Africa!

This will be my first post from the motherland, as I convince myself to conform to grim realities of the have's and the have not's while commuting the streets.

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Revolution

Its pointless least to say, that the revolution is evolution! The orientalist movement does it attest to the end of era of totalitarian regimes? In the sea of protesters, what pocket does Somalia fit into? Presidential hopefuls are springing up like wild sprouts. If you haven't seen it yet, you might want to update yourself of the hysteria from YouTube. A wheel of fortunes game or settle for less.



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Somali History

Yesterday, I attended a lecture by Mr. Said Shidaad a student of Somali History! I was taken by his research how he debunk many popular theories among Somali's. Exactly, where did we came from? It's bothersome topic in the minds of many Somali's include myself. His approach was quite pleasant, he called the hidden history from Somali's and their ancestral claims.

We are all expose the fables or the folklores of the Somali Origin, but hidden from are the weight Somali's carried during the enlightenment era of the fertile crescent and Egyptian contact with Punt. We are after people of many faith, story tellers would say, pointing to common synthesis of don't let other write your history is at pleasant as it gets.

Some our social construct need to be revision in every aspect which my be deploring to our own history. Here some actors that dictated the Somali Origin, I'm Lewis, Bernard Richards, and etc.

One, Somali's are their own race and not part the Negroid Race

two, yes, Arabs come to us, intermarriage occurred but the margins are small, therefore, we are not Arabs called it Cousins of Arabs

three, There is five stage of Soomaal

I will post the rest of the notes...add your comments and take of the Somali Origin?

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old paper article review, still raw not finished

Francis Fukuyama, The end of history? The National interest; fundamentally, the article poses the question of struggle of ideas and the triumph Western liberal democracy as the ultimate solution for human governance. Although, it doesn’t imply contending ideas would not arise to test this economic and political liberalism. Its suggested religious fundamentalism which is dissatisfied with the context of liberalism might some day pose a challenge, particularly; Islam which provides a form of theocratic political and economic. In my opinion, I believe this to be true under the current circumstance, the hot beds for religious fundamentalism is arriving. The reemerges of religious theocracy in my home country is particularly as new actor to challenge the warlord mentality that existed for sometime. Although, the author hints the challenges to come from Islam to western liberal democracy, but miscalculate the forgeable challenge it brought currently dictate the global politics. Reference to post cold war, Fukuyama points this ideological evolution will govern the material world in the long term.

The idea of end of history is fallible construction and let examine historical change of the material world. The one the early driving forces of the end of history, Karl Marx and Friedrich Hegel. Marx argues for the communist utopia as definitive answer to sort out all prior contradiction. Historical development goes through a dialectical process with beginning and middle, and end original belong to Hegel. Marx theory was never realized fully but, it was good opponent of liberal democracy. There some aspect of Marx theory I would agree with such as the state as welfare institution. I don’t be there will every a classless society in the world. In contrast, Hegel’s doctrine suggest that history is product of mankind, “progressed through a series of primitive stages of consciousness on his path to the present, and that these stages corresponded to concrete forms of social organization, such as tribal, slave-owning, theocratic, and finally democratic-egalitarian societies, has become inseparable from the modern understanding of man.” These ideas are very similar but different that Hegel’s believes that history to ends; when rational form of society and state became victorious. To elaborate Hegel’s concept history better much end a more specific date in 1806 at the time of the battle of Jena. State took a transformation Monarch to a revolution which sought to be the vanguard of humanity. The defeat in essence is the measure of the leap of power to hand of the people and realize liberalism as precursor for human civilization to exist. Hence, this stage of human history mandates states to flow a liberal value which is the “universal homogenous state” which allows for all the prior contradiction to be concluded and all desire of mankind are met. Clearly this implies that human are satisfied to and there is no need for conflict of ideas to exist in the larger since because it has been all worked out. In Hegel’s view, ideas are essential different entity which material world doesn’t conform. Perhaps, the material world operates ideological explicit forces that are impugned in the example of the gun which consciously motives the launch of projectile when human needs are not met. These ideas that drive these human needs are share collective desires imbedded almost innate like culture. These collectivism manifests to shape events of material world as safeguard step from events in the pasts, in history. Marx merges the material world and ideal world as super imposed superstructure. Its all determine by mode of production on which these collectively are share from nationality, culture, political and etc. Fukuyama focuses on the class issue of as impeding forces that could disable the cohesion of the Hegelian perspective of liberalism. The end of history and remarkable stages we are in today to weed out larger contradiction. These are the little difference that distinguishes as from one another as simple as food we eat.

In contrast, Stigler focuses nationalism and institution that embodied the western idea to transform the developing world. Here particular he speaks of the IMF, World Bank which hinder developing countries abilities realize western democracy. The interject points of these are the important of ideas and their implementations in the world stage. The emphasis lies with mindset and how ideas take rook in the material world. People that run these institutions are only concern with the immediate crunch of number rather than the other effect they trigger such social safe nets reducing poverty might increase world productivity. There is lagging in social norms of capitalism that cases the scopes of realties and how we perceive it. That Stigler points that the IMF and World Bank needs to reform in how they do business with non-western nations. These institutions are the lenders of last resort for any developing world. There is a sort of double dealing and bias toward nonwestern nations. Internationals institution has shift from their core principle of center approach and the way they have been design to operate. One, they place large burden on developing countries to liberalize their economy and offer stringent regulations on debt they hold. These expectations most of time force countries to experience more turmoil upsetting social standards. The prescribe solutions intervene the way domestic market operates. These countries become subject to abject poverty. Financial interest and commercial interest are the main motivators of these institutions. The author is saying these institutions a necessary although inefficient to large respect. The question he poses is if, we are to demolish these institution other similar organization will fill the vacancy. As an insider of these institutions, he calls for reform and advocates for changing the mindset of the hierarchy we import decisions that effect day to day life. But on the flip side developing world see’s this institution as of agent of the more developed countries. For any of the developing countries to adapt the Washington consensus as whole could be political and social suicide for the country. The remedies to reform are in seven key areas as Stigler puts it. Firs, that companies in west must accept dangers of capitalism that comes from liberalize markets. Those nations whose companies decide engage in FDI should market risk and circumstance. The higher risk you a companies decides to access the big both failure and rewards will be. Therefore, intervene on behalf of your national companies is wrong to procure leverage for them. Secondly, Bankruptcy reforms and standstills create moral hazard that trickles down to economy. Defaulting on pay is not something that happens on its own. The message here is don’t give loans to people who are less likely to pay back. If you lend money and will be used solely for the purpose of consummation then there is problem and immediate corrective action is needed. Thirdly, there should be less reliance on bailouts. There is misuse of bailouts in subsidiary or financial sectors in developed world. IMF tells to the developing world subsidiary are bad but, another hands western companies are being rescue by the same institutions. There is mindboggling message that contradicts the persuasions of these institutions. We need a level plain field to realize free market values that these institution are trying to instill developing countries. Fifth point, we need to revisit and improve the banking regulations that contribute to bad lending practices. The currently situation of packing loans and selling to investor pose threat to the integrity of sound market. We need fail safe to manage moral hazard that nearly eat the world economy today. Sixth points of reform, is the need to improve risk management in the volatile markets such exchange rate markets.

Feels we need to:

1. Accept the dangers of capital market liberalization

2. Bankruptcy reforms and standstills. Don’t give loans to people who are less likely to pay back

3. Less reliance on bailouts- don’t give government subsidies out to developing countries. Bailout is the contradiction.

4. Improve banking regulations- west should contribute to bad lending practices.

5. Improved risk management in exchange rates.

6. Improved Safety Nets- Increase social programs.

7. Improve response to crisis.

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Learn with me Scholarship Award Ceremony

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Learn with me Scholarship Award Ceremony

You are cordially invited to attend “Learn with Me Scholarship” Award Ceremony.

We hope you can join us on this beautiful occasion to celebrate our young people achievement.

Regards,

When: Saturday Aug 7th, 2010 at

Where: The Ohio State University in the Ohio Union Cartoon Room 2nd Floor

1739 N. High Street Columbus, OH 43210 Phone: 614.688.4636

Time: 2:00 pm-7:00 pm

Parking:

Two parking adjacent to the build look.

Scholarship Information:

Learn With Me is a non-profit public interest organization dedicated to the youth of Columbus in their quest to higher education. This Ohio based organization works with wide spectrum of stakeholders- city schools, alumni, local enlightened business leaders and civic groups- to guarantee the superior preparation and performance of minority student in public city schools. Learn With Me will seek to fulfill three broad goals: The organization will provide scholarships to hard working students who are well rounded in academics and community projects or services. The program will also prepare and support students to effectively improve academic performance and sharpen any skill needed to achieve goals. Finally developing plans to generate and allocate funds in order to support dropout prevention in High schools and encourage education as a tool to succeed. Learn With Me will be the standard bearer for education reform and community Involvement.

How to contact us?

Learn with Me Minority Scholarship

605 N High Street #118, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone: 614.349.6884 Email: scholar.columbus@gmail.com

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Learn (w) Me Awards and Somali Cultural Festival!

Somali's in Columbus, OH trying to host their first Annual Somali Cultural Festival.

Stay tune the website is not finished yet under-constructions but want to check out: www.somaliculturefestival.com and leave comments.


We are getting ready for the award ceremony for the scholarship which we have to give on Aug 7th. Our scholarship targets minority student both Somali and nonsomali's.

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poster series

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Learn (with) Me Scholarship EVent

We trying to host our first Benefit event with community in mind. We hope raised enough for this scholarship fund we started to benefit our youth. We looking forward to this event... for pledges and other information please leave a comment.. Thank you
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learn with me Scholarship fund

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UNA Student Allience Poster design

I design this poster for Student organization...

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Learn with me Scholarship Fund

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Photo of Abdiroble by Tariq an exhibitions

The local seen for Somali Photographers is incridible in Columbus,OH. I attended Tariq exhibitions of Twelve Artistee amazing pictures that capture local ohionian artist.

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Somali Student Pre-College Workshop

We design Flyers and Website layouts and Business Cards...if interesting leave comment...

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The State of Somalia

I just playing with illustrator, drew some stuff so, I though I would share it with you guys...

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Somali theme website design!

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Enjoy as always...keep the heritage alive

Somali Youth Forum

Update Monday!

Thank you'll that contributed to this event. The event highlighted Somali Youth( of Columbus,OH) issues and concern voiced by the youth.

This meeting had representation from range of youth populations from college student to at risk youth. we had also, representation from host of law enforcement community, and city representatives. One thing the youth articulated were the need for recreational outlets, tutoring center for 12k.

I don't believe the city will be able to help them at this point due the limited budget feasibility. I have seen many reck center shutdown by the city due these constrains.

I have to recognize the sport Committee for endure all types of unnecessary cost, in provided transportation cost and other sacrifices the might not be obvious to you and I. I applaud them for their effort in organize ten teams to be productive citizens.

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Panel Discussion on Somalia(Abokar Arman) at the United States Institute for Peace

Abokar Arman, is the second speaker on this Audio which is very intuitive for those of the dwell on topics related to Somali issues.

International Engagement with Somalia: Audio Archive

I don't wish rip the audio from their website but Please do check out the link below..here is the link for the Audio enjoy!

http://www.usip.org/newsroom/multimedia/audio/international-engagement-somalia-audio-archive

Here is an article the speaker wrote on the Huffingtonpost:

Shariah in Lawless Somalia

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/abukar-arman/shariah-in-lawless-somali_b_318189.html

I enjoyed this article and I'm sure you'll will too. For those of you that the know Arman, he is intellectual in subjects of religion and politics. Usually, the two don't cross the same road as often. I was not present at this particular session, but I have listen to audio, the posterity of questions and argument from broad perspectives are accurate and debatable grievances. Although, there are lot of contentious remarks are the end but weight of the argument doesn't lose sensitivity . The arduous measure in place to revive the argument and shade light on the calamity of issue facing Somalia-the struggle with itself.

Let me know, your views on this discussion...

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Somali Student of North America

Somali Student of North America is holding their semi-annual winter conference in Columbus,OH

It would be held at The Ohio State University Campus!

If have a question please posted on the comment section, Thank you

Update Sunday!
I took part this event yesterday for NASSU and it was successful. For those that took part the event, I'm sure you had good time with the quality of programing that we tried to provide. The play was awesome, it delivered the a message of unity to our student population and members of community .

I have made new friend from different state that hold promising future which I note everyone to follow their footsteps... until next ...Salaam

Watch this video that pays tribute to the victims of Mogadishu suicide bomb-Medical School graduation! Moment of silence for them in their plight!

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Who pays for Somali War

This a loaded title but question is who sponsors terrorist inside Somalia and clan warfare. I bet no one is asking this question. It's a challenge I'm offering to Somali Journalist and like minded people to investigate the economic of this war in Somalia.

I have a friend who travel this summer to Mogadishu which he alleges and imply a scenario where Somali Business Organization are profiteering from the war in Somalia. As Somali American I know the cost of War to put troupes overseas; It has both implicit and explicit cost. We have to be candid about this issue special when young people are being lured to this short sell propaganda to save their country. This will require another topic of discussion.

The question is again who is paying for or profiteering from the wars in Somalia?

We have to fair minded and closed in on the enemy within us.

NY times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/world/africa/13somalia.html



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Iceland President and First African country to green Djibouti

I just attended a lecture by the Iceland President, very charming and persuasive individual. I have asked him this question,( how willing would Iceland be in sharing (green) energy technology with developing countries, in terms of investment and transfer of technology? He said, to paraphrased, his country is more than willing to share with these technologies with China, India and even African countries.

He emphasised on geothermal energy and solar energy. There was a striking moment in the conversion with audience, when he mention that Djibouti will be first every African country to go green in exploring geothermal. Surprising statement, you add Abu Dubai will build it's first zero carbon and waste city. When I got to meet him, he explained that he is having these conversion with East African leaders.

I'm hoping if East Africans get their act together in minimal effort bring real and flexible application to this Dark continent!

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Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo

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Somalia and UN discussion video

here is video a discussion on Somalia by Columbus Council World Affairs. I was attendee at this event, and founded to be informative, and engaging.

Adar foundation please support

CCWA - The United Nations in Somalia - 10/22/09 from Prodigy Video on Vimeo.

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Somali Children books for Sale!

For more information where to buy and how to get in contact with authors please leave comment. Thank you

I was at the authors lecture during her book tour to North America. Mrs. Jawahir is currently a teacher in UK. She got her teaching certificate from Bristol University, UK and got another degree from Boston University, USA. I try to post more of her biography soon.

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Newsweek Article Sayid Hassan

Here is an article that portrays Mad Mulla(Sayid Abdille Hassan) as a prelude to today's Jihadist movement. Of course, this a ridiculous assertion to make. how can you skip rest of history and forget to mention the Marshall plan and the scramble of Africa. Mad Mulla although was many things, not a jihadist-his struggle lied with colonizer of the British Empire. To call his action of patriotism an extremist act would be calling the Boston Tea incident a shameful act equally. Spare me this definitive bash that indoctrines the entire Somali populis to be carrying an innate internalization of Jihadist beginning.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/216509
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Politics

Politics Explained
FEUDALISM: You have two cows. Your lord takes some of the milk.

PURE SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and puts them in a barn with everyone else's cows. You have to take care of all of the cows. The government gives you as much milk as you need.

BUREAUCRATIC SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and put them in a barn with everyone else's cows. They are cared for by ex-chicken farmers. You have to take care of the chickens the government took from the chicken farmers. The government gives you as much milk and eggs as the regulations say you need.

FASCISM: You have two cows. The government takes both, hires you to take care of them and sells you the milk.

PURE COMMUNISM: You have two cows. Your neighbors help you take care of them, and you all share the milk.

RUSSIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. You have to take care of them, but the government takes all the milk.

CAMBODIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. The government takes both of them and shoots you.

DICTATORSHIP: You have two cows. The government takes both and drafts you.

PURE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors decide who gets the milk.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors pick someone to tell you who gets the milk.

BUREAUCRACY: You have two cows. At first the government regulates what you can feed them and when you can milk them. Then it pays you not to milk them. Then it takes both, shoots one, milks the other and pours the milk down the drain. Then it requires you to fill out forms accounting for the missing cows.

PURE ANARCHY: You have two cows. Either you sell the milk at a fair price or your neighbors try to take the cows and kill you.

LIBERTARIAN/ANARCHO-CAPITALISM: You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull.

SURREALISM: You have two giraffes. The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.

(Original source unknown . . . this version expanded and Illuminated by SJ.)

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Note to Self

Ramadan is great test that examines humility and outlook in life. Thus, everyone one is tested on their conviction. You develop sense self deprivation to weight our choices more closely. Sometimes,things we hold dear can take inimical spirit. The cliche as it goes there is price for our most revering lessons that it comes in form of blunt consequence. The lesson we get delineate to us, what mattered yesterday might not matter tomorrow. I'm sure we seen this somewhere before, appreciate what you got now whether is family, friends or anything material in this world.

Some advise on passing fasting atleast for me... visit the sick, Read the Quran, expand your horizan.


Some books I would recommend for people to read...

1. Reflections on the revolution in Europe by Christopher Caldwell
2. Red, White, and Muslim
Both of this books speak to Muslims and indulge on social issues.

in that contex, I wonder the question that these books speak to, if; they are relavent to the Somali experience abraod.

Should Somalis integrated or assimilated?


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Somali Diaspora Youth Conference: The Forgotten Generation Video

Samatar

Conference


I found these video from the past youth conference...

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Donate to Healing the Children of Somalia

Give me a feedback
Abdi Muuse Maahaay.P. O BOX 8383Rochester MN 55903 maaxaay@gmail.com

Help him out with small donation for the great cause he is performing for our people.

http://tinyurl.com/nn5vj6

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