Should we blame the West for the problems we face in Africa?

[Kofi]

My grandmother used to say, "if you don't go to heaven, don't blame Jesus" and by that she means, if you don't make the right choices and you fail, don't blame anybody but yourself. My grandfather also used to say "A head that forgets to carry firewood must forget to eat pounded yam" and by that he means, "NO PAIN, NO GAIN".

I have been reading several articles recently about the crisis in Libya and Ivory Coast and from most of the comments I read online, most people especially Africans blame the west for the problems we face in Africa. Some even trace it all the way back to the time of slavery and try to blame the UN, the U.S, and co for the problems we face in Africa.

Slavery caused great harm not just to Africa but to the entire humanity. However, I don't think it makes much sense to blame slavery for the problems we face today because slavery was abolished long time ago. We are in a new millennium and I don't think it makes much sense to blame the past for the problems we face today. It is true we face so many problems but the past has very little effect. We suffer in today's world not because of slavery but because we Africans do not make the right choices. It is true the UN, the U.S, and others try to manipulate us sometimes to their advantage and they do succeed in most cases but I don't think it makes much sense to blame them for manipulating us. I think we should blame ourselves for allowing ourselves to be manipulated.

If you don't give the West the chance to come in and control you, I don't think any western country can just come in from nowhere and start deciding your destiny for you. Almost all the rich nations on earth started from scratch. They are rich today because they made tough choices yesterday and they are reaping the benefits today. Some of us Africans know how to complain but we are afraid to make hard choices and that is why we continue to suffer. I know most of you will not agree with me but as my grandmother once said, "if you don't go to heaven, don't blame Jesus" because Jesus has done His part. Jesus has given you the good news and He has shown you the way to heaven so if you don't get to heaven, you better blame yourself.

[Doug]

Kofi this time I can agree with you one hundred percent. Truth will always be truth but it sure does sting at times.