Your writing doesn't say how long you've stayed in the United States, but surely you are aware that our laws released many mentally ill who are not a danger to themselves or others, many years ago. The people on the street are often mentally ill who choose to be there or not take their meds, also people who do not want to be controlled by the rules of the shelters or housing that is provided to the poor. You might be surprised by the pension checks of some of those poor on the streets. Of course, I'm not speaking of the children who have no say in the matter. But, having been to the interior of Zaire,( now Democratic Republic of the Congo) to India and to Hong Kong BCC refugee camps, I've never seen poverty here like that I saw there. Here, there are so many programs to feed people - WIC (for Women with Infants and Children), food stamps, shelters,& welfare, Section 8 housing, drug rehab. That wasn't available to those I saw in those other countries. But, we do have freedoms here to be on the street if you want to. Did you see alot of Kwashiorkor in D.C.? Is there an article you've written as to why you are here with Obama rather than helping your country? I'd like to read it.

Re Learning from the Obama Campaign, What a terrific article.I have the same feeling about Kenyans taking Obama and what he stands for and bringing it home. I am a white Afro American. Born in Tanzania & growing up in Kenya. My father was an American. Iam so proud of the way Obama has conducted himself. Kenyans can be proud too. I hope they can take this as an example to start making the right steps in the future government of Kenya. Thanks for your article.