election 2016 – Hondred Percent

Never say never.
Who would have thought that Donald Trump would make it this far? Definitely not me. His character and statements are a scary glimpse of a future with him as president.
Is he the right president for the United States? That’s not for me to say.
As I strap my sons diaper on him after cleaning up green funk, I can’t help but see the solution starring at me in the face.

Education is the key. Each one of us was a blank canvas filled with concepts by our parents and environments. From our religion and perceptions we were moulded. Parents have a lot of control on the process and it’s their responsibility to ensure that their children turn out right.
But what does that mean?
Does it mean I must raise them Christian? Must I teach them how to bully they’re way out of things? Teach them how to not respect others? What does “right” mean exactly?
I stare at my son wondering if my ideals of peace, love and respect will help him succeed in the future. He knows no better as I change his diaper but appreciates the comfort that the change provides. Am I helping him succeed or fail? I believe in those values (peace,love and respect) but will the world accept him for believing the same?
It’s come clear to me that the concept of education in our institutions has to change. Simultaneous equations, calculus and subject verb agreement don’t teach people humanity and love. There is seldom a discussion or a lesson on humanity, race and equality. Subjects which many grow learning little about and subject others to their ideals which sometimes go as far as killing and discriminating against others.
A look into the last five years on earth has shown that we are doing something wrong. Discrimination and war have risen to unimaginable heights with little done to minimize its effects. A presidential candidate believes climate change is a hoax and people actually believe him? What world have I brought my son into?
As a Christian, I will love and raise him to do good. I will need to supplement this with other teachings and concepts. Most importantly I need him to understand that perceptions can be very deceiving. This year’s election is a perfect example.
Trump was a candidate that the world mocked. Today he is the President of the USA.
That’s admirable no matter how you look at it. It’s inspiring to know that even though the odds are against you, you can rise and be victorious. I like to believe that can happen to my son. The moral of the story is inspiring. The process of how he got there however is a story for another day.
It’s obvious that a lot more people in America see things Trump’s way than Hillary’s. What does this mean for Blacks, Hispanics and others like them? Does this mean white supremacists and chauvinists will rule? I am not sure but the way things are going now, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
As you keep it One HONDRED, what are your thoughts on Trump as president?

When it comes to local TV, I am not so interested in tuning in. It has nothing to do with patriotism but more to do with quality content.
If I catch any, it’s because I stumble upon it by chance. Technology enables me to view the quality I desire from other sources. Yet I must say, that I am surprised that on more than one occasion, I have been caught paying attention to GH One’s “The Lounge” hosted by Kwaku Sakyi-Addo.
Last night, I did more than pay attention. From the moment I tuned in I was glued to the discussion till the end.
The guest on the show was Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, runner for the parliamentary candidature of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency.
(I was expecting Kojo to be drinking Kalyppo but I guess they were not sponsoring the show so water had to do.)
Kojo is not someone I would make out in crowd. When he took over from Komla Dumor on Joy FM, I was not in the country and upon my return he was off air as the host. Nevertheless, the confidence and eloquence displayed during the discussion, was one that won me over.
This is a politician, that in my view has a plan and the country’s best interests at heart.
What I admired about him was his determination. What he is doing in his constituency is no easy task. Going down to villages, speaking with the people regardless of the audience, is an arduous task.
It was clear that his goal was to bring about positive change regardless of the political party that instigated it. I don’t know many politicians will willingly follow suit and be willing to argue progressively to do what is best for Ghana.
His comment on the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) ruling of the Mahama gift saga, which was that he had infringed on his own gift policy, was bold and understanding of the political environment.
“Call a spade a spade”, he said. He further added that due to the fact that it was an election year, it was understandable why CHRAJ took this stance but that he expected more from the body.
Kojo during the interview went ahead to state that he was prepared to give up 25% of his salary should he become MP, as seed money to set up an Education Trust Fund to better the educational situation in the area. The area is currently faced with infrastructure and human resource challenges that make provision of education problematic.
He also told Kwaku, that he hopes to use part of the MP’s Common Fund to employ a doctor for the district and provide a mobile clinic to enable healthcare to be provided to those in even hard to reach areas. This is all while a plan to set up a district hospital is in the works.
As an artist with a mission on encouraging all to aspire for greatness, I identify with Kojo’s dreams and ideals. The interview gave me hope in Ghana’s political future. He is striving to provide his people the best and holds himself responsible and committed to the task. I wish him the best and look forward to seeing how he performs this year.
If I am keeping it “One Hondred”, I am not sure who I am voting for but if I was in Mr.Nkrumah’s constituency I would have voted for him in support of his vision and to encourage aspiring politicians regardless of party to walk in his footsteps.
More grease to your elbows Mr. Nkrumah. Keep it One Hondred!

Tag: election 2016

Trump-Anything Is Possible

My New Hope In Politics-Kojo Oppong Nkrumah