14792: Chevalier: Re: 14783: Sanba: Re:14775: Chevalier: Re: 14739: Dorvilus: Slavery exists in Haiti today. (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Reginald Chevalier <rchevalier@winstar.com>

At 07:39 AM 2/12/03 -0600, you wrote:
>
>From: sanba@juno.com
>
>To both Reginald Chevalier and Arsene Dorvilus
>
>While Dorvilus has the gut to address the taboo-like question of Restavčk
that drew both: Chevalier’s acquiescence and mine, I only see the thesis as
a warning against hypocrisy or more positively as an invitation to work at
building our nation. To me, the faulty practice against a social class is
no ground to void Liberty Celebration. Otherwise we seem arguing that in
order for celebration to take place, it has to be about spotless facts,
which would deprive even the champions of democracy, if any, of the right
to celebrate their victories over oppression.
>Another way to look at it is that celebration does not have to be only
festive. As a matter of fact it can be viewed as a special opportunity to
assess and set demanding goals that challenge us into correcting a list of
the shortcomings of our existence as a nation before launching for
super-realizations our heroes would be proud of. How about that?
>


I apologize for not being clear on my response to Arsene Dovillus' post
(The Restavek). I was agreeing
to the fact that this is a plague in our society and this needs to be
abolished once for all.
As as far as 2004 celebration, I'm all in favor of it. Actually this would
be a good time for all Haitian
brothers and sisters to put their heads together to celebrate our ancestors
who fought hard for our independence
and put an end to slavery.
Us, proud Haitians that we are (and why not?) should use this inspirational
time for Haiti to put on our combat gear and go to war
for our children (The Restavek) who are still enduring what they call
"Modern Slavery".
There's nothing modern about it after all. Actually, it's even worse than
200 years ago, for the fact the abuses are
perpetuated by our own people, relatives; rich, poor, you, me.... We need
to put an end to this and the time is
NOW!!!!
 I've always pondered if the notion: "OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR  FUTURE" applies
to our country. I guess not.
No wonder our future always looks bleak.
I say, let's celebrate our past (our ancestors), let's embrace the present
(our children), let's look forward to the future
(a better nation).

Regi Chevalier