“Wanted – charismatic leader for an oppressed population. Highly challenging position with success uncertain. Must understand a strongly ingrained culture of fear distrust, and intimidation. Unlikely to remain in position long enough to complete duties as assigned.”
Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day and pause to realize that Dr King’s dream continues in its struggle to reach full potential. In the more than 30 years, since his murder in Memphis, we have an opportunity and achievement gap, and it is not just the black population that suffers. Our country has become more divisive than in my memory, and it seems that we can only be drawn together by tragedies like the Tucson shootings, 9/11, or the occasional miracle like the USAir successful ditching in the Hudson. Dr. King spread energy and belief across all sectors of society and encouraged us to reach within ourselves to find the common core of our existence as one people. I am in awe of what he was able to do, and wonder where we would be now, had it not been for the bullets that ended his life, as well as that of RFK in 1968.
Another leader is back in the spotlight after 25 years – Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier made a surprise return to Haiti, after his forced ouster an exile in France. Only 19 when he assumed the Presidency from his father, “Papa Doc,” he continued the oppressive style and corruption. Opponents routinely disappeared, and the sunglass wearing “Tonton Macoute” symbolized unrestrained power and terror. By the time he left, many believe he embezzled as much as $500 million. Arrest was threatened, if he returned.
Yet, last night, at the Port au Prince airport, he was met with cheering crowds and provided a police escort to his high end hotel.
Haiti remains essentially rudderless. Its elections have been seen as fraudulent, and it is unlikely that the runoff will be completed and certified before the current President Rene Preval’s term expires. It is likely Haiti will be without a president. Just as nature fills a vacuum, Duvalier’s exultant return is too coincidental to be happenstance. Why would the average Haitian support a dictator? Just as in Iraq, under Sadaam Hussein, things seemed to run better, even if there was rampant corruption. We will turn the other way, if it means that our children will have food, and the schools are safe. What is most sad about the Haitian situation, is that these descendents of freed slaves are oppressing their own breathren.. Dr King fought an open racism, the Haitian people have a far more insidious enemy.
My biggest fear is that the lack of a stable government will further thwart the influx of needed resources to rebuild Haiti as a nation. The work of organizations like CRUDEM will bring the occasional beam of light to the gloom, and their commitment will not waver. However, large scale involvement by the outside world will wait, until those committing their blood, sweat, and tears know that the help will reach those that need it.
I have spent time in Selma, Alabama, starting point of Dr King’s march to Montgomery. Mornings, I would run across the Edmond Pettus bridge. In the cool light of dawn, I could imagine the mounted police waiting on the east side to drive the marchers back. And in the wind, the sound of the people, black and white, of all religions, inspired to look beyond themselves.
“We shall overcome. We’ll walk hand in hand. We shall all be free. We are not afraid. We are not alone. The whole wide world around. We shall overcome, someday.”
Baby Doc, the world is watching, are you listening?
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