Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Lloyd Whitefield Butler Jnr
27 May 2008
A Press statement made by MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai recently did not even mention the word "sanctions".
If Tsvangirai was trustworthy and was respected by the US and Britain, they would have given him the authority to eliminate all manner of sanctions illegally imposed on Zimbabwe.
Or, as an act of support, the West should lift the sanctions on his behalf to demonstrate honorable support and appreciation for his leadership. The Press statement in question is full of emotive accusations and slander to appeal to mob rule.
No facts are given to substantiate claims. No mention of source material verifying his theory. The language and vocabulary used is a mirror image of Tsvangirai's state of mind.
The terms: "Steal victory from fellow brothers and sisters by using guns, sticks and screwdrivers; cold and callous; are ready for the final round; betrayed and traumatised; unleashed violence on his own children; Are we brave enough? Are we strong enough? Are we angry enough? Illegitimate regime of Zanu-PF to access more weapons for use against its own people."
These are words of a man scared and under duress of his overseers.
The statement is a reflection of a hapless and sad man with only one brief: Destroy President Mugabe and Zanu-PF and you will be rich.
The article "Zanu-PF should set conditions for run-off" in The Herald is excellent for political and economic discussions and public interest.
The conditions should be centred on:
The foregoing provisions and/or conditions should be made available by MDC-T, which presented them to the world as fact.
Treason, sedition and subversive activities are the federal charges MDC-T and its leadership would surely face if American laws where instituted in Zimbabwe.
The Government would have the legal right to arrest the MDC-T leadership through means of "extraordinary rendition" where "torture by proxy" is authorised.
The political behaviour of MDC-T in calling for and supporting illegal economic and trade sanctions against Zimbabwe in an attempt to cripple its infrastructure and invite foreign military forces and corporations; just for a change of government, are acts of treason without question according to US law.
In the US, a citizen can be charged with "conspiracy" for the mere mentioning of such subversive acts.
Under United States Code -- Treason, Sedition and Subversive Activities -- Title 18, Part I > Chapter 115 as currently published by the US government which reflects the laws passed by US Congress as of January 2, 2006 if applied to MDC-T would land them in Guantanamo Camp X-Ray prison.
The penalties can be death, life imprisonment, harsh confinement or as is presently done in America prison without trial or hearing.
For example, the following are seven US Codes that the MDC-T leadership should mull over for having already overtly supported foreign intervention in Zimbabwe's internal affairs: (The author put Zimbabwe in brackets for emphasis)
Section 2381. Treason: Whoever, owing allegiance to (Zimbabwe) the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within (Zimbabwe) the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than US$10 000; and shall be incapable of holding any office (in Zimbabwe) under the United States.
Section 2382. Misprision of treason: Whoever, owing allegiance to (Zimbabwe) the United States and having knowledge of the commission of any treason against them, conceals and does not, as soon as may be, disclose and make known the same to the President or to some judge of (Zimbabwe) the United States, or to the governor or to some judge or justice of a particular State, is guilty of misprision of treason and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than seven years, or both.
Section 2383. Rebellion or insurrection: Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of (Zimbabwe) the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
Section 2384. Seditious conspiracy: If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of (Zimbabwe) the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of (Zimbabwe) the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
Section 2385. Advocating overthrow of Government: Whoever knowingly or willfully advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of (Zimbabwe) the United States or the government of any State, Territory, District or Possession thereof, or the government of any political subdivision therein, by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government; or Whoever, with intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of any such government, prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in (Zimbabwe) the United States by force or violence, or attempts to do so; or . . .
Section 2389. Recruiting for service against (Zimbabwe) United States: Whoever recruits soldiers or sailors within (Zimbabwe) the United States, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, to engage in armed hostility against the same; or Whoever opens within (Zimbabwe) the United States, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, a recruiting station for the enlistment of such soldiers or sailors to serve in any manner in armed hostility against the United States . . .
Section 2390. Enlistment to serve against (Zimbabwe) United States: Whoever enlists or is engaged within (Zimbabwe) the United States or in any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, with intent to serve in armed hostility against (Zimbabwe) the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
It is also against the law of (Zimbabwe) the United States Constitution to intervene in foreign governmental affairs, particularly if the nation is not a threat.
In South Africa, if US Codes were applied there the codes would have resulted in imprisonment for the International Transport Workers with charges of Treason, Sedition and Subversive Activities in their refusal to unload government cleared freight (i.e. a shipment from China to Zimbabwe via South Africa).
A visit to their ITF's website (http://www.itfglobal. org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/1936) reveals their emissary surveillance network; it says: "International Transport Workers' Federation -- Press area
"An Yue Jiang news. Ship makes no attempt to offload arms, trade unions report.
"The ITF understands that the An Yue Jiang left Luanda during the afternoon of 4th of May and headed southbound at around 10 knots. We believe she passed Ponta Da Marca (Angola) earlier today and if speed and weather remain constant should arrive off, or pass, Cape Town on or around 12th May. The vessel's next stop is not known at this stage.
"An Yue Jiang update. Ship makes no attempt to offload arms, trade unions report
"The ITF and ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) report the following news received from their fellow trade unionists in Angola: That the An Yue Jiang has left Luanda after unloading a cargo of cement and construction material only. No attempt was made to offload any armaments, and the ship sailed after taking on fuel and food.
"Trade unionists, including from the port workers' union, maintained a watch on the ship and what came off and went on it throughout its stay in port. The police were also present.
"The ITF will supply an update on the vessel's location tomorrow."
Is this a union to help fellow workers earn proper wages, health and work benefits?
The late US President Ronald Reagan shocked the US labour movement in 1981 when he fired 12 000 striking air traffic controllers for refusing to end their strike.
If there is one positive message the George Bush Doctrine has made known to the world is that every country should honour its patriotism with a Patriot Act.
Presidential debates in Zimbabwe by centering on Zimbabwe integrity, independence, self-rule, Zimbabwe land for Zimbabweans, and patriotism would easily dispel and expose disloyal sources.
Zanu-PF should set conditions for a run-off, as stated by Caesar Zvayi, by demanding that MDC-T state in writing the clearly defined objectives of foreign sanctions.
By providing proof how seven years of sanctions benefited Zimbabwe would give legitimacy to MDC-T as a patriotic pro-Zimbabwe political party.
Again, MDC-T should also be required to reveal their expenditures, foreign and domestic financial connections in order to determine whether it is a Zimbabwean political party or foreign agent.
Demand an answer for their support of blockading government strategic materials for Zimbabwe.
It is high time to shed the light of day on MDC-T: under oath and sworn Zimbabwean constitutional allegiance.
Publicly determine who does what law MDC-T respects.
The Zimbabwean Press and Parliament should demand written proof and public statements on the so-called atrocities and scandals MDC-T proclaimed as facts to the world. As a last note, one of MDC-T's objectives is to Look West (US and UK).
Alas, America's Fortune 500 have already implemented their "Look East Policy" and has no interest in turning back; including US Vice President Dick Cheney's Halliburton now based in Dubai and under Justice Department Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.
In America it's called "outsourcing".
There are also US congressional debates questioning their business first loyalties to foreign governments.
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Kwayedza wee ve Herald, wake up and smell the coffee! I think the truth is that BOB is indeed under pressure. Remember he can not say all the rubbish he used to say about Morgan because the truth is Morgan beat him on March 29. His campaign for the re-run will be full of this land nonsense, personal hate and nothing really of value! Herald yakangofanana ne Hure, pamusi wa 28 Juni they will be attempting to suck up to MDC because some foolish editor will need to keep a job! Chipepa chenhando, manje Tasvinura mabhoi! Morgan NDIZVO, kurohwa kana kunyengetedzwa netumagejo netungoro! Of cause these are the real signs of pressure! Manje maparara moatororo!
Actually, this is a correct assesment of MDC_T misconducts. I am an African student living in the U.S, and I can tell you that, the U.S law is very strict on its citizens. Infact, I don't consider the U.S a free country. The gov't knows alot a bout you; and you can not hide even a little bit. You have a number to ID you, your financial record at every transaction etc.
In the U.S , the MDC-T would have been disqualified and deregistered long ago. Even in Europe, and the U.K in particular, there would be no party called MDC-T by now. Zimbabweans need to demand, as an electoral requirements, the source of funding for such a party. And any foreign backing should be construed as a sell out, unpatriotic, subversive, and an afront to neocolonialism.
From my personal experience, Zim may end up like Uganda, where the Founding Father Dr. Apollo M.Obote was considered a dictator by the west for opposing appatheid in S.A. He was overthrown from power twice in a military coup! But where are Ugandans now??? For the last 22 years, the current gov't sold out all national assets to foreigners, they have built no single hospital or school for the last 22 years. Health care and education and public sectors are in tatters; corruptions is now an official policy!!! All these are a stuck reminder that it is better to be governed by a nationalist than a foreign stooge like MDC-T!!
FORIEGNERS ARE NOW RUNNING ug ECONOMY, WITH THE REAL UGANDANS very deep in poverty!!The only infrastructures left are those built more than 22 years ago, and are falling apart because of systematic neglects!! I think, Zims will be better off to reorganize their economy under Zanu-PF by nationalizing all startegic sectors of the economy, with a combinations of Zim own Patriot Act to keep people like MDC-T out of business for coniving with imperialists!!
What's your evidence that MDC is a "stooge" party? You've been reading too much ZANU-PF propaganda!
Are these comments from truly patriotic Zimbabweans or people on the pay roll of the political party that has been using tax payers money to kill innocent unarmed civilians for "voting wrongly"? The only party card I ever held was a ZANU PF card and yet I think that just like individuals parties need to to take a long hard look at themselves. How will the current regn of terror ever endaer ZANU PF to the average peace-loving Zimbabwean citizens? Read a helpful article below I think this will enable you to have an informed opinion about current events in Zimbabwe. Attitudes such as those dispalyed in this opinion clumn are just what has left ZANU PF where it now and the nation...in tatters. Survival of the Nation and people of Zimbabwe should come first before partyloyalty! As such I find the comments given unhelpful in trying to build up and heal a torn nation and therefore very uncaring and insulting to all Zimababwean nationalists regardless of their political affiliation, gender race and creed.
----------------------- Zimbabwe: Step Down, South African Minister Tells Zanu PF
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18 May 2008 Posted to the web 18 May 2008
Cape Town
A South African Cabinet minister has called on Zimbabwe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) party to "surrender power" to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
Arts and culture minister Pallo Jordan said Zanu PF had "only itself to blame" if it had lost the confidence of Zimbabweans to the degree that it could win elections only by intimidating people or rigging polls.
"Any attempt by ZANU (PF) to cling to power through overt or covert violence will only compound its problems by stripping it even further of the legitimacy it won by leading the Zimbabwean people in their struggle for independence, freedom and democracy," he added.
Jordan's comments were made in an article published on the website of the ruling African National Congress, and marked as having been written in his personal capacity. The son of prominent South African researchers and writers, Jordan studied in Britain and the United States while in exile and has a longstanding reputation as an independent-minded ANC leader.
Responding to a recent article by two South African academics in a Sunday newspaper, Jordan argued against what he said was their suggestion that opposition to Zanu PF was "ipso facto illegitimate and necessarily counter-revolutionary, and therefore pro-imperialist...
"I do not support the MDC and my track record in the struggle against imperialism speaks for itself, but I differ most fundamentally..." Jordan wrote.
"It is precisely my commitment to the anti-imperialist agenda that persuades me that our two comrades are wrong. We will not assist ZANU
(PF) by encouraging that movement to proceed along the disastrous course it has embarked on. Offering it uncritical support because it is anti-imperialist will not help ZANU (PF) to uncover the reasons for the steep decline in the legitimacy it once enjoyed."
He said there were "disturbing parallels" between the arguments of the academics and those of American presidents who supported like-minded foreign governments, irrespective of whether they had democratic credentials.
Relevant Links Southern Africa South Africa Zimbabwe He added: "The questions we should be asking are: What has gone so radically wrong that the movement and the leaders who brought democracy to Zimbabwe today appear to be its ferocious violators. What has gone so wrong that they appear to be most fearful of it?"
Click here for the full text of his article
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In a land of democracy my dear there is what is called opposition parties. They have every right to oppose the government in the name of democracy. Thats why in America they have the Replicans, democrates and liberals. Thats why in South Africa there is UDM, Inkatha Freedom Party and others. The list goes on and on and on. MDC T oz MDC-X or Z has every right to stand for office and oppose the Zanu government. Zanu has to prove them wrong by delivering than victimising its own citizens, or even trying to kill the opposition of any kind. A constructive government will always welcome be it positive or negative opposition. Where does Zanu stand?
I am from Africa but living in USA. What you are saying about the USA or the government knowing everything about you or ya bank its just one of those lies, said by people to mislead the world. Like every country, America has its black sports, but the fact that you left Uganda and found yourself here in America means there is a lot of good happening in America that you could not find in your own country Uganda. So dont bite the hand that feeds you.Honesty is the key.
Corruption, corruption,corruption.The problem with Uganda like most of the African countries is the corruptions of its politicians, not privatisation or globalizaton. The former Kenyan president Mabuto Seseseko was once said to be richer than his country. Thats the true story of African leaders. Greed and pride. Nations have been destroyed for those two.
What Zimbabwe need now is a functional government. A goverment for the people by the people. A government that will put the affairs of the country first. Leaders with hearts. Leaders who have the interests of the nation at heart. A goverenment that will rebuild and unite that country for the good of the people. Not to make themselves rich and richer than leaders of very rich countries like USA and UK.
You have a number to ID you? Really? Sounds positively Orewllian. Do they tattoo it on you or is it stored on a chip under your skin?
Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Assembly, No punishment without law, Due Process in the courts, Freedom to keep and bear arms, freedom to worship, freedom of expression and an election every four years. It can't be that bad if you're a voluntary guest of the US Government. Maybe you'd prefer to be in Zimbabwe?
Hmm I wonder if the Department of Homeland Security are watching?
Why should Morgan use the word "sanctions" when there are no sanctions against Zim?
Typical Herald propaganda. What a load of rubbish.
See all comments (13).
Happy black American dude oblivious to the suffering of Zimbabweans, not knowing what he is talking about, supporting a regime that is systematically destroying the lives of 13 million people, black people.