----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2000 1:09 PM
Subject: [panafricanperspective] Slavery in Sudan, by Joe Madison
> We must not pretend that slavery does not exist. It is alive and well in
> much of Africa, and in some cases it is just as vicious as the institution of
> slavery that existed in this country. I am usually tolerant of people's
> cultures regarding traditions and rituals, but what is happening to the Dinka
> in Sudan leaves no room for tolerance - it is outright cruel. To have a
> united Africa, we must have a united people (at least to a degree). Africa
> is a continent, diverse in her people, and in many cases (such as with the
> Dogon of Mali, the Massai in Kenya, the Denegal of Ethiopa, etc.), these
> ancient traditions will remain in tact; a unified Africa does not mean the
> destruction of Africa. There is no justification for the atrocities
> inflicted upon the Dinka by fanatics. Although I have never seen his
> program, talk show host, Joe Madison, appeared on Tony Brown's Journal giving
> a report of his findings in Sudan: <A
> HREF="http://www.joemadison.com/madisudan.html">Black Eagle in Sudan</A>.
> This is an outrage, and something should be done to disperse this inhumane
> treatment. However, what Mr. Madison suggested is not the answer. A couple
> of days ago I posted to several individuals and The Black List, concerning
> another gentleman who seemed to have the same solution as Mr. Madison, and I
> gave the reason why what they think is a solution will not work: "I recall
> the latter message when the school children raised the money for the release
> of Sudanese slaves, after which many other organizations jumped on the
> bandwagon. Please be advised that this is a total waste of money. In fact,
> it has turned into a lucrative business for the Sudanese slaveholder. I have
> sent this message out at least 25 times, but people are still believing they
> can free the slaves. What has happened, and what has been happening all
> along, is that after the slaveholder is paid, he releases the slaves.
> However, as soon as the beneficiary is out of sight, the slaves are
> recaptured. Then this little game starts all over again. Someone else goes
> to Sudan and buys the freedom for some slaves, only to have them recaptured
> and once again enslaved. This game is making the slaveholder quite rich.
> What is needed is an alternative to this predicament, and if anyone comes up
> with a creative solution, they should put it forth. Also, think about the
> logic - why would a slaveholder get rid of his slaves? The money is not
> going to replace the slaves. He has slaves, because he feels he needs them,
> and he is able to acquire them."
>
> We must not stop working towards a United States of Africa, as this is a
> vision that must be realized; we should be able to deal with diverse
> cultures, but we should not have to deal with perverted acts. I feel we
> should let the Government of Sudan (GOS) know that we are aware of what is
> happening to the Dinka and that these acts must cease - someone must speak
> for the children.
>
> Forward Ever; Backward Never!
> Karen
>
>
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