We thought you had a plan

[jon adoga]

‘Tis been a season dear master
Since we took up our arms
Abandoned our farms
And joined your charter
For your words were heavy
Finding our minds weary
Of the injustice and wrong
The singing of same song
We thought to slay a few
For then you had a better view

‘Tis been a season oh warrior
Since our bled-out souls
Gave up our goals
In pursuit of your honour
For your face was aflame
Ready to eradicate our shame
Blotting out the grave insanity
The dissipation and depravity
We thought to torch a few
To push your plan through

‘Tis been a season and more
Since our deprived hearts
Took the play by parts
Spilling blood to this floor -
As of great things you boasted
And your ruling twin we ousted
Now we wonder at our loss,
Our sacrifice and heavy cross
Hunger’s veil blinded the clan
We all thought you had a plan

©2008 Jon Adoga

[jon adoga]

This is beginning to look more and more like an argument and I really dislike that. I'll attempt to trace my steps back where this all began...but first,

<<… it's easy to underestimate some people and to overestimate others…meanwhile Empires were actually invented by you Africans …so you see, we Europeans may not always be quite what you imagine us to be>>

I'll just state clearly that I do not subscribe to such thoughts. I do not believe in superior races - anyone who does reminds me of friends like Hitler!

If all the history here is to back up the point that Africans should be allowed to fool around some more...like every other people they'll soon find their way, then I beg to vehemently disagree with you Andy.
I really wish to distance this from colonialism but you roped me back into it. Yes, empires started in Africa; a continent on its own path to self definition until it was almost irreparably interrupted by The Scramble. The least I personally expect from the world on this is some form of responsibility and a willingness to admit and possibly tackle this as a major source of the problem. (I'm however not hung up on this AT ALL!). You cannot (and in all fairness I do no expect you to) comprehend how basic the trouble with Africa is. As you said; YOU are over there, WE are over here!

Back to the start, all I got from Kenya was inspiration to write about something that I consider very global. Doesn’t this bear close semblance to the Iraq War?? Africa like many parts of the world suffers from the duplicity in the ways of its leadership.

[jon adoga]

I see your perspective quite clearly. But I feel strongly that the examples you gave may not apply in the context of Africa and I'll tell you why I feel that way. Remember the "scramble for Africa"?! I'm not one to blame colonialism for all of the troubles down here but it comes out clearly that unlike in most parts of the world - there is hardly a country in Africa that sees itself as ONE PEOPLE! What we have are territories mapped out based on colonial interests that have now metamorphosed into nations with no common heritage or history to fight for. You cited a lot of instances, but what I see clearly in all of them is some kind of common interest driving people to create a better future for their groups or societies. With that goal in mind even civil wars end up creating stronger nations.
The situation in Africa is definitely nothing new I agree but it is strangely unique (deeply rooted in most of these conflicts over here is the primordial survival of the fittest instinct). Not many nations here share any form of belief at a national level, so at the slightest provocation they resort to violence - a natural propensity for genocide because they are not yet (and may never be) willing to share!
Yes Kenya inspired this and it came out as a political satire, but the thought transcends the Africa problem. I think it is quite global - like a call to responsible leadership...not necessarily a call to action.

[jon adoga]

Bon Voyage to Kenya if they're really going somewhere! I think it's an entirely different thing for a nation, group, society, culture etc to undergo "forming - storming - and eventually - norming - performing" if they have a clear direction and a leader to drive change and growth. The trouble is most countries are just not "lucky" enough to find that leader on time (too many African countries have spent the last few decades fighting for leaders that "have no plan" how can we be heading anywhere??)
I posted this same writing on the Forum and M.E.C connected to it from the perspective of G.W. Bush and the Iraq war saga!

[jon adoga]

I'd say you're right Andy, it's a political saire but it was inspired by the violence in Kenya! I wrote it late last year when the whole Kibaki thing started brewing...it was soooo obvious that violence was going to erupt and everyone sat back and watched it happen. what hurts most (and inspired this satire) is that none of the political rivals seem to have any concrete plans for the nation. They all just want power.