@Wyclef
This whole Wyclef  Jean run for Haitian president thing has happened so fast that I don’t know whether or not to call him “former” rapper.  I mean I’m still seeing new records leaking on the internet each day.  He’s even featured in a new nationwide Western Union campaign.

Imagine if Barack Obama dropped a mixtape or was the Gap spokesperson while he was running for President.  Aside from getting slammed by conservatives the general public would be rather confused about how he’s spending his precious free time.  No one would vote for him. Even his own Fugees band mate, Pras, has said he’s supporting “the other guy”.

Most recently, actor/ activist, Sean Penn who is not impressed had some choice words about why he’s not supporting Clef’s campaign claiming the rapper has been absent in Haiti since the quake and is  concerned about the validity to allegations the star misused money donated to his Yele Haiti charity.  Ordinarily I would discount a white actor’s words as baseless but this is a man who actually MOVED to Haiti to help with the recovery full time.

“He has been virtually silent for those of us in Haiti; he has been a non-presence. His voice has really been most loudly that which allegedly (sic) has taken over $400,000 designated for Haitian relief for himself and claims he didn’t do it. That has to be looked into.”

Despite all the hate and naysayers Wyclef presses on which is probably his best tribute to President Obama whose spirit he’s clearly embodying.  The 44th President would not be in the oval office if he didn’t stare doubt in the face and press on.  He recently shared his thoughts with CNN.

Here’s my take.  Haiti has been the punchline of far too many jokes for far too long.  As a friend to many Haitian Americans I know its a stigma they can’t shake.  Public perception is unfortunately very close to the reality when it comes to conditions within the country.  This needs to stop.  The earthquake was only adding insult to injury.  Its time Haiti get out from under itself.  Its time for it to become the proud country that was the first of the Western world to declare independence from a European colonist.

Is Wyclef the man to lead such charge?  Ehhh.  I believe in Clef and his intentions.  But he’s an artist.  He’s even proven he’s not that great a business man or a husband for that matter.  What makes him believe he can manage the most ravished country in perhaps the world.

Don’t get me wrong he can do a lot and has but if he really wants to help his country perhaps he should endorse a candidate that has the EXPERIENCE and know how to do so effectively.  The sad part is with all the corruption and political unrest that exist, who knows if that is even possible.  Sak Pase!