ANTI-IMMIGRATION SENTIMENTS, A WHITEMAN'S MORBID PHOBIA OF BEING OUTNUMBERED?

Icheoku makes bold to say that the fear being expressed by white people in America, manifested in their anti-immigration activism, is well founded and for a good reason. Power is profound and its holders do not easily give it up. Power is the only thing the White people of America still have wholesale and it seems to be evaporating before their eyes, gradually and continuously, that they are beginning to sustain real fear of the inevitability - what becomes of them in an American society without White-power?

From financial power to economic power to political power and industrial power, the White folks of America are totally and completely in charge; and they are unapologetic and unabashed in using it to other minority peoples chagrin. They loathe the thought and possibility of ever being forced by changing demographics to trade places with those people, who are currently at the receiving end of what they continuously have to dish out and who are not finding it funny at all. This possible future upside about-turn nightmarish scenario to them, is not worthy of contemplation and this founds their rabid reaction to any immigration policy or occurrence that will serve to water down their racial majority in America. The result, the rancid effort to resist any attempt at equalization of the population of America through immigration, whether through a meaningful reform or granting amnesty to people already here. This anti-party manifests in the sudden rise of anti-immigration push-back by the so called 'patriots of America' as represented in the Tea Party activists, the Arizona State's dabbling in a purely Federal legislative list immigration matters as well as the out of control Sheriff Joe Arpaio's corralling of human-beings in the deserts of Maricopa County Arizona.

The "We and Them" politics of America's right wing, the proverbial "true sons and daughters of America", those who "rightfully" own and belong to the land between a sea and shinning sea and who now wants to exclude every other aspiring American from the land are those fueling the rising tempo of 'immigrants leave our shores' near war-cry. When they use some expression such as "that one" to describe a presidential candidate who is now the president of America, President Barack Obama through their Senator John McCain or utter such words like, "We want to take our country back", one is forced to query from which stranger does these bunch of American lunatics want to take their country back? It is a trite rule of society property ownership that one can only take back property from someone who is not the rightful custodian or holder thereof; and judging from the terminology employed here, "our country" then their warped mindset becomes clearly more illuminated - they believe that President Obama is an illegal occupier of "their" White House?

The Indians are waiting for their pound of flesh with some blood from the white people for the cruel hand dealt them by the early arriving white forebears to this great nation. The Blacks are restlessly waiting for the day of reckoning to arrive when they shall place the white people on a defendant's witness box and ask them, why did you do it - slavery and economic stagnation and starvation? The Italians are waiting for the day justice will be dished out to the white people to recompense for the injustice they received in America; and so is the Irish whose construction labor were used practically without compensation. The Japanese are also waiting to ask white peoples of America what warranted their interment in concentration camps during world war 1 and so also are the Chinese smarting for the free conscripted railway labor that they provided to white Americans. Needless to add that the Mexicans are waiting anxiously to see whether their lands from California to Arizona to New Mexico to Nevada to Texas would be given back to them; hence the southern migration to see if they can through population take their lands back for a psychological victory? But the white people are not taking any of that and are fighting back with the Hispanics now having bulls-eye placed on their back and who knows who next the white man's bell shall toll after the present victims?

Icheoku says the heightened anti-immigration sentiments in the land as pushed forward by Arizona State's 1070 is symptomatic of White Americans' phobia of being outnumbered and losing it all. They are not going to keep quiet while the carpet of superiority of numbers is swept from underneath their feet and were Icheoku to be in their situation, will also be as vehement. But life is dynamic and humanity should expect and anticipate changes and adapt as it becomes imperative and necessary. A time it was in no distance past when native Indians roamed the land as the single majority tribe and race in north America. Christopher Columbus allegedly sailed west and 'discovered' a new found land, setting off the party of Mayflower and co, the original forebears of today's white Americans. But did the Indians vanish because they were overwhelmed by the new arrivees who practically killed most of them off to covet their lands? No, they adjusted into their reservations to await the day when things might change to positively affect their fortune. Did Mexico fold up because they lost California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and some parts of Texas to victorious America after the American-Mexican war? No, they adjusted to their new reality of having lost some territories to the superior fire-power of their northern big brother.

So Icheoku is saying that the inevitability shall some day come when the demographics of America shall change irretrievably and the fact that the white Americans are not procreating as fast like their Latin Americans counterpart is not helping their course at all. When that time comes, whatever remains or is left of the White American population shall by the same token of life, adjust accordingly and learn to live their new minority status in America that would probably be dominated by Hispanic Americans. The census bureau has already projected that magic year to be 2050; but hey, that day shall be a new day when the previously air-conditioned offices occupiers shall revert to their new role of pickers of lettuce and avocados in the hot fields of California and Texas. While the descendants of Cesar Chavez will then learn how to knot ties and be professional in the various skyscrapers of New York City and Los Angeles. What a trading of places that day shall be and America may afterall be better for it, a place where dreams really come true, provided of course they wake up to realize it fast before it turns into nightmare. It is not out of pure hatred or avarice that what is happening is happening in America's anti-immigration world, no, it is for survival and survival of the white race, period. Icheoku understands their fears except that it is founded on the selfish desire of one race to thrive over the others, who as far as they are concerned, can continue to languish in abject neglect and want.

But seriously speaking, who is really an illegal alien in America; or put in another way, who is really legal in America? A country founded by the original illegal aliens of Mayflower from England and Europe who breached the shores of native Indians and took over their territory; and now several generations later, these descendants of the same then law-breaking immigrants are now seeking to criminalize and de-legitimate other illegals, claiming that they are illegal aliens because they have no papers? Icheoku asks, but who gave those original Mayflower pilgrims papers or waived their visas; since it is on record that the native Indians were surprised to see white men on their ashore without any notice or permission from their chiefs; leading to the several internecine feuds and wars which ensued for control of territory and resources.

But hey, it is the irony of life that usually when some people enter a place, they want the gates to be shut out against the others coming behind them; but without considering the width and length of such gates. There was this case in Arizona where one Hispanic American claimed that his family has maintained a continuous existence on the same piece of land for over three hundred years, ever before the advent of the white man on their territory; and queried from who does he have to obtain papers to become legal on his own ancestral land? Isn't it a pity that a black kettle is calling a black pot black since historically speaking, every American is technically an illegal migrant! The solution, a meaningful immigration reform and enforcement of existing laws to close the loopholes of employers getting labor for peanuts from these so called illegals who mostly come here to work and support their families back home.

OBAMA IS A MUSLIM, OBAMA IS A MUSLIM; WHAT ABOUT HIS ASSOCIATION WITH THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT?

President Barrack Obama was heavily criticized during his election campaign for seating in Reverend Jeremiah Wright's church for over 20 years and now that he has spoken in support of the constitutional right of a religious group to build a center of worship, he has again become a Muslim? Icheoku says, conservative Republicans with an agenda are searching in vain for something to run on in the coming fall election. However, since when has being a Muslim become a criminal offence in America that Muslims are now being vilified in this rancid manner? The Kingdom of Morocco, a Muslim country was the first country to recognize an independent America with a treaty of friendship signed sometime in 1776. Muslims also allow their grounds to be drilled for oil, supplying America its unquenchable thirst for the fluid. Also how does these conservative Republicans anarchists explain the Bush Family constant parleying with Muslims House of Saud, and/or does this make President George Bush also a Muslim? We must all be careful not to ignite an inferno of hatred from a 1.1 billion strong people of Muslims faith. Enough of all these fiery rhetoric, America!

PRESIDENT OBAMA EXPLAINS THE 'R' FOR REPUBLICANS - REVERSE!

'D' is for drive and 'R' is for reverse! America do we want to drive the car of our economy and country forward or take it right back into the ditch in reverse? There is no other better allegory to explain the stark differences between the Democrats (D) and the Republicans (R) than the car gear example. So as we face down the divisive Republicans this fall election, let us tell them to their face that they have nothing new to offer but the same failed policies of the past that wrought the situation under advisement. That we cannot afford their retrogressive experience any more and that we say 'No' to 'Reverse' and 'Yes' to 'Drive'. Icheoku says, thank you Mr. President for once again, bringing it down to the basics.

WYCLEF JEAN SHUT OUT OF HAITI'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

Wyclef Jean's bid for Haitian presidency has been scuttled. Haiti's electoral commission denied him the opportunity to contest in the presidential election, stating that 'The Fugees' superstar was disqualified because "he has not lived in Haiti for the past five years as required." Icheoku interjects and asks whether living in Haiti for five years meant continuously living in Haiti or as many Diaspora do, maintaining a place of abode therein which is visited periodically?

Also why didn't the electoral commission invoke the doctrine of waiver and use to fix whatever five years residential snafu and hiccups Wyclef may have suffered? Waiver would have readily helped his cause, and help him qualify to run for office. If the commission wanted to solve this problem of five years residency; they would have granted a waiver; except that the entrenched powers in Port-au-Prince do not want any spoiler on the seat of power, so stop him now they vowed and just did.

But Wyclef did not loose anything in event of his disqualification; no, since he can still call up former President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama anytime he wants; which Haiti and its people would have beneficially used to their advantage. But the authorities there will have no Wyclef to effect 'Change Haitians can believe in?' So the real biggest loser here is the masses of Haiti, who the international clout of Wyclef Jean would have helped draw attention to their plight and struggle for survival. What a missed great opportunity which the Haitians would have continuously mined for a very long time indeed. Once again, Icheoku reiterates that Haiti missed a golden opportunity at raising its international profile through their famous son, who found success in America.

Luckily too, Wyclef Jean's sojourn in America has robbed off on him very well;l as he accepted his fate calmly, urging his supporters to "remain calm and respond "peacefully and responsibly to the disappointment." According to his statement, "Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee's final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same." Icheoku says, the way to go Wyclef since politics without bitterness is the in-thing and do or die politics so ancient. The loser is Haiti and its people who missed a great opportunity to internationalize their country through a famous son of theirs who has met fame and fortune in America; and would have used that to the greatest benefit of Haiti.

REPUBLICANS, THE PARTY OF NO, SAYS NO AGAIN TO A RELIGIOUS CENTER?

Republicans do not like President Barack Obama because he is "That One" and wants him to fail at all cost so as to discredit him. This is the vehement position of the Party of No; as virulently championed by their spokesman in chief and titular head, the acidic Rush Limbaugh.

It is also on record that their membership in the national assembly have not voted in support of any of the president's initiatives to fix what was broken under the last Republican administration in our country. Without mincing words, Icheoku says their lock-step opposition to Obama is primarily because he is occupying "their" White House; which they profess daily, they cannot wait to take back from him? Icheoku says, only in their dreamy heads.

Republicans have also advocated shipping some certain skin-color Americans out of this country back to Africa in order to fix what they believe have broken socially in the country because of them? Icheoku says but these people were never asked to be brought here forcibly in dungeon steam boats; and would have preferred they were never separated from their kits and kins in Africa.

Republicans do not want gays and lesbians any where around America, because in their warped mind, these people are biological mistakes and lesser human-beings who do not deserve any co-habitation with the rest of their humanity? Icheoku asks but what becomes the fate of former Vice President Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter and Newt Gingrich's nice?

Republicans do not want Hispanics because they are "illegals" and taking their "jobs;" and want them all shipped out of this country across the boarder to the south? But no one is talking about other "illegals" from the boarder up north and across the pond from their motherland Europe.

Republicans do not want the poor and hungry in their midst because they are destitute, unwanted and undeserving of their modern society; and would rather they are all shipped off to somewhere desolate in tundra Alaska or possibly fed the sharks? Former Republican Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani experimented with the idea while mayor of New York.

Now the same Republicans are ready to even throw the Constitution under the bus just to push their racist bigotry agenda through as they once again, say no to First Amendment Freedom of religion! They do not want American Muslims to build a religious center of worship in Manhattan and possibly would prefer that all Muslims are shipped out of the country to the Middle East because, according to them, they are "terrorists?" Icheoku says, what a broad brush they are using for a people of faith of more than 1.1 billion people; while selectively choosing to forget that Timothy McVeigh was a White Christian; but we refuse to let his ignoble Oklahoma City bombing taint all White Christians of America.

Icheoku asks, but what about the Native Indians or haven't the Republicans figured out where they would rather ship them off to?

The real question that ought to be asked by every sane person in America is, why is it that these Conservative Republicans do not want any other person in this country; which even belonged to some other people according to historical facts. Put in another way, Icheoku says, what does these people really want that is propelling their current acerbic commentaries in the land? Icheoku says, they possibly want a whites-only puritan American society with a monolithic culture and outlook, with no "half-humans" or other unsightly "That Ones" to disturb their sight? That is the type of America these hate-filled Republicans advocates of divisiveness are clamoring for; but Icheoku says it is rather too late now as races and cultures have become so commingled that segregating them is no longer possible or feasible. All that is left now is for all of us to learn how to continue to tolerate and live with one another in love, peace and harmony; and together we can make America's future brighter and stronger.

DUBEM OKAFOR, ANOTHER NIGERIAN MAN KILLS HIS WIFE IN THE USA!

It has happened again as another Nigerian man in America has killed his wife. At the rate these frustrated Nigerian men are killing their wives in the United States of America, Icheoku wonders if it is still a worthwhile venture getting into all these arranged 'FEDEXED' marriages, importing young women for wives from motherland.

A 64 year old man after decades of taking it on the chin in America; dealt by the cruel hand of fate that is sometimes life in America, including all the Akaataa troubles and White people, who derive joy in making them feel very little; then goes back home to Nigeria at such an advanced old age to take a young woman, half his age, as a wife. He comes back to the States only to find out that he has just wasted his time investing on such a mirage for a wife as the woman walks away from him into a younger man's arm. What does anyone expect of such a distraught man who now felt used by the Nigerian girl who merely said yes to his proposal just to use him as a passport to the God's own country?

Usually these girls, after getting themselves settled down and peeked in the ways of America, assisted by other American-Nigerian women home-wreckers, abound and preying on such newly arrived imported wives, decide that their over-stayed in America Nigerian husbands, who imported them from Nigeria are probably now too old and out-fashioned for them. Most times they take a walk into another younger man's home, abandoning their mentors to their cold-nights alone, thinking and wondering whether his mission to America was worth anything afterall. But this time, this man was not going to take any of it; and at 64, have little to nothing to look forward to in life anymore. What did he do, he settled for a murder-suicide and lured the estranged former wife to his sister's place under the guise of a possible peace talk. But lo and behold, unbeknownst to the wife, danger was lurking around her sisters home; as the husband pulled out a gun and pumped some hot leads into her, dispatching her to the world beyond. The killer-husband then turned the gun on himself and with one single shot to his temple, his lifeless body slumped to the ground and we are talking here, of a late professor of English and Literature and a lecturer at an American University.

Professor Chukwudubem A. Okafor 64; of English department Kutztown University Pennsylvania shot and killed his estranged wife, Cheryl Okafor, 37 before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide. The Berk County Pennsylvania coroner confirmed the death and identities of the deceased, which tragedy occurred at 300 block of Pear Street, Reading Pennsylvania, home of the sister-inlaw. The couple from their names are either from Delta State or Anambra State; and as soon as we can confirm their hometowns, we shall avail same to our visitors.

Once again, Icheoku condemns this act of violence by a frustrated Nigerian man in the USA who became despondent that his trophy imported wife was leaving him. We do not care what underlying factors that might have lead to the tragedy, as no circumstances ever justifies the taking of the life of another person. Icheoku begs of Nigerian men in the United States of America to please stop this nonsensical act of taking your wife's life - nothing is worth it; and even if she decides to take a walk after your investments on her seeing her through her nursing training program, just let it go and try as hard as it might be to just move on. It is called cutting down on your losses. Worst comes to worst, just pack up and retire back to Nigeria where you can take as many wives as possible if that is all you desire or at least to live out the rest of your life with less of your "American-Nurse" troubles. Our hearts goes out to the families of both deceased and let us hope those thinking about it and who are still yet to join the ignoble club of Nigerian men wife killers club, could learn some lesson in this and have a change of mind. IT IS JUST NOT WORTH IT.

PARK 51 "GROUND ZERO 9/11 MOSQUE," A DEFIANT AND IN YOUR FACE AFFRONT?

The Middle East is suffocating under their jackboot. Africa is being steadily pummeled by their take no prisoner approach to forcible spread of their religion? Europe is hunched, bent over under the weight of their rabid ecumenism. Now their eyes is set on the biggest prize of their mission to Islamize the entire world, the United States of America; and where did they choose to go to make a resounding statement of all places but the World Trade Center; which to some pundits, was brought down in order to replace it with their mosque?

The religion or whatever it could be called, of Islam, is wrought with so many brutalities and forced adherence practices as well as cohesion. Those of us who have seen its dark side know that their frontal incursion in America is foreboding of something sinister; and every American should be wary of a forced change of their lifestyle in the future in the event these guys ever get a stronghold here. Of all existing religions, especially the four principal ones such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism, the Muslim religion has proved so far the most violent of them all; except of course Catholicism in its dark crusading days is factored in. Islam is one heck of a religion that tolerates of no dissension or any alternatives or other route to whatever is up there in heaven, paradise or whatever any believer believes comes after life. However the purpose of this article is not necessary to attack or invalidate Islam as a religion but to contribute to the ongoing debate over the Muslim Center and Mosque being proposed for the disused former Burlington Coat Factory in Midtown Manhattan, New York aka Park 51, which is just two blocks south of WTC.

The problem in America is that we all live in a bubble and are more comfortable being lied to by our politicians; hence any president that seriously wants to solve problems and not just kick the can down the road for the next incoming president is readily branded as "being out of touch with real Americans." Icheoku sometimes wonders who the 'fake' Americans are that really gets the gist of the problem-solving measures being taken by this president.

This is the sole reason President Barack Obama's nuanced position statement or comment on the proposed mosque and Islamic center is being misconstrued and given unfair amount of air for a flight to nowhere, just for political gains. The president rightly articulated the two issues seemingly at conflict here with the proposed location of the mosque and Islamic center at midtown Manhattan - the right of the Muslims to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan;" and two, the wisdom behind their exercising that right in the manner they have chosen. According to the president, whereas he agrees that the Muslims have the right under the constitution to so do, he however feels that the jury is still out on the wisdom behind their exercise of that right. Icheoku agrees with the position of the president that the First Amendment guarantees every American the right to freedom of religion and worship; which by necessary extension includes building and having a place of such worship. So, Icheoku queries, since the American constitution specifically enshrined this uninhibited right which it guarantees to every American, why then are those Conservative and Republicans alike, both supposed constitutionalists and custodians of our founding fathers ideals, strung out against the building of such center of religious worship in furtherance of this right?

One of the problems of American politics is that many Republicans and Conservatives are not well informed, articulated and probably not educated enough to most times understand that there are more than just two shades of colors. The word 'NUANCE' regrettably is not found in their dictionary or lexicon; hence their zealotry followership of the former President George Walker Bush for whom there is no middle ground. When GW following the 9/11 attack declared that either 'you are with us or you are with them', he never advised his mind to those would be mediators or brokers of peace who would rather mediate any dispute between "them and us?" To these brand of American humanity, things are either 'black or white', period; and the word 'grey' might for all they care be an Arabic word? Or could it be a case of too smart people being too good for politics and should not play politics since the polity are generally either ignorant, too gullible or just do not not pay enough attention to understand the gist of what is really going on. They would rather feed off from sound bites by talking heads, who are pushing their respective parochial agendas; hence the current trooping out with screams of "President Obama is now an "Imam;" simply because of his well-informed nuanced truism, distinguishing between a constitutional "right" to do something on one hand and the "wisdom of exercising that right" on the other. But they do not get it because it is beyond their comprehension.

Alternatively, could it be that the 'freedom' in and of America is not universally applicable to all; and that as it appertains to religion, it does not apply to Islam in particular? Is it possible that the freedom is restricted, that one is free as long as you remain within a confined space of a drawn circle of freedom and that venturing outside the ambit is 'un-freedom?' Is the envisaged Freedom of Religion of the First Amendment have a qualifier stating that you have "religious freedom as long as it is or provided it is a Christian religion;" and if so, what about Judaism, Buddhism and all such other religious affiliations in America? Could it be that the freedom envisaged every other and all religions but with the exception of Islam? Icheoku asks, is "freedom" in America really free or is it a conjectured misnomer meant to delude the populace into a false sense of being free and also used as a weapon of diplomacy abroad? However, Icheoku will concede that until the freedom of religion enshrined in the First Amendment of the constitution is amended, excluding certain religious practice such as Islam, the religion of over one billion people on the face of planet earth should also enjoy the same freedom savored by other religions in America under the constitution.

Now, implications of the Republicans and Conservatives of America rancid, virulent and acrimonious opposition to the Islamic center being proposed in midtown Manhattan is legion, principal among which is that it will now give further impetus to the al-Queida war mantra that America is fighting a war against Muslims; and not necessarily against Muslims who are terrorists. It might also fuel anti-American sentiments in the Muslim world, to who this will provide the needed confirmation that al-Queida was right that America is anti-Muslim and Islam. Why provide al-Queida operatives with an easy propaganda feeder-lot for recruiting more terrorist-faithfuls, ready to blow things up around the world. Icheoku says it is a bad politics to politicizes the Islamic center unnecessarily; and resisting the building of the center would only enable those terrorists who struck at freedom's heart and nerve center on 9/11. By our also attacking and suppressing freedom of religious worship by denying a rightful effort by a religious group to propagate their faith and build a center, the terrorist would have won the fight against freedom. Conversely, having them congregate at one place will make it easier for the security agencies to keep a tab on their activities and monitor them; just like a beehive instead of bees gone amok and buzzing around.

Further it is rather ridiculous that some of these Republicans and Conservatives of America who are fighting against the mosque location are the biggest beneficiaries of Saudi Arabia's Islamic oil dollars; and you ask yourself, why accept Islamic funds in America since those animals that blew the WTC are Muslims who practiced Islam? Why would the same principles of 'Islam is bad' not be made applicable to Islamic dollars which bought Plaza Hotel in New York City, some controlling shares in Citi Group that owns and operates Citi Bank, sizable shares in Fox News and Television parent company Newscorp, Empire State building and so many other choice properties and real estate holdings in New York as well as across the continental United States of America. So how far is far enough in the bid to lump together Islamic terrorists with Islam instead of segregating them rightfully? Should America extend the same lumping approach also to Islamic dollars and Islamic assets or is it a case of one good and the other bad; otherwise what is now allowable in America? The Bush Family is attached to the hip with the House of the Saud; Rudy Giuliani has some very lucrative security contracts in Saudi Arabia and Rupert Murdock, Fox Television honcho is spending Islamic money to prop up his propaganda outfit.; or are we going to demand that these people divest their companies of all Islamic money flowing throughout American economy in the form of investments by Saudi Arabia princes and other Muslims of this world; or in the token of Arizona anti-immigrant legislation enact another anti-religion legislation and deport all Muslims from America or better still outlaw their religion. Simply fix the problem once and for all, just get rid of the First Amendment just like some knuckle-heads Republicans are toying with the idea of getting rid of the Fourteenth Amendment to take care of their immigration plague; or better still throw away the constitution and start de-novo, incorporating right to own slavery and forced labor etc - JUST DO IT.

But how far should we go in this holier than thou approach as it appertains to the Islamic religion in America? Did America ban Christians from propagating their faith or building new churches and christian centers just because Oklahoma city bomber and domestic terrorist-in-chief Timothy McVeigh was a christian? What about Joe Stark, the other domestic terrorist who flew a plane into an office building in Texas who also was a Christian? Admitted that the authorities tried to explain his terrorist act away but hey whether you fly a Boeing 747 or a crop-sprayer plane into a building, both are meant to instill fear into the people; and a building is not the same as a runway, a hanger or the sky where a plane naturally belongs. Fellow Muslims are also at the cross-hairs of these Islamic terrorists murderous ways and when in doubt ask Iraqis, Pakistanis and Afghans who is blowing their Islamic countries and Muslim people up almost daily with thousands so far dead and several others wounded. When all is said and done, the question that needs to be affirmatively answered is, does the Muslims of New York have a right to worship and as a correlative, build a center of worship. Secondary, if the local zoning law and regulations permits, can they build at any place of their choosing? Lastly, were it any other religion's center like a church or synagogue that is to be built at Park 51 in midtown Manhattan, could they have built. If the answers are in the affirmative, then Icheoku agrees that the Muslims can build wherever they chooses, but with a proviso however that they should have considered the sentimental attachments and arguments that the very location at Park 51 has generated and possibly consider an alternative location.

But hey, if not at Park 51, where else is far enough in New York City; admitted Icheoku would have loved to see churches, synagogues and temples being allowed on reciprocity grounds to be built in Jeddah, Medina Saudi Arabia and other Islamic Republics of this world. That way we all could become each other's religious ambassadors to another's religions' main-stays; and together we can understand each other better and more easily. Amicably settle any arising disputes rather than the shooting wars and feisty words which our collective living on the edge because of our respective ignorance of each other's way and manner of worship has engendered over the centuries. So as a workable solution, let the Muslims of Manhattan make their statement, establish that their right to build is paramount; but in deference to the much generated sentiments, pivot to some other place further removed from the epicenter of 9/11. This is not only because people were killed on 9/11; no many nationalities and various religious adherents including Muslims worked at the WTC and they were not spared of the hellish death of 9/11; but for purely cool down the frenzied conservatives and republicans who are looking for any straw to clutch in an election year politics. Lastly, one question lingers, if one can and want to, why not; except that the $100 million price tag of the Islamic center is possibly another Saudi Arabia sponsored step at Islamizing the world and before too long the Islamic religion naive western world will wake up to the rude reality of what their complacent attempt at accommodating everyone with his brand of religion will unleash on our way of life; which will make the hollering about illegal immigration pale in comparison.

NIGERIA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL MOHAMMED ADOKE, ANOTHER MIKE AONDOAKAA IN THE MAKING?

While refusing to prosecute Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida for the unaccounted $12 billion Iraqi war oil windfall, the Attorney General of Nigeria is now singing a new different tune. First it was show me the reports, now it is show me the white paper as he declined to proceed with the indictment. Icheoku says, may be IBB have show him the real 'green papers' from his stash and now may be Nigeria is saddled yet again with another corrupt Attorney General who has just refused to follow through on his earlier promise to indict and prosecute Babangida upon receipt of the said report of the Okigbo Panel of Inquiry. We already know that nothing really changed except in the name tags of these occupiers of the various offices in Nigeria! But God help Nigeria as Icheoku says, Hail to the thieves of Nigeria!

JAMES ONANEFE IBORI, IT IS TIME HE RETURNED HOME BACK TO NIGERIA!

Odumegwu Ojukwu was allowed to come home in 1982 after waging a war for his people's survival against the then genocidal Yakubu Gowon led Federal Government of Nigeria. Recently, Nuhu Ribadu was allowed to return home after being on a forced exile as a result of his disparate enforcement of EFCC anti-corruption laws against targeted Obasanjo's critics as well as known oppositions. Great Ogboru safely returned home after heroically sponsoring the attempted coup that nearly toppled the evil one, the despotic Babangida. NADECO operatives led by Anthony Enahoro similarly came back home after the demise of their nemesis, the midget of Kano, Sani Abacha. So, Icheoku asks, when would James Onanefe Ibori be allowed to come back home to Nigeria, Mr President Goodluck Ebelechuku Jonathan; or is there no forgiving spot in your'goodlucky' soul to let bygones be bygone?

Icheoku says if other very corrupt men and women of Nigeria could freely roam the streets of Nigeria without any consequence, and one of them Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida even running for the presidency, why then must it be only James Onanefe Ibori that will be singled out for 'prosecution or persecution; and conversely forced on exile in lands far away in the Middle East of Dubai? Babangida, Obasanjo, Orji Uzor-Kalu are poster-boys for corrupt men of Nigeria, yet no one is talking about their prosecution or arrest as they vagrantly flaunt their loot of state, so why must it be Ibori alone who is languishing in exile for the same alleged financial impropriety? How about the Halliburton retired army generals bribe takers of Nigeria; or the Senator Jubril Aminu involved Siemens bribery scandal; yet he is a serving senator and chair of its Foreign Affairs Committee. Who determines who shall be singled out for 'persecution' in your government Mr President; or is yours, a government by the proxy of Chief Edwin Clark and/or Olusegun Obasanjo who is still smarting to have his pound of flesh from a person he considers his greatest migraine while his eight years ruthless and despotic regime lasted.

Please Icheoku begs of you President Goodluck Jonathan not to tarnish your image by perpetuating a glaring injustice of a singled-out 'prosecution' of James Ibori, just because you can. Tomorrow as always, holds some mysterious foreboding which no one knows; even the fabled Julius Caesar bragged about the Ides of March having come without the prophesied conspiracy coming through, but he was warned that the "Ides of March had come but not gone; and lo and behold, his fate was determined before the day went by the conspirators led by skinny, mean and hungry looking Cassius. So now why tempt fate by holding James Ibori out to dry since you do not know what tomorrow may hold in stock for him. What if the military staged a coup today and appoints Ibori their interim president like Babangida did with Ernest Shonekan? What if James Ibori becomes a Jerry Rawlings of Nigeria and orders the rendering of account by past head of states and presidents; how would you plead your case before him? The possibilities are endless and so please tread with caution and use your powers of state discreetly against him and/or any other person who lost out in the power struggle between you and the YarAdua cabal. In your seeming endless quest to 'get him at all cost' and shown antagonism of James Ibori, please be smart about it since power is very ephemeral.

How much did Ibori steal or was accused of stealing that he should be singled out for a forced exile from his people in Nigeria; or that would make him more criminally liable than Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida? Yet Babangida is lavishly enjoying his loot and now even trying desperately to find his way back in Aso Rock again to replenish his piggy bank, possibly? How much did all those army generals of Nigeria steal including Abdulsalam Abubakar who never executed the 16 billion Naira power contract he got from Obasanjo government with over 75% mobilization cost paid upfront? What did James Ibori do that have not been done before by other Nigerians, living or dead, to warrant his being singled-out for a continued forced exile in Dubai? Icheoku strongly believes that James Ibori is not on the run out of cowardice; but out of a reasonable fear of his being extra-judiciary dealt with or possibly made to suffer in the hands of his traducers, if not completely eliminated. Icheoku is not carrying water for Ibori nor in any way defending corruption in Nigeria especially among the high-ups; no, but we are against any targeted and disparate unequal treatment of people just to settle old scores. Everybody doesn't have to be former President George W. Bush who went to war against Saddam Hussein just to avenge Saddam's attempt to kill his father, President George H. Bush Senior; which Bush personally acknowledged when he said, referring to Saddam Hussein, 'here was a man who tried to kill my dad.'

Icheoku condemns such retaliatory vindictiveness of anyone including President Jonathan as is being exhibited in the case of James Ibori; and makes bold to state that not even London has a right to indict or punish James Ibori because James is not Her Majesty's subject. London is equally as corrupt if not more corrupt than James Ibori; as it provides a safe haven for so many Russian wanted billionaires as well as other peoples of the world, running from justice in their respective home countries. It is also on record that the British aerodynamics industry was few years ago implicated in about a two billion dollar bribery to the House of Saud (Saudi Arabia) in order to secure some defence contract with the Kingdom? Also, recently the oil spilling British Petroleum is being fingered for corruptly influencing the release of the Libyan agent who was jailed in Scotland for his complicity in the Lockerbie bombing that killed so many Americans; yet they want to try a Nigerian former governor for a supposed money laundering just to satisfy their errand-boy man, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Icheoku says, a government of and by a real man with some backbone will, using the language of Dick Cheney to Patrick Leahy, tell 10 Downing Street to go f**k themselves. That Nigeria is no longer under their colonial wings and is now capable of trying their own citizens and on their own soil, under their existing laws. Icheoku says should anything happen to James Ibori while he is wandering around, hopelessly in strange foreign lands, trying to escape from the assured bad fate which awaits him under President Jonathan's Nigeria, should he return without his presidential approval and assured safe landing, the president shall be held responsible. Vengeance is mine says the Lord; and President Jonathan should see one of the Lord's statement manifested clearly in his presidency by default of President Umaru Yar'Adua's demise, and therefore not hold any grudge against anyone, including James Ibori. The almighty one, the omini-potent, the all knowing one has so far fought and won President Jonathan's battles against all his enemies, both real and imagined; so he should not start now to fight by himself by seeking a pound of flesh off James Ibori.

A man rich in spirit does not hold grudge, but laughs-off his antagonists. To such detractors, he shows enormous magnanimity and largess of heart just to prove a point that in his presence, they are but little midgets. Conversely, when such a naked man, taking a bath, pursues the naked mad-man who has just collected his bathrobe, both of them running down naked on the streets would be adjudged mad by passersby who see the two running naked men. The mere fact that James Ibori did not get to the presidency before Jonathan is enough victory already for Jonathan. Added to this thumping is that Ibori's alleged 9 billion Naira investment in Yar'Adua has also been lost and interred with Yar'Adua. We say enough of this victimization of James Ibori and call on President Goodluck Jonathan to show mercy, fully aware of the undulating tides of time; and instruct, just as he did with Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, that James Ibori should feel free to come back home.

Thereafter he can face whatever 'fair and legitimate' accusations and charges that may be leveled against him. His cohorts and alleged accomplices from the North are walking the landscape of Nigeria like kings of the manor, including the discredited former Attorney General Michael Kase Aondoakaa; so why single out Ibori; or is President Jonathan telegraphing that his love for the northerner is more than that of his fellow Niger Delta man. But in the event of Edwin Clark completely hijacking President Goodluck Jonathan's will and forcing his own 'no-forgiveness of Ibori', then the Urhobos of Nigeria will know that the Itshekiris have added insult to the injury of their long-running and simmering antagonism in Nigeria;and only God knows what will become the faith of an Itshekiri man stranded in any part of Urhobo land. An eye for an eye makes the world go blind; so if our Lord and Master Jesus Christ could forgive those who crucified him for no justifiable cause or reason whatsoever, who is then President Jonathan not to forgive James Ibori for their political rivalry gone too far? Both men are products of the South-South Niger Delta and as one popular Igbo aphorism goes, after the attempted resolution of a family's disputation in the public arena, then comes the taking of the same dispute to the family for the real resolution.

Icheoku calls on President Jonathan to remember when he was a 'nobody' within the Yar'Adua government and was rode a rough-shod on by the cabal, whose membership Ibori reportedly enjoyed; and please forgive Ibori just for posterity sake and in order to rise above the frail of pettiness of "you do me, I do you, God no go vex" idiocy of many a peoples of this world, including many Nigerians. To your enemies, show love; to your detractors, mercy; and to your accusers some forgiveness. Then and only then shall the true 'man' in 'magnanimity' show up for the contrite heart to see that nothing is permanent in this world, as a yesterday's 'nobody' Jonathan is today the president with powers over hundreds of Iboris including James Onanefe Ibori. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, now, this hour, this minute, this second is the time for you to show that you can rise above petty squabbles and leave the vengeance on Ibori to the Lord. Please forgive James Onanefe Ibori and allow him a safe passage back home to Nigeria. He is a formidable politician of the South South and his bravado can be handy this time, assuming you still want to go against every grain of rationality and run for president in 2011.

MADE IN AMERICA IS THE ANSWER!

To the intractable problem of how to turn the American economy around, Icheoku profers one solution and one solution only - Buy Made in America! Americans should start buying "Made in the USA" products including cars, electronics, shoes, clothes, food and heavy machineries. That way instead of providing millions of jobs for those foreign workers overseas who make these goods which we buy, we would be employing our own people right here in America to make the same goods and products! Thus jobs will be created here, employing people and thereby heal the bleeding economy - QED!

RACISM IN AMERICA, EVEN WILLBORN'S MONEY CANNOT BUY HIM ACCEPTANCE?

In Bridgeport Chicago, a predominantly Irish, German and Lithuanian (white) enclave, in South-side Chicago, which has produced many notable Chicago politicians including the Daley family; racism in America was taken to a new low. It was taken to an entirely different level, which in a way, suffices as the lowest of the lows in examples of some white skinned Americans crass and obtuse intolerance of the black skinned Americans. These hating white racists of Bridgeport Chicago have blatantly proclaimed that it does not matter the status of a nigger; a nigger is always a nigger and will always remain a nigger. A people to be oppressed, discriminated against, put down and aside, not given a fair shake or opportunity in the American society and above all, not deserving of an accommodation or the right to live within their exclusive white neighborhood. These people as always, bundle and lump all black people together and it does not matter to them whether the black people are rich or poor; catholic or protestant; educated or illiterate; handsome or ugly; and above all whether such black people are even better than them, the white people discriminating and hating against the black folks.

An affluent black American, a comedian and co-host of a nationally syndicated radio show - "The Michael Baisden Show; and his equally well to do African-American wife were told by a white couple to take their money, a $1.7 million, which they offered to purchase a residential home in Bridgeport Chicago and stuff it in their you know what? According to the story, comedian and radio host George Willborn and his wife, Peytyn Willborn made an offer to purchase a property listed for sale and which has been on the market for over two years; but they were rejected and turned down by the white sellers, Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia. Continuing, each time the prospective black buyers made an offer for the property, the white sellers summarily raised the asking price, intending to frustrate them out of wanting the property; such that the property went from $1.5 million initial offering to the last bidding offer of $1.799 million which the black couple were still ready and prepared to accept. But to their greatest chagrin, the Sabbias just couldn't stand some black people living in their property or neighborhood and withdrew the property from the market pronto. Icheoku says for turning their back on a $1.7 million just because of the pigmentation of the prospective buyers skin, Mr. Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia are the new faces of racism in America, the poster man and woman of racist white Americans behaving badly.

The story did not just end there for as soon as the Sabbias learnt that the Willborns have found another property and moved on, they put the property back in the market for sale. It also did not matter to the Sabbias that their property has been in the market for more than two years without any serious offer or potential buyer prospecting it, until the Willborns came calling. In Daniel Sabbia's statement of intent regarding the prospective buyer, he said, "I would prefer not to sell the home to an African-American;" which put in another parlance, reads, 'my wife and I would prefer not to and cannot sell our property to a nigger!" Their indictment contains a statement to the effect that "the Sabbias simply refused to sell the home to the Willborns after the making of a bona fide offer because of their race, African-American." Icheoku asks, did the Sabbias think that 'a nigger's money stinks or will stain them black and/or is tainted by their blackness' that they would rather just walk away from it?

Daniel and Peytyn Wilborn by this experience found out the hard way that in America, a blackman always remains a blackman; and that no amount of money is capable of washing off 'blackness.' That running away from the hood to join the white people in their own neighborhood does not make one any more acceptable or wanted by them. That it does not matter the black person's status or achievement in the American society, whether he is on the street corner peddling crack-cocaine or asking for some 'change'; or that he has a $1.7 million dollars disposable money which he is ready to splash on some piece of property; that black person as always, remains a blackman who is to be simply confined within their own special reservations aka 'The Hood.'

To these breed of white folks, black people are yoked down together in the same unending fate of rejection, rejection, and rejection! To these white folks, the color black is simply not what their own 'God of creation' ordered and one of them the late Evangelist Jerry Falwell went a step further when he stated that 'the whiteman's God is different from that of the blackman,' and you wonder what he was smoking when he uttered such an ungodly sermon? For these piece of white humanity, the color black is "unsightly," and cannot be accepted as their equals and not deserving of some dignity; hence must be removed as far away as possible from their own areas of abode, such as Bridgeport Chicago. Put their philosophy in another way, money or no money, 'a nigger is still a nigger' and that is the reality of a nigger's life in America. Icheoku says, such disposition explains the undercurrent of the vitriolic opposition President Barack Obama is getting daily from majority of these conservative white christian Americans, who see in "their" White House, a foreign illegal occupier, from who they vociferously profess their desire to take their government back? But Icheoku does not even know nor can it vouch for the mindset of the Willborns prior to their shocking rude awakening of the suffered rejection; since it is a common knowledge that majority of successful niggers of America think themselves 'whitey' and would rather mix and mingle with them white folks than remain with their roots. But hey, may be another one of such 'Uncle Toms' probably found out the hard way that just because a vulture can also take flight does not make it automatically an eagle?

The 8,000 square foot home under advisement, located at 3300 South Normal Avenue in Bridgeport Chicago was built in 2006; and is of a very unique character, which according to the Willborns, clearly represented their idea of a dream home. Icheoku says there is something sinisterly subliminal with the street name "NORMAL" in context with this story; and queries whether it is possible that the Sabbias did not consider black Willborns, 'normal' enough to live in a street named Normal?

It will be recalled that it was also in Bridgeport Chicago that a few years ago, a black boy was beaten to near pulp and left for the dead by some white boys for 'straying' into their reserved exclusive white territory? The story had it that the boy rode his bicycle to a park in Bridgeport and was mobbed by some 'white's only' enforcers, who felt that the black boy should have known better that blacks are not welcomed in Bridgeport Chicago? Icheoku asks, is it possible that the uprooted 'Jim Crow South' has finally found some anchor in Bridgeport Chicago that blacks should be specifically marker out and targeted for such racist exclusion and bastardization? It does not even matter to these racist white people that Oprah Winfrey lives in Chicago as well as Reverend Jesse Jackson; or that the United States 44th president, President Barack Obama also calls Chicago home? Further, Icheoku asks, why is Reverend Jesse Jackson not championing a "Desegregate Bridgeport-Chicago" campaign or is there some insider's knowledge which is preventing his crusade or which has forced his hands off race-activism about Bridgeport? What is the scoop here Jesse Jackson and Icheoku will equally like to know when lady Oprah Winfrey will be inviting the Willborns to her 'Oprah Show' to tell their story and share their experience of being rejected because they are black.

The rejection of the Willborns and their whopping $1.7 million by the Sabbias in Bridgeport Chicago shows that the problems of black Americans has everything to do with their stereotypical perception by the White folks; and not necessarily because they are retards, incompetent, lazy, criminally-disposed, uneducated or unintelligent, inarticulate or such other accusatory handicaps and labels such as the 'angry blackman.' This forces one to introspectively question the purport of the remark of then senator and now vice president Joe Biden, about then Senator and now President Barack Obama as being the first "articulate and intelligent black man" ever; and you would have a full grasp on how deep the condescending arrogance of these white people runs regarding black people in and of America. The Sabbia's refusal to sell to black people's incident in Bridgeport-Chicago gives one a real and true insight into the inherent anti-party of some white people to anything not their type, such that the white couple would rather not sell their property which have been in the market for two years to some black people. You are then forced to wonder off in your thought, whether this black couple's dollar bills were 'tainted by their blackness' such that the Sabbias just won't deal with black dollar bills.

Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia's refusal to sell to black people once again put on the spot and showcased the emblematic underbelly of the American society, where the Orwellian separate but equal treatment still thrives; admitted there is a make-believe air of equality and rule of law for all that exists in the land. It is not for black peoples' lack of accomplishment or education or wealth; no, the white people simply just do not care about them. Icheoku once had a soul-searching conversation with a White employer, and asked him why it is that they are always reluctant to employ people who do not look like them as evidenced by the composition of the workforce in most offices? He explained that it is very difficult to empower the opposite people who are not one of your own or who do not look like you; and that their reluctant disposition to gainfully employ them is as a result of a prevalent tendency of not employing people who you do not care about? Quoting him, he said, "you only employ people you care about." Icheoku was perplexed but learnt the true lesson of America's workplace politics of race, which explains the difficulty of black and colored people landing good paying jobs with benefits; and where over 69.9 percent of all lucrative and very high paying white-collar jobs are always filled by light skinned white people. The rejection of a blackman's $1.7 million in Bridgeport Chicago further brought home the true purport and message of the music of legendary super-star and king of pop, the late Micheal Jackson, who despite being as successful, greatly accomplished and wealthy as he was, still suffered the backlash of being black in America; such was his 'black-skinned syndrome of America' that he was forced to chemically alter his pigmentation just to appear 'whitey?' But unknown to MJ, the white people already knows who he was - that little wide-nosed black boy singing 'ABC' with his other Negro brothers. His case was sealed the moment they thought he was trying to fool them with what color his skin was and it became one upper-cut after another until they 'killed' him.

Their anti-party to blackness forced Michael Jackson out of his mind into a near state of 'weirdo-istic' lunacy, wherein he never recovered but remained until he died of drug over-dose, a recluse hermit. He craved for acceptance, but they won't indulge him; he sought power but they fought him off, coveting his rights to a magazine of all Beetles songs as well as his Peter Pan's Neverland ranch. MJ was forced to write and sing so many songs throwing light on the disparity of skin-colors in America particularly the disparaging treatment of the black-skinned Americans by some white Americans in America; including such hit songs as "Black or White, History, etc where he refrained that "they really do not care about us!" That was the late legend paroding his being black experience and rejection in the American society of supposed equality for all? And now enters the Willborns' discriminatory treatment, a case where $1.7 million was not good enough to buy some black people a right of abode in a Bridgeport white enclave of Chicago? A property initially placed on the market for $1.5 and because of their blackness, the asking price was repeatedly and arbitrarily raised each time they make an offer until it reached $1.7 million. But when their determination to match the last asking price and purchase the property became incontrovertibly very obvious, the property was yanked off the market as no longer available, only for it to be put back two months after they had moved on. Then you ask yourself, what is really going on in our God's own country, America, if a couple cannot be allowed to purchase a home which they can rightfully afford, simply because it is in a neighborhood where blacks are not welcomed and yet a blackman is the president?

GULF OF MEXICO, RECOVERING FASTER THAN DOOMSDAY SAYERS HAD PREDICTED?

Icheoku says, the loquacious conservative megaphone, Rush Limbaugh, may be afterall the only one who got it right. Rush had, when everyone was hysterical about the gusher in the gulf, predicted that mother nature will take care of business as usual and told Americans to stop panicking. True to type, the gulf is recovering at an astonishing pace similar to the overnight disappearance of the oil slugs itself. But who understands the way of mother nature or its awesome power which easily moves mass of water as in waves, the earth as in earthquakes and now cleaned environmental disasterous oil spill with so much ease. Icheoku is glad indeed at the pace of recovery of the Gulf of Mexico from BP's recklessness. Rush Limbaugh, this one is for you.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, SHOULD NOT RUN IN 2011!

"It amounts to hypocrisy for the South-South region to now want to back out of the zoning arrangement because the table has turned in their favor. If not for zoning, would an Ijaw man from Bayelsa State be nominated to be the Vice Presidential candidate for the PDP or even become the president of Nigeria taking into consideration that politics is a game of numbers and Ijaw people is a minority group in Nigeria?

The advantages of the principles of zoning are more in favour of minority ethnic nationalities who have been betrayed, marginalised and sometimes treated with disdain by other ethnic groups because they have the majority. Those clamoring for the abandonment of zoning are selfish and self-seeking individuals. Zoning has created peace in time of crisis; it has cooled down frayed nerves in the past. It is also true that without zoning, there will be no true federalism. It also depicts equity, justice and fair play." - Omolubi Newuwumi, Minority Ethnic Rights Activist.

Icheoku affirms that the minorities of Nigeria stands more to gain by sustaining and maintaining the zoning arrangement in place rather than throw it away just because of a fleeting and temporary advantage of President Jonathan's incumbency. Omolubi Newuwumi spoke the whole truth and nothing but the truth; and Icheoku can only hope that President Jonathan shall have the courage to reject the tempting temptress of a presidency in 2011 and look at the bigger picture; and for posterity, heed this call of a non sycophant and please not run in 2011

WHEN MEN WERE MEN, REAL MEN WALKED ABOUT SCANTILY CLAD!

Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida's northern brothers are still very close to mother nature and do not mind showing off their sinewy bodies which living naturally have perfected. They did not spend their time at 24Hours Fitness lifting dumbbells; but did it the old fashioned way - living off the land and warfarism What do you think Mister Fitness Buff?

SENATOR TED STEVENS, THE OTHER 'UNCLE TED' FROM ALASKA IS DEAD!

Former Senator of Alaska and the longest ever served Republican Senator, Senator Ted Stevens is dead. The 86 year old Senator Stevens died in a plane crash, near Dillingham, Bristol Bay about 325 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska.

Ironically as they say, twice is the charm and so it is that the senator was unable to survive his second plane crash; the first being a deadly 1978 plane crash at Anchorage International Airport that claimed the live of his wife, Ann, and several others. The tragic plane, a 1957 red-and-white float plane, named DeHavilland DHC-3T and which was registered to Anchorage-based General Communications Inc., a phone and Internet company; was taking the parties for a trip to a salmon fishing camp.

Senator Stevens was among the five persons that died in the plane crash which also produced four survivors; the disparity in outcome, according to one commentator, has no possible explanation. According to him, 'there was no rhyme or reason to how some survived the crash. The pilot was killed, but a passenger in the co-pilot's seat survived. The front of the aircraft was gone, he was just sitting strapped in the seat." Icheoku says, yes there is an explanation - it is called destiny; which the book of Ecclesiastics buttressed further with its 'A Time for everything, a time to die and a time to be born' - it was simply not there time yet to take their final bow and vice versa.

Senator Stevens long senate run started with his appointment in December 1968 and ended in 2008, after 40 years, following a corruption allegation charges which were later dismissed. The charge followed some house renovation gift he received from a contractor; his career was also tainted by the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" which became a symbol of pork-barrel spending in Congress; and was targeted by taxpayer groups who challenged an appropriation for hundreds of millions of dollars for bridge construction in Ketchikan.Stevens was the longest-serving Republican Senator in the history of the Senate; and served even longer than the racist late Strom Thurmond, who lived and served until he turned a centurion.

It will be recalled that many prominent politicians have perished in plane crashes in America including the latest Senator Ted Stevens, the 1991 Pennsylvania Senator John Heinz whose widow Theresa is now married to Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, 1993 South Dakota Gov. George Mickelson, 2000 Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan and the 2002 Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone. Icheoku says when you have a country as big and expansive as the United States of America with frequent criss-crossing of it to attend constituents business as well as others, accidents are bound to occur and a public official being a passenger in one of the numerous planes is always a possibility.

Anyway to the people of the vast wasteland state of Alaska, the state that gave America the beauty and no brain Sarah Palin, to the family and wife of Ted Stevens, Icheoku extends our condolences. And to the 'Uncle Ted' of Northwest Alaska, as you join the previously deceased Uncle Ted Kennedy of Northeast Massachusetts; Icheoku says you had a great run for your people of Alaska as collaborated by one sympathiser, who said, "He did his job and he did it well. That's all I want to know about a politician: Do your job." Adieu Ted!