Senate Hopeful Obama Is Kenya's Favorite Son

Senate Hopeful Obama Is Kenya's Favorite Son

C. Bryson Hull writes for Reuters from Kogelo, Kenya, that "When it comes to U.S. politics the world may be focused on the presidential election but in Kenya, a U.S. Senate race in Illinois is grabbing the headlines and the attention. " He is referring to the campaign of Barack Obama, which has been drawing a fair amount of attention in the blogosphere if not in the corporate media for some time.

I know little enough about Obama. I did not hear his speech at the Democratic convention, although I read enough excerpts to know that he appealed powerfully to the desire that we all share to see more unity in this country. He is in all likelihood a shoo-in for this election, which, in my mind, is not a bad thing.

In this, however, my sympathies are not with the Democratic Party but with Kenya. I have no idea--right now--whether Obama is as knowledgeable about Kenya in particular and Africa in general as he might be, given his heritage, but (a) I hope so and (b) I intend to find out more. That he might bring such knowledge--or at least awareness--to the U.S. Senate is a good thing for several reasons.

First, U.S. policy towards Africa has been dismal for as long as I can remember. The only interest that the U.S. has had in Africa has been its value as a pawn in the Cold War or the presence of exploitable natural resources, particularly, these days, oil. If and when funding has been allocated for any sort of assistance, it seems to have been directed toward unsustainable projects which became little more than white elephants for struggling economies, military aid poured like oil on a fire, or one shot infusions of "relief" that provided no sustainable infrastructure. There doesn't seem to have been any sustained attention to the continent or even the courting of allies on the continent with a view to promoting healthy economies and open goverments.

Second, Africa is much more critical globally than most of my fellow Americans seem to want to recognize. The stereotypes that have been maintained for centuries seem somehow to continue through even the most contemporary news stories in the corporate media--and we cluck with satisfied dismay to hear of more famine, more massacres, more corruption as our stereotypes are confirmed. But here are a couple of thoughts to bear in mind. HIV originated in Africa and has become a global pandemic from that epicenter. One-fourth of the population of Africa is Muslim; three major Al Qaeda-linked attacks have occurred in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Mombasa. At least one other was attempted. Africa would seem to be ignored at our peril.

Then there is the loss of endangered species. Desertification. Genocide. Oppressive governments. Imminent famine in a couple of places. Things we say we care about but don't seem to do anything about until it's either too late or damned near it.

Why will it matter for Africa if Obama gets to the Senate? Well, if he will speak for Africa, he becomes a legitimate voice for the concerns and needs of millions. Yes, he must represent Illinois and its needs. But Illinois will be well served--as would we all--if the U.S. begins to look at Africa intelligently and respectfully, if the U.S. begins to spends its funds there with more wisdom, if the U.S. recognizes that the "world" isn't cut off at the Equator.

It's past time to begin building good health services in Africa, sustainable agriculture and water supplies, laying some better seeds for democracy than big shiny dams and power plants that break down when there is no foreign currency for repair.