Politics vs. Public Service

As I watch the coverage of Senator Ted Kennedy's passing and burial, I hear the recurring theme of public service and I ask myself what public service really is and if our leaders are really public servants.

My immediate thoughts are that public servants are a rare and few breed, if you will. When I think of public servants, I think of selfless individuals that are stewards of policy and services for the everyday person in their constituencies.

We often confuse politicians for public servants. I haven't looked this up in Wikipedia or Websters either, but when I think of politics, I think of the art of getting elected and staying in office - I'm referring to elective office. Quite a contrast, yet we often confuse the two with being synonymous, not to mention politicians would like us to view them as public servants.

It's quite possible that the "Politicians Curse" is the biggest contributor to failed and non-progressive states in Africa as well as states that lack transparency. We need more public servants in Africa. A new breed of elected officials that work in the interest of the people and not themselves.

Now that Kenyan politicians are some of the highest paid public officials in the world, there is a 1000% plus increase in people seeking public office. Where were all these people when a Member of Parliament's salary was not much more than a lower middle class citizen in that society.

The other side of the story is the short sightedness by citizenry who allow their votes to be bought. Something that is quite common in many African countries. I guess you can't necessarily blame individuals who live a subsistence life and are concerned where their next $ will come from. It also doesn't help that there is often a lack of good candidate choices to tackle issues that affect them. Unfortunately, It only perpetuates a dangerous cycle and needs to be tackled by progressive politicians seeking office.

I have to admit that I contemplated running for office at one time, but it didn't take long for me to change my mind, when I realized that the art of politics could take me to places I cannot go in good conscience. It was a game I was and am not willing to play right now. Support for capable and progressive individuals is where I'll put my energy.

I hope the art of politics doesn't scare away qualified and progressive candidates that could help change the fortunes of so many African countries and fast forward the entry of some very capable economies into the global marketplace.

It's not enough to say Africa needs public servants like Sen. Ted Kennedy to fight for issues that affect everyday people, but people need to learn to discern between a politician and a public servant when going to the ballot boxes. There is a difference and the outcome will likely affect peoples lives beyond their grand children's generation.

New 'Africa Trade Caucus' Preparing for first trip to Africa

After a long Hiatus, I am back. A couple weeks ago africabusinesssource.com published my interview with Congressman Bobby Rush, who has started a new 'Africa Trade Caucus' in the US Congress. After hearing from Congressman Rush and his lead staffer on this initiative, Angelle Kwemo, I'm convinced that unlike other Caucuses, there are some teeth to this Caucus. Please do read the 3 page interview when you get a chance.

As a follow up, I was invitied to a small working pre-departure breakfast discussion on the August 2009 CODEL to 4 African countries - Liberia, ghana, Amgola and South Africa. More evidence that these members of congress are serious about facilitating more trade between Africa and the US.

The large Congressional delegation plans to evaluate current policies regarding trade, commerce and investment in Africa and to strengthen U.S. - Africa Cooperation on trade and investment. The breakfast was an opportunity for participating Members of Congress to recieve meaningful input from key governement, private sector and NGO representatives on the current economic and political climate in the region as preperations are finalized for the delegation.

Speakers included Amb. Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Diane farrell, Director, Export-Import Bank of the United State; Maurice Tempelsman, Chairman of Lazare Kaplan International; Steve Morrison, Sr. VP at CSIS as well as the crowd favorite, former NFL football player and Director of Global Private Client Group.

There was a lot discussed in this 2 hour period, but a few things jumped out at me:

• Food Security was mentioned several times by multiple speakers as being the number one priority for many African countries and US Aid policy. The Members were informed that the issue of Agricultural Subsidies will come up.


• China's growing influence in Africa was played up and down by several speakers. Worth noting was the mention of China's comparitive Advantage in providing very long term loans to African countries and businesses.


• They were briefed on Secretary Clinton's trip to 7 countries in 11 days and the significance of each stop.


• They were informed of a strong 'partnership' approach and provided with the example of Angola's government who were more open to wide spread discussions due to this approach

These were just a few of the points I noted during the briefing. We'll report on the progress of the trip this month on Africa business Source. Stay Tuned