Barack Obama, 26, was named for the president-elect’s father. He knows his chances of achieving success, or even finding a job, are slim.
Posted on 12/31/2008 7:17:10 AM PST by COUNTrecount
As euphoria over his election begins to fade, young people are reminded that in Africa, money, ethnicity and family connections count more toward success than does hard work.
Reporting from Kobama, Kenya -- He's from the same family that produced President-elect Barack Obama. He shares many of the same hopes and dreams. He's even got the same name.
This Barack Obama, 26, a cousin who was named after the president-elect's Kenyan father, was elated when someone with African roots rose to the world's most powerful job.
"I felt I could do anything," said the lanky student, whose buddies now call him "the President" after his famous U.S. relative. "I felt anything is possible."
There is no question the U.S. president-elect's victory has encouraged countless Africans to reach for new heights. But as the euphoria over his election begins to fade here, young Africans are beginning to see his inspirational story as bittersweet.
As the American Obama's success is institutionalized in pictures hanging in schools and buses and in speeches in parliament promoting change, many are coming to see his against-the-odds accomplishment as something that was really only possible in the United States.
In Africa, money, ethnicity and family connections still count more toward success than does hard work. Bribes usually trump talent; corruption tops integrity. Young Africans hoping to follow in Obama's footsteps -- even those with the same name -- may face disappointment and disillusionment.
"The hope might be false," said youth activist Joshua Nyamori. "Today Obama's story is not possible in Kenya. If Barack ran in Kenya, he would have failed."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Barack Obama, 26, was named for the president-elect’s father. He knows his chances of achieving success, or even finding a job, are slim.
“...young Africans are beginning to see his inspirational story as bittersweet.”
S-U-C-K-E-R-S !!!!
Must be genetic.
Up to 1,000 killed in Kenyan crisis: Odinga
AOL India Editorial
Last Updated: January 07, 2008
Odinga, who turned 63 on Monday, faces a dilemma of responding to international pressure to avoid provoking more violence while also maintaining momentum to oust Kibaki.
http://www.aol.in/news/story/2008010710489019000001/
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Must see video!
Barack Obama & Raila Odinga REDUX:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b63bBCC2-yM&feature=related
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Raila Odinga's official website:
"Your Agent For Change", "Register For Change", "Vote For Change"
http://www.raila07.com/
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Barack Obama's 'lost' brother found in Kenya
George Hussein Onyango Obama,
Senator Barack Obama's long lost
brother was tracked down living in
a hut on the outskirts of Nairobi
Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother has been tracked down for the first time living in a shanty town in Kenya, reports claimed
Mr Obama, 26, the youngest of the presidential candidate's half-brothers, spoke for the first time about his life, which could not be more different than that of the Democratic contender.
"No-one knows who I am", he told the magazine, before claiming: "I live here on less than a dollar a month."
Well...they have that going for them anyway.
Foolish people put their hope and faith in a man. Especially, “the one” - who has done nothing of any significance in his life as he becomes the leader of the free world.
Its Chance the Gardner all over again.
Except that this ‘chance’ is more dangerous....
Well, they're smarter than the American liberals who still think they're going to get free unicorn rides.
Oh man, I was looking forward to the unicorn ride. Of course it would need to be a pretty stocky unicorn, but heh, The One would come through for me...wouldn't he?
Oh Shucks, I guess this means no unicorn ride for me. Darn it.
Don't feel bad. The only unicorn ride that the liberals are going to take is on the horn.
I'm afraid we'll get the horn long before the liberals do. They will get it of course, but it will take longer, and take us all down.
Ah, the irony. Money, ethnicity, and connections were the only things Obama had going for him.
Hey, you guys notice that THIS guy has more Obama features of Obama Sr (and he is a nephew) than Barack does? It would seem high cheek bones and sloped head would be dominant, but I’m not an expert so what do I know?
Yeah, but some like Barney Frank will love it :-)
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