Here in Tanzania (reasonably the whole Africa) everyone endorses Obama. Kenya made the day after the election - Happy Obama Day - a public holiday. T-shirts with the word Obama floods the streets of Arusha.
The world, at least the one around me, celebrates this historical event. And of course, now we all look forward to what kind of change this next president of the United States could do…
Today, when I was driving down the street in Suzi, a police officer pulled us over. He ordered my passenger to get off the car, and climbed into it himself - a clear sign of bribe-seeking. He told me that Suzi’s hand break was not working, before he even examined it (and, to his disappointment, the hand break does work). He asked for my driver’s license, and I gave him my Californian one (for lacking an international one).
“Obama!” Cheered the police officer. A little handshake. “I can find other mistakes in your car if I want, but for Obama, I’ll let you go.”
Before entering his office in January, Barack Obama is already easing the corrupt situation of law-enforcing officials in East Africa.
Yes, we totally can.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
hahaha… obama is already easing corruption… hahaha
my favorite quote post election is “yes we can… finally talk about something else”
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
wow that’s quite a story… i’m glad that the policeman didn’t continue to bribe you, yet am rather disturbed by the whole fanaticism around obama; is it really a good thing, that petty corruption is eased because he sees that you’re american? will this mean that if i had a british passport, i will get bribed an even larger amount to make up for the american who he wasn’t willing to bribe…? there are so many unforeseen consequences that change brings, the only thing we can do is to hope that in the larger context of things it will only bring the better…
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:48 am
wow. He even influenced africa though no yet in office. I’m glad you’re ok.
First time to read your blog. Just to say hi. Take care in Africa.