RIP Dick Gregory

RIP Ahmed Kathrada

South Africa mourns the loss of a great freedom fighter Ahmed Kathrada. He was active in the ANC as well as the South African Communist Party and fought against the Apartheid regime. Imprisoned on Robben  Island he was not released until 1990. His activities included challenging the Apartheid laws such as the Asiatic Land Tenure and Representation Act. This law restricted where Indians could live, be employed, or have land ownership. Ahmed Kathrada became a close ally of Nelson Mandela and would later serve the President as Parliamentary Counselor. Kathrada served his nation and changed it for the better. While South Africa still struggles to create racial harmony, many should follow Kathrada's example. It is up to a new generation to form the South Africa envisioned by the brave men and women who fought racism and economic injustice. 

Castro Turns 90

Fidel Castro has outlived many American Presidents that attempted to assassinate him. He has many supporters as well as enemies. Fidel Castro living now in retirement, still continues to comment on internationals affairs. A longtime Marxist and socialist he has been dedicated to the cause of anti-colonial politics and social justice. Castro even though Cuba is opening up to the United States, continues to criticize US foreign policy. Castro was critical of the US invasions of Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and also Syria. Whatever his detractors say, it cannot be denied he will be one of the major political figures of the 20th and 21st century. This is a message of  good will to a person who dared to fight imperialism, neo-liberal capitalism, and neo-colonialism. Long live the revolution, for it can outlive moral men.  

The Greatest American Humanitarian

Martin Luther King dared to challenge the racism that is a quintessential part of American society. The Vietnam War he opposed on the grounds of its violence and hatred, when many refused to acknowledge the truth. The United States was spreading its hate and oppression around the globe under the cover of "fighting communism" or "protecting democracy." The American mainstream has attempted to whitewash his legacy by ignoring his disdain for poverty and all other forms of social injustice. Martin Luther King was a martyr for racial equality, peace, and freedom. Although he believed in integration of society, he realized that it had its limits. When seeing mass rebellions and riots breakout in major US cities in 1967 King stated " I'm afraid we have integrated into a burning house." The US today will not produce such individuals. There is the same level of  anti-black racism prevalent, combined with economic turmoil, and a new wave of xenophobia. War is seen as normal and a necessity; constantly promoted by the mass media and US leaders to advance a political or economic agenda.Martin Luther King wanted the United States to be that land of justice and liberty, which has continued to be an everlasting myth. He marched and organized in the South and North facing the Ku Klux Klan, police, the American Nazi Party, the FBI, and the white supremacist power structure. Martin Luther King's courage and activism continues to inspire and motivate many around the world.   

Remembering A Great Leader

It was October 20th that Muammar Qaddafi was assassinated in Sirte. The NATO campaign and invasion had destroyed what took 42 years to build up. The UN authorized aggressive war through resolution 1973 and Libya suffered constant bombing. The question was why? Qaddafi had been a target of western imperialism as far back as the 1970s. He nationalized the oil companies and made OPEC a force to be reckoned with. When he nationalized the oil companies, his government increased the price. OPEC at that time "got its teeth." Qaddafi used the revenues to improve healthcare, the educational system, and  build infrastructure. He was a supporter of national liberation movements around the world.This included the ANC, SWAPO, and the PLO. To the global south he was a liberator, but to the West he was a menace. Freedom will never come from invasion. Currently, the West uses the mask of human rights to justify military conquest. Leaders who refuse to submit to domination of European nations are condemned. They are made to be a threat, when most of the belligerence has come from the US-EU block. While many states have achieved political independence, the struggle for economic freedom continues. Qaddafi realized this and had intent to launch the African Investment Bank. The African dinar would become the equivalent of the Euro, freeing Africa from economic dependence. This plan was cut short by western attack. Here is a photographic record of his career and life. While the mass media distorts current events, history cannot be changed. Muammar Qaddafi's sacrifice and courage  have earned him a place among the great men of history. has already  Although Qaddafi was killed, his actions and ideas will continue to inspire people dedicated to global south resistance.