Disturbing article and video explaining how Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street firms, created and then profitted from the 2005-2008 food crisis. In the words of that old Jamaican adage: “Hell gwaawn full!”
Article: Johann Hari: How Goldman gambled on starvation
Video: The Food Bubble: How Wall Street Starved Millions and Got Away With It
afrospear.wordpress.com 
We thank you for the wisdom and ask you this one question, if all of these countries were self sufficient and did not depend on the former colonizers agricultural production, could this not be avoided? We respectfully await and anticipate you response.
N3, I wish the solution was as simple as these countires, particularly in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, being self-sufficient in their food/agricultural production to meet all their needs. Climate change, issues surrounding genetically engineered foods (grains and animals), as well as being enslaved by cash crop production and unfair trade practices, are only some of the factors which need to be addressed to seek a solution.
What do you offer in ways for a solution to this dilemna?
Asabagna, as you stated there is no quick fix but what do you think about a unification of the continent (eliminating colonial borders that were never there in the first place) and then an assertion of culture and cultural views each applied to the individual issues you stated. Sort of like you know what you like to eat, so it is best to let you choose your next meal because you know you better than anybody else.
Its like using sun tan lotion when you have a high melanin content – the sun tan lotion is for those with little to no melanin content (vis a vis all europeans). Because as you know melanin naturally filters the sun’s ultra violet rays.
What do you see the solution being ?
@N3,
Unification of the African continent, i.e., the elimination of colonial borders, although a noble exercise in pan-african intellectual discourse, as well as the title of a great song by Bob Marley, will never happen! Not because the “white man” won’t allow it, but primarily because the African political leadership benefit vastly from this alignment. And let’s say that it did happen, what would be the result? I’m afraid (but certain) that those such as Gaddafi and Mugabe, would claim a right to the leadership of such an African Union, for their own aggrandisement to the detriment of the African people. It would make exploitation of the common African people by this type of African leadership much easier… for the ultimate benefit for neocolonists, whether they be in America, Europe, Russia, India or China!
Your second point “an assertion of culture and cultural views each applied to the individual issues you stated” is more doable, but problematic in that Africa is not made up of one, homogeneous culture. There would therefore be some conflicts to overcome in dealing with similar issues from different cultural perspectives.
All this goes back to what we agree upon: there is no quick fix. Certainly not “one” solution to fix all that ails Africa and/or those of us of the African diaspora. Which leads into something I have been meditating on recently, the idea of “Afrofuturism”, i.e., what does the future hold for those of African descent… individually, as a community, as a diaspora, as a nation-state and as a continent? What are the concrete, pragmatic things we need to do as an individual, as a community, as a diaspora, as nation-states, and as a continent to survive, strive and live!?
More and more this is becoming a focus of mine. We need to look to our future in contemplating the variety of solutions that we need to employ. I will be expounding more on this idea of Afrofuturism and all ideas are welcome.
@asabagna
We all know there will be obstacles for everything but in the obstacles that were stated the one benefit is time – no one lives forever ideologies change across generations. As the problem has been identified what is the solution to what you stated? They say that to know the problem is half of the solution – it seems that you are close.
China unified – anything is possible.
In focusing on the future, are you looking in terms of advancing fields of which we are readily present or creating new ones?
We cant quite find our footing with this response but something is better than nothing.
I believe the first step is reversing the divide and conquer mentality that too many of us have. That’s their very effective tactic that’s worked on us for 500 years!
That’s the very first and very difficult step. Reversing divide and conquer throughout the entire diaspora and the Continent!
Then we are able to get together and strategize on how to do whatever else needs to be done.
In the words of Marcus Mosiah Garvey–Up! You mighty black race! You CAN accomplish what you WILL!
Where did Mosiah fail in his approach because he performed a feat unlike any other?
Im going to do more research about father Marcus Mosiah Garvey
We look forward to your analysis and research.
I don’t think that Marcus failed in his approach. He started in his place and accomplished so much and its up to us to catch the baton he passed and continue the struggle.
He definitely influenced many black people and put some stiff in their spines.
No failure whatsoever.
@Anna Renee
Do you feel that knowing thyself will destroy most of that mentality of divide and conquer?
We have noticed that those who know their great legacy and rich history are more grounded and have a more solid foundation. Because they know their legacy, thoughts?
Yes I think it’s a first step. Then we would have to strategize concerning the next steps. I have no idea of how, but I know that black minds put to positive use is the power that is greatly feared. I know if we black people had absolute unity, we could accomplish our liberation. We simply would not be stoppable.
By the way, your website and blog are fantastic and I got you blogrolled at my own blog, Anna Renee is Still Talking
http://nachalooman.wordpress.com
You share a mind of the great malcolm x, we were told that he made the same statement – if africa and africans elsewhere connected the possibilities would be endless. There have been various articles in magazines such as Black Enterprise that speak towards our counterparts always wanting to know if we are looking to partner with one another – as you said “greatly feared” that alone explains the reason why.
Some would say that we have unity but its just in the too many directions.
We are deeply honoured by your sincere compliment and are very glad that our vision (which is your vision collectively) found a place within and around you. We have subscribed to your blog as well – curious to read about the Haitian migrant workers ordeal when time allows
Poor choice of words – we agree that Marcus did not fail but we were simply asking if you evaluate his methods where were the weaknesses so that those who carry the baton can reinstate his approach but not make the same mistakes.
@N3
“In focusing on the future, are you looking in terms of advancing fields of which we are readily present or creating new ones?”
Both.
Like Sis. Anna I find your website and blog interesting. I will feature your website this week in our “Chocolate Sundaze”, i.e., blog of the week section. Keep up the good work!
Thank you brother for the compliment as well, we are glad our blog and website found a home within and around you. It would be an honor to have our blog featured – many thanks!
Congratulations on being able to visit the homeland and receive your true name….that must of been a surreal experience! For whom much is given, much is expected. Sorry to hear about your parents home country of Jamaica they say its getting rougher out there.
Good News though “The town of Falmouth will have two ocean liners docking at its docks in November hopefully generating capital:
Article: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100815/lead/lead3.html
If you have the time, we would love for you to complete our online interview same for you too Sis. Renee: http://www.nubiannewsnetwork.com/YOUR-INTERVIEW.html
What new fields if you do not mind us asking?