People Politics and Power

I wrote this article many years ago now and I thought its time to share it.   Last Sunday afternoon, as I lay on the couch with my head rest ing on my husband’s stomach, I could hear the subtle sounds of his bowel movements. My mind wandered to the intricate, efficient machinery that is the human body. I began to think about how an organization or company could achieve similar levels of efficiency in fulfilling its vision. That’s when an idea struck me: why not write a book exploring how the mechanisms of the human body can serve as a guide to building and maintaining the most efficient organization possible? I began contemplating the ultimate purpose of the human body—its function as a vessel that carries life to its fullest potential. In Greek, this concept is expressed as σῴζω (sōzō), meaning "to save, rescue, and deliver"—which also happens to be the meaning of the name Jesus. It refers to a state of perfect order, where nothing is broken or missing, and everything is f...

The Ebola Crisis and the Global Response I watched with growing disbelief as the Ebola crisis unfolded in West Africa. I was in Sierra Leone in April of the year the country was declared Ebola-free. Despite extensive media coverage on prevention and identification measures, within five months, Sierra Leone was overwhelmed by the virus. The nation became synonymous with disease, poverty, and inefficiency—experiences that, as a Sierra Leonean, were deeply painful. Yet, my pride in my roots has only grown stronger. At the onset of the outbreak, the global response was slow, and many in the diaspora were dismissive of the situation's gravity. I knew first-hand that cultural beliefs, ignorance, and illiteracy could hinder efforts to contain the virus. However, the larger issue was the heavy reliance on outside intervention, particularly from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), whose guidance often appeared misdirected. Consider the decision not to close bord...

"Cumberbatch controversy is ridiculous" says Selma Star David Oyelowo   Benedict Cumberbatch recently made a mistake on the Tavis Smiley Show when he used the term "coloured" to refer to Black people. (By the way, I feel comfortable using the term "Black" myself, as I am Black.) His intention was to make a valid point, but the backlash was swift and severe. The point he was trying to make was drowned out by a wave of political correctness. I read about it in the news yesterday, and I couldn’t help but feel that the uproar overshadowed the real issue. Yes, he used the term "coloured," which many would consider outdated, but I began to wonder: What would have been the "politically correct" term to use, especially when trying to address a diverse group of ethnic minorities in the West? We can't be called "nigger," as it is extremely derogatory (and only Black people can reclaim that word, it seems). We can't b...

A Reflection on the Judicial System and Mortgage Arrears Over 10 years ago,  My Husband and I  found myself facing the court system for the first time due to mortgage arrears caused by unemployment. Despite numerous attempts to negotiate with my mortgage provider, they insisted on pursuing legal action. This experience gave me a first-hand look at how the judiciary functions, and I can't help but feel disillusioned by the way it unfolded. Upon arriving at court, the bank’s lawyer immediately attempted to rush through a deal that would have resulted in the repossession of our home within 56 days. When the case was presented to the judge, the decision was made based on our submitted financial position and the lawyer’s argument about our lack of payment. However, no one asked us about the circumstances behind the missed payments—why we couldn’t pay and what had led to the arrears. The judge simply ruled in favour of the bank. Walking out of the court, I felt an overwhelming sense...

Revised Proposal for a New Political System:  "Accountabilism" I watched a video recently that argued democracy, as a political system of governance, may be becoming obsolete. The presenter pointed out several reasons, emphasizing that the concept of democracy—specifically "one person, one vote"—fails to address a critical aspect of human behavior: the inherent desire for pleasure-seeking. This notion resonated with me, and I’ve long believed that pure democracy is a myth. The very advocates of democracy often manipulate elections through various means—whether by hacking computer systems, spreading misinformation, slandering opposition, or using fear and financial incentives to sway voters. In reality, political parties are more focused on winning elections than on genuinely serving the people. If democracy is truly “for the people, by the people,” it has failed because the people often make decisions based not on truth or facts, but on coercion, manipulation, or s...

Do you have a say in how your life is shaped by society, or are you simply following the trends of the moment? What would you speak out about if given the opportunity? Many of us have strong opinions on various issues, but are our voices truly heard? Do we have a genuine influence over the decisions that impact our lives, or are we merely passive participants in a system that often feels out of our control? Key Issues: Environment, Politics, Education, Health, Money, Law, and Religion Our opinions on the environment, politics, education, health, money, law, and religion shape the way we interact with the world. But, do these issues merely reflect the status quo, or are they actively shaped by our voices and actions? In a society where the rich and powerful often have disproportionate influence, it’s worth asking: Who truly decides? Environment – How do we balance economic growth with environmental sustainability? Are we doing enough to safeguard the planet for future generations? Poli...