Wasn't Rod Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois taking part in the art of compromise when he was entertaining different people's quest to be appointed to Senator Barack Obama's senate seat? Some would say the governor was dabbling in the art of compromise but pushing a quid pro quo agenda. What is quid pro quo. Wikipedia defines “quid pro quo” as “the concept of getting something of value in return for giving something of value.” Legally “for a contract to be binding, it usually must involve the exchange of something of value.” When Blagojevich appoints someone to take Obama's seat has there not in essence been a contract between the governor and who ever is appointed? Has not there been an exchange of something of value?

Again Wikipedia defines quid pro quo as “the concept of getting something of value in return for giving something of value. Wasn't Blagojevich trying to do the same thing that Texas did when it received “compensation for relinquishing claim to lands west of the Rio Grande in what is now New Mexico?" For a contract to be binding, it usually must involve the exchange of something of value.” A contract is “an exchange of promises between two or more parties to do or refrain from doing an act which is enforceable in a court of law. By law Blagojevich, as governor of Illinois is dictated to appoint the successor to Obama's seat. Was Jesse Jackson Jr. wrong to try to make a deal to get the appointment? Isn't it the regular order of business for politicians to make deals? Isn't deal making the ultimate expression of politics? Don't politicians compromise in order to make the deal? Where did Blagojevich cross the line? To me, it looks like he was doing what politicians do. Y'all help me please. We must continue to increase the love and decrease the hate.

Before reading the following check out the article at: http://indianapolismonthly.com/articleNew.aspx?id=52260

First of all let me say that Tony Rehagan has done an excellent job of writing basically my life’s story in the space allotted. While he was researching for the article, I sensed that he had a sincere heart and an integrity that resided in his very low profile demeanor. These observations are in no way intended as a negative assessment of his work. In fact, his work is of such a high nature that I hope we can collaborate together on a future book. His interview with Bishop Benjamin spawned some revelations that proved to be a centerpiece of the article.Bishop Benjamin revealed to him how important boys’ lives are “defined by our fathers.” Bishop prophetically states “Everything we do in life is either in honor of, or in reaction to them.” It is from this insight that I will use as my point of departure to heighten observations “In the Name of the Father.”

My father was a Baptist preacher who was considered to be the wise man of the neighborhood. While many in the community sought his counsel, as if he were their Pastor, life would end before he obtained that status. My father was a very strict disciplinarian. He “struck fear into many children in the community,” but not me. There is a thin line between fear and respect. My only fear of my father was that I would do something and lose the overwhelming affection that he showed toward me. In our brief time on this earth together I gave him many reasons that he could have used to withdraw his love from me, but he never did. He also did not believe in sparing the rod. He was not quick to get the rod, but when he did, “Katie bar the door.” Still in his chastisement he never hit us out of anger. He would talk to us so much before whipping us that we would pray that his words would stop and the whipping would begin. His words, those words of disappointment wrapped in love, hurt much more than the whipping. Neither I nor my siblings wanted to lose that man’s love. My momma was the one that would pop us at the drop of a hat. She didn’t do a lot of whipping but she did quite a bit of popping. And she was justified I might add. I, and my sister Saundra, were always in to something.

Out of respect for my father, and the fear of losing his love, I excelled academically, because that was what my father expected. My mother expected excellence also, but for me, it was my father I wanted to please. My excellence in the classroom was also tied to my desire to play sports. I earned varsity letters in basketball and tennis. To play these sports I had to earn at least a “C”, or 2.0, grade point average. The school’s requirement was not my father’s requirement. I couldn’t bring a “C” into the house and expect to play sports. He knew I could do better than “C’ work and expected it. Not wanting to lose his love I gave him what he wanted and would have given more if I could have found a way.

To understand my father’s death it has to be put into perspective. In 1962 my grandmother, my daddy’s mother, died. I was close to grandma. Her place was where the family gathered to eat and have merriment. It tickled me tremendously that she could order my daddy to do something and he would do it without any reservation. He could tell us children to do something and grandma could over-ride his instructions. Understanding my father, you know grandma had to be something else. I didn’t understand why people had to die. They had a “wake” for her. I didn’t understand this “wake” thing. Surely it meant she was going to wake up and continue to be with me, with us. After the “wake” she did not walk out them church doors. The very next year, her husband, who was not my daddy’s biological father, but the only granddad I knew, died. Here we go again with this “wake.” He didn’t wake up either. Then the next year my daddy died!! Whew!! How much more of this was I supposed to stand? The old folks were telling me that things normally happen in threes. This should be it for awhile. Lord knows I prayed they were right. In all of this I was a confused teenage boy. People were telling me that I had to step up and replace my father. In my mind, I couldn’t replace my father. No one could replace my father. That was daddy. My father died an early death because he was ordered to clean up a lab at Eli Lilly’s. There had been a bad chemical reaction in the lab that created an environment that was not healthy for human beings. My father was ordered to go into this unsafe environment and clean it up. Him being obedient caused him to have a brain stroke. The stroke took his life. Talking to older people within the neighborhood they informed me that another friend of mine’s father, Milton Garrett, experienced the same demise at Eli Lilly’s. My father regularly took me around his friends. My father’s supervisor, who I knew well because he was considered by my father to be his friend, called me to his death bed. Jeptha Bivens, my father’s supervisor, told me that he did not want to go to his grave with my father’s death on his conscious. He felt that if he confessed to me that he had been ordered to order my father into that lab that God would look more kindly upon him when it came his time to account. It seems that some that were around me felt that I resented my father because of his early death. If there was any resentment it would have been at his employer because of his untimely and unnecessary work related demise. I was confused then. It was too much for me to think about. I escaped by running the streets, drinking alcohol, chasing women, and upon my return from Vietnam smoking as much weed as I could get my hands on. I understand now that any resentment would have had to be directed at God. My father did not leave me. God took him. Whether I understood or not, God’s Will would be done.

I returned from Vietnam in 1970 through Fort Dix, New Jersey. It was at the airport there that I was refused service. I was in uniform, hadn’t been back a good 24 hours from putting my life on the line for this country, traveling in Class “A” uniform, and I couldn’t get service at a restaurant. What a way to treat a soldier just because of my African heritage.

As a father obviously I made some mistakes. Even though my two oldest children were aware that my father was a preacher, when I learned that my oldest daughter revealed in the interview that she did not know that her grandfather was a preacher, for me, it definitely confirmed that I fell short on my duties of being dad. And, even though Jane, who at that time took on the name Kuumia, is accurate when she assesses that I was actually trying to save the world at the expense of helping to raise my family, I never knew her to identify herself as a Black Nationalist. She was very conscious of the Black struggle, but who wasn’t in 1960-1970? When reflecting back on my daddy duties, I realize that I have some catching up to do. Hopefully, I can.

I will end these observations with the life of my most challenging child. Kofi got caught up with some very bad company. I had always taught him to choose your friends, don’t let your friends choose you. He, like so many children, did not listen to his parents. When he was at the Allemenos’ home, tragedy in the form of murder occurred. Before the trial I had asked my son directly if he had taken any life. He impressed upon me that he didn’t and the Indiana Supreme Court subsequently agreed with my son’s position. When I made the statement “if my son is killed for something he didn’t do, then other death sentences would be carried out” I made that statement from the perspective of a father who was Commander In Chief of The Black Panther Militia. I was sharing with the world that I intended to protect my seed. I was giving my son what my father had given me. Even though I had given my father innumerable reasons that he could have used to deny me his love, my father never chose that route. Like my father with me, I was not going to deny my son my love in this unfortunate situation. I had tunnel vision. I was a father concerned about his child. I am in a different place now. I am still a father, but a father that is trying to do the will of the Father. Time has expanded the tunnel in which I was then looking. I am able to see perspectives other than my perspective of father to son. I painfully read Mr. Allemenos’ words “he might be right with God, but he’s not right with the people he hurt.” Now I can see him as his children’s father. His tunnel is different from my tunnel but fathers tend to have tunnel vision when looking at the experiences of our children. We are fathers on different sides of the same experience. I truly want to apologize for anything I said or did that was hurtful to your family. I have talked to my son. Both of us regret that our families’ paths crossed in this way. We both have sought, and believe, we have received God’s forgiveness. However, it is just as important to us that we receive yours. In the name of the Father, we pray for it to be revealed as to how we can receive your forgiveness.

You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32)

An old wise man once said that if you do not know what led up to an event, then it is quite possible you do not understand the event. To understand what led up to Jesus telling the people that the truth will set you free you have to go back to the first of the chapter when the Pharisees and the teachers of religious law brought to Jesus the woman who had been caught in an adulterous act. The Pharisees and teachers of the law knew that the laws of Moses dictated that the woman be stoned to death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). They brought the woman to Jesus because they knew Jesus was compassionate. They knew that Jesus would probably not support killing this woman. Jesus had already told the Pharisees to not misunderstand why he had come. He had not come to abolish the laws of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, he had come to fulfill the law and the writings (Matthew 5:17). But the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. They knew that if he did not support the stoning of this woman then they could accuse him of not supporting the law. As the story goes Jesus did not readily answer the Pharisees’ inquiry. They were not to be denied so they pushed Jesus. They knew they had him. I can see the scene play out as Jesus gets up from his stooped position and tells the Pharisees “Alright go on and kill her.!! But let the one of you without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). None of them threw a stone. They started to go away starting with the oldest. All of them knew that they had fallen short of doing the will of God and upholding the laws of Moses. When Jesus looked up, all of the woman’s accusers were gone. He told the woman to also go and sin no more. Jesus went on to counsel the crowd that had witnessed the woman being accused that they should know the truth and the truth shall set them free. As I reflect on Barack’s victory John 8:32 just exudes wisdom of the election developments. Let me explain.

In my opinion, quite a few of white America were initially afraid to support Barack. They knew that Barack had been sitting in a pew in front of Pastor Jeremiah Wright and he had been listening to sermons of Black Liberation Theology. Whites knew that during slavery and up to now that:

“It was from the Bible that the slaves learned of the God of the white man and of his ways with the world and with men. The slaves were taught that the God with whom they became acquainted in the Bible was the ruler of the universe and superior to all other gods. They were taught that the God of the Bible punished and rewarded black men as well as white men. Black men were expected to accept their lot in this world and if they were obedient and honest and truthful they would be rewarded in the world after death” (E. Franklin Frazier, The Negro Church In America; Universal Press, (1963), p. 11).

Obviously, Barack was not willing, nor going to accept his “lot in this world” as being subservient to white people because he had the audacity to run for president of the United States. In my opinion, many whites were trying to understand that if Barack was liberated from this slave Christianity then would he, if elected President, seek revenge against white folks for the immoral behavior of slavery and its aftermath. White folks knew that if Blacks, had treated them like people whites had treated Blacks, and whites got their chance we would have hell to pay. Many whites were trying to get clear in their minds if the Black folks would seek revenge as would white folks would do.

To justify this ill treatment of Black people white folks made it the law of the land that whites were supreme to Blacks so it was alright to treat Blacks immorally. It was in the Constitution. It took five Blacks to make three whites. It was the law. By American law, whites were supreme to Blacks. In many white folks mind, this law had to be maintained at all cost. Whites were afraid not to maintain this law that was now not written, but still understood. McCain supporters were clandestinely, but sometimes quite openly, sending this message that if you vote for Barack you have broken the law. McCain supporters sowed the seeds of fear. Barack was “paling around with terrorists”. Y’all heard what Rev. Wright said about what God should do to America. God should not bless America but God should damn America. It made no difference that one will be damned by God if lying is replaced for the truth which was the context in which Rev. Wright was speaking. All the media and supporters of McCain heard was “God damn America.” Surely God will damn America if America continues to wage its foreign policy based on lies and deceit. God will damn you for the same reason. But the supports of McCain was not seeking the truth, nor trying to put Rev. Wright’s words in proper context. They were attempting to raise the fear factor of America by associating Barack with his then Pastor’s words and asking, basically white people, can you imagine what Barack will do to white people if he becomes President? You heard Rev. Wright’s words. Barack listened to those words for twenty years. Then God started to play games. God, in my belief, started to expose reality that caused the substance of this scare tactic to crack. Watch this now.

On May 19, 2008 Senator Robert Byrd endorsed Barack Obama. What!! The Senator Byrd “who acknowledged having joined the Ku Klux Klan in 1942, and campaigned against civil rights legislation in the 1960’s” ( Charleston Gazette, May 19, 2008) endorsed Barack Obama!! An admitted former Klan member endorsed a Black man!! That endorsement was a big crack in the white supremacy myth. It caused America, basically white America, to raise the question; A Klansman would never endorse someone that was not his equal, would he? Even more ironic is the endorsement came on May 19^th. This is the birth date of Malcolm X!! What??? I know Malcolm, Martin, Medgar, and all the other civil rights leaders sat up in their graves. God what are you doing? I mean many of the Kennedy’s and other whites had already endorsed Obama, but they have a history of supporting and doing right by all people, including Black people. Now a Klansman endorsing a Black man! My God you are moving in this world today. No man could have caused this reality to be. It had to be God speaking!! But hold on, the plot thickens. God ain’t through!

The first of September 2008 McCain tells the country “the fundamentals of the economy are sound.” Then September 24^th, 2008 the bottom of the economy falls out with a thunderous thud. Banks are unsound, Freddie Mac and Fannie May need a bailout. One of the largest companies, AIG, is in deep financial trouble. Bear Stern faces bankruptcy. People start looking at the bottom line of their 401K’s and see that they have lost 10s of thousands of dollars. And three weeks ago McCain was telling them that the “fundamentals of the economy are sound.” What economy is he looking at? Then the question of this Presidential race became very clear to many white folks. Do white people by voting for McCain, vote for maintaining the now unwritten laws that sustains the myth of white supremacy or do they vote their pocketbooks? Many white folks began to think; hummm, Barack is short on executive experience, for twenty years he went to a church that taught Black Liberation Theology, he is a Black man, many white folks concluded in their psychic that Barack is a risk, but as the economy did its unceremonious nose dive it looked like that he was not a big of risk as John McCain. Obviously, many white folks, along with a great number of Black folks and Hispanics, voted their pocketbook. One more irony and I am going to turn this reflection loose.

I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Growing up here I have personally experienced racial discrimination. History bears witness that Indiana, with the help of D.C. Stephens, became the birthplace of the Klan in the north. Georgia, where I went to seminary, is known as the birthplace of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights struggle. Indiana, the northern birthplace of the KKK, voted for Barack while Georgia, the home of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights struggle, voted for McCain. Lord, look at the irony of that. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. God is not through with this story. And just because many whites supported Barack does not mean that racism is dead. However, it does look like racism is on a steep decline. The struggle is not over but victory is on the horizon.

Later I will have more to say about the significance of Barack’s presidency and its impact on race relations. Right now I am just going to savor Barack’s victory in my home state of Indiana. I’m sure something will happen that will taint the taste of this sweet victory of Blacks and whites joining together to say we can overcome. Whew!! Indiana feels like a good place to be right about now. Scripture says you should know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. The truth that Barack Obama is President elect has got me feeling pretty free for the moment. What about you? Thank you for listening to AjabuSpeaks.

Whew!! Bishop's last article started a firestorm. I am going to retain the last comments with this article because some of it begs for response. I truly pray through this exchange of ideas that we find common ground to go forward and love each other even when there are areas in which we disagree. I have faith this can happen. What about you? Can you help a brother out?

Spiritual Outlook

by

Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., D.Min.

 

 

Can You Help A Brother Out?

 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJ)

Now that we have seen the Hand of God move and the people's choice has emerged victorious the question remains: what will be the responsibility of those who God moved to vote for our new President? Senator Obama beat all the odds, perplexed the pundits and gave all of us an opportunity to hope again? The brother never lost his cool or his focus. Now that he has the job, what are we going to do to help him? In other words, can you help a brother out? When I watched his acceptance speech and his first news conference, I was more convinced than ever that the worst thing we could do is leave our brother out there by himself as he already looks burdened. Every black man, woman and child are going to have to step it up. Every white man, woman, and child will have to step it up. Every Latino will have to do the same. Everybody will have to hold up the arms of this present day Joshua and help him get the job done. Even if you did not vote for him that is no reason not to support him now. He is the President of the United States and not the blue states or the red states. Do not hold it against him that he won. If he had lost I would have stepped up and supported our authentic American hero John McCain. I am not interested in partisan politcs. I just want to know, can you help a brother out?

How can we help the brother? Get back to God would be a start. We can also help him by restoring family life where our children respect themselves and others because they see their parents doing the same. We can help by being better fathers and not abandoning our families. We can help him by valuing education over entertainment as well as valuing purpose over pleasure. We can help him by staying in school instead of dropping out. We can help him by not spoiling our kids and teaching them that as Dr. King has said that anybody can be great because anybody can serve. We can help by valuing love and commitment over sex and pregnancy. We can help him by increasing our love for each other and decreasing the hate and the violence in the streets that begins in our hearts. Now that we have a black man walking tall in the White House, let us encourage black men and boys to stand tall in the streets by pulling their pants up and putting their dope and guns down.

President-Elect Obama is not God. He is just a man elevated by God and called by the people to serve. He cannot do it alone nor can he do it overnight. He needs all of us all of the time. I repeat what I have said before even after we have the right man in the White House, it will not make our house right until we make Jesus Lord of our house. I believe Jesus is still our best hope for permanent and lasting change from the inside out.

Can you help a brother out? My answer is, yes, I can because I believe God who promises us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. No more playing the race card. It was cancelled on November 4, 2008. Racism is not dead as I am still getting race hate mail but using it as an excuse is no longer valid. No more excuses. No more whinning. Now anything is possible. The sky is the limit.

Can you help a brother out? Barack Hussein Obama did not get to be President on his own. He had a lot of help. He had a lot of help. His grandmother, his mother, his father, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and even George Bush helped him get where he is today. Rosa Parks sat down, so that Martin could stand up. Martin stood up so that Barack, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha could walk in to the White House, and they walked in so that all our children and grandchildren can fly.

If you cannot do anything else, please pray for our new President. He is not the black president. He is the President of the United States who happens to be black. He is the president of all of us and that includes all of us. United we stand and divided we fall. Pray he gets a pastor as he will need wise spiritual counsel. Pray for his discernment. Pray for his safety, his sanity, and his serenity because he has so much on him. Pray but do not worry because our God has him and the whole world in His Hands. Our God is faithful. Let us be responsible. It has been said and I know it is true that we are the ones we have been waiting for. We have waited a long time for this day. We cannot afford to drop the ball. The real work has just begun. Let's do this together. God bless our new president and God bless America.

Can you help a brother out?

You may write to Dr. Benjamin at Bishop@lightoftheworld.org or at Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228. My book, It's All In Your Mind, can be ordered at www.tombenjamin.com or by calling 1-800.847.9695.

 

Rev. Mmoja Ajabu

My Candidate


"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32 KJ)

I am going to vote for Barack Obama on November 4, 2008. He is my candidate for a change in the direction of America both at home and abroad. It is my constitutional right as a private citizen to vote for who I think will best serve this nation. And I do not endorse candidates from the pulpit in my church because I think that is inappropriate and some say illegal. However, in the most critical time in the history of my beloved country, it is my joy and honor to share with you how the Holy Spirit is leading me.

I am voting for Barack Hussein Obama because of his intelligence and his ability to inspire. I am voting for him because he is a family man with an equally talented wife and two adorable children. Their love and devotion to each other as a family models what family should look like and feel like. I am voting for Barack because he is cool under fire. He is unbossed and unbought. He is a gentleman and a scholar. He has the uncanny ability to walk with kings and yet not lose the common touch.

I am voting for Barack because he represents change. He is not perfect nor do I agree with all of his policies, but he has brought fresh air into a garbage dump of stale politics. He has raised more money than any candidate in history and done so without political pac money or the support of lobbyists. He has drawn the biggest crowds both at home and abroad. He has out debated and out thought all of his opponents. He has been talked about, lied on, and mistreated, but he is still standing.

Now having said all of that I would caution you not to expect more from Barack than is humanly possible. He will inherit a hot mess including a bankrupt economy, two wars, real terrorist threats from without, and real national fears from within. He will have to rebuild our nation's reputation both at home and abroad. It will be a tremendous challenge but I believe destiny has called him and all the demons in hell will be unable to stop him.

Barack is my candidate. I did not say he is my Saviour. He is the best we have to offer to the presidency of the United States. He is my candidate for change, but my hope is in Jesus Christ who is the King of Glory and the Saviour of the World. I never confuse the two although I see Christ at work in the life of Senator Obama. Senator Obama represents our best chance at a political change in government, but Jesus is our best hope for a change in the hearts of people.

You see, even after we have the right man in the White House, it will not make our house right until we make Jesus Lord of our house. We can have all the right legislation but that will not turn the hearts of the parents toward the children nor will it make husbands and wives faithful to each other, nor will it remove the sins of racism, violence, or greed from our souls. Only Jesus saves and Jesus is still our best hope for permanent and lasting change from the inside out.

My candidate is Barack Obama. My hope is in Jesus Christ. When I vote November 4, I will be voting for the first African American nominee in the history of this nation. I will be voting for what my ancestors thought was impossible. So I have to vote. I pray you will too. I will be voting for my grandmother and for her mother's mother who was a slave on the Roberts' plantation in North Carolina. I will be voting for Denmark Vesey, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Fannie Lou Hamer, Roy Wilkins, James Farmer, H. Rap Brown, Stokely Carmichael, the Freedom Riders, Shwerner, Goodman, and Chaney, Emmett Till, Viola Liuzzo, Ralph Abernathy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and all the rest who worked and prayed for this day to come. I am voting for my grandson and all our children. I am voting for the future.

Obama is my candidate. Jesus is my hope. So there it is.


Submitted by

Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., D.Min.
Resident Bishop and Senior Pastor
Light of the World Christian Church
4646 North Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46228-2327

317-254-5922


You may write to Dr. Benjamin at Bishop@lightoftheworld.org or at Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228.

Ps., Here's the link if you desire to read the article on the Indianapolis Star site:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081030/OPINION01/810300353/1031

When Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama Rush Limbaugh went on his program and proclaimed to his wide conservative listening audience that the endorsement was all about race. Colin Powell clearly stated "I'm an American, first and foremost, and I'm very proud," Powell said. "I've said to my beloved friend and colleague John McCain, a friend of 25 years, "John, I love you, but I'm not just going to vote for you on the basis of our affection or friendship." And I've said to Barack Obama, "I admire you. I'll give you all the advice I can. But I'm not going to vote for you just because you're black." We, we have to move beyond this."

Despite Colin Powell's own words Limbaugh still says the endorsement was about race. So Rush are you saying that Powell is lying? Powell went on to say "he was cognizant of the racial aspect of his endorsement, but said that was not the dominant factor in his decision. If it was, he said, he would have made the endorsement months ago. Powell is being honest and saying Barack being a Black man was a part of his decision. What Black person would not want another Black person to do good? We as Black people want to see our kind do as good as anybody else would want to see their kind do well. The Chinese want to see the Chinese do well. The Japanese wants to see the Japanese do well. White folks want to see white folks do well. But almost no Black person would, or should support another Black person, or any other person of another ethnicity, who was not qualified to perform the task at hand. Somebody stated very concisely Flava Flav is Black. Do you think that Black people would support him for President just because he is black!!! Give me a break!

Powell expressed disappointment in the negative tone of McCain's campaign, his choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate and McCain's and Palin's decision to focus in the closing weeks of the contest on Obama's ties to 1960s-era radical William Ayers. Rush if we use your logic then even though Sarah Palin has shown that she is unqualified to be president, we should still support her because she is white. Rush quit it!! Break the code. It's not all about race. The country will not survive if it tries to sustain the racial stain of its birth. The children of the founding fathers must break the racial chains that the founding fathers felt were necessary in order to birth this nation. Time has made this original blemish obsolete.

Rush, after Powell addresses the race implications of his endorsement and explains, if it was about race he would have endorsed Obama months ago, are you still calling him a liar. In essence Rush, if we break down the code, what you are saying is Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama because it was a Black man endorsing a Black man just because they are Black. Obama being Black was not the only consideration. It really looks like that Obama being Black is the only consideration that you use to justify not to support him. Rush you got to break that code!!

Well, Rush, what you say about Scott McClellan endorsing Barack. Was that about race too? Scott McClellan worked for "W" and Cheney. You remember. He was the press secretary. The code is breaking down. Scott is a white man. He is endorsing a Black man. Is the white man endorsing the Black man because he is Black? Then there is Chris Buckley. He is the son of the ultra conservative William Buckley. He is a white man. He grew up under ultra conservative teachings. He has endorsed Barack Obama. Watch this!! You did read about Chris Kitchens of Vanity Fair. He too is a Republican, but out of love for the country he can't vote for McCain. Rush I feel sorry for you. You are trying to hold on to the racial birthing pains of America to sustain a false white supremacy. It won't work. You are like Ashley Todd. She desperately is trying to keep the code.

You know Ms. Todd don't you? She was a campaign worker for John McCain in Pennsylvania. She called the police and said a six foot four inch Black man assaulted and fondled her while she was at a bank machine getting money. She gave the fearful Black man sixty dollars. When this giant Black man saw the McCain sticker on her car she said he said that he was going to make her an Obama supporter. He was going to make her a supporter by carving a "B" on her face. However, the "B" was carved backwards. God help us today. That is what you are doing Rush!! You are trying to take us backwards. You need to join the other Republicans and vote for a change. The former governor of Massachusetts, William Weld, who is a republican, has endorsed Barack Obama. Weld said he's never endorsed a Democrat for president before, but in the last six weeks or so, it became "close to a no-brainer." Obama has a history of bringing Democrats, Republicans and independents together and is the best choice at a time when America's standing in the world is at a low point, he said. Governor Weld broke the code.

Senator McCain's former legal advisor Charles Fried, a republican, has endorsed Barack Obama. Rush, It is time for a change. The white supremacy myth has been exploded. It is time to look at ability not race or color. You cannot love the country if you choose race over ability. John McCain has shown poor judgment time and time again. Choosing Palin was poor judgment. Suspending his campaign to solve the financial crises, that is not solved to this very day, was poor judgment on McCain's part. Trying to paint Obama as a terrorist or someone that does not want the best for America is just poor judgment. It would not be an act of love for this country to place a man in the presidency when he has shown such poor judgment in this campaign. We must break the code. Historically it was all about race, but not now. The vast majority of people have broken the code. It is about ability. It must continue to be about ability. Rush, either you are going to ride the crest of the change or resist and get caught up in its currents. The choice is yours. We must decrease the hate and increase the love. Our very survival depends on it. May the God of justice and truth continue to order our steps. BREAK THE CODE!! Thank you for listening to AjabuSpeaks.

This will be the headline in the minds of so many people around the world, but specifically in the minds of so many in America and more specifically in many minds of white America. People will be baffled and will ask many questions. I can imagine a conversation between a Black and white man and the conversation going something like this.

White Man: Isn’t Powell a Republican?

Black Man: T he answer to that question is Colin Powell is a Republican and was President Bush's first secretary of state.

White Man: Then why didn’t Powell endorse McCain?

Black Man: According to Associated Press reporter Stephen Ohlemacher, “The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said either candidate, both of them senators, is qualified to be commander in chief. But he said Obama is better suited to handle the nation's economic problems as well as help improve its standing in the world.”

White Man: Do you think Powell is endorsing Obama because he is Black?

Black Man : Again I quote Mr. Ohlemacher; “Powell is a black man and Obama would be the nation's first black president. Powell said he was cognizant of the racial aspect of his endorsement, but said that was not the dominant factor in his decision. If it was, he said, he would have made the endorsement months ago.

Powell expressed disappointment in the negative tone of McCain's campaign, his choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate and McCain's and Palin's decision to focus in the closing weeks of the contest on Obama's ties to 1960s-era radical William Ayers.

Powell said McCain's choice of Palin raised questions about judgment. [ my emphasis]

"I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States," Powell said.

White Man: Now we have been friends for a long time. Both of us have been members of the Republican Party. In fact, I persuaded you to become a Republican because the party needed a Black presence. We needed your face on certain issues so we would not look to be racist. We offered you plenty of opportunity and look how well off you are now. You have been appointed to be a high government official, you have a six figure salary, you live in a big house, drive nice cars, and are looked at as a leader in the community. We bought and paid for you to be the public face of the conservative cause. I think that I am within my right to ask you for whom are you voting?

Black Man: You know in the past I have lied to you on how I really feel because I did not want to jeopardize the benefits of being a conservative. Lying is a tool that Black people use against white people so that we can experience some kind of economic success. We fear is we let you in on our real thoughts that you will become afraid of us and take away our chance of succeeding. But history has dealt us another hand. Barack’s success has shown us that we can be truthful and still succeed. Colin’s endorsement is a signal from God that it is time for us to take our rightful place in the world order of things. It is time for God’s will to exist on earth as it does in heaven. God is showing that it is the role of the Black man to make God’s will reign. Let me explain.

Although I agreed with some of the positions of conservatism, in reality I was more opposed than for conservative issues. Truly, I am against abortion. I do not think that a homosexual lifestyle is acceptable to how God would have us to live. But even with being against a homosexual lifestyle I still believe that homosexuals are part of God’s family and should be treated humanely and with respect. We can dislike and be against the sin without disliking and being against the sinner. And just like I am opposed to the homosexual lifestyle as being counter to how God would have his child to live I also do not believe that God wants his children to be liars. I don’t think that God is happy that conservatives continue to support the war in Iraq when we know for sure, now, that the reason given for going to war is not true. The war in Iraq was never a just war. There were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. And even Colin Powell in his interview on Meet the Press stated that he does not believe there would have been a war in Iraq if the Bush administration did not believe that weapons of mass destruction existed in Iraq. It seems to me that if conservatives were really trying to do what God would have us to do, then they would support getting out of Iraq, apologize for being there, and offer restitution to the people for the death and destruction that America caused under false pretenses. America would also give restitution to the American families that lost love ones through death and injury. To offer restitution for the mistake seems to me the godly thing to do. But to directly answer your question I’m voting for Barack Obama.

Clearly the white man is perturbed. How dare this Black man go against conservative values after all the things conservatism and the Republicans had done for him? The white man is thinking in his head; “Hell we made this nigger. How dare he go against the party line?” But Mr. White man kept his cool and didn’t expose his inner thoughts and continued to question the Black man. Mr. White man understood that this was a good opportunity to see if history was actually breaking the mental chains of slavery that white dominance had placed on the mind of this Black man. Mr. White man prayed silently, please lord, say it ain’t so!!

White Man: Are you voting for Barack Obama just because he’s black?

Now brother is getting real tired of being grilled by Mr. White man. It is almost like the white man thinks that with accepting the job the brother gave up his rights, and freedom to do his own thinking, which includes the right of casting his vote as he sees fit. And not only can Brother cast his vote as he sees fit, he can think and have the thoughts that he sees fit to understand the world from his seat of experience. This white man has got on brother’s last nerve. So brother decides to let Mr. White man in on some personal, and Black truth. Brother has become confident and begins to boldly speak. Colin Powell did it. Why can’t he. Unfortunately, Brother does not have the diplomatic skills of Colin Powell. Buckle up. The ride gets a little rough right here.

Black Man: “Why not? Hell, in this country men are pulled over everyday just because they're black, passed over for promotions just because they're black, considered to be criminals just because they're black, and there are going to be thousands of you who won ’ t be voting for Barack just because he's black! However, you do n ot seem to have a problem with that!
This country was built with the sweat and whip off the slaves back, and now a descendent of those same slaves has a chance to lead the same country, where we weren’t even considered to be people. Where we weren't allowed to be educated, drink from the same water fountains, eat in the same restaurants, or even vote, so yes, I'm going to vote for hi m! But it's not just because he's black, but because he is hope, he is change, and he now allows me to understand when my grandson says he wants to be president when he grows up, it is not a fairy tale but a short term goal, Because he sees, understands, and knows, he can achieve, withstand, and do anything just because he's black” (Author Unknown).

Tom Brokaw pushed Powell on this same issue. And just like Colin I have a problem with the narrowness that is being displayed. McCain has shown very poor judgment. I, like Powell am very concerned about the negativity of McCain’s campaign. A person with good judgment would understand that allowing people at your rallies to speak hate speech about Obama has the potential of creating the environment that got Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, John and Robert Kennedy, Fred Hampton, and countless more to lose their lives. John Lewis was speaking with a historical informed voice when he stated that the hate speech being expressed at McCain and Palin’s rally reminded him of the environment that George Wallace created that got four little Black girls killed while attending Sunday School because ignorant white men in Alabama took Wallace’s words to the ultimate end. Lewis had seen and felt it before. His speech to this day is slurred from the beating in the head from white folks acting out the environment created by George Wallace and the like. He knew what this type of behavior this type of rhetoric will cause. Yes, John McCain exhibited poor judgment to allow this hate speech at his and Palin’s rallies. Choosing Palin as a running mate again is an exhibit of poor judgment on the part of John McCain. I agree with Colin, she is not ready to be President.

In my opinion, John McCain does not love America. If he did he would not put an unqualified person next in line to be Commander In Chief if, God forbid, something tragic happened to him. Choosing Palin was not an act of love for America. It was poor judgment on the part of John McCain to choose Palin as his running mate when he knew she had justice issues pending. McCain would have shown wise insight if he had chose a person who had made a mistake with the law, served time and fulfilled the sentence to society, and said that he made the choice because mistakes should not follow people for the rest of their lives. John McCain would have shown profound wisdom if he chose and ex-felon and said he did so to send a strong message to the country that says once a person has fulfilled his obligation for the crime then he/she should be made whole. But, old John decided to pick someone who might go to jail as she is campaigning to get him elected President her to be elected as his running mate. Whew, John you are consistently displaying poor judgment.

On the other hand, again like enunciated by Powell, I observe Barack. He didn’t return the hate speech with hate speech to counter that speech spoken at McCain and Palin’s rallies. Barack displayed good judgment when he chose Biden as his running mate. With Joe Biden’s impeccable foreign policy credentials Barack truly chose someone who has been chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Biden has been dealing with world relations for decades. He was not so naïve as to try to make America believe that by looking out his back door and seeing Russia was an indication of his understanding of the nuances of world relations as Palin did. Can you believe that?! And McCain chose her to run the country if something should happen to him!! My Lord. Give me a break. McCain displayed very poor judgment. I watched Barack be cool, calm, thoughtful, and collected as the economy took a drastic turn for the worse while McCain erratically suspended his campaign in an attempt to be at the White House to have his input to solve the problem. When he got there it is reported that his words made things worse. It is reported that McCain’s position killed the deal that was on the table. McCain again displayed poor judgment. His being at the table did not solve the economic problems facing the world. His being at the table made the decision making process worse. His erratic behavior was again a display of poor judgment. McCain still wants to continue the Iraq war knowing the pretences for the war are false. This is clearly bad judgment. He couldn’t love the country if he is willing to risk the well being of the country with bad decisions and choosing an unqualified person as his running mate. He may say he puts the country first, but his behavior clearly says he is lying. If he loved the country he would not behave as he is behaving.

In my opinion Colin Powell exhibited true love for America. If Colin had followed traditional wisdom and the example be set by John McCain, Colin would have looked at his service as Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff under a Republican President, his service as Secretary of State under a Republican President, he would have looked at his history with the Republican Party and because of his history and loyalty it would dictate that Powell would endorse McCain for President. But Powell’s love for America trumped his loyalty and history with the Republican Party. His love for America would not let him endorse McCain. He knows better than most that nothing less than being President can prepare a person to be President. The qualification for being President is good judgment. In the times we live in it is critical that America has someone at the helm that has good judgment. Powell’s love for America dictated that he choose to endorse Barack over McCain. Barack has displayed the judgment that makes him clearly the better choice to be the next President of America. My momma affectionately used to tell me that sometimes the truth is hard, but it’s fair. Always go with the truth. It is what God would have you do.

White Man: You make a compelling case. I was trying to be mad at you, but now I truly see that you love America. I wanted to be afraid to support Obama because I know how as whites we have really mistreated Black people in this country. I was afraid that if a Black man got into the ultimate seat of power that he would seek revenge against us for our behavior. You have helped me to see that my fears are unfounded. God is doing a new thing. God is doing a just thing. God is love. It is time for a change. I want to be a part of that change. I see clearly that Barack is trying to increase the love and decrease the hate. I want to be a part of that love fest. I must be a part of that. I will not continue to be a prisoner of my history. I will not let my history jeopardize our future. Thank you for helping me to see. God is a good God. He has chosen this man for a time like this.

Black Man: Now you must not get confused. Barack is not God. He is like God, but he is not God. A cup of water from the ocean is like the ocean, but it is not the ocean. Likewise, Barack and all of God’s children are like God, but we are not God. The oppressed cannot truly be free without freeing the oppressor. Oppression is a relationship. The oppressed do not help human relations if the tables of oppression are turned around on the oppressor. With sincere repentance we all can get along as children of God. May God continue to order our steps?

If you want to see Colin Powell’s entire interview, here’s the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265729#27265729

John Lewis said that McCain and Palin are creating an atmospher that reminded him of the atmosphere created by George Wallace, the governor of Alabama. John Lewis feels that the atmosphere generated by Wallace with his venomous rhetoric contributed to the bombing of an Alabama church that left four (4) little Black girls dead. It appears that Blacks in Alaska are not too happy with the atmosphere that Governor Palin is generating in Alaska. Is this why McCain was so upset with John Lewis' remarks? The feelings of Blacks in Alaska are outlined in the Complaint below:

Complainant

Gregory Charles Royal

1929 18th Street NW PMB 1153

Washington, DC 20009

(202) 302-6703

under the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act (AS 39.52.120

1. Complainant held a press conference at the National

American citizens. The governor shall

day. Juneteenth Day may be observed by

6. Further statements which were not present at the

Anchorage Urban League:, said she is

I am presently reading John C. Maxwell’s book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership . In the chapter entitled “The Laws of Empowerment” Maxwell does a case study on Henry Ford. In his study of Henry Ford he states that Ford “was the revolutionary innovator in the automobile industry and a legend in American business history” (p. 121). Maxwell goes on to say “However, all of Ford’s story is not about positive achievement, and one of the reasons was that he didn’t embrace the Law of Empowerment. Henry Ford was so in love with his Model T that he never wanted to change or improve—nor did he want anyone else to tinker with it. . . Henry Ford was the antithesis of an empowering leader. He always seemed to undermine his leaders and look over the shoulders of his people” (p. 122). Eventually Ford’s grandson Henry II took over the company and according to Maxwell he was much like his grand dad. Maxwell says Henry II was not a secure leader so he would never give power to others. “only secure leaders are able to give power to others” (p. 124). Lee “Iacocca said that Henry Ford II once described his leadership philosophy to him, years before Iacocca himself became its target. Ford said, “If a guy works for you, don’t let him get too comfortable. Don’t let him get cozy or set in his ways. Always do the opposite of what he expects. Keep your people anxious and off-balance.” Both Henrys remind me of John McCain. Let me tell you why.

It appears that John McCain adheres to Henry II philosophy. When McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate he caught just about everyone off guard. He was adhering to Henry II’s advise to not let the country “get to cozy” or set in its ways. McCain’s pick of Palin surely kept people anxious and off balance. In fact, when the choice was first announced it seemed like a very smart move on McCain’s part. Then stuff started leaking out about Palin. She is under investigation for misusing the power of her office. She is accused of firing her Public Safety Director because he would not fire a patrolman that was getting a divorce from her sister. What? Why would McCain choose a running mate that has legal problems? What was wise about that choice? It looks like McCain’s strategy is to keep the case from going to court until after the election. That may be a good strategy but is it a good decision to choose a running mate who might end up going to jail, or possible be found guilty in office, if their ticket wins? This choice, like Henry II’s philosophy surely makes people anxious and keeps us off balance. It is definitely the opposite of what a person of sound mind would do. A person with good judgment would not choose a running mate that has legal problems. But McCain’s poor judgment and poor leadership doesn’t stop there. Let me explain.

After he has chosen Palin as his running mate he won’t let the press question her on her credentials or knowledge about running the country. He tries to make her appear international savvy by sending her to the United Nations to meet with some world leaders whom are his friends. However, when the press wants to be in on the meeting, which up to this point is typical, McCain’s campaign staff tells the press that they can only take pictures. When the press refuses to agree to the arrangement the staff says OK you can turn on the mike as long as you take pictures. But only one reporter can be in the room. The reporter was allowed in the room for a full 29 seconds. McCain, of what are you afraid? A good leader, according to Maxwell, picks strong people to be in their inner circle. You don’t have to hide a strong leader. In fact, according to Maxwell, you empower a strong leader then get out of the way and let them lead. Come to find out that Palin believes her strength to lead in international affairs comes from her ability to see Russia on a clear day from the Alaskan shores. WHAT? McCain, what are you doing? Maxwell says “only secure leaders are able to give power to others.” Because McCain is hiding Palin, which really makes good political sense, she would embarrass him and the country if turned loose, but McCain’s good political strategy reveals him to be insecure in his own person. America does not need an insecure leader. Nor does America need an inept vice leader that could quite possibly become the leader. It doesn’t stop there. Let me explain.

Three weeks ago McCain stated over and over again that the United States economy was strong. Just last week Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae went bankrupt. Washington Mutual failed. WAMU’s failure was the largest bank failure in American history. John McCain suspended his campaign, he said, to go to Washington to fix the problem. He put the debate between him and Obama in jeopardy, or limbo. John went to Washington, did not solve the crisis, went to the debate, by all the polls, lost it, and now wants to blame his inability to solve the financial mess on Barack. McCain, you are definitely keeping people “anxious and off balanced” but do you understand that according to Maxwell these are the signs of a poor leader? Just two days ago (Sept. 29, 2008) the stock market had its greatest loss ever. John McCain’s lack of fixing the financial mess has caused the stock market to crash. Did anybody ask John to fix the mess. He volunteered. He told the country that fixing the mess was so important that he was suspending campaigning so he could go fix the mess. He told the country this mess needed his leadership so the country’s economy would not fail. His fix, or lack thereof, caused the stock market to lose more than it has ever lost! Lord help us today.

McCain likes to call him and Palin mavericks. Back in the old days there was a TV series called “Maverick.” It was about two brothers, Bart and Bret, who went around the country gambling. They were gamblers. Old Maverick McCain looks like he is gambling with the country’s future. His vice presidential pick is barely able to run Alaska. When she inherited the country it had a financial surplus, since her reign the surplus has vanished and been replaced by a deficit. The Mavericks must stay in the movies. We cannot allow the Mavericks to get into the White House. This is not the time to elect some gamblers. By Maxwells’ standards McCain is displaying himself as a poor leader.

Henry Ford II got his position in the Ford Motor Company because of his name. Because of his name people recognized his position. Because he had the position it did not make him a good leader. In fact, history bears witness that Henry Ford II was a poor leader. The same analysis is true with McCain. McCain got his position because of his valor in the Vietnam War. His position allowed him to be elected Senator and to also win the Republican nomination to be President. Obviously, from McCain’s decisions his position, nor his valor has afforded him the attributes of a good leader. McCain is the same as Bush. Obviously from the state that the country is in Bush is not a good leader either. McCain is more of the same. It is time for a change.

PREAMBLE

We, the Parties to this Agreement;

CONCERNED about the recent challenges that we have faced as a country and the multiple threats to the well-being of our people and, therefore, determined to resolve these permanently.

CONSIDERING our shared determination to uphold, defend and sustain Zimbabwe's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity, as a respected member of the international community, a nation where all citizens respect and, therefore, enjoy equal protection of the law and have equal opportunity to compete and prosper in all spheres of life.

ACKNOWLEDGING the sacrifices made by thousands of Zimbabwe's gallant sons and daughters in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination and determined to accept, cherish and recognise the significance of the Liberation Struggle as the foundation of our sovereign independence, freedoms and human rights.

DEDICATING ourselves to putting an end to the polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance that has characterised Zimbabwean politics and society in recent times.

COMMITTING ourselves to putting our people and our country first by arresting the fall in living standards and reversing the decline of our economy.

EMPHASISING our shared commitment to re-orient our attitudes towards respect for the Constitution and all national laws, the rule of law, observance of Zimbabwe's national institutions, symbols and national events.

RESPECTING the rights of all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events freely without let or hindrance.

RECOGNISING , accepting and acknowledging that the values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, non-discrimination and respect of all persons without regard to race, class, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion, place of origin or birth are the bedrock of our democracy and good governance.

DETERMINED to build a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hatred, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality.

RECOGNISING and accepting that the Land Question has been at the core of the contestation in Zimbabwe and acknowledging the centrality of issues relating to the rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy and governance.

COMMITTED to act in a manner that demonstrates loyalty to Zimbabwe, patriotism and commitment to Zimbabwe's national purpose, core values, interests and aspirations.

DETERMINED to act in a manner that demonstrates respect for the democratic values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, respect of all persons and human rights.

SUBMITTING ourselves to the mandate of the Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held in Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on 29th March 2007 and endorsed in Lusaka on 12th April 2008 and in the AU Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 30th June to 1 July 2008.

RECOGNlSlNG the centrality and importance of African institutions in dealing with African problems, we agreed to seek solutions to our differences, challenges and problems through dialogue.

ACKNOWLEDGING that pursuant to the Dar-es-Salaam SADC resolution, the Parties negotiated and agreed on a draft Constitution, initialed by the Parties on 30 September 2007, and further agreed and co-sponsored the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 18 Act, amendments to the Electoral Act, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act, Public Order and Security Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Broadcasting Services Act.

APPRECIATING the historical obligation and need to reach a solution that will allow us to put Zimbabwe first and give the people a genuine chance of rebuilding and reconstructing their livelihoods.

PURSUANT to the common desire of working together, the Parties agreed to and executed a Memorandum of Understanding on 21 July 2008, attached hereto as Annexure "A".

NOW THEREFORE AGREE AS FOLLOWS :

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1. Definitions

The "Agreement" shall mean this written Agreement signed by the representatives of ZANU-PF and the MDC, in its two formations ("the Parties") in fulfillment of the material mandate handed down by the SADC Extraordinary Summit an 29th March 2007 and endorsed by SADC in Lusaka, Zambia and adopted by the African Union Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

The "Parties" shall mean ZANU-PF, the two MDC formations led by Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara respectively.

The "Government" or "New Government" means the new Government to be set up in terms of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT

2. Declaration of Commitment

The Parties hereby declare and agree to work together to create a genuine, viable, permanent, sustainable and nationally acceptable solution to the Zimbabwe situation and in particular to implement the following agreement with the aims of resolving once and for all the current political and economic situations and charting a new political direction for the country.

ARTICLE III

RESTORATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY AND GROWTH

3. Economic recovery

3.1 The Parties agree:

(a) to give priority to the restoration of economic stability and growth in Zimbabwe. The Government will lead the process of developing and implementing an economic recovery strategy and plan. To that end, the parties are committed to working together on a full and comprehensive economic programme to resuscitate Zimbabwe's economy, which will urgently address the issues of production, food security, poverty and unemployment and the challenges of high inflation, interest rates and the exchange rate.

(b) to create conditions that would ensure that the 2008/2009 agricultural season is productive.

(c) to establish a National Economic Council, composed of representatives of the Parties and of the following sectors:

(i) Manufacturing

(ii) Agriculture

(iii) Mining

(iv) Tourism

(v) Commerce

(vi) Financial

(vii) Labour

(viii) Academia; and

(ix) Other relevant sectors

(d) that the terms of reference of the Council shall include giving advice to Government, formulating economic plans and programmes for approval by government and such other functions as are assigned to the Council by the Government.

(e) to endorse the SADC resolution on the economy.

ARTICLE IV

SANCTIONS AND MEASURES

4. Sanctions and Measures

4.1 Recognising and acknowledging that some sections of the international community have since 2000 imposed various sanctions and measures against Zimbabwe, which have included targeted sanctions.

4.2 The Parties note the present economic and political isolation of Zimbabwe by the United Kingdom, European Union, United States of America and other sections of the International Community over and around issues of disputed elections, governance and differences over the land reform programme.

4.3 Noting and acknowledging the following sanctions and measures imposed on Zimbabwe:‑

(a) enactment of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act by the United States of America Congress which outlaws Zimbabwe's right to access credit from International Financial Institutions in which the United States Government is represented or has a stake;

(b) suspension of Zimbabwe's voting and related rights, suspension of balance of payment support, declaration of ineligibility to borrow Fund resources and suspension of technical assistance to Zimbabwe by the International Monetary Fund;

(c) suspension of grants and infrastructural development support to Zimbabwe by The World Bank; and

(d) imposition of targeted travel bans against current Government and some business leaders.

4.4 Noting that this international isolation has over the years created a negative

international perception of Zimbabwe and thereby resulting in the further isolation

of the country by the non-availing of lines of credit to Zimbabwe by some

sections of the international community.

4.5 Recognising the consequent contribution of this isolation to the further decline of the economy.

4.6 Desirous and committed to bringing to an end the fall in the standards of living of our people, the Parties hereby agree:‑

(a) to endorse the SADC resolution on sanctions concerning Zimbabwe;

(b) that all forms of measures and sanctions against Zimbabwe be lifted in order to facilitate a sustainable solution to the challenges that are currently facing Zimbabwe; and

c) commit themselves to working together in re-engaging the international community with a view to bringing to an end the country's international isolation.

ARTICLE V

LAND QUESTION

5. Land Question

5.1 Recognising that colonial racist land ownership patterns established during the colonial conquest of Zimbabwe and largely maintained in the post independence period were not only unsustainable, but against the national interest, equity and justice.

5.2 Noting that in addition to the primary objective of the liberation struggle to win one man one vote democracy and justice, the land question, namely the need for the re-distribution of land to the majority indigenous people of Zimbabwe was at the core of the liberation struggle.

5.3 Accepting the inevitability and desirability of a comprehensive land reform programme in Zimbabwe that redresses the issues of historical imbalances and injustices in order to address the issues of equity, productivity, and justice.

5.4 While differing on the methodology of acquisition and redistribution the parties acknowledge that compulsory acquisition and redistribution of land has taken place under a land reform programme undertaken since 2000.

5.5 Accepting the irreversibility of the said land acquisitions and redistribution.

5.6 Noting that in the current Constitution of Zimbabwe and further in the Draft Constitution agreed to by the parties the primary obligation of compensating former land owners for land acquired rests on the former colonial power.

5.7 Further recognising the need to ensure that all land is used productively in the interests of all the people of Zimbabwe.

5.8 Recognising the need for women's access and control over land in their own right as equal citizens.

5.9 The Parties hereby agree to:

(a) conduct a comprehensive, transparent and non-partisan land audit, during the tenure of the Seventh Parliament of Zimbabwe, for the purpose of establishing accountability and eliminating multiple farm ownerships.

(b) ensure that all Zimbabweans who are eligible to be allocated land and who apply for it shall be considered for allocation of land irrespective of race, gender, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation;

(c) ensure security of tenure to all land holders.

(d) call upon the United Kingdom government to accept the primary responsibility to pay compensation for land acquired from former land owners for resettlement;

(e) work together to secure international support and finance for the land reform programme in terms of compensation for the former land owners and support for new farmers; and

(f) work together for the restoration of full productivity on all agricultural land.

ARTICLE VI

CONSTITUTION

6. Constitution

Acknowledging that it is the fundamental right and duty of the Zimbabwean people to make a constitution by themselves and for themselves;

Aware that the process of making this constitution must be owned and driven by the people and must be inclusive and democratic;

Recognising that the current Constitution of Zimbabwe made at the Lancaster House Conference, London (1979) was primarily to transfer power from the colonial authority to the people of Zimbabwe;

Acknowledging the draft Constitution that the Parties signed and agreed to in Kariba on the 30th of September 2007, annexed hereto as Annexure "B";

Determined to create conditions for our people to write a constitution for themselves; and

Mindful of the need to ensure that the new Constitution deepens our democratic values and principles and the protection of the equality of all citizens, particularly the enhancement of full citizenship and equality of women.

6.1 The Parties hereby agree:

(a) that they shall set up a Select Committee of Parliament composed of representatives of the Parties whose terms of reference shall be as follows:

(i) to set up such subcommittees chaired by a member of Parliament and composed of members of Parliament and representatives of Civil Society as may be necessary to assist the Select Committee in performing its mandate herein;

(ii) to hold such public hearings and such consultations as it may deem necessary in the process of public consultation over the making of a new constitution for Zimbabwe;

(iii) to convene an All Stakeholders Conference to consult stakeholders on their representation in the sub-committees referred to above and such related matters as may assist the committee in its work;

(iv) to table its draft Constitution to a 2nd All Stakeholders Conference; and

(v) to report to Parliament on its recommendations over the content of a New Constitution for Zimbabwe

(b) That the draft Constitution recommended by the Select Committee shall be submitted to a referendum;

(c) that, in implementing the above, the following time frames shall apply:

(i) the Select Committee shall be set up within two months of inception of a new government;

(ii) the convening of the first All Stakeholders Conference shall be within 3 months of the date of the appointment of the Select Committee;

(iii) the public consultation process shall be completed no later than 4 months of the date of the first All Stakeholders Conference;

(iv) the draft Constitution shall be tabled within 3 months of completion of the public consultation process to a second All Stakeholders Conference;

(v) the draft Constitution and the accompanying Report shall be tabled before Parliament within 1 month of the second All Stakeholders Conference;

(vi) the draft Constitution and the accompanying Report shall be debated in Parliament and the debate concluded within one month;

(vii) the draft Constitution emerging from Parliament shall be gazetted before the holding of a referendum;

(viii) a referendum on the new draft Constitution shall be held within 3 months of the conclusion of the debate;

(ix) in the event of the draft Constitution being approved in the referendum it shall be gazetted within 1 month of the date of the referendum; and

(x) the draft Constitution shall be introduced in Parliament no later than 1 month after the expiration of the period of 30 days from the date of its gazetting.

ARTICLE VII

PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY

7. Equality, National Healing, Cohesion and Unity

7.1 The Parties hereby agree that the new Government:

a) will ensure equal treatment of all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin and will work towards equal access to development for all;

b) will ensure equal and fair development of all regions of the country and in particular to correct historical imbalances in the development of regions;

c) shall give consideration to the setting up of a mechanism to properly advise on what measures might be necessary and practicable to achieve national healing, cohesion and unity in respect of victims of pre and post independence political conflicts; and

d) will strive to create an environment of tolerance and respect among Zimbabweans and that all citizens are treated with dignity and decency irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin or political affiliation.

e) will formulate policies and put measures in place to attract the return and repatriation of all Zimbabweans in the Diaspora and in particular will work towards the return of all skilled personnel.

ARTICLE VIII

RESPECT FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND EVENTS

8. Respect for National Institutions and Events

8.1 In the interests of forging a common vision for our country, the Parties hereby agree:‑

(a) on the necessity of all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion to respect and observe Zimbabwe's national institutions, symbols, national programmes and events; and

(b) that all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion have the right to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events without let or hindrance.

ARTICLE IX

EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE

9. External Interference

9.1 The Parties reaffirm the principle of the United Nations Charter on non-interference in the internal affairs of member countries.

9.2 The Parties hereby agree:‑

(a) that the responsibility of effecting change of government in Zimbabwe vests exclusively on and is the sole prerogative of the people of Zimbabwe through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means;

(b) to reject any unlawful, violent, undemocratic and unconstitutional means of changing governments; and

(c) that no outsiders have a right to call or campaign for regime change in Zimbabwe.

ARTICLE X

FREE POLITICAL ACTIVITY

10. Free political activity

Recognising that the right to canvass and freely mobilise for political support is the cornerstone of any multi-party democratic system, the Parties have agreed that there should be free political activity throughout Zimbabwe within the ambit of the law in which all political parties are able to propagate their views and canvass for support, free of harassment and intimidation.

ARTICLE XI

RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS

11. Rule of law, respect for the Constitution and other laws

11.1 The Parties hereby agree that it is the duty of all political parties and individuals to:

(a) respect and uphold the Constitution and other laws of the land;

(b) adhere to the principles of the Rule of Law.

ARTICLE XII

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION

12. Freedoms of Assembly and Association

12.1 Recognising the importance of the freedoms of assembly and association in a multi-party democracy and noting that public meetings have to be conducted in a free, peaceful and democratic manner in accordance with the law, the Parties have agreed:‑

(a) to work together in a manner which guarantees the full implementation and realisation of the right to freedom of association and assembly; and

(b) that the Government shall undertake training programmes, workshops and meetings for the police and other enforcement agencies directed at the appreciation of the right of freedom of assembly and association and the proper interpretation, understanding and application of the provisions of security legislation.

ARTICLE XIII

STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS

13. State organs and institutions

13.1 State organs and institutions do not belong to any political party and should be impartial in the discharge of their duties.

13.2 For the purposes of ensuring that all state organs and institutions perform their duties ethically and professionally in conformity with the principles and requirements of a multi-party democratic system in which all parties are treated equally, the Parties have agreed that the following steps be taken:‑

(a) that there be inclusion in the training curriculum of members of the uniformed forces of the subjects on human rights, international humanitarian law and statute law so that there is greater understanding and full appreciation of their roles and duties in a multi-party democratic system;

(b) ensuring that all state organs and institutions strictly observe the principles of the Rule of Law and remain non-partisan and impartial;

(c) laws and regulations governing state organs and institutions are strictly adhered to and those violating them be penalised without fear or favour; and

(d) recruitment policies and practices be conducted in a manner that ensures that no political or other form of favouritism is practised.

ARTICLE XIV

TRADITIONAL LEADERS

14. Traditional Leaders

14.1 Recognising and acknowledging that traditional leaders are community leaders with equal responsibilities and obligations to all members of their communities regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion and political affiliation, the Parties hereby agree to:-

(a) commit themselves to ensuring the political neutrality of traditional leaders; and

(b) call upon traditional leaders not to engage in partisan political activities at national level as well as in their communities.

ARTICLE XV

NATIONAL YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME

15. National Youth Training Programme

Recognising the desirability of a national youth training programme which inculcates the values of patriotism, discipline, tolerance, non-violence, openness, democracy, equality, justice and respect.

Determined to ensure that the National Youth Training Programme raises awareness of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, engenders a spirit of community service, skills development and a commitment to the development of Zimbabwe

15.1 The Parties hereby agree that:‑

(a) all youths regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion and political affiliation are eligible to participate in national youth training programmes;

(b) the National Youth Training Programme must be run in a non-partisan manner and shall not include partisan political material advancing the cause of any political party; and

(c) while recognising that youths undergoing training at national youth training centres have a right to hold political opinions, they shall not, during the period of their training, collectively and as part of a scheme of the training centre be used or deployed for partisan political work.

ARTICLE XVI

HUMANITARIAN AND FOOD ASSISTANCE

16. Humanitarian and food assistance

16.1 In times of need, every Zimbabwean regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion is entitled to request and receive humanitarian and food assistance from the State.

16.2 It is the primary responsibility of the State to ensure that every Zimbabwean who needs humanitarian and food assistance receives it.

16.3 Non-Governmental Organisations involved in giving humanitarian and food assistance shall do so without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion and in doing so, shall not promote or advance the interests of any political party or cause.

16.4 In this regard the Parties hereby agree:

(a) that in the fulfillment of its obligations above, the Government and all State Institutions and quasi State Institutions shall render humanitarian and food assistance without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation or religion;

(b) that humanitarian interventions rendered by Non-Governmental Organisations, shall be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion.

(c) that all displaced persons shall be entitled to humanitarian and food assistance to enable them to return and settle in their original homes and that social welfare organisations shall be allowed to render such assistance as might be required.

(d) that all NGO's rendering humanitarian and food assistance must operate within the confines of the laws of Zimbabwe.

ARTICLE XVII

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA PRIORITIES

17. Legislative agenda

17.1 The Parties hereby agree that:

(a) the legislative agenda will be prioritized in order to reflect the letter and spirit of this agreement;

(b) the Government will discuss and agree on further legislative measures which may become necessary to implement the Government's agreed policies and in particular, with a view to entrenching democratic values and practices.

ARTICLE XVIII

SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE

18. Security of persons and prevention of violence

18.1 Noting the easy resort to violence by political parties, State actors, Non-State actors and others in order to resolve political differences and achieve political ends.

18.2 Gravely concerned by the displacement of scores of people after the election of March 29, 2008 as a result of politically motivated violence.

18.3 Recognising that violence dehumanises and engenders feelings of hatred and polarisation within the country.

18.4 Further recognising that violence undermines our collective independence as a
people and our capacity to exercise our free will in making political choices.

18.5 The Parties hereby agree:

(a) to promote the values and practices of tolerance, respect, non-violence and dialogue as means of resolving political differences;

(b) to renounce and desist from the promotion and use of violence, under whatever name called, as a means of attaining political ends;

(c) that the Government shall apply the laws of the country fully and impartially in bringing all perpetrators of politically motivated violence to book;

(d) that all political parties, other organisations and their leaders shall commit themselves to do everything to stop and prevent all forms of political violence, including by non-State actors and shall consistently appeal to their members to desist from violence;

(e) to take all measures necessary to ensure that the structures and institutions they control are not engaged in the perpetration of violence.

(f) that all civil society organisations of whatever description whether affiliated to a political party or not shall not promote or advocate for or use violence or any other form of intimidation or coercion to canvass or mobilise for or oppose any political party or to achieve any political end;

(g) to work together to ensure the security of all persons and property;

(h) to work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons, their safe return home and their enjoyment of the full protection of the law.

(i) to refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or unfairly undermine each other.

(j) that while having due regard to the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the principles of the rule of law, the prosecuting authorities will expedite the determination as to whether or not there is sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution or keeping on remand of all persons accused of politically related offences arising out of or connected with the March and June 2008 elections.

ARTICLE XIX

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND COMMUNICATION

19. Freedom of Expression and Communication

Recognising the importance of the right to freedom of expression and the role of the media in a multi-party democracy.

Noting that while the provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act permit the issuance of licences, no licences other than to the public broadcaster have been issued.

Aware of the emergence of foreign based radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe, some of which are funded by foreign governments.

Concerned that the failure to issue licences under the Broadcasting Services Act to alternative broadcasters might have given rise to external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe.

Further concerned that foreign government funded external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe are not in Zimbabwe's national interest.

Desirous of ensuring the opening up of the air waves and ensuring the operation of as many media houses as possible.

19.1 The Parties hereby agree:‑

(a) that the government shall ensure the immediate processing by the appropriate authorities of all applications for re-registration and registration in terms of both the Broadcasting Services Act as well as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act;

(b) all Zimbabwean nationals including those currently working for or running external radio stations be encouraged to make applications for broadcasting licences, in Zimbabwe, in terms of the law;

(c) that in recognition of the open media environment anticipated by this Agreement, the Parties hereby:-

(i) call upon the governments that are hosting and/or funding external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe to cease such hosting and funding; and

(ii) encourage the Zimbabweans running or working for external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe to return to Zimbabwe; and

(d) that steps be taken to ensure that the public media provides balanced and fair coverage to all political parties for their legitimate political activities.

(e) that the public and private media shall refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or that unfairly undermines political parties and other organisations. To this end, the inclusive government shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken to achieve this objective.

ARTICLE XX

FRAMEWORK FOR A NEW GOVERNMENT

20. Framework for a new Government

Acknowledging that we have an obligation to establish a framework of working together in an inclusive government;

Accepting that the formation of such a government will have to be approached with great sensitivity, flexibility and willingness to compromise;

Recognising that the formation of such a Government would demonstrate the respect of the Parties for the deeply-felt and immediate hopes and aspirations of the millions of our people.

Determined to carry out sustained work to create the conditions for returning our country to stability and prosperity;

Acknowledging the need for gender parity, particularly the need to appoint women to strategic Cabinet posts;

20.1 The Parties hereby agree that:

20.1.1 Executive Powers and Authority

The Executive Authority of the Inclusive Government shall vest in, and be shared among the President, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, as provided for in this Constitution and legislation.

The President of the Republic shall exercise executive authority subject to the Constitution and the law.

The Prime Minister of the Republic shall exercise executive authority subject to the Constitution and the law.

The Cabinet of the Republic shall exercise executive authority subject to the Constitution and the law.

In the exercise of executive authority, the President, Vice Presidents, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers must have regard to the principles and spirit underlying the formation of the Inclusive Government and accordingly act in a manner that seeks to promote cohesion both inside and outside government.

20.1.2 The Cabinet

(a) shall have the responsibility to evaluate and adopt all government policies and the consequential programmes;

(b) shall, subject to approval by Parliament, allocate the financial resources for the implementation of such policies and programmes;

(c) shall have the responsibility to prepare and present to Parliament, all such legislation and other instruments as may be necessary to implement the policies and programmes of the National Executive;

(d) shall, except where the Constitution requires ratification by Parliament, or action by the President, approve all international agreements;

(e) shall ensure that the state organs, including the Ministries and Departments, have sufficient financial and other resources and appropriate operational capacity to carry out their functions effectively; and

(f) shall take decisions by consensus, and take collective responsibility for all Cabinet decisions, including those originally initiated individually by any member of Cabinet.

(g) The President and the Prime Minister will agree on the allocation of Ministries between them for the purpose of day-to-day supervision.

20.1.3 The President

(a) chairs Cabinet;

(b) exercises executive authority;

(c) shall exercise his/her powers subject to the provisions of the Constitution;

(d) can, subject to the Constitution, declare war and make peace;

(e) can, subject to the Constitution, proclaim and terminate martial law;

(f) confers honours and precedence, on the advice of Cabinet;

(g) grants pardons, respites, substitutes less severe punishment and suspends or remits sentences, on the advice of Cabinet;

(h) chairs the National Security Council;

(i) formally appoints the Vice Presidents;

(j) shall, pursuant to this Agreement, appoint the Prime Minister pending the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment no.19 as agreed by the Parties;

(k) formally appoints Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers in accordance with this agreement;

(l) after consultation with the Vice Presidents, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Ministers, allocates Ministerial portfolios in accordance with this Agreement;

(m) accredits, receives and recognizes diplomatic agents and consular officers;

(n) appoints independent Constitutional Commissions in terms of the Constitution;

(o) appoints service/executive Commissions in terms of the Constitution and in consultation with the Prime Minister;

(p) in consultation with the Prime Minister, makes key appointments the President is required to make under and in terms of the Constitution or any Act of Parliament;

(q) may, acting in consultation with the Prime Minister, dissolve Parliament;

(r) must be kept fully informed by the Prime Minister on the general conduct of the government business and;

(s) shall be furnished with such information as he/she may request in respect of any particular matter relating to the government, and may advise the Prime Minister and Cabinet in this regard.

20.1.4 The Prime Minister

(a) chairs the Council of Ministers and is the Deputy Chairperson of Cabinet;

(b) exercises executive authority;

(c) shall oversee the formulation of government policies by the Cabinet;

(d) shall ensure that the policies so formulated are implemented by the entirety of government;

(e) shall ensure that the Ministers develop appropriate implementation plans to give effect to the policies decided by Cabinet: in this regard, the Ministers will report to the Prime Minister on all issues relating to the implementation of such policies and plans;

(f) shall ensure that the legislation necessary to enable the government to carry out its functions is in place: in this regard, he/she shall have the responsibility to discharge the functions of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament;

(g) shall be a member of the National Security Council;

(h) may be assigned such additional functions as are necessary further to enhance the work of the Inclusive Government;

(i) shall, to ensure the effective execution of these tasks, be assisted by Deputy Prime Ministers; and

(j) shall report regularly to the President and Parliament.

20.1.5 Council of Ministers

To ensure that the Prime Minister properly discharges his responsibility to oversee the implementation of the work of government, there shall be a Council of Ministers consisting of all the Cabinet Ministers, chaired by the Prime Minister, whose functions shall be:

(a) to assess the implementation of Cabinet decisions;

(b) to assist the Prime Minister to at