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Although this blog focuses on
international healthcare, today I felt compelled to write about something
that’s not related to healthcare.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been
watching and reading the news about the elections in Zimbabwe between the
ruling ZANU-PF party, which is the one President Robert Mugabe is affiliated
with, and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party. The elections were
held 10 days ago and the presidential results have yet to be announced! There
are many rumors rumbling about how this delay will enable Mugabe to maintain
control over the government that he’s been in charge of for the last 28 years,
and perhaps lead to violence, because preliminary polling results have shown
MDC candidate Morgan Tsvangirai won the election. It’s obvious that Mugabe and
his supporters refuse to leave quietly and will do whatever is necessary to
keep the power.
It has been said that prior
to the rebellion that allowed Zimbabwe to declare its independence from Great
Britain, the country was thought to be the “bread basket” of Africa with high
quality education and healthcare (ah-ha, here’s something health-related!).
Since Mugabe’s reign, the country has fallen apart with a ridiculously high
inflation rate (100,000) and its inability to take care of its citizens.
This whole situation makes
me feel sad for the citizens of Zimbabwe, angry that someone will do whatever
is necessary be in power no matter the costs, and frustrated that nothing has
been resolved. At the same time I feel grateful and lucky to be living in a
country where situations like this do not happen. I am proud to live in a
country where I am free to do basically anything I want, live anyway I want.
I’ve been fortunate to have traveled all over the world and witness firsthand
the advantages and disadvantages of people who live in countries like India,
Vietnam, and South Africa. Having these experiences has only instilled the
pride I have for my country, knowing that I am lucky to live in such a great
nation when so many suffer.
There’s my rant for today.
Thank you for reading.
In case you wish to learn
more about what’s happening here are some links to articles online:
Morgan Tsvangirai and his fight for office
Mugabe: Liberation hero turned tyrant
Mugabe's party loses grip on parliament
Raids target Zimbabwe opposition party
Tsvangirai says Mugabe preparing violence
What 10 Million Buys
Zimbabwe court delays poll ruling again
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