AMERICAN MILITARY IS GOOD FOR AFRICANS, GOOD FOR IMMIGRANTS AND FOR WORLD PEACE AND STABILITY

By Ugo Harris Ukandu

Nigeria Democracy and Justice Project

Washington, DC

65,000 (sixty five thousand) immigrants serving in the U.S. military

www.midwestvoices.kansascity. com

www.kansascity.com

"Statistics on Immigrant Service Members on Active Duty:

Approximately 65,000(sixty five thousand)  immigrants serve in the armed forces.

More than two-thirds of the foreign born serving in the armed forces are naturalized citizens. The foreign born represent approximately 5 percent of all active-duty personnel.

Of all military branches, the navy has the highest number of foreign-born personnel.

Approximately 8 percent of those serving in the navy are foreign born. Over 11,000 foreign-born women are serving in the armed forces.The top two countries of origin for foreign-born military personnel are the Philippines and Mexico. Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for the largest percentage of the foreign born, followed closely by Asia. As of February 2008, there were 359 service members born in Western Asia and 826 born in south-central Asia.Nearly 11 percent of those serving in the armed forces are of Hispanic origin. Citizenship and the Armed Forces A July 2002 executive order made noncitizen members of the armed forces eligible for expedited US citizenship.More than 37,250 immigrant service members have become US citizens since September 2001. USCIS has granted posthumous citizenship to 111 military personnel killed in the line of duty since September 2001.The 2004 policy changes have allowed USCIS to hold naturalization ceremonies at US military bases around the world." (By Kansas City Star editorial page columnist Mary Sanchez) Submitted by marysanchez on May 16, 2008 - 5:54pm.www.midwestvoices. kansascity.com www.kansascity. com

10 (TEN) FACTS ABOUT IMMIGRANTS CITIZENSHIP AND AMERICAN MILITARY BY USCIS.GOV

1. Historically, the U.S. government has conducted overseas military naturalization ceremonies during times of war. During World War II, 20,011 service members were naturalized overseas. During the Korean War, 7,756 service members were naturalized overseas. 

2. Although authorized, no overseas military naturalization ceremonies were held during the Vietnam War. 

3. USCIS has naturalized 42,981 members of the U.S. armed forces since the beginning of the War on Terrorism (September 2001): 37,193 in the United States and 5,788 in ceremonies overseas. 

4. In October 2004, USCIS conducted the first overseas military naturalization ceremony since the Korean War. 

5. In fiscal year 2008, USCIS naturalized 7,854 members of the military: 6,345 of those were naturalized in the United States and 1,509 of those were naturalized overseas. 

6. In 2008, USCIS naturalized 7,854 military members. 

7. On average, the number of military members naturalized in a year is less than 1% of the total number of U.S. naturalizations. 

8. Between USCIS fiscal years 2005 through 2008, the top 3 overseas countries where military members naturalized included: Iraq (2,217 total), Japan (1,125 total) and Germany (914 total). 

9. In May 2008, USCIS conducted the first overseas naturalization ceremony that included a military spouse. From then through September 2008, 18 military spouses become naturalized citizens during ceremonies in Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Japan. 

10. By the end of fiscal year 2008, USCIS had granted posthumous citizenship to 118 members of the U.S. armed forces stemming from the War on Terrorism.

Source: USCIS.GOV

It is Americas military projection of peace and stability through hard power, soft power and diplomacy around the world that has created the enabling environment for immigrants to come here with freedom and security in mind, that also motivated the father of President elect Barrack Obama to come here, and it encouraged President elect to  climb to such a height in American society because of American military power of fairness and freedom protection legacy in Europe, in Asia, in Panama, in Haiti, in Liberia, in Korea, in Nicaragua, in Saudi Arabia, in Djibouti, in horn of Africa, in Senegal, in Kuwait, in Iraq, in Afghanaistan and many more places. Some examples of the history and legacies  of immigrants in American military are the following: .

(1) Captain Femi Ijiti - A Nigerian immigrant

Why I’m ready to die for America and Obama, by Captain Femi Ijiti of US Military a Nigerian immigrant

http://www.vanguardngr.com/ content/view/21200/41/1/1/

"Femi Ijiti is a captain in the US military.

For all impression that people would want to create about American military men, Captain Ijiti came across as a humble, unassuming and friendly young chap.

Asked for a little chat, he reminded Saturday Vanguard that he was still in service and did not know how useful whatever he discusses would be because he would not volunteer much.“Where is Femi from”, I asked?“Well, I’m from Ondo State.”How did you end up in the US military?“Well, I’ve always found it fascinating.

“I’ve always wanted to serve in that capacity.“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and for which I’m committed to doing.Where have you served?“I just came back from Iraq.”

Upon mentioning Iraq, Saturday Vanguard could no longer control its excitement."

Saturday, 08 November 2008 Vanguard 

(2) US Army forces member Ike Eweama a Nigerian immigrant

http://nigeriaworld.com/ feature/publication/eweama/ 032608.html Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Nigeriaworld.com website

"We serve in the United States Armed forces because it has given most of us who were born overseas the wings to fly. It has given us back our ability to dream which our home countries denied us. The army has been for me a place to stand so I can take care of my dreams. It has also been same for many other Nigerians and has given them the opportunities to realize long cherished dreams. Therefore to those propagandists, I want to say get a real life or come join the US Army so you can experience the better part of the adventurous life of a member of the most reliable Armed Forces in the world. You will like what you see."he green fatigue which my uncle wore as the Regimental Sergeant Major in the Nigerian Army Medical Corp and that of the elite MOPOL that my father wore with pride and elegance made me swore to be one of them. I grew up thinking that I was entitled to this uniform since many of my uncles on both ends were military people. You cannot imagine the frustration when my friends, cousins and I had so many hoops to jump before we can realize the dream to serve in the armed forces of Nigeria. Many Nigerians joined the US Army because they were denied the opportunity in their home country. They were denied entrance into NDA because the playing field was bedeviled with god-fatherism and nepotism. It favored the politicians, generals and their tribal affiliations. Many Nigerians with residency or citizenship could not resist the invitation by the US Army in those days to "Be all you can be." I was a doctoral student when I joined to maximize my potentials. It has been a welcome adventure which has taken me to Nicaragua, Haiti, Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, the whole of Europe and other places that I would not have been privileged to go given the Nigerian factor against the young and unaffiliated." http://nigeriaworld.com/ feature/publication/eweama/ 032608.html Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Nigeriaworld.com website

"It is in the light of this that when I read The piece in the daily Sun of Thursday, March 20, 2008, "Nigerians join US Army" which postulated that the reason for this was to facilitate the acquisition of American citizenship, I felt a response is apt. The writer preposterously exhibited such level of ignorance because he or she must have plagiarized what other anti-immigration journalists have said about immigrants in the US Army. He or she also forgot that there were countless Nigerians in the military pre 911 and before 2004. There are Nigerians who are field grade officer in different arms of the US Armed forces. There are Nigerians who are in the highest echelons of Non-Commissioned Officer's cadre. This means there are Nigerians who are almost reaching the minimum retirement time of 20 years of service in the military. The argument then that Nigerians joined the US Military to facilitate their citizenship does not hold water."

http://nigeriaworld.com/ feature/publication/eweama/ 032608.html Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Nigeriaworld.com website

(3) Contribution of German immigrants in America military and society ( Wikipedia)

 Germans have contributed to a vast number of areas in American culture and technology. Baron von Steuben, a former Prussian officer, led the reorganization of theU.S. Army during the War for Independence and helped make the victory against British troops possible. The Steinway & Sons piano manufacturing firm was founded by immigrant Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg in 1853. German settlers brought the Christmas tree custom to the United States. The Studebakers built large numbers of wagons used during the Western migration; Studebaker, like the Duesenberg brothers, later became an important early automobile manufacturer. Carl Schurz, a refugee from the unsuccessful first German democratic revolution of 1848 (see also German Confederation), served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

After World War II, Wernher von Braun, and most of the leading engineers from the former German rocket base Peenemünde, were brought to the U.S. They contributed decisively to the development of U.S. military rockets, as well as rockets for the NASA space program.

The influence of German cuisine is seen in the cuisine of the United States throughout the country, especially regarding pastries, meats and sausages, and above all, beer. Frankfurters (or "wieners", originating from Frankfurt and Vienna, respectively), hamburgers, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and strudel are common dishes. German bakers introduced the pretzel. Germans have almost totally dominated the beer industry since 1850. Almost half of all current beer sales in the United States can be attributed to German immigrants Eberhard Anheuser and Adolphus Busch, who founded Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis in 1860. The revival of microbreweries is partly due to instruction from German beer masters. One of the areas in which the influence of German cuisine is strongest is the small town Midwest.German-American celebrations, such as Oktoberfest, German-American Day and Von Steuben Day are held regularly throughout the country. One of the largest is the German-American Steuben Parade in New York City, held every third Saturday in September. There are also major annual events in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood, a traditional a center of the city's German population, in Cincinnati, where its annual Octoberfest Zinzinnati^[43] is the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany^{[citation needed]} and in Milwaukee, which celebrates its German heritage with an annual German Fest.Skat, the most popular card game in Germany, is also played in areas of the United States with large German American populations, such as Wisconsin and Texas.

 German American presidents

There have been two presidents whose fathers were of German descent: Dwight Eisenhower (original family name Eisenhauer and maternal side is also German/Swiss) and Herbert Hoover (original family name Huber).^[44] Presidents with maternal German ancestry include Richard Milhous Nixon (Nixon's maternal ancestors were Germans who anglicized Melhausen to Milhous).^[45] Other presidents with German ancestry include George W. Bush, George H. W. Bush, andTheodore Roosevelt.

German-American communities Today, most German Americans have assimilated to the point that they no longer have readily identifiable ethnic communities, though there are still many metropolitan areas where German is the most reported ethnicity, such as Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and St. Louis.

(4) African-Americans -  WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 2, 2007) - African-Americans have a long tradition of honorable and distinguished service in America's armed forces, going back 231 years to the nation's birth - and even before. 

For example, Crispus Attucks was among a group of outraged colonists protesting English rule who died from British soldiers' bullets during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. Two other people also were immediately killed, and two others died of their wounds as a result of the encounter." "For more than two hundred years, African-Americans have participated in every conflict in United States history. They have not only fought bravely the common enemies of the United States but have also had to confront the individual and institutional racism of their countrymen.-Lt. Col. [Ret] Michael Lee Lanning, author, "The African-American Soldier: From Crispus Attucks to Colin Powell."Throughout America's history, from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle for Fallujah, black Soldiers have honorably answered the call to duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America's armed forces. During February, the Army celebrates and pays tribute to African-American Soldiers and recognizes the important contributions they have made in past wars and are continuing to make today in the War on Terrorism. The theme selected by Department of Defense for 2007 is "From Slavery to Freedom: Americans in the Americas". 2008 Presidential Proclomation This timeline spans the history of black Americans in the service of the Army from the American Revolution to Vietnam to Iraq, Afghanistan.(www.army.mil)

(5) "Hispanic-Americans have a proud record of military service, dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War. They defended America with unwavering valor and honor. We celebrate their "Call to Duty" during Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on Sept. 15. It's the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18."(www.army.mil)

(6) In the American military "The millions of Americans who trace their origins to nations in the Asian/Pacific region have enriched America. The entrepreneurship and innovation of Asian/Pacific Americans have strengthened our economy. Asian/Pacific Americans enrich our Nation with their strong values of love of family and community. Many Asian/Pacific Americans are serving the cause of freedom and peace around the world, and our Nation is grateful for their service. These good men and women defend our safety and contribute to the character and greatness of America" (www.army.mil) A Proclamation by President George W. Bush

(7) “American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to shape our Nation by preserving the heritage of their ancestors and by contributing to the rich diversity that is our country's strength. Their dedicated efforts to honor their proud heritage have helped others gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant and ancient customs of the Native American community. We also express our gratitude to the American Indians and Alaska Natives who serve in our Nation's military and work to extend the blessings of liberty around the world.”( www.army.mil) A Proclamation by President George W. Bush

(8) Another of Immigrant famillies from Jamaica and Japanese Asian descent who were enlisted in the American military have produced some high powerful leadership for American society like former Secretary of state and former North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European military commander , General Collin Powell,  and Retired General Eric Shineski President elect Barack Obama nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, He is the first Asian American to reach the rank of four Star General or to head one of the military services, and he also commanded the European command and many thousands of immigrant who have worked hard for the American military and are rewarded accordingly.

Freedom is not free afterall, Nazism,Fascism and communism were defeated and the freedom the Europeans( Germany, Britain, Italy, Russians, Ukrainians, Frances and all of Europe), the Japanes, the Koreans, the Saudis, Kuwait, Isreal, Quatar, United Arab Emirate, many South American countries, many Asian Countires, Carribeans, etc  and other countries are enjoying today were  secured and died for by American immigrants in the military from different countries for many years. European freedom like in BINARVILLE, France - Nine decades have passed since more than 116,000 American Soldiers lost their lives in battle during Word War I, but the people of France have not forgotten and continue to pay homage and honor to these fallen heroes." (www.army.mil) and well over 4 million Americans fought in that war to defend Europe from itself.

 Normandy 6 June-24 July 1944 by GORDON R. SULLIVAN , former General Army Chief of Staff US Army.quote

"A great invasion force stood off the Normandy coast of France as dawn broke on 6 June 1944: 9 battleships, 23 cruisers, 104 destroyers, and 71 large landing craft of various descriptions as well as troop transports, mine sweepers, and merchantmen—in all, nearly 5,000 ships of every type, the largest armada ever assembled. The naval bombardment that began at 0550 that morning detonated large minefields along the shoreline and destroyed a number of the enemy's defensive positions. To one correspondent, reporting from the deck of the cruiser HMS Hillary, it sounded like "the rhythmic beating of a gigantic drum" all along the coast. In the hours following the bombardment, more than 100,000 fighting men swept ashore to begin one of the epic assaults of history, a "mighty endeavor," as President Franklin D. Roosevelt described it to the American people, "to preserve … our civilization and to set free a suffering humanity." 

"The attack had been long in coming. From the moment British forces had been forced to withdraw from France in 1940 in the face of an overwhelming German onslaught, planners had plotted a return to the Continent. Only in that way would the Allies be able to confront the enemy's power on the ground, liberate northwestern Europe, and put an end to the Nazi regime. American planners began formal cooperation with Britain in December 1941, just after the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor and the German and Italian declarations of war against the United States. In compliance with earlier, informal understandings, the two partners agreed to put first the defeat of Germany and its ally Italy if forced to wage a two-front war against both those nations and Japan. Shortly thereafter, British planners drafted a proposal, code-named ROUNDUP, for an attack across the English Channel into France. The assault would come only after a series of major campaigns on the periphery of Europe, in Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the Soviet Union, where the Germans would have difficulty massing their power. Once bombing, blockade, partisan uprisings, and the fighting on those other fronts had weakened the enemy sufficiently, ROUNDUP, or something like it, would begin.

Despite talk that a Continental invasion might come as early as 1942, Allied leaders in the end decided tentatively to make the assault in 1943, either through Western Europe or the Balkans. Because British forces would bear the burden of operations in Europe until the United States could complete its buildup for war, the decisions that came out of the conference hewed closely to Britain's preference for attacks on Germany's periphery. Although the British later accepted an American proposal, code-named BOLERO, for the establishment in Britain of a million-man force trained and equipped for the 1943 invasion, the United States agreed that during 1942 Allied forces should concentrate on wearing down Germany's resistance through air attacks, operations along the North African coast, and assistance to the Soviet Union."

Allied leaders honed their strategy further at a series of great conferences during 1942 and 1943—at Casablanca, Quebec, Cairo, and Tehran. Examining a range of alternatives, they gradually adopted the broad outlines of the attack they would launch. As planning continued, however, it became clear that the Americans disagreed ardently with the British desire to wear down the Germans before beginning a final confrontation on the Continent. Confident in the strength of their vast resources, American planners argued that "wars cannot be finally won without the use of land armies" and that only direct action against the main body of the German force could produce an Allied victory. Britain's peripheral approach, they asserted, would waste valuable assets on operations that could have at best an indirect effect on the outcome of the war. There was also the Soviet Union to consider, which had suffered millions of casualties in its fight with the Germans on the Eastern Front and might conceivably collapse and conclude a separate peace if Britain and the United States failed to relieve some of the pressure by attacking in the west. Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was already clamoring for a second front." unquote

by GORDON R. SULLIVAN , former General Army Chief of Staff US Army

Many immigrants from Europe, South America, Asia and British empire subjects fought under American military commands during the first world war and  second world war to preserve the freedom, peace and prosperity Europe is enjoying today. Even Vietnam war was actually a French war, because vietnam was under French colonial control at that time. American military has always been a volunteer military except during the last two  world wars and during Vietnam war when because of the shortage of manpower there was forced draft and conscription of men and manpower.

 American military is a force for positive change both in personal and national terms around the world. Granted that there has been some mistakes and some wrong decisions like racism, discrimination and some unpopular wars and action engaged by American military around the world, but overall the American military has symbolized freedom, peace, stability and progress for each and every enlisted men and women and a free world.

 American Military Industrial complex as of today is ahead and in front in every human endeavour in engineeering, technology, science, medicine,, biology, research,  development,  innovation and advancement in the world today that applies into the advancement of  human race and progress in the world today. To be enlisted into the American military is a good thing both as an educational goal, personal development and to imbibe the tenets of freedom and democracy. For me I tried to enlist but it did not workout but my family members, relatives and friends who enlisted told me how great and professional the American military is and how happy they took that decision, and I have seen some very good changes in their personal lives and professional lives in terms of enhanced careers, discipline, good citizenship, skills, leadership ability and can do atittude in them.

All the countries that have American Military base and operation in their Countries are all stable economically, politically and socially and are growing and developing fast, because of the stability and growth projection American Military presence guarantees. These countries are in (EUrope, Asia, South America, Africa and Asia) like Britain,Russia,  Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, The Gulf States, Eastern Europeans, Poland etc. Former American Military bases were in Philippines and Panama etc. All these countries can tell you that American presence stimulates growth, peace and stability.

At this juncture of world advancement, countries and people are coming together more than ever before in the history of human race for positive changes. Globalization has made every village on earth a global village when considering the impact of communication technologies and interconnectivity of the world in transportation, education, global disasters/relief, democracy, rule of law, banking, internet, trade, commerce and the linkage of people of the world through cultures, music, you tube and the elimination of borders like as in Europe removing all boundaries within the European Union countries, WTO and the North American Free Trade zones (NAFTA). People and countries are coming together in many different ways in Asia, South America and Europe. Africa needs to do the same in this century.

 In analysing all these developments in improving health standards, economic growth, freedom, democracy, rule of law and improvement in overall standard of living for people of the world. Africa still lacks behind by almost 50 years to developing countries like South Korea and Singapore and 100 years to advanced countries like the Great Britain, Germany, France and the United States in every index of human development and advancement. In a lot of these cases it is not the fault of Africans for this state of affair, but we and our leaders presently also bear a lot of responsibility on the bad state of our continent - Africa . United States of America projection of power in this century is good for Africa, because Africans have a lot of positive linkage to America in this century. 

The days of slavery and Jim crow is gone in many ways.

linkage to Africa by our people (African Americans) and the political, economic and cultural power of African Americans in America have achieved despite slavery and its after effect. The large number of African immigrants residing and settling in America is increasing more than anywhere else in the world. Trade, cultural links and investment between Africa and America is increasing. The linkage militarily to the only super power in the world to Africa is needed now for peace, security and economic growth to help Africa fight terrorism, drugs, genocide, political and economic conflicts in Africa.

The is a power block of African Americans that will defend Africas interest in the US congress, in the American Military establishment and security establishments, in economic linkage to Africa etc. Just look at the contribution to Africa from people of African descent and groups like President elect Barrack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, African American Congress men and women, Congressional black caucus ,General Collin Powell, Secretary of State Condelleza Rice and Senator Barack Obama help etc. to Africa during his senate days. The Africans linkage to America is more powerful than any other continent or people in the world, because of the contribution of Africans in building America since its inception as a nation and continues till today from African labour, music and culture, Southern Africa minerals, Nigeria Oil, Kenyan and Ethiopian Tea and coffee, Ivory Coast Cocoa etc.

Africa's debt to the Western World and the debt relief effort recently was intensified and achieved for African countires including Nigeria, by African Americans in the US Congress like Congressman Payne from New Jersey, Senator Barack Obama, Congressional Black Caucus, Reverend Jessy Jackson, Ambassador Andrew Young, Reverend Al Sharpston etc. Many African American artist, celebrities, business men and women, sportsmen and women are working hard on behalf of Africa, and the ordinary folks are identifying with Africa on many major national issue in culture, business, human rights, civil rights in Africa like brothers and sisters. 

 Some people have made the point that establishing an American Military command in African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, liberia etc will not be good, since it will betray the non-align nation status of Nigeria and these countries as a nation. Disproving that point means looking at all of the non-align nations like India, Eastern European nation, Cuba, Pakistan, Egypt etc, you can see that all of them have one military partnership or another with either America, Russia, France, Britain etc. in military procurement, purchase, enlistment, partnership or security arrangements.

 In this moment in history, America has to lead and it has to show that enlisting men and women from different ethnic backgrounds, immigrants and different race will reflect well and justify that American military have a responsibility to all people of the world with its huge power projection, and  the countries that have American Military base in their Countries to be stable economically, politically, socially and are growing and developing fast, because of the stability and growth projection American Military presence delivers. 

Outside of Africa, America and Brazil is where we have the largest population of Africans in the world and the most powerful black people on earth in both countries. We need to bridge that gap of history to benefit us in this century and beyond. Gods Children will finally come together and one of the most symbolic ways is to benefit from American military power for justice, peace and stability as if affects Africans, immigrants and globalization.

Also, Africa needs America Military command in Africa because it will bring stability, economic growth, thereby linking the great American ideals for growth and security, and finally bridging the gap to our brothers and sisters in America and around the world.

Ugo Harris Ukandu

Nigeria Democracy and Justice Project

 Washington, DC  

Robot  # 1 | 11.12.2008 03:11

AMERICAN MILITARY IS GOOD FOR AFRICANS, GOOD FOR IMMIGRANTS AND FOR WORLD PEACE AND STABILITY By Ugo Harris Ukandu Nigeria Democracy and Justice Project Washington, DCMy article here is to explain the positive and thebigger picture rolefor world peace and stability thatshould encourageany African oranyimmigrantsto join the United States Militaryandintegrate within the American societywhich isagood thingfor Africa, good for America, goodfor world peace and security. Immigrants from different continents and countries have alwaysbeen part and parcel ofAmerica militarysince the formation of American militray. It has been the reason American military hasexperienced the best growth, diversity and has been one ofthe best discipline...Read the full article.

Dewdrops  # 2 | 11.12.2008 06:06

=Robot;299036> AMERICAN MILITARY IS GOOD FOR AFRICANS, GOOD FOR IMMIGRANTS AND FOR WORLD PEACE AND STABILITY By Ugo Harris Ukandu Nigeria Democracy and Justice Project Washington, DCMy article here is to explain the positive and thebigger picture role for world peace and stability that should encourageany African or any immigrants to join the United States Military and integrate within the American societywhich isagood thingfor Africa, good for America, good for world peace and security. Immigrants from different continents and countries have always been part and parcel of America military since the formation of American militray. It has been the reason American military has experienced the best growth, diversity and has been one of the best discipline...Read the full article. I agree with the objectives and presentation of this article. If Africans can't learn discipline......the US army is the drug of choice.:cool: Hopefully that level of discipline will someday radiate to the continent of Africa as a whole. Also, Africa needs America Military command in Africa because it will bring stability, economic growth, thereby linking the great American ideals for growth and security, and finally bridging the gap to our brothers and sisters in America and around the world. Damn right!......Might as well learn from the very best......masters in warfare. I would very much like the Americans to colonize Africa. Boy, I envy Iraq.

ttonjo  # 3 | 11.12.2008 06:16

=Dewdrops;299065>I agree with the objectives and presentation of this article. If Africans can't learn discipline......the US army is the drug of choice.:cool: Hopefully that level of discipline will someday radiate to the continent of Africa as a whole. @dewdrops: Why stop at that? Why not call for the TOTAL re-colonization of Africa all over again just because we lacked what you called 'discipline?' Pakistan and Indian were former colonies of British and I don't see them calling for the US or British army to come and instill discipline in our society. It is shame that black people are so LAZY that we cannot find a way to develop our continent without the help of outsiders. What is the problem with us? :(:twisted::confused:

dele26  # 4 | 11.12.2008 13:10

Assault: Dike submits panel’s report to Presidency - Uzoma & Arogundade He disclosed that the management of MTN presented the conversation between Arogundade and Uzoma’s father, Col. Emmanuel Okere (rtd.), shortly after the encounter between the naval ratings and his daughter. It was gathered that the summons to the MTN was inevitable following the testimony by Arogundade that Okere, who is the Sergeant-At-Arms of the National Assembly, called his MTN line and pleaded profusely on behalf of his daughter immediately after the incident. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200812114482040

Dewdrops  # 5 | 11.12.2008 14:54

=ttonjo;299068>@dewdrops: Why stop at that? Why not call for the TOTAL re-colonization of Africa all over again just because we lacked what you called 'discipline?' Pakistan and Indian were former colonies of British and I don't see them calling for the US or British army to come and instill discipline in our society. It is shame that black people are so LAZY that we cannot find a way to develop our continent without the help of outsiders. What is the problem with us? :(:twisted::confused: Please don't compare Nigeria with places like India and Pakinstan. There are third world countries(developing countries) and there are 20th world countries(retro-developing countries). The British cannot handle present day Africa....the Americans having the cure to all kinds of madness....will do just fine. Hope you can spot the difference.:drool:

Ponderable  # 6 | 12.12.2008 03:56

Obviously another impressionable mind, one whose worldview has been distorted, it would seem, beyond redemption! I stove in vain to connect your article--and I'm being charitable here to call it that, as it seems more of a stringing of various quotes and pieces together--again, I strove to connect it with the title. At best, your piece only touched on the attempts at integrating people of other races into the American military; but then, I say, "Big Deal." One wonders what's special about that considering that these other races have been part of that society for decades and have contributed immensely to its development. Also, if you will take your attention off from the "military fatigues," that you seemed to be enamored of, for a minute, and look around the American society, you will see that in large measure its Military simply attempts to mirror the society--in its composition, among others. Your piece says nothing about how American military bestowed discipline--the "wow" kind that can't be found elsewhere, one supposes--on immigrants, and definitely doesn't demonstrate why it's good for Africans, for immigrant and for world peace and stability. It offers no illumination and demonstrates a poor grasp and warp understanding of the American Military, the issues of immigration in that country and the larger topics of world peace and stability. I admire people that attempt to create projects/ forums like yours, "Nigeria Democracy and Justice Project," but if this project would be relevant and/or begin to address the issues confronting Nigeria (and, of course, World Peace and Stability, since you touched on it in your piece) you will have to do more--definitely more than you piece demonstrates!

aguabata  # 7 | 12.12.2008 04:17

@ponderable though i disagree with the writers opinion, i however understand his line of thought, if we suck up to the americans i.e military/political might, we may come up in the list of those that may benefit through their political muscle, if we were americas lap dog they may have encouraged us not to cede bakassi and howled at the french to back off, however mineral rich countries like Nigeria wouldnt gain much at the long run, Saudi had a firm partnership with US military because of her hostile neighbours, that partnership is softening because of the reduced threat and other political variables.

Ponderable  # 8 | 12.12.2008 05:21

@agubata I think you're being generous in inferring your submission from the author's train of thought. But then, let me ignore for the moment the author's piece and touch a little on yours. I agree with you that one may argue for sucking up to the Americans as a way of obtaining some political/ military "currency" in such situation like the Bakassi, particularly when such "sucking up" is set up as military or strategic alliance. But it has its downsides--the "no free lunch" principle kicks in sooner. It would amount to riding on the back of a tiger, as they say. Also, there are more blunders committed by the FGN, particularly under the Abacha's regime, in presenting Nigerian case for the ownership of Bakassi peninsular before the ICJ at the Hague than is often revealed, and one which a military backing of a superpower may not particularly help without coming across as brazen and blatant. So beyond the onus of self-development, whether of the military or otherwise, that lies us, strategic alliance could be considered and put in the mix, but the broader implications would have to be given careful thoughts to as well. Again, I submit that this is a seismic shift from Ukandu's original submission. thx

DeepThought  # 9 | 12.12.2008 23:08

:confused1 Is there an undeclared competion for bad articles going on here? Are these authors competing with Osuji for the the award of the crazy article of the year?

Dewdrops  # 10 | 13.12.2008 01:07

Yeah right.......because it does not contain Ribadu(un) and the OBJ accolades and collateral damages? We know.:razz: I find it refreshing so deal with it or scram!