Bitterness and unease in bankrupt Zimbabwe

[Richard]

Whenever I think about the cycle of history of Zimbabwe (and many African countries), I am always reminded of something Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu used to say.

"'When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them, we had the Bible and they had the land.'"

It's complicated.

And so it goes...

Richard

[Flagg]

Originally Posted by Richard

Whenever I think about the cycle of history of Zimbabwe (and many African countries), I am always reminded of something Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu used to say.

"'When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them, we had the Bible and they had the land.'"

It's complicated.

And so it goes...

Richard

I tend to get a bit fired up about this particular topic.

It's always good to remind myself that while I've enjoyed reading about the history of this country(and the region) and always really enjoy learning more from the direct experiences of those folks who've lived it.......I still only have a fraction of a slice of the whole "pie".

IIRC Desmond Tutu was also a bit surprised by the Nobel Award in 2009.

[Congo336]

I hate to see what's happened in Zimbabwe. I was there several times during the early 90s and made good friends with several people to include a local farmer (former Rhoadie who fought for Zimbabwe during the war). The Zim that I knew then is all gone. I dug around and found a poem I was compelled to write after one mission there. I'm not a "warrior-poet" but I guess I came close to it at one time. For your entertainment! This is from 93.

MISSION MEMORIES

Blue skies over Africa filled with 'chutes of green and gray,
Special Forces and Para Commandos training hard throughout the day.

Shona, Tomba, Mandiki, tribes of Zimbabwe House of Stone.

Men of Carolina, tribe of Fort Bragg, Home of the Airborne.

Makuti, follow spore, heat and rain, hills and valleys, follow spore,
every man feels the pain.

Sleep at night, keep one awake, outside the camp lions roar
and elephants, the ground can shake.

Soldiers think of family and friends, so far away,
part of their heart and mind asking, "why do I stay?"

The answer is not to be found, it is not that simple.
One hears the call and follows.

The rifle, an extension of my arm.
A soldier and a weapon. Both together, complete the one.

"Elephants on the Drop Zone" one Commando was heard to say.
Under parachute, he flew to tall trees, that day.

Para group, Hot DZ, Maroon beret on their head.
The sight of the Paras fill the enemy with fear and dread.

American Green Berets, known around the world,
known to Zimbabwe.

American warriors train with warriors of the House of Stone,
each learning, each teaching, strength comes as our nations grow closer.

Zimbabwe military, American military,
elements of a great team.

As we depart, we remain joined in spirit,
the spirit of the warrior.

[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by Guymullins

The entire world, including the cold war enemies Russia and America united to force simple majority rule on Rhodesia and South Africa, despite the multiple examples of its failure in the rest of Africa. Thanks guys, good job.

For a slightly different perspective on the United States' motivation for its policies towards South Africa, interested readers might consult the declassified version of Director of Central Intelligence [William J. Casey], Prospects for South Africa: Stability, Reform, and Violence, Special National Intelligence Estimate, 73.2-85 (February, 1987). This document updated/revised SNIE, 73.2-85 (August, 1985).

[MR2]

Prospects for South Africa: Stability, Reform, and Violence