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The Goodbyes of 2003
By Alex Redd
Madison, WI
December 24, 2003
As we sail into the new year seven days from now, it beehoves virtually anyone to soberly reflect on some of the major dramatic events that came as a big surprise, but however, long anticipated because of those amazing events underlying consequences that may have invited a change for sanity and better future for others. Politics, as defined, is a pragmatic game of "who gets what, and at who's expense? This is true, especially when it comes to the "lose and gain situation" in which one either quit to survive for the next day or stays to hang on til the roll is called up yonder.
The latter part of 2003 ushered in the departure of many political leaders. Some of these political leaders either disgracefully resigned from office or they were forced to resign at the behest of popular uprising and resilience of opposition forces or simply smelled the stinks of their own end. Below are some six political leaders that gave up their grip on power surprisingly to the amazement of political world:
CHARLES TAYLOR---Forced to Resign
Liberia's fugitive ex-brutal leader wounds up in Nigeria as an asylee on August 11. Rebels of LURD and MODEL circled the capital, Monrovia to demand his resignation from office. The departure of the ex-dictator ushered in the flurry of UN and regional African military and humanitarian support to ease the tension. Listed as "Wanted Man" on the international intelligence interpool, Taylor awaits trial for his alleged involvement in the 10-year Sierra Leonean War. Taylor's last words: "God willing, I'll be back."
GONZALO SANCHEZ de LOZADA--- Forced to Resign
With his second term in office, this Bolivian leader ended up with enormous economic failure that put to rest his leadership on October 17. Last words: "The dangers---continue intact."
MOHATHIR MOHAMAD---Retired
Malaysia's long-time dominant leader exited on October 31. Left with an interesting speech during gathering of Arab leaders, Mahathir unleashed some hard lines that suggest his envy toward Jewish advancement in the world. Last word: " I just wanted to take a rest."
EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE---Forced to Resign
Amidst massive protests and demonstrations to demand his removal from office by opposition forces, Georgia's long-time leader was forced to resign. Opposition forces were emboldened by public support to condemn the rigged parliamentary elections of November 2nd. Mr. Shevardnadze wanted to hold on to power until the presidential election due in 2005, but instead, he offered to resign on November 24. Last words: "I have a lot to do, a lot to write."
JEAN CHRETIEN---Retired
After staying in power for 10 years, the Canadian prime minister finally give it up to Paul Martin, his former finance minister on December 12. Last words: " I will have my money for my fine and a joint in the other hand."
SADDAM HUSSEIN---Ousted by U.S. Forces
Iraq's ex-dictator was found in a pit under a hut belonging to his former cook on December 21st. The U.S. invaded Iraq earlier this year on suspicion that Saddam had engaged in manufacturing weapons of mass destruction (WMD). As it turns out, the world is still awaiting America's physical evidence of WMD, the main theme that ignited the war.
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