Filibuster Cartoons
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Famed Haitian-American hip-hop star Wyclef Jean has mused recently that he might run for president of Haiti in the country’s upcoming general election, though no formal decision has yet been made. The Grammy-winning musician has been a resident of the States since 1981, though he retains his Haitian citizenship and remains engaged in the island’s domestic issues. In 2007 the Haitian government gave Jean the status of “roving ambassador” for Haiti, a position he ably utilized earlier this year as a high-profile celebrity fundraiser for the country’s earthquake relief efforts.
I know we’re all supposed to think it’s a big hilarious hoot when celebrities get involved in politics, but I’ve never entirely shared the sentiment. Since I’m generally against career politicians, which is to say, people who get involved in politics because they enjoy making laws, controlling other people, and amassing personal power, I think it’s nice to get the occasional candidate drawn from a more independent background. Because they’re already wealthy and powerful, celebs embrace a lot of their pet causes through genuine concern, and can productively exploit their fame to gain useful access and insight into the matters that concern them.
One can certainly criticize vacuous, self-aggrandizing starlets who are content to stand on the sidelines and complain ignorantly from the lap of luxury, but it’s very different to put your entire career on hold to pursue political office the way Al Franken, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronald Reagan, and others have done. That, to me, signifies true commitment, passion, and activism for a cause greater than yourself. In short, precisely the right sorts of motivations for seeking office in a democratic society.
Whether or not Wyclef Jean is qualified or experienced enough to be president will ultimately be up to the voters, but at the very least he seems to posses an honest concern for the safety and well-being of the Haitian people. And that’s much more than can be said for a lot of the country’s previous leaders.
October 19th, 2010 at 4:54 am
They HAVE done a lot worse.
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