders to stand up. Someone who will do as they say not what it takes to get elected.
It’s kind of funny that some people are saying he might be better than the last few , Babby Doc and the others.
Stu, if I’ve said it before I guess it’s because the whole attitude seems to suggest that there is no hope for any government. If that’s the case, what is left but anarchy?
I agree that politics (power) corrupts. But I think the other problem is that one needs to be a pragmatist and a compromiser to succeed in politics. This is not entirely a bad thing. A politician may have a broad constituency that he or she needs to represent, and while we may each want that politician to vote in a way that reflects our own personal values, not only is this not necessarily smart politically, to a degree it’s not fair to the other constituents. Even a “good” politician needs to balance his or her personal beliefs with the will of the people. Unfortunately, that’s the sort of thing that can get them accused of being dishonest and only interested in getting re-elected.
Does Haiti want him? I doubt his ability to lead a country. Especially, one as troubled as Haiti. The fact that he’s willing to try is admirable.
Lily, I think Jean may have some support, especially among young people in Haiti.
I take Jean as his word. I think he believes that he is the best person to lead Haiti. And it is true that he does have something to offer. I don’t know that it is enough to make him the best choice to lead Haiti.
Aside from the issue of corruption within his charity, it was revealed today that Jean owes millions in back taxes to the United States.
He has not lived in Haiti for thirty years.
According to reports, he does not speak French or credible Creole and those are the two main languages most government business is conducted in.
Sean Penn (I know Stu and others are shaking their heads at the mention of Sean) says that Jean has been a virtual non presence in Haiti since the January earthquake. Say what you will about Penn, but he has been there.
I think Jean could better help his country by resolving the tax problems and charity irregularities he has here in the U.S. and then work on building a coalition to help Haiti. You don’t need to be the “top dog” to get things done. In Haiti, it may be better to stay outside the corrupted machinery.
Not a thing wrong with compromise, we are almost split down the middle as a country. I am sick of the power that goes to the head of the party in charge. We have seen this now for a long time.
In my State as an example we have Political leaders that pride themselves in how many years they have been in office. This is at the City, County and State level. Our State and City has gone down hill dramatically over the years, yet it’s pretty much the same group in office year after year. They are responsible. My solution …at least a start is term limits. After two terms you are out of there. Enough time to do some work and hopefully not enough time to become a crook. The Political groups have become to slick. They rig districts so they can get re-elected and even in places like NY they changed the law so Bloomberg could get voted in for another term. It seems sometimes that we are a pawn in their game.
Sean Penn (I know Stu and others are shaking their heads at the mention of Sean) says that Jean has been a virtual non presence in Haiti since the January earthquake. Say what you will about Penn, but he has been there
You are right, I don’t like anything about Penn. I will give him credit for Haiti. Saw an hour interview with him the other night on PBS and he does put his mouth where the work is needed.
My question is where is the money? Tons of it was raised and Haiti looks worse than the day of the earthquake. Where is the money for Katrina ? Have you seen how bad it is down there ?
Where is the MONEY ??
I think they deserve better and should get better. Jean is not the answer.
It might not even be an issue at this point. Haiti’s constitution says that he must have lived five consecutive years in Haiti to run for President. He has not. There is a provisional electoral council in Haiti right now verifying candidates’ credentials. Jean is arguing that his 2007 appointment as an ambassador-at-large exempts him from the requirement.
Bill Clinton co-chairs a committee that oversees the billions of dollars of aid pledged to Haiti and says he considers Jean a friend of his but appears to be staying out of this.
“I just want them to have a good election and I want it to reinforce, not undermine the reconstruction of the country.”
I agree with Clinton and I also think that if he really thinks Jean is a good candidate he would probably come out with some sort of a statement that says so.
The CEP—Haiti’s provisional electoral council disqualified Jean based on the country’s laws and it appeared it was due to residency requirements.
Jean stated in the Huffing ton Post “Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same.”
Apparently Jean has came out today and said he is going to appeal that decision.