AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

November , 2020 Americans are expected to vote and elect a president for 4 year office term. Campaigns are hampered by presence of a strange Corona Virus Pandemic. Nonetheless Presidential candidates of two major political parties , Donald Trump and Joe Biden for Republican and Democratic parties respectively , are doing all using various platforms to attract favorable attention from electorate. Polls indicate Biden leading incumbent President Trump a number of points ahead of Trump in Polls. Trump in desperation is attempting to delay November Elections. His desire to Change elections date to next year has met strong opposition from his own Republican party and that of opposition Democracatic party leaders. What informs attempt to postpone the elections is unreachable mail-in votes and COVID-19 as claimed by Trump. But real reason is his low standing in Who Wins November Presidential Elections Surveys. Trump is increasingly becoming very unpopular for many reasons. They include basically his lackluster performance in and out of his Country. He is divisive and vindictive. Very impulsive and irrational with respect to policies. A good number of his associates in government have either resigned or were sacked. For not liking his leadership quality. He is perceived a racist and supporter of White Supremacist Ideology and demonstrations. Recently Trump ordered Federal Agents to interrupt anti Racism and Police Brutality demonstrations in Portland and other Cities in America. Federal Security Agents were openly captured shooting at protesters and mishandling them during demonstrations. This has angered many and many have condemned Trump Administration for such unprovoked violence against Americans. Several have called for immediate withdrawal of disgraceful Federal Security Personnel from demonstrations and protesters. State Governors have rejected some Agents and sent them packing out of their States. Trump was nearly impeached for allegedly bribing President of Ukraine to investigate his contender Joe Biden for alleged corrupt activities in that Country involving Biden's. Biden a former Vice President of America under Barack Obama is perceived as calm , politically experienced and better next president of America. Biden and Trump have both denied sexual misconduct allegations against them. Trump is said to have kept a porn lady in a Hotel in Russia. Whilst Biden , according to a woman , touched her inappropriately with his hands over her body. Money Bags hijack American Elections. They and major Media Houses sponsor the contesting candidates of their choice. And largely shape direction of the election activities. With huge amounts spent on advertisements , promoting preferred party and candidates. Above all Voters and Electoral College determine who occupies the Oval Office in the White House. Their Votes are influenced by their Social , Economic and Political Status or Affiliation. Generally African Americans and other minorities vote for Democratic Party. And affluent and White Voters prefer Republican Party. What the nation needs most is good health , peace and harmony before , during and after the Elections. COVID-19 has claimed lives and infected Americas more than any in the World. Mismanagement or Good Management of Global COVID-19 by Trump Administration is critical in the outcome of Presidential Race. Qualified Voters should vote wisely. For their vote is their power to make sane and positive changes in the way Americans are governed. And the way national cake distribution is done for or against majority of Americans.

TRUMP AGAINST PROTESTERS

Many cities in America are witnessing continuous demonstrations against Racism and Police Brutality.  George Floyd ,  African American ,  was suffocated to death by white policeman.  Whilst others watched on helplessly. The murderer fixed George on the ground kneeling on his neck till he expired ,  so very inhumanely. His offense was possession of a fake dollar. His infamous demise is catalyst for Worldwide protests ,  peaceful and very violent at times depending on mood of the anti Racism protesters.  Inside USA several commercial 

shops and buildings have been looted and structures demolished or incinerated in anger by the mob.  They are calling for action to end  racism , selective justice and state encouraged brutality against peoples of colour by the police in America.  President Trump accused supporter of White Supremacist. activities , maches and show of force in public appears very uncomfortable with Black Lives Matter Movement , the name given to activities of those against Racism and Police Violence in America and elsewhere. Trump has illegally sent Federal Security agents to some American States and places where the Movement is specially active. To attempt stopping  the demonstrations. Many are annoyed. They find reaction of Trump Administration to  protesters unnecessary and very provocative. Some are of the view that Trump is motivated by political considerations. And that his actions are aimed at winning votes from racist America Constituency. Some State Governors have vowed to resist Federal Agents being used to silence protestations.  Police Violence is scarcely punished in America. For this reason many suffer violent and brutal police attacks daily. And are denied justice. Often victims are punished and jailed on false changes made by police against the receiver of police violence. Now is the time all sane peoples everywhere should come together with one voice denouncing Racism in all forms and every kind of police violence and injustice.  Racism against African Americans was opposed in the 1960 s by Civil Rights Movements led by charismatic leaders such as Martin Luther king , Malcolm X and S Carmichael. A lot of positive changes were achieved in race relations. Segregation and inequality policies were officially out lawed. And relative harmony and peaceful coexistence among different peoples started to prevail. Unfortunately the Human Rights gains exited officially but not universally accepted and practised by all. White Supremacists continue to project racist ideology of hatred against African Americans in particular and peoples of colour generally. Racism underlies most disturbances and suffering in American Society.  It determines Social Mobility , Economic Power and even residential areas of members of Society. African Americans are most deprived ,  excluded or marginalized. The poorest of the poor are found among them. They are mostly not properly employed , lack fine skills and good education. Many survive on poorly paid menial jobs and food stamps. Homelessness is high in African American population. And are highest group among prison inmates. Life is unpleasant for many blacks. Substance abuse and suicide rate are very  high with them.  However many remarkable personalities in entertainment and music industry are peoples of colour. They are very athletic and have excelled in various sporting activities at the highest levels.  After all forefathers of African Americans were ones whose slave labour and hard work have made Amerca very strong and wealthy among nations of the World. It is only just , right and proper that descendants of nation builders be accorded equal rights in the nation their ancestors made great and prosperous. Say no to racial disequilibrium. And yes to peace and harmony among all peoples irrespective of race , gender or position in life. 

COVID-19 VACCINES DEVELOPMENT

The new strange Corona Virus Pandemic has taken the World by storm. It has already killed more than half a million peoples and infected over 3 million Worldwide. United States , Brazil , Russia and Peru are most devastated. Spain , Italy and United Kingdom have suffered with thousands of infections and many deaths. Symptoms of COVID-19 include high temperatures , coughing and respiratory difficulties. There is no definitive medical cure or management of the disease. Researchers all over are working very hard to find cure , appropriate medication and vaccines to treat and manage the situation. Safety measures against catching the disease include Social/Physical Distancing of not less than one metre long , washing of hands regularly with soap under clean running water and weaing of facce masks covering nose and mouth. Use of strong alcohol based hand sanitizers are recommended where necessary. Oxford University Scientists , Researchers in China , Russia , America and elsewhere are working hard testing experimental vaccines across the globe. So far preliminary test results are encouraging. But further experiments are needed to satisfy very high safety and efficacy standards. Already arrangements are being made by America and UK to buy millions of COVID-19 vaccines for their population  when they become ready for use. This ugly development is not good for defeating the pandemic. The need for free and easy access to medications and vaccines against spread of the weird disease must be accepted and promoted.  America and UK are trying hard to claim leadership role in search for COVID-19 vaccines. They have accused Russia and China of stealing or attempting to hack into their vaccines research documents. There should be Worldwide collaboration in COVID-19 Vaccines Research. And not selfish competitive efforts among Researchers.  Which may create unnecessary tension ,  mistrust and hinder progress in the search for vaccines and cures for COVID-19. Governments are to support all attempts at finding  cures or vaccines for the pandemic. And help make any possible cures or vaccines free of charge and easily accessible to humankind. 

MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS DUE TO COVID-19

• Early days of COVID-19 Pandemic saw measures to curtail spread of the highly infections new disease taken by leaders and governments of all Countries.  Towns , Cities and areas deemed Hotspots of Corona Virus infections were locked down.  Entertainment places , Restaurants and Drinking Bars were not spared. Educational Institutions including Basic , Secondary and Tertiary Schools were immediately closed and Teachers and Students encouraged to use Online Activities for teaching and learning.  Entry points to Coutries were closed to foreigners except in special cases. Movement Restrictions , promotion of WHO protocols against infections and spread of the new Viral Disease were in some spaces enforced with help from State Security Officials. Despite all good and determined efforts all over the World to arrest spread of the pandemic success is nowhere in sight. Lack of real understanding of COVID-19 has hindered proper management , treatment and cure of infected patients. Attempts at making a Vaccine against the Corona Virus Disease are ongoing. Tests of possible Vaccines are underway in some Countries. Economic , Social and other difficulties experienced during lockdown , closures and movement restrictions informed need to ease the drastic measures. Various governments have gradually lifted some. restrictive measures to promote near normal life before lockdown. Reopening of Schools and Colleges have become controversial. Nigeria has suspended academic activity in Schools for this year. Whilst nearby Ghana has allowed final year students into Schools and Colleges to prepare for Certificate Examinations in 2020. Opponents of reopening Schools and Colleges fear Students and teachers may be infected easily. And that may accelerate spread of COVID-19 in homes and Society. However supporters think with certain conditions satisfied safety of all in the institutions may be largely assured. To them ample supply of necessary protective gears , strict adherence to basic hygiene practices and World Health Organization (WHO) safety regime are good enough for learners ,  teachers and others in the Educational Institutions. WHO COVID-19 protective measures include a) Washing of hands regularly with soap under clean running water b) Use of alcohol based hand sanitizer c ) Observing Social/Physical Distancing , at least a Metre long and d) Wearing of appropriate Nose cum Mouth Masks.  

• Find below latest COVID-19 WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO )  Statistical figures for 3 most affected Countries a) United States b) Brazil and c) India.

Coronavirus disease 

Statistics

Confirmed

Recovered

Deaths

Worldwide

12,552,763

-

-

United States

3,290,994

970,345

136,621

Brazil

1,864,681

-

72,100

India

849,553

534,620

22,674

BLACK LIVES MATTER

• Racism and attacks against blacks are prevalent in America and elsewhere in Europe. Blacks are inferior , stupid and backward according to racists. Racism is a complex. It is a mirage. And a cover up. For insecurity , FEARS and instability of racists. Skin colour , appearance and culture do not speak to quality of intellectual capacity and nature of anyone. All humankind derive from one and the same source. Environment may. superficial traits. But essence is independent of environmental space. Racism shows its ugly self in various aspects of life. To discriminate and favour one over the other. Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was racist and economic activity. Africans were forcibly uprooted from Africa under force of arms into Americas , Europe and elsewhere to work as slaves in plantations and construction industry. For development of the new spaces they were dumped. Descendants of slaves and their families are still being mistreated , discriminated and suppressed. Police brutality against people of African decent is common in America. Many African Americans are murdered and punished with outrageous jail terms for slightest infractions. They are institutionally made very disadvantaged economically , socially and materially. Just recently one George Floyd died slowly , as a police officer suffocated him by kneeling on his neck. At a moment others looked on helplessly. Inhumane death of the African American for  suspected criminal offense sparked violent protests all over America and other Countries in Europe and elsewhere for days. Despite  COVID-19 Pandemic. And need to protect oneself ,  from catching. Corona Virus Disease.  COVID-19 protective protocols were mostly disrespected.  Solidarity demonstrations were called BACK LIVES MATTER.  The killer of George Floyd is White American policeman. Usually nothing serious is applied to serve as deterrent or punitive measure to the White racist police officer (s) in such situations. 

GHANA PRESIDENT STARTS SELF QUARANTINE FOR COVID-19 EXPOSURE

• Information Minister announced on July 4 , 2020 that President Akufo Addo of Ghana has been advised by doctors to self isolate immediately for 14 days. In compliance with WHO safety protocol. For those who have come into contact with COVID-19 positive patients. At least one close associate of the president is said to have tested positive for the deadly new Viral disease. The president will be quarantined inside presidential villa. And operate from there. On Friday July 3 a government deputy minister was asked to resign by the president. His crime was that he violated a law which forbids persons with known COVID-19 cases from breaking quarantine rules. And placing others in danger of catching the flu-like infections. Recently top government officials have died and some are in Intensive Care Unit of Hospitals for contracting Corona Virus Disease.  Official statistics claim about 19 thousand infections and less than 200 deaths so far , with a fifth of infections being active.  Some medical  experts contest the figures. And say real situation is under reported due to lack of extensive contact tracing , effective isolation and testing of suspected cases and treatment. A good number of the population do not appreciate government efforts to contain spread of the pandemic in Ghana. Many are very unhappy about government support in respect of mass registrations for New Voters ID Cards and National Identity Cards at the same time. And during a period where COVID-19 infections are escalating inside the Country. Ghanaian Passport or National Identity Card is needed to obtain the New Voters ID Card.  But existing Voters Roll was recently updated. And its Voters ID Cards used successfully in a Referendum to create 6 more new Regions in Ghana. The New Voters Registration is thus considered very dubious , irrational and wasteful.
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