Good bye to digital freedom after hackers: Return to Westphalian days?

Have we shot ourselves on the foot with globalization? This should be the talking point of all who values the benefits ushered in by the likes of Facebook, Twitter, WeChat, Amazon and the rest. There is no better place to access the benefit of globalization and its impact rather than in areas of digital communication technology. It has over the years marveled many and continues to influence lives in many ways or another-good or bad. Recently, not long after 9/11, the decoupling of digital communication benefits has left many asking, is it worth the hype and backlash? This has resulted to many states rolling back the red carpet. 

The war on terror and other related crackdown by government does poses one big question; how long shall we continue to enjoy the benefits of globalization with regards to digital freedom? Doesn’t it infringe on the freedom that individuals are meant to have? The digital space era once considered the greatest in human innovation has today become an area where increased government activity are so much felt. It’s status is considered as the provable ‘Trojan horse.’ It is held by some States with great disdain, to others with suspicion-State actors weaponized domain to undermine one another. To States, it poses unimaginable threat to sovereignty as various government would want us to believe. It is true, but aren’t we moving too fast, the end result is that, it is impeding on the rights of citizens to freedom of speech. 

The fact that the space has become explosive domains for both good and bad guys should not take away privacy which is sacrosanct to freedom itself. Just as the FBI director pointed out ‘Just as technology has become a force multiplier for the good guys, it has become a force multiplier for all sorts of bad guys – for terrorists, hackers, child predators, and more.’

The fight to control this space may well be justified given constant challenges posed by the enumerated societal ills within States not excluding the use of ransomware that could disable critical infrastructure to those of act of terror. It is important that every State act should be done within the limits of the law. It is well known that when States crawls are held to de-tangled is hard because every inch they occupy are never easily given back-limitless control of Westphalian style. The knowledge that some alien are snooping on us be it government or some weird fellow should make our skin rise in protest. The abuse of digital technology as a means of censorship or monitoring of citizens undermines all freedom most especially the kind herein discussed.

As the territory of states becomes much hard to distinguish, given the high infiltration of what government would call rogue element in ‘User-controlled default encryption’ which is said to be a real challenge for law enforcement. Notwithstanding, the line between government over reaction and inaction could blurs the line of common sense and by encroaching on this rights or free space becomes unattainable to freedom. The precedence set is problematic because autocratic regimes uses these excuse as opportunity to act with impunity on their citizens, as has been the case in recent days around the world. We have seen increased government activity in snooping on individuals with the view of arresting supposed threats but such threat to state continues unabated. This means some states are either using it to maintain their grip on power against the wishes of the people by targeting the opposition. The problem is that of blurring the lines of decency between ‘Privacy and security.’ The resultant effect are that fears are generated, policies are derived through emotional which gives room for complacency. 

The debate between ‘Privacy and security’ should be an on going discussion not subjectively driven. It requires an in-depth study that helps identifies cause as well as effect of today’s policies on our future freedom. 

Finally, a critical study should drive current problematic given the way various governments have gone about solely devising and enacting laws that suits them which is subject to abuse. The bad actors identified could use these flaws in the laws to advance their mode of operations keeping government caged-in to perpetual evil. This provides room to compromises the good citizens in between the fight for digital freedom-in government verses the bad crazy masked men or women in an unknown corner of the globe. 

The ‘Go Back’ that I believe in

There has been a huge interest on the statement made by the President of USA with respect to the four black Democratic Congresswomen. With no special interest in the racially connotative utterance of the said statement, I would rather concern myself with the phrase ‘go back’ as a subject of this discussion.

Rather than take offense with the entire statement, I prefer to stay within the two words and within which my stated discussion would ventilate my explanation. With this said, I find nothing wrong with the very phrase ‘go back,’ simply because it is as an organic word speculated on two words ‘origin or root.’ We all stake or claim to an origin or another-identity. That’s why we could identify with African Americans when the first person of color won and took office as the President. The same can be said of those who share his maternal home, schoolmates or those with whom in one way or another can identify or share in the said victory. They too can like anyone else stake a claim or ownership to his person based on any form that adequately answers to such. Taken from this point of view, we then can understand when someone says ‘go back,’ not as an offensive statement within the contest of whatever is said. After all, they might be pointing us to some relative past which we may have forgotten-connectivity or affinity, which resonates with us good or bad. The four individuals in question can identify with whom ever their ancestors were which at the end returns them back to place of origin. 

These four individuals even though stake a claim to USA as their state/nation, can still look back to their various roots, origin using the political position attained to change situations. Having said this, their position could best be served elsewhere other than where they currently work, this I say giving the general outcome of Obama administration which did little to nothing to advance interest of people of color from place of origin in the global world politics. 

From history we very much can deduce instances where without the word being uttered, has resulted in various positive outcomes. It has helped maintain transnational understanding of certain race and culture-this can be described as building from the outside. The white settlers from Europe to many parts of the world though they lay claim to those countries never forgot their common affinity to ancestral homes-from Canada to Australia to name a few. From Britain to other colonialist, they still share common purpose regardless of the terms or names they chose to call it-strategic partners, special relationships.

In modern times, we can point to groups like Israel lobby group an organization that pushing for Jewish interest -The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Another that comes to mind is the South African lobby group AFRIFORUM, they share one thing in common fighting for their group interest. They remain the mouthpiece of one policy or programs aimed at achieving the overall interest of their group or groups, the same approach can be adopted by representatives of minorities in the USA body politics.

The black nations struggles to understand the world and the politics that informs it. We easily get emotional trapped, segregated or abandoned. Rather than playing by political rule book of naivety dictated by an organized, coherent structure that keeps us fractured, disorganized and decimated, we need to relearn what we already know even though we have outstripped. The same can be said of other minorities groups struggling to make sense or find a voice within the superstructure and of whom by own doing remain discombobulated by lack of right political rhythm.

This idea of going back’ rather than being conceived as derogatory should be a wake up call for action requiring synergies in other to confront the unbalanced world politics. Instead of feeling so discomforted, convoluted to the past ways, we should rather see oneness, utilize our voice to air our views with strong organizational or structured view point by lobbying to improve situations in our various places of origin. Working together to advocate accountability within the various developing countries which are the targets of the ‘shithole’ derogatory statement rather than being ‘axis’ through which these wrong are perpetuated. 

The continent has been victim to various forms of inhuman acts of men in the form of corporate corruption where big companies avoid taxes, engage in kickbacks, pollute our environments. You guys know all these, resources wars are raging as we get pitted against each other, use your voices rightfully, make use of your position to pursue projects that benefit the continent to build in peace. By the end of your term, looking back your achievement would resonate not just within America but within the continent where you stake your ancestral home originates. When someone so uses those words, ‘go back,’ you can be proud of the statement, leaving the emotional burden behind. The continents remains at the center of rob and rot from within and outside, there is need for fearsome representatives. 

‘Go back,’ should be a motivation for real action towards getting better results.There are many nationalities in America, the Asian American for instance, may identify with this differently. They may have carved a niche in what it means to be an American far better than other nationalities. From the Chinese, Japanese to name a few, none continues to struggle so hard in comparison to the descendants of American slaves and the Latinos. Why? The answer is not simple but requires we do things differently, look beyond America, establish strong linkages that survives past any given ideology. We need to suppress our emotions because it play into the victimhood mentality for which we are ascribed to as aid-filled underdeveloped nations.

As an African, am tired of being apologetic to the mistakes of our past and failures to take opportunity/advantage, remaining self defeating. We can claim our place in history not by being exotically too wishful or sympathetic seekers. We need to curb our emotive tendencies and face realpolitik rather than victimhood politics built on divided and ruled. These were the same politics that has led us to nowhere, kept us down because we remain tools in the hands of our detractors. 

The go back’ should become a new found love song that reminds us that, we have a place in this world. To secure such place we don’t have to throw in towels, we don’t need to complain,because when we do, we lose focus. What we simply needs do is fight and get the result, occupy “The” position and others would take us serious. So henceforth, keep the emotional baggage somewhere far away, then quietly, articulately and strategically find our rightful place in the world for ‘We are no bagger-nations.’

Finally, let’s keep this question close always, what leverage do we have over and above our oppressors? Currently, it is ‘absolutely nothing.’ The very reason we need to act now and make it known that our resolve is none negotiable. 

Celestine Chidi

Different Tribes: One Humanity

Life is one and just the same 

held by thin air that we breathe 

doesn’t hold where we all came

since God exist in different names.

His act of creation made us all

by this rainbow we are just one.

Beauty and the beast can coexist 

our love darkens when compared.

Bright of whites are without shade

for beauty comes in different makes.

Tribes like trees share night and day

one single tree can’t make a forest,

it grow old, withers in theatre of death;

our type must bond, build and grow.

Letter to African Leaders

           #DearAfrica

In this desperately charged political environment, where everyone and everything is on a #charmoffensive-new scramble for Africa,through wealth disbursements as grants, please sit back and enjoy everything thrown to you. Do not hesitate to collect from whoever and wherever that might be and  #goodtiming to hand money back to you after all it is time #payingbackthemoney, but be wise; any #conditionattached, produce the “all-too-familiar gesture without the other four fingers showing.” Such act according to a court ruling has been identified as a “form of free speech,” backed by good reason and for Africa, such good reason include; bringing back #austerity with stolen African wealth. Austerity of the past did lots of damages with its harsh conditions attached which set Africa decades backward and #Britain knows how austerity feels now.

We shouldn’t continue to play the novice in the arena of world politics. New Scramble of Africa is solely for control. New endless wave of charm offensive is on the way as different countries with weapons and wealth compete to have Africa under their armpit. Nations in this geopolitical contest has interest and we have interest too and ours shouldn’t be of indifference to past injustice-used and abused on our resources. So take full advantage of such wealth disbursements or call it handouts and be wise to use it to uplift the poor masses who have carried the burden of corporate corruption for so long. Please avoid the act of #secretoffshorebanking, we know all about elite corruption here too- accountability now must take precedent in the New Africa of our dream. Please try reduce the sufferings of the poor masses by having their interest at heart.

Africa has come of age because we know money does not build wealth rather development does. We need to work to end youths perilous journey through the Mediterranean Sea. Do not be on the side of those who exploit the land leaving #globalwarming as gifts for future generations to suffer #effectofcycloneidai. Side with the people because the #Spring is not over yet and let your legacy define you and endure joy for the masses or else #askSudan.

Celestine Chidi holds BA in International Relation and BA.Hons in International Politics 

My Africa

The beautiful faces of my people smile.

For your land is unconquerable.

They may have mocked your life’s,

but all depends on how you now respond.

Can I be left alone to live my life,

For all I do is never gonna be good enough.

Enough of taking me for granted,

for I am as you are too.

Our fathers were mocked long before,

they threw away all they had and followed.

Followed to a land where they knew nothing,

nothing to change for but left abandoned.

If you think democracy was your invention,

Look at how my fathers lived their lives.

They managed to hold down what they could, 

yes not all were good but, to threw all away?

Can I be left to eat the way I choose,

without being told to use your fork and knife, 

let me wash my hand and feed on my ebab,

such culture belongs to me respect it I say.

We have long been deceived for far too long,

as though we amount to nothingness.

But you hauled our men and women then,

to your land as beast of something else.

My Africa rejoice for you are really great.

Look in your morning mirror and smile again,

for no one can quantify you by their word,

Our ancestors surely would want you to be.

I have asked God this very one question,

Could my ancestors all be hauled to hell?

As I sleep so I await His response,

for if God can’t judge then no one should.

My Africa rejoice!

Join hands and rejoice!

You are great people rejoice,

for in your joy, you can do wonders.

Yes your joy were all taken away then,

you can’t mourn forever of their ills.

It is time you look back and take your pride, 

Our ancestral warriors conquered their lands. 

They planted the land of their oppressors,

fed their greed with own life and sweat.

Never were they paid for those injustices,

in greatness remains mocked of today. 

Let not their words define you,

for none knows your real worth but you.

But kept in the innermost of your mind,

goad you to your true glorious height.

Loathed on Both Sides: the masses at the mercies of politicians and clergies

INTRODUCTION 

According to Rousseau “I have demonstrated that Man is by nature good and that only our institutions has made him bad” Durant 1967:29 ; Emedolu 2017:109). 

The above citation directs my desire towards understanding human through the various existing institutions that exist and through which they are directed. The era in great difficulty of understanding the world around us has increased and all together has made the masses wanderers to own machinations and within these puzzle-an enigma of some kind, lacks clarity not for absence of creativity or originality but rather as slaves of civilization. These institutions and laws therein has actually diminished freedom rather than allow it to thrive given the ever encroachment seen each day. The two institutions of human consent-freedom to worship and to be ruled, has come at no good to man given present circumstances of our modern time. With such parasitic opportunism as forms of interaction it has developed to become human endangerment whilst begging for blood in desperation-overused and abused.

Politicians and clergies on their part appearing with such slogans “we would build heaven on earth for you vote for us” and “your kingdom isn’t of this world pay your tilts and God would reward You abundantly”. Both taking advantage of the situation abandoned the ordinary man to helpless condition and live off the sweat of such destitute man in the veils of uplifting their earthly and heavenly conditions. These outcome plays out daily- lavish lifestyle in posh cars and expensive mansions and best eatery money can afford while the poor on their own waits on earthly doors looking forward to promised heavenly “kingdom come”. The Horatian line “We are deceived by the appearance of good”, cannot be taken for granted since these desires are never evenly shared such politicians and clergies lay wait to such desperation since that is the nature of the world and that was meant to exist. These good for which man is held captive keeps him perpetually in search of everlasting joy which never comes for if it were, what needs are these two anyway? 

This should resonate as a means of evaluating what drives man and how man gets trapped in the things seen for which they end up being victims of self inflicted wounds. Truth is, we can’t continue to act as though we are unaware of the nature of human existence but rather should speak not through fear- since fear remains mans biggest challenge, but through risk of facing fear itself which if not taken can lead to many untold hardships. This is the mental state to which we are meant to reason rational enough to break the mental servitude and unshackled man for total emancipation. In modern times these two subjects continues to plough on these fears to advance their set objectives of deceit. These dystopian existence are well designed and forms the desire to evaluate the mode of operations so that the need for re-education of the mind remains vitally important through understanding how we got here.

Birds of the same feather flock together a similarities long over due to disparage modern day Church and Politics given the pains of ordinary man.

1.1 The poor man in the middle: churches act of deceit. 

Between God and the natural man is the clergy since the act of discernment is only understood through confirmation to such position. So it is not surprising to see proliferation of churches today as a means of multiplication of seekers of representatives to the mouthpiece of the Gods. The simple fact that God cannot speak but through man mystifies the workings of God as an ever present challenge. Given the natural acquiescence of man to God-seeking to have continued contact with the supreme being, therein lay the continued deceit and malign act of men against man. So not surprising that man should continue to feel  the over exertion of power in such area since his mind and soul is control through and from it. In this foregoing instances, man becomes victim of the very same act of men. The poor man in this instance perpetually is the victim of such act given the ever dependence in the spiritual realm otherwise to whom can the matters of the soul be granted thus that dependence.

1.1.1 the ungodly acts of men of God

When an individual immerses oneself on worldly possession what then can they offer and how then can the Shepards words be differentiated by “vanity upon vanity”. The truth is, the varying degree at which what is said differs from actions constantly on daily occurrence with recent reported happening in and around the church by no less than men of God driven by self delusional desires is concerning. As emphasis on material emancipation to the disadvantage of spiritual self growth grounded to less knowledge and situational needs increases human destruction to an unimaginable immeasurable degree. The sexual abuse case in Australia is in living memorial a wake of call;

"Like many survivors it has taken me years to understand the impact upon my life. At some point we realize that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationships that we should trust”. What a betrayal of trust in the highest order.

1.1.2 the shenanigans of politicians: states faithful failures

What similarities can we draw between the clergy and politician; they are both representatives of men with propensity to opportunism. In much of today we sees “dine and wine” as politician loses direction to where to lead the populace. Speaking truth to power gradually is disappearing because fear of death hangs on individual life’s, so rather stay alive than say the truth. Otherwise how else could one explain the ever absence of truth to continued decay within the society to which everyone sees and keep silent. In such obscurity of truth, politician act with impunity against the wishes of the people because the moral voice are silenced. As the drums of war go unchallenged, the resulting outcome is the flood of refugees needing help from the system that is designed perpetually to benefit the high and mighty subjecting the poor man to everlasting quest for happiness. The hypocritically nature of such act ever hidden remains the mystery to which God would be puzzled to acts of man against the dictates of Edem. The front pews ever reserved to the politician front, left, right and center. Yet the pastor can’t challenge the deceitful acts that makes the poor yearn for justice, a simple bromance hardly to be seen in the confused scheme of all things.

2. WHERE TO FROM HERE. 

Emotional intelligence is of vital importance in other to stay atop the many challenges of our world. The world is filled with people driven by various motives and interests who pushes the bounds of common reasoning and understanding. We have to deal with the ideological ploy of “orthodoxy and methodologism” to evade the trappings that ensnares us in minds servitude. The clergy and politician continues to blurt the line between church and state thereby chipping away human freedom for their benefit committing man to untold hardships by exploiting gaps and errors in our conscious experience. This goes against the natural belief of “Give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what is His”. Without painting all with same brush we can highlight the leadership quality displayed by the New Zealander Leader whose empathy marvels the whole world following the deadly Christchurch killing-one in a million act.

3. CONCLUSION 

The onus is the masses to open their eyes boldly and be on the look out for American wonder Disney styled representatives whose sole objective is not just self serving but ‘fool me tendency’. No one is better placed to dictate deceitfulness better then the masses themselves and can only do this if they remain natural and authentic. Education remains the one single way to achieve purposeful emancipation and not the type dictated by entrenched materialistic desires but one wrapped in originality of purpose for the good on mankind.

Ezemedolu Celestine holds BA in International Relation and BA. Hons in International Politics

Boats Then and Now!

Then and now boat were used

our father's gulled of kith and kin.

Whilst on line walked in chains, 

traveling through these brutal seas

In faraway land abused and used.

Silence please!

        

Boats were used then and now,

destitute mindless slaves so rumbles

alleluia chorus to their masters hymns.

So it goes, matters of the mind,

of such minds though opposed in consent,

as we sieve through history books.

        

Still, boats are used so we know,

inhumane act of fellow being.

Whilst they travelled through these sea,

Scattered tombs yet no soldiers name.

objects of their captors wish,

'Do as told or else be doomed'.

        

Whilst we speak, boats are used,

viewing deaths on these treacherous sea.

New masters baton betting rides,

such altered being impaired at heart.

Ploughing souls for sole goals gain

vanities of the brazen rich.

        

Boats adorns on trophies look;

signed to humiliate our fathers worth,

as their kids sojourns to unending quest.

Trapped in cages sold with tags,

of a dreams no greener than home,

Repeated history of servitude.

        

Boats were used these sea tells,

Objects possessed from nothingness.

Strangers to places shaped of bloods,

strength through thy own sweats.

Unwelcome in these far away lands

Awaiting a worth that never comes.

        

Mothers dreams of own child embrace,

yet perils of boats we all recounts,

many souls have gone...on sea,

how many more souls should still be lost?

slaves of promised “milk and honey”,

Forgetful of tales on thee old boats.

        

While it began from boats on sea

scriptures whites on own free ride.

hidden swords away from thy sights

flashed their cultured book inward they went,

for our land we’ve all but lost,

Woof! Whilst Gold and Silver left our shores.

Boats with souls, silence! ...minute pass.

To our leaders, please bow thou Heads,

for own shame, our mothers weep.

Could sweet dreams be made of rouge seas?

For the ikolo has to sound! Lest we forget

Ought in this future we pause. 

 

#migrantsonsea. Remembering the souls that were and continues to be lost on the seas in search of greener pastures across the Atlantic on this Poetry day.