All my life, I've tried to do good. When I was growing up, my examples were, naturally, my mom and dad. My dad was a preacher; my mom is a woman with a beautiful, charitable heart. They raised my siblings and me to do our best and be grateful for all we had -- and, most important, they made sure we didn't forget that there were lots of people who had less. They made sure we knew that we had to do something to help those folks. That's been a guiding principle to me since I was a child. I've been an activist for the people, and that comes from my family.
Music has obviously been central to my life, too. What might not be so obvious is that I've tried to use my music to be honest about the things that are important to me. Of the many musicians who are wonderful inspirations as artists who are also activists, the one who means the most to me is Harry Belafonte. Now, he is a man I truly admire. Like me, he spent part of his childhood in the islands (for him it was Jamaica), part of it in the U.S. He stayed true to his roots and really used his fame to take a stand on important issues. He had bigger things on his mind than entertaining--he was going on marches for civil rights; he was making speeches to inspire the masses; he was meeting with politicians to help make a difference. He continues, to this day, to stand up for his beliefs. In other words, he knows what matters in this world.
President Barack Obama, without a doubt, is a great inspiration to me as well. My wife, Claudinette, used to read his first book to our daughter, Angelina, every night (even though it's not a children's book, she loved to hear her mother read it) -- and this was before he was elected. His campaign was an innovation, and I hope to take a page from it as I embark on my own quest for office. His candidacy sparked the interest of many in the United States -- especially young people -- who had felt disenfranchised before he came onto the scene.
The way President Obama used the Internet and social media was so smart, so revolutionary, really, in all the best senses of the word. In the same way, I hope that my candidacy will inspire more Haitians to be active participants in the political process of our country. I hope that young voters will become activists because I've helped them see how important everyone's contributions are to the future of Haiti.
And, of course, the Kennedys, one of the greatest political families in U.S. history, are an inspiration. President Kennedy for his policies (his creation of the Peace Corps is a fitting legacy to the man) and the dreams of what more he could have accomplished; Mrs. Kennedy for the dignified and beautiful way she raised her children under the constant scrutiny of the public and the press. (Claudinette and I both aspire to do as good a job with our daughter.)
John F. Kennedy Jr. was truly my friend. I still miss him, especially today. He had a way of touching people and was such a smart man, and he didn't get a chance to really make his mark in the world. It's one of the reasons I've decided to make my run for president now; who knows what the future holds? There's no time to waste, for any of us.
One of the members of the younger generation of Kennedys who has been making her mark is Kerry Kennedy. She established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights and is the chair of the Amnesty International Leadership Council, among other good works. Her ability to raise a family while doing so much to give voice to those whose voices are not often heard is impressive, to say the least.
Every year on the day of my birth, Oct. 17, Haiti commemorates our freedom fighter Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who was assassinated on that day in 1806. He was one of Haiti's founding fathers, and his story is an inspiration to all Haitians: He rose from being enslaved to becoming a soldier and leader of our country. He ultimately led the battle against the French that resulted in our nation's independence.
Which leads me to my final source of inspiration: the Haitian people themselves. In the face of adversity and tragedy that sometimes seems insurmountable, the Haitian people continue to inspire the world with their optimism, their grace, their generosity. Even in the horrible aftermath of the earthquake, in devastation that would have broken the spirits of most, my countrymen remain steadfast and strong. It is at times like these that I am most proud to call myself Haitian and that I recognize that the people are truly the reason I have entered this election. I want to do my best for them, to help build the future they deserve.
For more on Wyclef Jean's campaign, visit WyclefJean2010.com.
“I realize that you are attempting to lay out the people that you look up to. Great. However, up to now, you have done little to show that you are ready, capable or knowledgeable enough to take the reigns of a country that is torn apart by disaster, with no infrastructure to speak of, and lay the foundation needed to make it stable. None of your writings to date speak of the work that you have conducted in there to date. You want to be the leader of that Nation. What networks, cornerstones, and foundations have you begun to build? You can do this work without being crowned President. In fact, many are engaged in the work currently.
If I sound suspicious, it is because I am. "With great power comes great responsibility"- so the saying goes. As of yet, you have demonstrated little responsibility fiscally, etc.”
PLEASE, please do something about the epidemic of rape occurring within refugee camps. Rapists must be punished and women must feel safe! This needs to be one of your priorities if you wish to help put Haiti back together.
Wyclef Jean has been mainly silent about this--but then, he has the support of one of the perpetrators, Bill Clinton whose charity may (or may not) actually aid Haitians. The election would be truly democratic if Aristide and his party were allowed to run.
Wyclef Jean is Haitian--and he speaks French--and Creole (with an American accent, as he came to NY at age 9). Naysayers here question his qualifications, but the main question IMHO is not whether a musician/celebrity can rule--after all, Americans have elected incompetents multiple times (insert your favourite here.) The question is, if he is elected (in an election that may be viewed as less than fair) can he actually accomplish some of the things he aspires to ( a minimum wage, paying government employees on time) without heavy interference from the US.
Some say that Clinton aims to turn Haiti into a tourist destination--which, if true democracy will not be returned with Aristide's party in the race-- may not be a terrible thing. So far, Jean has Clinton's backing.
Jean claims compassion and care for Haitians. THe rest remains to be seen.
Jean also speaks Creole, but with an American accent. He's probably not up to date on the latest idomatic expressions though.
Yes, he seems a bit full of himself onstage and when talking about his musical abilities.
It's not up to me to back this bid/or not. I'm only expressing one small view--that is, if Mr. Jean is actually willing mainly sacrifice his music career (which is what this will take) and work that hard, I can't criticise him very much.
"OAS/CARICOM Electoral Observation Mission Begins its Activities in Haiti
August 12, 2010
The first elements of the Joint Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) led by Ambassador Colin Granderson arrived in Port-au-Prince on August 3rd and began their meetings with various members of the government, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the political parties, civil society organizations, members of the international community and all stakeholders involved in the Haitian electoral process.
The Joint OAS/CARICOM Mission observed the registration of candidates for the presidential election and will be present for the publication of the list of registered candidates.
This long-term mission of electoral observation will deploy its observers progressively in the 10 departments of the country beginning in September to observe the unfolding of the various stages of the electoral calendar through the publication of the official results. Ambassador Granderson will present the report of the Mission to the OAS Permanent Council and the CARICOM Secretary General."
http://www.oas.org/OASpage/press_releases/press_release.asp?sCodigo=E-296/10
OAS/CARICOM Electoral Observation Mission Begins its Activities in Haiti
By OAS
Aug 12, 2010 - 7:02:09 PM
"The first elements of the Joint Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) led by Ambassador Colin Granderson arrived in Port-au-Prince on August 3rd and began their meetings with various members of the government, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the political parties, civil society organizations, members of the international community and all stakeholders involved in the Haitian electoral process.
The Joint OAS/CARICOM Mission observed the registration of candidates for the presidential election and will be present for the publication of the list of registered candidates.
This long-term mission of electoral observation will deploy its observers progressively in the 10 departments of the country beginning in September to observe the unfolding of the various stages of the electoral calendar through the publication of the official results. Ambassador Granderson will present the report of the Mission to the OAS Permanent Council and the CARICOM Secretary General."
http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/international/OAS_CARICOM_Electoral_Observation_Mission_Begins_its_Activities_in_Haiti11967.shtml
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Excellent question. This has to be a publicity stunt because if he truly cared, he would do more for the people of Haiti through actions and not words.
Your questions are very insightful-----