And the Winners Are ...

By Kehinde Togun


My fellow Regenerates and I haven’t picked winners and losers in a while. To make up for lost time, I propose three winners, two losers, and a prayer.

Winners:

Al Jazeera Television

In my two plus weeks in Tanzania, I am grateful for Al Jazeera’s expansive and interesting coverage. While there is an obvious bias in coverage, the station provides a much fuller pallet of news and events. CNN, BBC, and other western media outlets pale in comparison.

The Lancet

Last week, the Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals, in the world criticized Pope Benedict XVI, calling his statements about condoms reckless, and demanding he retract the statement or correct the public record. According to the Lancet: “Anything less from Pope Benedict would be an immense disservice to the public and health advocates, including many thousands of Catholics, who work tirelessly to try and prevent the spread of HIV/Aids worldwide.”

Let the church say AMEN!

Kofi Annan

Following a meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Africa’s sustainability in the world financial crisis, the former United Nations Secretary General issued an alert to world leaders on the danger facing many African nations. His words came ahead of this week’s G20 Summit. According to the Mzee: “Africa now needs urgent support to maintain economic activity and protect the vulnerable from the crisis. But while trillions of dollars are being found, at short notice, for stimulus plans and bail outs in the richer countries, the least developed countries find themselves lacking access to credit and faced with lending policies and practices that minimise their chances of receiving loans.”

In a partial criticism of the G20 and other similar gatherings, he continues: “Until all parts of the world are included in critical deliberations, including on trade and climate change, these institutions lack the reach and legitimacy they need to provide truly global answers to today's challenges and the inclusiveness to make the most of tomorrow's opportunities."

Can I get another Amen!

Stay tuned for two losers and a prayer …