Grandiose plans are being made to develop the world’s largest hydropower project in one of the most politically volatile and corruption–plagued areas of Africa. In February, Reuel Khoza, the chairman of South Africa–based electricity provider Eskom, announced plans to develop the massive Grand Inga hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
"Africa urgently needs energy to lift its people out of poverty and deliver sustainable development. The Congo River offers enormous opportunities for doing this," declared Khoza. Implying the project will create trickle–down benefits to help fight African poverty, he added, "Hydroelectricity from the Congo could generate more than 40,000 megawatts, enough to power Africa’s industrialization with the possibility of selling the surplus to southern Europe."
Designed as a series of 52 750MW turbine installations over the Inga Rapids on the Congo River in DRC, Grand Inga’s installed capacity would be more than twice that of the huge Three Gorges Dam in China. Financing plans for Grand Inga are just beginning. With a price tag of US$50 billion, and given DRC’s recent rating among the top 15 "most corrupt countries" in Transparency International’s latest Corruptions Perception list, concerns are growing that the project will primarily benefit local elites and multinational industrial interests but do little to ease the electricity or development needs of Africa’s poor majority.
The Inga mega–project (which includes the related Inga 3 project, described below) is one of the highest priorities for the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), and Eskom, Africa’s largest power company. Despite its priority position and high profile, very little about the project has been revealed, and virtually no engagement of civil society has been undertaken by any of the major players. There are concerns that closed–door deals for contracts to Inga could be linked to lucrative mining and logging concessions in DRC and elsewhere. Further deals such as special export zones and free trade agreements may be made to attract industry at the expense of local businesses and taxpayers. While some new business would be industrial expansion, other industries may simply shift existing production, often from other developing countries, to Southern Africa in order to capture lower production costs.
While Eskom continues to raise concerns about a coming energy shortage in Southern Africa within the next three years if no new energy sources are developed, this is not a logical rationale for building Grand Inga. Grand Inga would not be commissioned for over a decade at the earliest, while clearly exceeding the region’s predicted domestic energy needs. Its viability will rely on either a massive growth in energy–intensive industries, or the export of its electricity to as far away as Europe – and even then, it is unclear whether the project would make economic sense. Existing Inga Dams
In addition to the Grand Inga, an estimated $550 million rehabilitation of two existing dams, Inga I and Inga II, is planned. Inga I (351 MW) was built in 1972 and Inga II (1,424 MW) was built in 1982. Poor maintenance during the civil war left the two dams heavily silted and operating at only about 30% of capacity, according to the US Energy Information Administration and other sources. While the two dams are currently owned and operated by the state–owned utility, Societé Nationale d’ Electricité (SNEL), it has been rumored they will be privatized as part of their rehabilitation.
German–based Siemens received a World Bank contract in 2003 to participate in the rehabilitation of Inga I and II, and has set up an office in Kinshasa, but no further information is known at this time. A comprehensive rehabilitation agreement is currently being negotiated between several companies, including Eskom, Canadian–based companies MagAlloy and SNC–Lavalin, and Russian Aluminum (Rusal). Power purchase agreements are expected to be linked to the rehabilitation; MagAlloy has already negotiated to purchase 120MW from Inga II for its magnesium project in nearby Republic of Congo (RoC). Rusal is also considering building an aluminum smelter in RoC, which would become another significant user of Inga electricity. Electricity is already exported from Inga I and II to RoC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Stepping Up to Grand Inga
The first development phase will be the Inga 3 dam (3,500 MW), considered a stepping stone to Grand Inga. Including its 3,000 kilometers of transmission lines, this phase is estimated to cost $5.23 billion. In October 2004, the governments and utility companies of five southern African countries – South Africa, Angola, DRC, Namibia, and Botswana – signed agreements for the Western Power Corridor (Westcor), now a registered consortium in Botswana. Westcor will develop and manage power generation and transmission of the Inga 3 dam under a Build, Own, Operate agreement. Westcor’s long–term goal is developing Grand Inga, as well as proposed hydropower dams in Angola and Namibia. Each of the five utilities in the consortium has an equal stake in the company and contributed $100,000 to fund feasibility studies for the Inga projects and transmission lines. Westcor is attempting to raise additional funds through the World Bank and other development banks, as well as private sources. The World Bank has already made several recent loans for power line upgrades and extensions from the Inga sites to various southern African destinations.
The US Treasury Department plans to finance a technical assistance program for Inga 3 by providing an advisor as part of US diplomatic staff in DRC. According to African Intelligence Online, the Treasury Department’s interest stems from opportunities the project might hold for American corporations. At Whose Expense?
Proclaiming that Grand Inga will "light up Africa," Eskom and NEPAD are selling the idea that Inga will be the foundation for Africa’s industrialization, thereby being a key component in alleviating the continent’s poverty. But just as likely, its development will provide industrial economic growth for foreign businesses seeking cheap electricity and financial opportunities for Africa’s elite business and government leaders, offering few "trickle–down" benefits.
Inga’s centralized grid system is likely to do little to "light up" Africa for the 90% of people now living without electricity, most of whom live in rural areas outside the reach of power grids. Grid expansion is quite costly, and trying to reach scattered rural communities would significantly increase project costs as well as the cost of electricity. Long transmission and distribution lines also increase electricity losses (older systems can lose up to 30% through transmission and distribution losses). Based on historical trends, the trickle–down effects in the form of jobs and taxes will likely be minimal for Africa’s poorest, while also increasing unsustainable national debt loads. Potential direct impacts to locally affected peoples are unknown at this time, but remain of concern. Myth of Green Energy
"The Inga project is one that really excites us because we believe that in one fell swoop we could address the bulk of Africa’s needs and do it in a manner that is clean and environmentally friendly, by harnessing run–of–river hydroelectricity as opposed to damming up a river," Eskom’s Khoza said.
While run–of–river projects can have less damaging consequences than storage dams, they are often far from environmentally benign. The term ‘run–of–river’ is undefined, and is often therefore used to "greenwash" projects. In fact, many run–of–river dams have large dam walls, major social and environmental impacts, and even reservoirs*. The extent of barriers and diversion canals involved in this colossal project is still unclear, but the cumulative impacts of Grand Inga’s 52 turbine installations, as well as Inga 3, on the river’s flow could be considerable. Impacts to fisheries, riverine forests and river ecology will need careful study.
As more studies of GHG emissions from hydropower are conducted, scientists are finding increasing evidence that emissions from dams, especially methane, are a legitimate concern, particularly in tropical areas. The Inga projects will also need careful, independent study of their emissions impacts.
Project proponents have indicated they hope to gain a revenue stream for Inga 3 from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a program to subsidize low–carbon projects in developing countries in order to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Big hydro threatens the effectiveness and credibility of the CDM, and risks undermining the Kyoto Protocol by providing carbon reduction credits for projects that don’t actually reduce emissions or would be built regardless of credit programs. Projects like Inga 3 turn the CDM into a subsidy mechanism for hydro developers and a carbon accounting loophole for industrialized countries, instead of a tool for climate protection (see back page for more on this issue).
CDM credits for Inga 3 would also be a double blow to renewable energy in Africa. First, project investment attracted by CDM credits would divert potential investment from renewable energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal to large hydro. Second, revenue from CDM credits would divert additional CDM investment from truly sustainable projects, effectively crowding out funds for new renewables in Africa.
Development of Inga will also significantly increase Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and political instability. Climate change will bring risks to hydro–dependent economies through increases in the severity and frequency of both droughts and floods. Worsening droughts will reduce hydropower production, while increased floods threaten dam safety and may also increase sedimentation (thus shortening the useful life of dams). Climate change will add to existing environmental stresses on riverine ecosystems and watersheds. Economic feasibility, environmental impact studies and engineering plans for Inga should take into account the hydrological uncertainties of a warming world.
Political instability is a very real concern across the region where the transmission grid would be built. The ongoing violence in DRC was recently rated the world’s most forgotten crisis by Reuters. Over three million people have died since 1998 as a result of the civil war and ongoing strife in DRC. The Inga mega–project would centralize much of Africa’s electricity source and require a grid of transmission lines through many of Africa’s most politically unstable regions. Dams, power plants, and transmission lines are often made targets in political conflicts. The dependence of more countries’ economies on Inga would increase its attractiveness as a target for sabotage by rebel groups. Less than 10 years ago (in 1998), rebels seized Inga II and cut its power to Kinshasa, the capital of DRC.
Inga Mega–Project Quick Facts
* Located 150km upstream of the mouth of the Congo River, 225km downstream of Kinshasa, DRC. * Inga I and Inga II are located in the Nkokolo valley; Inga 3 will also be located here. * Grand Inga would build a dam across the entire Congo River and divert the flow into the Bundi Valley.
1. During the transition process (2003 - 2006) one third of the Congo was sold off to foreign companies without any discernible benefit to the Congo.
2. Mining titles dispensed totaled 4,542 to 642 companies.
3. 90 percent of exports from DRC are either illegal or unregulated.
4. Benefits from existing mining contracts do not account for more than 6% of the national budget. In 2002 when the country was at war the mining sector contributed as much as 30 % to the national budget.
5. Mining companies have realized gains of 600% while discernible gain to the government has not exceeded 5%.
6. Many of the companies involved in the mining review are publicly traded on the Toronto, London or New York Stock Exchanges. Some of them include Freeport-McMoRan, DeBeers, AngloAmerican, BHP Billiton.
7. The Congolese Parliament is silent on the mining contracts and the government has yet to include provincial governments and civil society.
8. Pursuant to the publication of the mining review, on Monday, March 24, 2008 the head of the Ministry of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu announced the set-up of a government panel to follow-up with the review process. It will be lead by the Minister of Agriculture.
9. A few mining companies have already intimated that they will take the DRC to international court to maintain their ill-gotten contracts.
10. As quiet as it is kept many of the government officials who signed these odious and detrimental contracts while pocketing millions of dollars are still in government including president Joseph Kabila himself. Of course the review process and follow-up does not include the pursuit of corruption charges against those involved in selling of the Congolese people's wealth.
11. Contrary to earlier statements by the Mining Ministry, the government is not going to change the Mining Code that was put in place by the World Bank in 2002. The law was clearly written in the best interest of foreign mining companies and not the Congolese people.
quote: Although much has been written about the Congo's contract review process, the essence of what is really at stake has hardly been discussed.
The central question for the Congo and Africa is who will control the Congo for the next 25 to 50 years? Will it be institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, corporate barons such as George Forrest, Dan Gertler, Benny Steinmetz, Arthur Ditto and Richard C. Adkerson or will it be the Congolese people? This has been the central question for the last 120 years of Congo's history. It is the reason why Lumumba was assassinated in 1961; Mobutu installed; Rwanda's and Uganda's double invasion of the Congo (1996 & 1998), supported by the West; and finally, the reason why the world's deafening silence in the face of 5.4 million dead Congolese and the heinous rape and abuse of hundreds of thousands of women and children.
The question for Kabila, Kasongo, Gizenga and others is will they sell out the Congolese people like Mobutu sold out Lumumba and an entire generation of Congolese?
Will they go down in history as the modern day Tshombe and Mobutu who collaborated with the West to condemn their people to four decades of sheer hell?
For all the students of development and those who lament the poverty on the African continent, this is how it happens. This is where Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine meets John Perkin's Confessions of an Economic Hitman. What we are witnessing in the Congo today is the impoverishment of yet another generation of Congolese and the institutionalization of dependency under a neo-liberal regime.
One key antidote is to shine a light on one of the greatest heist at the dawn of the 21st century and support the Congolese people who are resisting the theft of their patrimony day and night.
quote:Since you geniuses are so knowledgeble about business and economics, why don't you do it yourselves?
^ Nah, its much easier for people like Doug M to simply keep whining about it .
quote: Well, as there is a SHOOTING WAR in large parts of Congo, I don't see how ANYONE should go there with a brief case of money and expect to start a company, much less take over WHITE companies.... Not to mention the fact that WHITES aren't really interested in SELLING OFF their interests to anyone else.... especially blacks.
quote: Great series, Jack! I've actually done some business with Alieu Conteh. He's one of the friendliest, most hard-working, intelligent people one could hope to meet. A prickly thorn up the white racists collective arses, this just cannot fit in their world view
posted
More on the white industrialists who control Congo:
The FORREST GROUP:
quote: Company's Background
The birth of the FORREST GROUP goes back to 1922. This was the year in which Malta Forrest created his company in the province of KATANGA in the South of the BELGIAN CONGO( the present Democratic Republic of Congo).
From 1933 onwards, this transport company moved towards mining activities (copper, manganese, gold) and at the start of the 1950s, developed its own activities in the fields of civil engineering and public works.
In 1968, the company undertook the transformation to limited company status.
After the death of the founder, Malta FORREST, Victor ESKENAZI-FORREST and George A. FORREST became the managing directors.
In 1986, George A. FORREST took sole control of the company, and would inject it with new vitality.
He promoted the creation of the FORREST GROUP by diversifying activities and geographic locations, notably by the acquisition in 1989 of the Belgian industrial assembly company BARON & LEVEQUE INTERNATIONAL, which was given the name NEW BARON & LEVEQUE (NBLI), and a Belgian machine construction company in the highly technological field of pyrotechnics, "LACHAUSSEE", which was given the name of "NEW LACHAUSSEE".
The FORREST GROUP continued to develop with its 1992 acquisition of cement plants and a coal mine in the Democratic Republic of Conco, and its 1994 acquisition of a company of engineering and construction of lines of force in the United Arab Emirates.
Today, management in the form of a holding company, represents several companies spread out over four of the five continents.
George A. FORREST has also implemented management structures through GEORGE FORREST INTERNATIONAL, separated into two branches (GFIA and GFIE), with the following mission:
* to preserve the interests of shareholders; * to define the strategies of the group and oversee their application; * to develop synergies between the various companies in the group; * to supervise and coordinate the activities of the different companies in the group, each one preserving its management autonomy; * to manage financial, technical and human resources with a view to optimizing the operation of the FORREST GROUP and to pursue its development.
Note how the mission statement SAYS NOTHING about Africans. This is a business SOLELY operating for the benefits of white WEALTH GENERATION, industrial and economic power. NOTHING ELSE. That is why with ALL these major companies in Congo, there is only ONE cement factory. ONLY ONE. And MOST of that cement is going to sustainment of the infrastructure OF these industries and NOT the Congolese people. Situations like this are found THROUGHOUT Africa, where major mines and industrial concerns have ALL the infrastructure, power and industrial capacity they need to be SELF SUFFICIENT, while the surrounding community is LEFT TO ROT with NOTHING. There is enough construction equipment at these various industrial concerns in Congo to rebuild Kinshasha three times over and to ring the entire country with roads and bridges, yet it has not happened. THAT is what happens when you have PREDATORY economic activity in a country, which DEVOURS the country in order to make wealth for those who operate the companies. This is diametrically the OPPOSITE of DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED economic activity, which seeks to grow and DEVELOP the country in which the companies operate. Blacks and black communities = predatory economics (ghettos and slums with little or no economic power). Whites and white communites = development oriented economics (wealthy suburbs and central cities which are home to the major enterprises of the global economy).
Dan Gertler:
quote: * * Information for Investors
Dan Gertler – Founder and President
Founder of the DGI Group of Companies, Dan Gertler is a leader in the development of natural resources. His career began with investments in the diamond trade in Africa, and his interests have since grown to include mining, logistics, real estate, agriculture and finance in Africa and other emerging markets.
Born in December 1973, Dan Gertler is the grandson of Moshe Schnitzer, who was the founder and first President of the Israeli Diamond Exchange and 2004 winner of the Israel Prize (the most prestigious award issued by the State of Israel) for lifetime achievement in recognition of his contribution to Israeli society and the State.
Mr. Schnitzer was known to have encouraged his children (and grandchildren) to develop their own business enterprises, whether within or outside the diamond industry, and made family resources available for such purposes. It was within this family tradition of free and independent initiatives based on strong family backing and influence that Mr. Gertler was raised. Not only did he gain the courage and vision for his own ventures, but also the seed resources required to achieve that vision.
An enthusiastic diamond-dealer from youth, Mr. Gertler learned the secrets of the trade not only from his father but also from his grandfather’s life-long experience. He spent time with both of them during school holidays and whenever else he was able. Even while carrying out his three-year mandatory service in a rearguard base of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) near Tel Aviv, all of his free time was spent either at the offices of his father or grandfather, learning and practicing the essentials of the diamond business.
Immediately following his mandatory service in the IDF, Mr. Gertler, then aged 21, went about opening his own diamond business. Naturally, his family provided him with an extensive infrastructure of contacts, goodwill and finance.
Since his financial backing provided him with the ability to purchase substantial amounts of stocks up-front, he soon made a name for himself as a reliable source of various types, sizes and qualities of diamonds. In turn, this key quality of ‘reliability’ enabled him to develop a large downstream clientele. Mr. Gertler’s deep knowledge of the industry gave him strength in finding the appropriate type of diamonds for clients, and together with the other factors mentioned, Mr. Gertler became able to sustain a long-term diamond dealership.
posted
Yep, and people say I'm just picking on Jews. If you look in the US or Brazil, the results will be identical.
Posts: 3595 | From: Moved To Mars. Waiting with shotgun | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Doug M: More on the white industrialists who control Congo:
The FORREST GROUP:
quote: Company's Background
The birth of the FORREST GROUP goes back to 1922. This was the year in which Malta Forrest created his company in the province of KATANGA in the South of the BELGIAN CONGO( the present Democratic Republic of Congo).
From 1933 onwards, this transport company moved towards mining activities (copper, manganese, gold) and at the start of the 1950s, developed its own activities in the fields of civil engineering and public works.
In 1968, the company undertook the transformation to limited company status.
After the death of the founder, Malta FORREST, Victor ESKENAZI-FORREST and George A. FORREST became the managing directors.
In 1986, George A. FORREST took sole control of the company, and would inject it with new vitality.
He promoted the creation of the FORREST GROUP by diversifying activities and geographic locations, notably by the acquisition in 1989 of the Belgian industrial assembly company BARON & LEVEQUE INTERNATIONAL, which was given the name NEW BARON & LEVEQUE (NBLI), and a Belgian machine construction company in the highly technological field of pyrotechnics, "LACHAUSSEE", which was given the name of "NEW LACHAUSSEE".
The FORREST GROUP continued to develop with its 1992 acquisition of cement plants and a coal mine in the Democratic Republic of Conco, and its 1994 acquisition of a company of engineering and construction of lines of force in the United Arab Emirates.
Today, management in the form of a holding company, represents several companies spread out over four of the five continents.
George A. FORREST has also implemented management structures through GEORGE FORREST INTERNATIONAL, separated into two branches (GFIA and GFIE), with the following mission:
* to preserve the interests of shareholders; * to define the strategies of the group and oversee their application; * to develop synergies between the various companies in the group; * to supervise and coordinate the activities of the different companies in the group, each one preserving its management autonomy; * to manage financial, technical and human resources with a view to optimizing the operation of the FORREST GROUP and to pursue its development.
Note how the mission statement SAYS NOTHING about Africans. This is a business SOLELY operating for the benefits of white WEALTH GENERATION, industrial and economic power. NOTHING ELSE. That is why with ALL these major companies in Congo, there is only ONE cement factory. ONLY ONE. And MOST of that cement is going to sustainment of the infrastructure OF these industries and NOT the Congolese people. Situations like this are found THROUGHOUT Africa, where major mines and industrial concerns have ALL the infrastructure, power and industrial capacity they need to be SELF SUFFICIENT, while the surrounding community is LEFT TO ROT with NOTHING. There is enough construction equipment at these various industrial concerns in Congo to rebuild Kinshasha three times over and to ring the entire country with roads and bridges, yet it has not happened. THAT is what happens when you have PREDATORY economic activity in a country, which DEVOURS the country in order to make wealth for those who operate the companies. This is diametrically the OPPOSITE of DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED economic activity, which seeks to grow and DEVELOP the country in which the companies operate. Blacks and black communities = predatory economics (ghettos and slums with little or no economic power). Whites and white communites = development oriented economics (wealthy suburbs and central cities which are home to the major enterprises of the global economy).
Dan Gertler:
quote: * * Information for Investors
Dan Gertler – Founder and President
Founder of the DGI Group of Companies, Dan Gertler is a leader in the development of natural resources. His career began with investments in the diamond trade in Africa, and his interests have since grown to include mining, logistics, real estate, agriculture and finance in Africa and other emerging markets.
Born in December 1973, Dan Gertler is the grandson of Moshe Schnitzer, who was the founder and first President of the Israeli Diamond Exchange and 2004 winner of the Israel Prize (the most prestigious award issued by the State of Israel) for lifetime achievement in recognition of his contribution to Israeli society and the State.
Mr. Schnitzer was known to have encouraged his children (and grandchildren) to develop their own business enterprises, whether within or outside the diamond industry, and made family resources available for such purposes. It was within this family tradition of free and independent initiatives based on strong family backing and influence that Mr. Gertler was raised. Not only did he gain the courage and vision for his own ventures, but also the seed resources required to achieve that vision.
An enthusiastic diamond-dealer from youth, Mr. Gertler learned the secrets of the trade not only from his father but also from his grandfather’s life-long experience. He spent time with both of them during school holidays and whenever else he was able. Even while carrying out his three-year mandatory service in a rearguard base of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) near Tel Aviv, all of his free time was spent either at the offices of his father or grandfather, learning and practicing the essentials of the diamond business.
Immediately following his mandatory service in the IDF, Mr. Gertler, then aged 21, went about opening his own diamond business. Naturally, his family provided him with an extensive infrastructure of contacts, goodwill and finance.
Since his financial backing provided him with the ability to purchase substantial amounts of stocks up-front, he soon made a name for himself as a reliable source of various types, sizes and qualities of diamonds. In turn, this key quality of ‘reliability’ enabled him to develop a large downstream clientele. Mr. Gertler’s deep knowledge of the industry gave him strength in finding the appropriate type of diamonds for clients, and together with the other factors mentioned, Mr. Gertler became able to sustain a long-term diamond dealership.
quote:Originally posted by Doug M: More on the white industrialists who control Congo:
The FORREST GROUP:
quote: Company's Background
The birth of the FORREST GROUP goes back to 1922. This was the year in which Malta Forrest created his company in the province of KATANGA in the South of the BELGIAN CONGO( the present Democratic Republic of Congo).
From 1933 onwards, this transport company moved towards mining activities (copper, manganese, gold) and at the start of the 1950s, developed its own activities in the fields of civil engineering and public works.
In 1968, the company undertook the transformation to limited company status.
After the death of the founder, Malta FORREST, Victor ESKENAZI-FORREST and George A. FORREST became the managing directors.
In 1986, George A. FORREST took sole control of the company, and would inject it with new vitality.
He promoted the creation of the FORREST GROUP by diversifying activities and geographic locations, notably by the acquisition in 1989 of the Belgian industrial assembly company BARON & LEVEQUE INTERNATIONAL, which was given the name NEW BARON & LEVEQUE (NBLI), and a Belgian machine construction company in the highly technological field of pyrotechnics, "LACHAUSSEE", which was given the name of "NEW LACHAUSSEE".
The FORREST GROUP continued to develop with its 1992 acquisition of cement plants and a coal mine in the Democratic Republic of Conco, and its 1994 acquisition of a company of engineering and construction of lines of force in the United Arab Emirates.
Today, management in the form of a holding company, represents several companies spread out over four of the five continents.
George A. FORREST has also implemented management structures through GEORGE FORREST INTERNATIONAL, separated into two branches (GFIA and GFIE), with the following mission:
* to preserve the interests of shareholders; * to define the strategies of the group and oversee their application; * to develop synergies between the various companies in the group; * to supervise and coordinate the activities of the different companies in the group, each one preserving its management autonomy; * to manage financial, technical and human resources with a view to optimizing the operation of the FORREST GROUP and to pursue its development.
Note how the mission statement SAYS NOTHING about Africans. This is a business SOLELY operating for the benefits of white WEALTH GENERATION, industrial and economic power. NOTHING ELSE. That is why with ALL these major companies in Congo, there is only ONE cement factory. ONLY ONE. And MOST of that cement is going to sustainment of the infrastructure OF these industries and NOT the Congolese people. Situations like this are found THROUGHOUT Africa, where major mines and industrial concerns have ALL the infrastructure, power and industrial capacity they need to be SELF SUFFICIENT, while the surrounding community is LEFT TO ROT with NOTHING. There is enough construction equipment at these various industrial concerns in Congo to rebuild Kinshasha three times over and to ring the entire country with roads and bridges, yet it has not happened. THAT is what happens when you have PREDATORY economic activity in a country, which DEVOURS the country in order to make wealth for those who operate the companies. This is diametrically the OPPOSITE of DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED economic activity, which seeks to grow and DEVELOP the country in which the companies operate. Blacks and black communities = predatory economics (ghettos and slums with little or no economic power). Whites and white communites = development oriented economics (wealthy suburbs and central cities which are home to the major enterprises of the global economy).
Dan Gertler:
quote: * * Information for Investors
Dan Gertler – Founder and President
Founder of the DGI Group of Companies, Dan Gertler is a leader in the development of natural resources. His career began with investments in the diamond trade in Africa, and his interests have since grown to include mining, logistics, real estate, agriculture and finance in Africa and other emerging markets.
Born in December 1973, Dan Gertler is the grandson of Moshe Schnitzer, who was the founder and first President of the Israeli Diamond Exchange and 2004 winner of the Israel Prize (the most prestigious award issued by the State of Israel) for lifetime achievement in recognition of his contribution to Israeli society and the State.
Mr. Schnitzer was known to have encouraged his children (and grandchildren) to develop their own business enterprises, whether within or outside the diamond industry, and made family resources available for such purposes. It was within this family tradition of free and independent initiatives based on strong family backing and influence that Mr. Gertler was raised. Not only did he gain the courage and vision for his own ventures, but also the seed resources required to achieve that vision.
An enthusiastic diamond-dealer from youth, Mr. Gertler learned the secrets of the trade not only from his father but also from his grandfather’s life-long experience. He spent time with both of them during school holidays and whenever else he was able. Even while carrying out his three-year mandatory service in a rearguard base of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) near Tel Aviv, all of his free time was spent either at the offices of his father or grandfather, learning and practicing the essentials of the diamond business.
Immediately following his mandatory service in the IDF, Mr. Gertler, then aged 21, went about opening his own diamond business. Naturally, his family provided him with an extensive infrastructure of contacts, goodwill and finance.
Since his financial backing provided him with the ability to purchase substantial amounts of stocks up-front, he soon made a name for himself as a reliable source of various types, sizes and qualities of diamonds. In turn, this key quality of ‘reliability’ enabled him to develop a large downstream clientele. Mr. Gertler’s deep knowledge of the industry gave him strength in finding the appropriate type of diamonds for clients, and together with the other factors mentioned, Mr. Gertler became able to sustain a long-term diamond dealership.
quote: ^ Nah, its much easier for people like Doug M to simply keep whining about it .
Who is whining? The only one who should be whining is you because YOU claimed that NO WHITES were active in exploiting Africa's resources. YOU claimed that this is all simply DUMB BLACKS who can't get their acts together. The point is that YOU were wrong and ONLY want to DEFEND the white establishment. So OF COURSE anyone who GOES AGAINST the presence and growth of WHITE ECONOMIC INTERESTS is whining, even when it IS OBVIOUS that these interests are WORKING AGAINST the interests of blacks. But in YOUR WORLD, that is no big deal. Of course it isn't. But in the REAL WORLD where Africans want to REMOVE SUCH PARASITES from themselves so they can LIVE, it is a big deal.
In fact, it almost seems as if you ARE PROUD of the activities and accomplishments of WHITES in Africa, as if it is a CRUTCH for your ego. It almost seems that you LIKE the fact that so much of Africa is in CHAOS while whites seem to be living the EPITOME of the capitalist industrialist dream.
This isn't about whining, it is about facts. The problem with you is that YOU defend those who would do HARM to Africans and want to pretend that such forces do not EXIST as an impediment to African PROGRESS.
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
^Africans must become like water. NOTHING, not the largest ROCK on EARTH can stop water from making it to its destination - THE SEA.
The African problem inspires me. No other group has such a huge challenge ... and if there's one thing I know about challenges, it's that the bigger it is - the bigger the rewards for overcoming it.
Posts: 3423 | From: the jungle - when y'all stop playing games, call me. | Registered: Jul 2006
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I still find it funny that people decide to pop on here, and assume others aren't doing sht, .. who probably aren't doing shyt themselves.
quote:Originally posted by theaxster: Great series, Jack! I've actually done some business with Alieu Conteh. He's one of the friendliest, most hard-working, intelligent people one could hope to meet. A prickly thorn up the white racists collective arses, this just cannot fit in their world view
Well said, sir.
quote:Originally posted by Mmmkay:
^ Nah, its much easier for people like Doug M to simply keep whining about it .
Nice dodge.
quote:Originally posted by Doug M: Who is whining? The only one who should be whining is you because YOU
quote:Originally posted by Alive-(What Box): ^I agree.
He misinterprets Doug, though he has a point.
I still find it funny that people decide to pop on here, and assume others aren't doing sht, .. who probably aren't doing shyt themselves.
No one stated that a minority of individuals are not being active. The point is globally the statistics tell the story when individual achievement is used as a measure of progress. The reality of the impact of individual achievement on blacks worldwide are in the noise.
Here's Michael Jordan's spread.
Posts: 3595 | From: Moved To Mars. Waiting with shotgun | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
Yes of course it is true that black people are the only ones who can get themselves out of the situation they are in. However it is NOT true that blacks are SOLELY responsible for BEING in this situation in the first place. Those are two TOTALLY and FUNDAMENTALLY different things.
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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^ Doug, if it were the 1940/50s, I would agree, but today with thousands of black psychiatrists, Doctors, lawyers, teachers, and tens of millions of other professionals I'd have to make the case that black progress IS indeed in black hands, decision making, and leadership selection.
Blacks have been promoting positive black imagery now for 50 years, and we are fully aware of the tricks and traps whites have used for centuries against us. That we still intentionally or unintentionally continue to place our feet directly into the bear trap can only be blamed on ourselves.
Many of our educated have an invested interest in maintaining status quo.They prefer integration over freedom. Falling into the trap that success is measured on accumulation of material possessions rather then monumental achievement.
Change is not easy, but nothing worthwhile is.
Africa, as well as Black America NEEDS to industrialize. I mean industrialize in an independent way, outside of the mainstream white environment. We are in position to develop a tremendous market among blacks and people of color worldwide such as Asia and South America. The sole obstacle to achieving this is, lack of organization. The obvious benefit is, with economic freedom which leads to physical and psychological freedom.
Personally, I can't wait. 100% of my customers are white. I've been waiting now for over a decade, but aside for services related industries, black industrial progress has progressed rather slowly.
Posts: 3595 | From: Moved To Mars. Waiting with shotgun | Registered: Dec 2006
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quote: Yes of course it is true that black people are the only ones who can get themselves out of the situation they are in. However it is NOT true that blacks are SOLELY responsible for BEING in this situation in the first place. Those are two TOTALLY and FUNDAMENTALLY different things.
I see nothing in your post that contradicts the above statement. In fact, you reinforce it. If traps and tricks are still being put out there to catch people, then you can't simply blame the person CAUGHT in the trap, you ALSO have to BLAME the people who PUT the trap there in the first place.... don't you think? The point is that such traps and tricks STILL EXIST and the goal is not to simply avoid them, but to remove them completely and the ONLY people that can do this are blacks. Many blacks don't realize that the traps are still there.
And while on the subject of traps and how these traps are the STILL there due to PURPOSEFUL white policies, think about this. MOST BLACKS around the world STILL live in slums and tenements, with poor schools, health care and housing. This goes for Europe, Africa, South America and the United States. HOW IS THAT a coincidence? And in these environments blacks are suffering from HIGH CRIME and incarceration. Again, the SAME PATTERN among black folks EVERYWHERE. This IS NOT a coincidence.
And all that crap about blacks being responsible is impossible. Blacks DO NOT control the schools in most of these places outside Africa. Blacks DO NOT have the MONEY to rebuild these cities and neighborhoods they live in. Blacks DO NOT control the economics of their communities. Blacks DO NOT own major gun factories and arms industries. So OBVIOUSLY someone else who DOES control all these things is in control of the situation. And these SAME FOLKS are the ones telling black folks to "get a job" and "get an education", but that job and education is NEVER designed to REVERSE the pattern of economic and social isolation and disintegration for MOST BLACKS. The message to most whites is not "get a job", it is "start a business" and "globalize", which means use cheap labor from around the world and exploit places like Africa for resources. It is a message of global economic dominance and strength. The message BLACKS get is "get a job", which means be subservient to the power and economic control of OTHERS as opposed to being independent. It is designed to REINFORCE it and provide a BLACK BUFFER CLASS to maintain it because they DEPEND on the system for their WEALTH and STATUS.
As for the statement about economic independence and industrialization, again you reinforce the above statement.
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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OK, let's agree to spend dollars with BLACK companies by beginning to identify them and distribute a list to enable blacks to find them and support them through purchasing.
Objective number 1: These must be Black owned, not black selling for white companies acting as middlemen.
Black Company List:
Black Banks:
-Carver Bancorp, Inc. Deborah Wright, President & CEO 75 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 (212)876-4747 | FAX (212)426-6214
-The Harbor Bank of Maryland Joseph Haskins, CEO 25 West Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410)528-1800 | FAX (410)528-1420
-Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta James E Young, President & CEO 75 Piedmont Avenue Atlanta, GA 30303 (404)653-2800 | FAX (404)584-7766
-Founders National Bank of Los Angeles John Kelly, President & CEO 3910 W. MLK, Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (213)290-4848 | FAX (213)290-3313
Automobile Companies:
Electric Utility Companies
Gas Utility Companies:
Black Agriculture Companies:
Black Mortgage Companies:
Black Insurance Companies:
Atlanta Life Insurance Company Charles H Cornelius, President & CEO 100 Auburn Avenue N.E. Herndon Plaza Atlanta, GA 30303 (404)659-2100 | FAX (404)654-8808
-Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Co. Larkin Teasley, President & CEO 1999 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (213)731-1131 | FAX (213)732-2139
-Booker T. Washington Insurance Company Kirkwood R Balton, Chairman, President & CEO 1728 3rd Avenue, North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205)328-5454 | FAX (205)251-6873
Black Computer Manufacturing companies:
Black Medical Equipment Manufacturing Companies:
Black owned Airline Companies:
Black Transportation Companies:
Black Internet Service Provider Companies:
Black Telephone Companies:
I think this beginning probably represents from 50-75% of the money individual blacks spend per month from their paychecks for necessities to live, work, and communicate. Beyond that, we have additional companies that PRODUCE such as mining, processing, fabrication, etc.
Posts: 3595 | From: Moved To Mars. Waiting with shotgun | Registered: Dec 2006
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When I tell something to someone, it's because I hate distortion and because I care (about them).
In real life it's different, but I've learned that on the net to .. keep my concern to US (black Americans), besides many white folk simply wish to believe in the Euro-disney-ish things they wish to believe in, and it's hard being concerned for too long when the ones that matter are in need. (not to sound racist)
Dougs main goal, is to stop our own mis-haps AGAINST ourselves that only happen becaus of Uncle Ruckus Syndrome, like what that one black 8-year old girl who was rased by Klan members in New York had.
Though people do complain, it is better to point out how it is that they are complaining (?) rather than to provoke Doug into another spam.
(it's not spam as in worthless, because they need to be put on blast, but it's spam because of the sheer amount)
Doug, you need to just ask if mmmkay is insinuating that you are complaining, and if he things so to point out where.
What he is doing is the equivalent of:
Telling your younger brother that when 'they' told him 2+2 was 5, it was BULL.
posted
^ Mmmkay has too much South Park in her head to know about complexities of African problems. She used Botswana for gods sake as a model of black success!
Posts: 4165 | From: jamaica | Registered: May 2008
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Schools, coaches, mentors, parents tell us that success is gauged by the amount of money you earn and how well you care for your family...but does that include helping to indoctrinate your family to be good slaves working within the corporate or academic plantations of today.
Looking at the top 100 black owned technology corporations in America (Black Enterprise Top 100), we see the highest grossing companies are centered around the Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland area. We also see their main product is providing support or distribution to major US Government agencies, such as; Department Of Homeland Security, US Department Of Criminal Justice, etc. Obviously, since these government agencies are the same responsible for monitoring, reporting and building cases against black citizens, these black companies being totally dependent of their revenue from these agencies cannot be actively pro-Africa, Pro-Black, or pro anything else outside of the US mainstream arena, else they seriously put their conservative contracts at risk, therefore, they are heavily invested in maintaining status quo.
With everything, there is a trade-off, so while these companies are showing gross sales in the 10s of millions of dollar range, they are also assisting in nurturing and building the systems you guys here are complaining of. Let's not forget that, if you are employed by the American Airlines, Boeings, or universities of the world and earning 5-6 figures, this is only so because you are earning 8-9 figures for whites.
As the saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Some decisions are complex and require real sacrifice for changing the big picture in a meaningful, long term fashion. Given the choice, would you make the same decision as above, or would you instead seek to expand beyond assisting in your own demise and attempt to begin something new and focus on building REAL black businesses resulting in the elimination of the need to focus on what whites are or are not doing?
Posts: 3595 | From: Moved To Mars. Waiting with shotgun | Registered: Dec 2006
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When I tell something to someone, it's because I hate distortion and because I care (about them).
In real life it's different, but I've learned that on the net to .. keep my concern to US (black Americans), besides many white folk simply wish to believe in the Euro-disney-ish things they wish to believe in, and it's hard being concerned for too long when the ones that matter are in need. (not to sound racist)
Dougs main goal, is to stop our own mis-haps AGAINST ourselves that only happen becaus of Uncle Ruckus Syndrome, like what that one black 8-year old girl who was rased by Klan members in New York had.
Though people do complain, it is better to point out how it is that they are complaining (?) rather than to provoke Doug into another spam.
(it's not spam as in worthless, because they need to be put on blast, but it's spam because of the sheer amount)
Doug, you need to just ask if mmmkay is insinuating that you are complaining, and if he things so to point out where.
What he is doing is the equivalent of:
Telling your younger brother that when 'they' told him 2+2 was 5, it was BULL.
Arguement done.
My main goal is to reinforce the idea that blacks have not "made" it yet and that blacks should not be lulled to sleep because SOME black folks are getting jobs. Blacks did not go through 400 years of slavery and oppression to become glorified salary hos for corporate America or corporate Europe. Getting ahead in a REAL sense, from a nationalistic point of view means being in CONTROL, control of ones land, resources and economics, NONE of which black folks have in any real measure. But many black folks believe in the corporate propaganda of just getting a job and having a house as the solution to black folks problems. If that was the case, then why are blacks in so much worse shape today, even WITH more blacks having jobs and presumably houses?
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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He talks a lot of nice sounding stuff, but last I checked the NONE of the nice sounding things he speaks of have been experienced by BLACK South Africans. South African history for blacks is NOT a history of generosity, kindness and prosperity. THAT is what kills me with blacks who spend so much time speaking of the brotherhood of man, but THEY HAVE NOT experienced from WHITES. So what gives? Sure, it is nice to be kind and generous, but what does THAT have to do with the BAD TREATMENT and UN GENEROUS behavior of WHITES towards blacks in South Africa for the last 300 years and the POVERTY of blacks because of this? How can you be generous if you dont HAVE anything to give and what HAS been given was not given WILLINGLY but TAKEN FROM YOU through oppression and FORCE? Sounds like some people just have to much CHRISTIAN BRAINWASHING in them that STOPS THEM from calling the history of South Africa RACIST and NOT a vision of peaceful utopia and cooperation between blacks and whites. It wasn't. And blacks CERTAINLY ARE NOT enjoying any sort of benefits from this fantasy period of BROTHERHOOD and TOGETHERNESS in South Africa.
Ultimately, many blacks in South Africa are confused, and this is the ONLY reason why they would attack black foreigners and not the whites who PUT THEM in the positions they are in in the first place.
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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He talks a lot of nice sounding stuff, but last I checked the NONE of the nice sounding things he speaks of have been experienced by BLACK South Africans.
^ You know I was thinking the same thing when I first saw him on youtube.
Posts: 4165 | From: jamaica | Registered: May 2008
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posted
That is exactly what I mean by blacks that think they have "made it" and therefore do not even begin to CONTEMPLATE the fact that they are caught in a struggle to RE-BUILD the black nation after years of devastation due to oppression and conquest. Such rebuilding, national development, industrialization and economic growth cannot happen as long as you believe that the last 400 years were simply an interaction of cultures and the flowering of brotherhood. It also cannot happen as long as you believe that you will benefit from this 400 years of peaceful exchanges as a result of a gradual trickling down of the benefits of those exchanges to the black masses. Such concepts are totally in CONTRADICTION to the facts and only promote INACTION towards the aims of African nationality, which is to RE BUILD African communities and infrastructure, develop AFRICAN industries and to promote the BENEFITS of education, knowledge, resources and labor FOR AFRICANS in the 21st century. America has only taken the lead in terms of industry and technology in the last 200 years. 200 years is NOT a long time. Africans can ALSO develop into a world class leader in technology and industry in the NEXT 200 years, only if the MINDSET of Africa's leaders and populations are GEARED towards such a goal. Nothing happens without planting the seed and this seed MUST be planted in order to bear fruit. NOTHING happens by coincidence, it takes effort and determination to make these things happen. This world is certainly NOT about brotherhood and sharing, it is about getting down and dirty and tussling for what is yours and your RIGHT to grow and develop.
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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quote:Originally posted by KING: All right let me understand something.
From what I have read there is two different viewpoints.
One says that Africa is struggling because they did not really win independance from the Europeans. And the euros still control most of the resources.
Another says that places like Botswana who are doing good should be what other African Countries should strive to be like.
Me personaly I just hope that Africans realize to move forward they have to accept *ALL* people in there countries and stop the hate. I understand that Europeans came to Africa during colonial times, but the ones that remain should not be hated. The government should have enough backbone to slowly give land to farmers that are Black and not out right take all the land from White Farmers. Black, White etc people are going to have to realize that they are all Africans. The whites born in Africa have as much right to Africa like the Blacks. We must stop thinking in a divisional way and try to divide people simply over what skin color they are. Mental slavery has still attacking and hating based on skin color. *ALL* Africans should want there continent to flourish. Be they Black, White, Asian, Arab. The first step is for some kind of Black consious movement to happen in Africa where it spreads all over the countries. Too much senseless wars and hate between Africans. Africans must put the guns down and realize they are being used. While they fight eachother someone is getting rich off of the minerals in Africa and it is definetly not Africans. The puppet goverenments have Africans hating eachother for a reason. Alot of these gov't puppets keep the money they steal in European Banks.
Africans must stop hating the non-Africans in there countries. I will always say the way ahead is for all people to come together. One people working towards a common goal of freedom. The problem is that the Africans must stop allowing themselves to be divided along ethnic differences. Mental Slavery is hard to break but it must be done for Africans to get ahead. They should realize the governments give contracts to european companies because it is easier to line there own pockets. The people must realize that they are the majority and put governments in that want to help the people and is for the people.
I will also end with this, stop division. Stop the hate and Blame on Whites and realize we all need each other, were all under attack by a minority who controls us and keeps us divided on purpose. We have to come together and learn from each other. Were all under attack. We tried hate, war, and envy. It did not work. Now we must try Love the most powerful weapon we have. Free your mind.
Peace
Stop it! Just stop it!
Whites born in Africa DO NOT have as much right to Africa as Blacks. Whites already believe they have the natural right to own and control any and everything they see fit. What the hell do you think global white supremacy is all about? Africa did not get in the current state it's in without the constant meddling of whites and other foreigners. This is a major problem with you spineless, weak-minded apologist; you believe everything works in a vacuum - the world is a Utopia. Your perception of reality is flawed. Your entire philosophy is counterproductive and self-destructive to any possible black advancement in Africa. Western agents and saboteurs love to recruit people like you, King. Perhaps you have spent too much time in Canada being brainwashed by whites.
Wherever blacks, arabs and whites are cohabitants in Africa there's always conflict and tyranny. Whenever there's conflict there is oppression. And when there's oppression black people are relegated to the lowest level of the social order at the hands of whites an arabs. Arabs and whites will have it no other way. If the role were reversed on either the European or Asian continents, whites and arabs would organize unconditionally and rebuke against black advancement. They would never tolerate second class citizenship to black people under any circumstance. Why should it be any different for blacks in Africa?
There's no reasoning or compromising. You can't compromise with whites and arabs for peace, justice and social equality. Africans, arabs and whites in Africa have not lived in peace together. You can't live in harmony and compromise with them unless they ascertain and assume total control of all economic, political, and social affairs over black Africans.
Here is a youtube video of disgruntled whites in South Africa which illustrates my point perfectly.
In the video the boer woman says: "we are fighting for our land."
JMT: Their land?! Their land is six thousand miles away in the Dutch Netherlands and England.
Boer woman says: "there must be much more job opportunities for people like my people."
JMT: whites never were concerned about job opportunities for anyone other than themselves.
Boer woman says: "we are fighting all the time to survive."
JMT: Blacks were fighting all the time for their survival the moment whites invaded the Cape over three hundred years ago.
Boer woman says: "we must be aware that we mustn't be discriminated against."
JMT: I shouldn't have to elaborate on this.
Boer woman says: "the thing is not in balance anymore."
JMT: WTF! Essentially this boer woman is saying things were in "balance" when whites ruled by the gun with fear and terrorism under the apartheid regime. White folk are a MF'n trip.
Bottom line, whites came to Africa in force, not in peace. This made all the difference. They came as invaders, killers, conquers, swindlers and pirates. Should blacks shed a tear for them? HELL NO! Whites are never interested in equality, justice, race relations nor integration until blacks forced their hand and whites began to witness their grip on power erode (slightly). Now they bellow for justice and equality.
Equal opportunity for all is low priority when the white/arab ruling class sits comfortably in the drivers seat. Shift the white/arab driver to the passenger seat and suddenly equality and any other social construct becomes top priority for all people - especially whites/arabs.
whites who make up a mere 4% of the population in SA monopolize 95% of the economy and 85% of the land have it pretty damn good. In many instances better than whites in America or Europe. And you believe whites are entitled to all the fruits and benefits Africa has to offer? The hell with you, King.
When the white demographic decrease, when fewer good jobs are available for whites or their lifestyle and system of values is disrupted, you will then hear whites speak of race relations and equality for all as you witnessed in this video. It's not until then do we all have to "get along" nonsense.
Posts: 148 | From: Sirius | Registered: Sep 2006
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This is what comes from the brainwashing of the white Eurocentric educational establishment.
It makes blacks believe that they are better off because Europeans brought them civilization.
But that is NOT what Europeans brought them. What they brought them was white supremacy and military, economic, industrial and cultural imperialism which was BUILT on the BACKS of blacks using slavery and oppression.
As long as blacks believe that whites GAVE them civilization, then they will accept the idea that civilization is defined by blacks on the BOTTOM of the ladder economically, socially, politically and militarily and, of course, whites on top. Which means that they will accept and PROMOTE white supremacy. It means THEY ACCEPT having to "work their way up" from the ABSOLUTE BOTTOM of the of the ladder, which DOES NOT go all the way to the top. It means that they accept their continued slavery to the economic and political system THAT DOES NOTHING FOR THEM or THEIR BENEFIT.
Yes, it means they accept a vision of SELF DESTRUCTION that has NOTHING to do with reality, as Africans and EVERYONE ELSE had civilization LONG BEFORE Europe was thought about. And Europe is NOT a cradle of civilization. Therefore, they cannot BRING something they did not ORIGINATE. But that is the purpose of the white educational establishment, which is to REVERSE THAT FACT and PUSH Europe as some cradle of mankind's historical development, WHEN IT WASN'T and the MODERN development of Europe as an extension of this, when it is not. Modern Europe's development is due to OPPRESSION and DESTRUCTION, nothing else.
Posts: 8896 | Registered: May 2005
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, I too noticed (and so did he) how .. naive (a tinge) it sounds.
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