Aristide Heading Home
On March 18, Reuters headlined, "Haiti's Aristide heads home before runoff vote," saying he
"headed back to his country on Friday after ignoring US opposition to a homecoming some fear could disrupt Haiti's presidential election runoff on Sunday."
For months, State Department officials obstructed him, wanting him permanently excluded, especially during Sunday's illegitimate elections, featuring two unpopular presidential candidates most Haitians spurn. Most, in fact, won't participate, knowing either winner represents Washington, not them.
First round November 28 elections and Sunday's runoff were rigged to defraud. Haitians want democracy, what's absent in Sunday's vote.
Earlier, Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked South African President Jacob Zuma to prevent his return. He delayed but didn't stop him. In fact, Aristide's charismatic presence runs counter to America's imperial plans - to solidify colonization, resource theft, and exploitation of poor Haitians, what legitimate democrats oppose, including Aristide.
He's wanted to return any time, "to contribute to serving my Haitian sisters and brothers as a simple citizen in the field of education." He has no further political interests. Believe him. It's true. He wants only to aid Haiti's recovery, doing what he knows and loves best.
On March 17, AP said "South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was on hand to see (him) off," accompanied by his wife Mildred and daughters Michaela, aged 12 and Christine, aged 14.
In Zulu, Aristide said, "The great day has arrived! The day to say goodbye before returning home. We are delighted to return home after seven years. In Haiti also they are very happy," adding that "their dream will be fulfilled," shared by millions of supporters worldwide.
Anticipatory joy awaits him. Supporters prepared a warm welcome, including Port-au-Prince banners displaying "Titide," as he's affectionately known.
According to Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research:
"Aristide's return marks an end to the era when the United States gets to choose the political leaders of other countries. It is a historic victory for democracy and self-determination."
Weisbrot is a distinguished analyst. Perhaps his conclusion is somewhat premature, but others agree that decades of destructive US power left America weaker, not stronger. Its influence is ebbing. One day, world leaders will reject it. Why not! It's counter to their own self-interest.
On March 18, AP headlined, "En route to Haiti, Aristide plane refuels in Dakar," saying:
"The plane landed in (Dakar, Senegal) Friday, and is expected to arrive in Haiti" Friday afternoon local time. For millions of Haitians who love him, they've awaited this moment for over seven years. A joyous welcome is planned.
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Stephen Lendman: I was born in 1934 in Boston, MA. Raised in a modest middle class family, attended public schools, received a BA from Harvard University in 1956 and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of PA in 1960 following 2 years of obligatory military service in the US Army. Spent the next 6 years as a marketing research analyst for several large US corporations before becoming part of a new small family business in 1967, remaining there until retiring at the end of 1999. Have since devoted my time and efforts to the progressive causes and organizations I support, all involved in working for a more humane and just world for all people everywhere, but especially for the most needy, disadvantaged and oppressed. My efforts since summer 2005 have included writing on a broad range of vital topics ranging from war and peace; social, economic and political equity for all; and justice for all the oppressed peoples of the world like the long-suffering people of Haiti and the Palestinians. Also co-hosting The Global Research News Hour, occasional public talks, and frequent appearances on radio and at times television.
Stephen Lendman is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization. He lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Lendman News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday - Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national issues. All programs are archived for easy listening.
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URL: http://www.a-w-i-p.com/index.php/2011/03/18/aristide-heading-home
