Leadership that is LONG Overdue...

I know when I say this people are going to say it's expected.  But, I ask you to read this post with an open mind.  When Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama, there were some (Rush Limbaugh) who took the attitude that the General's actions were expected.  He - and others - ignored the well thought out statement made by General Powell and those, rather, to focus on trivial nuances.  So, let me reiterate: I ask you to read this post with an open mind.

I endorse my father Krim Menelik Ballentine for the Virgin Islands Legislature from St. Thomas.  Shocking, eh?  But, here's why:

A Constitution has been written for the Virgin Islands.

Over the past few months, you and I have engaged in a dialogue about the issues facing the Virgin Islands - mostly surrounding "the struggle for self-government."  Using that framework, together we have established a rough definition of "the true Virgin Islander."  As we discussed, the true Virgin Islander is someone who is fighting for the VI and understand the role of a constitution.

Several of you made mention that we fail to understand the nuances of government.  Yet, no one thinks the task should be that difficult for our leaders to resolve.  Although we do not necessarily agree on how they should assert themselves, we all agree that our leaders must assert themselves towards an end of Liberty and Democracy for Virgin Islanders.  We also agree that it is a travesty of immense proportion that Virgin Islanders are treated as second-class citizens and denied the right to vote in National Elections.

My father has been fighting for the Virgin Islands for many years.  He filed suit for our rights as United States citizens (see here).  This is what Yale Law School had to say.  And although this effort has been - so far - unsuccessful, the effort was made.

Now I read this.  As we see the Fifth Constitutional Convention extended without end, we are reminded about the fundamental chaos that exists in the Virgin Islands.  (Frankly, as we read the news we are reminded of the chaos and corruption.)  You may agree with the language in his Draft Constitution...you may disagree.  But, we all should agree that a draft was completed that we could discuss.  What are your thoughts?

This is the type of leadership that is long overdue.

While other candidates offer us fish frys and boat rides, my father is offering a passion for the Virgin Islands and the rights of her people.  What is more important?

While we get "hung up" on Party affiliation, the people suffer.  What is more important: Party or people?

No - I'm not asking you to ignore ideology.  I am asking you to embrace ideology...an ideology that looks first to the Virgin Islands.  We need Democrats for Virgin Islands empowerment.  We need Republicans for Virgin Islands empowerment.  We need everyone for Virgin Islands empowerment. 

Don't you think that should be the primal goal?  What do you think is more important?

We've elected smooth talking folk for decades, who either rape the Virgin Islands economy or preside over the pillage.  Can you tell me a reason to vote against someone who is passionate about the rights of Virgin Islanders?

Honestly, I don't know.  Maybe I'm too close...but, it seems to me that if 96% of you believe that Virgin Islanders should be considered Americans, and 91% believe all Americans should have the right to vote, and 95% of you believe Virgin Islanders should have the right to vote, then we must seek out those who will fight for that right.  Am I missing something?

I can take critique, so please don't spare me - hit me hard if I need to be hit.  But, I would love to know: what do you think of the Draft Constitution?  Did you even know about the law suit?  What are your thoughts on that?  Do you think these things even matter?  And, if they matter, what bearing should they have on defining someone's character and committment to the Virgin Islands and Virgin Islanders?

Let your voice be heard!

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Virgin Islands, Campaign 2008

From Mecca To Obscurity & Obama vs. DeJongh

From sugar cane to sugar apple, you name it and it was grown in the Virgin Islands, which was considered for centuries the "agricultural mecca" of the Caribbean, according to local experts.

 - St. Thomas Source

This is something I've been thinking about for a very long time.  What about you?

For as long as I can remember, the Virgin Islands economy has been almost wholly dependent upon tourism.  It seems dangerous to be in this position.  And, this danger is only highlighted by the economic crisis, even higher airline tickets, changing passport regulations and overall decrease in travel.

But there are others who have a different memory.  Olasee Davis says:

In the 1960s, when I grew up on St. Thomas, there was no Pueblo or Plaza Extra," said Olasee Davis, local agriculture expert. "Everyone had things growing right in their backyards, and every weekend, the farmers on the island would bring their produce down to the market square. The market used to be everything to the people on St. Thomas, and it was a tradition for them to come down and buy fresh stuff from the farmers.

Seems to me that if we are to succeed in The Struggle for Self-Government, we must also have some semblance of self-sufficiency.  Not saying that we need agriculture at the levels to feed the entire territory.  But, surely our dairies should be able to keep cows!  Can any of you form your mouths to tell folks that we have two dairies with no cows?!

Yes, the Industrial Revolution in the North of America did cripple the Southern economy.  And, to this day, agriculture has still not proven to be the magic bullet to revitalize the South.  However, the America doesn't simply rely on the South. 

Our land-mass is exponentially less than that of mainland America.  What will the Industrial Revolution mean for the Virgin Islands?  And while efforts are being made to bring industry to the Virgin Islands, when faced with the failings of industry on the mainland we must ask two questions:

1. Are we too late?  Is this revolution at its end?
2. Is the VI ultimately best suited for Industrial Development?

The main incentive for businesses coming to the VI is the tax incentives.  Supposedly, obscene tax incentives to business and industry will benefit local Virgin Islanders and the Virgin Islands Economy.  And, as I think about it - it's incredible strange that this flies!  How does the economy benefit if the businesses are almost 100% tax-free?  Are the proponents of the VI EDA following Bush-McCain economics?

As our polls on VI Watch are showing, Virgin Islanders support Barrack Obama by an overwhelming majority.  And, Obama's tax policy is fundamentally opposed to this sort of "trickle-down economics."  And while the philosophy is that these policies enable businesses to provide more jobs, we've been faced with (at least at the National level) a spirit of greed and corruption, resulting in bailouts and economic crashes.  Here's what Obama would say:

So while Gov. DeJongh is committed to Obama, here is at least one point of divergence in policy.  I'm not saying that their policies cannot diverge.  Maybe they should.  Just keeping them honest.  But, what do you think?

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Organizing for Hurricane Omar

In case you don't know, Hurricane Omar is on path to hit the Virgin Islands. According to models at Hurricane City, the Omar is slated to hit the Virgin Islands as a Category 2 storm:


We all know the Virgin Islands is isolated. We all know that many times the media doesn't even cover the Virgin Islands. So, we also know that in the aftermath it will be incumbent upon us to help the recovery.

Question: do any of you have (or know of) a VI based or run Foundation designed to help in these sorts of instances?

If so, please let's begin the discussion and be ready to help. In the meantime, please be sure to keep our homeland in your prayers.

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!