26033: Walton (comment) RE: 26020: Allen: (comment) The Simeus Candida cy (Opinion) (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

Waltonr@hotmail.com

Mr. Simeus, a "carpetbagger."

Carpetbagger - In the United States, the term carpetbagger was an epithet
used to refer to a Northerner (Yankee) who lived at the South during
post-U.S. Civil War Reconstruction between 1865 and 1877... and is now also
the common term for them, even when no insult is intended.  (From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia.)

Historically "Carpetbagger" was perjorative as most but not all politicians
fitting that description sought to enrich themselves.  The worst gained
office by showering promises on an illiterate and unenlightened but newly
enfranchised population of recently freed slaves.  The best governed well,
built and rehabilitated towns and counties in the South, initiating public
works and public schools.

In re Simeues -...he is still a citizen of both countries, and he has two
residences, in Texas and in Haiti. Although I am wary of carpetbaggers in
general and especially those from Texas who wind up in Washington, I would
urge that the worthiness of Mr. Simeus' candidacy be evaluated on the basis
of his character, ability, relevant accomplishments, potential and will to
assist the rehabilitation and growth of Haiti...beyond just PAP.  (Ask him
about his plans for the whole of Haiti.  If he demonstrates a deficiency in
that regard, drop him like a hot rock.  Haiti has been plagued by leadership
that ignored needs outside of PAP.)

To find a great leader, you must find a great servant.

For starters, you might determine if Simeus is without ties to any of the
perpetrators of the political violence that has racked the country.  Are
there many serious candidates for whom that can be said?  IMHO Haiti may
need to look beyond her borders to find them.  Judging by the governments it
has produced and the policies thereof, adherence to the letter of the 1987
Haitian constitution may not be in Haiti's best interests.

Bob Walton