If I Ruled the World...

Wyclef Jean for Haitian President?!  I can get on board with that.  Why shouldn't the arts be experience for politics?  Reagan... Schwarzenegger... Franken... The Mayoress... yes, performers translate to brilliant (or at least, very good looking) leaders!

Let's consider his resume:

WYCLEF JEAN
+1.917.555.4325
wj@wyclef.com

OBJECTIVE
Serve as president of Haiti

EXPERIENCE
2000s - Present  Independent Performing Artist; Producer; Community Activist
- Over 1,000 contacts in entertainment and politics
- Garnered global attention for insightful lyrics and progressive tunes
- Ability to work long and unusual hours, as well as travel extensively
- Comprehensive knowledge of social media
- Blogger for Huffington Post
- Produced mildly successful Fugees spinoff group City High

1990s - 2000s The Fugees   Band Leader/Artist
- Worked in collaborative environment
- Grossed millions of dollars in sales
- Toured extensively, gave crowd-moving performances (aka speeches)
- Global recognition for talent, innovation
- Bandmate Pras once went on date with future Mayoress of New York City; it didn't go that well but it's a good story.

SPECIAL SKILLZ
Brilliant oration, good fashion, rhythm, ability to seize unique opportunities.


See?  There you go.  Clef for Prez!!

In Which the Mayoress Finds Herself With Only One Fugee Left to Serve

"We Are All Africans!"

At least, that was Wyclef's sentiment when shouting out Haiti on tonight's Grammys. I can't speak for the entire nation of Haiti (like Wyclef can, apparently), or even my own entire country, but as someone whose country's ancestral history is also from Africa, I HATE it when Americans say they're African. I'm not African-American. I'm American. I've never been to Africa. I know very little about Africa and I sure as hell don't know which country my family came from (thanks slave trade!).

As those who know me know, I also hate it when people ask me "where I'm from" as in what my ethnicity is - of course, as I've said before, it's usually men figuring me out, as in, whether to ask me out (hey mami! oh, you're not latina? but you look latina - are you sure?). I'm from Oregon. I can talk for days about why Portland is awesome and the cultural nuances of the Pacific Northwest, but even in the wake of tragedy I doubt I'd speak for the entire region.

My point, I suppose, is that what I value is global citizenry - we should be (somewhat) equally upset and provoked to action whether something happens in a place we have ties to or in a place we've never heard of. Aparna, one of my very wisest friends, made a great point the other day - as awful, horrible as the tragedy in Haiti is, even more unspeakable things happen daily in other places and we either don't know about them or no longer care. And that's unacceptable, no matter where you're from. In other words, let's not get so caught up in unnecessary identities that we can't be simply human. We've seen many times what happens when we go too far the other direction, so wouldn't it be wonderful if we could find out what happens when we move forward instead?

Mayoress Warbucks

Guys, I really want to adopt a Haitian orphan. But I'm telling myself that's not a good idea because I really don't want to be a single mom. But I just saw this article and I'm so jealous, truly.

But oh man, It would be just like Annie! Except that I'm not a kazillionaire and I definitely would need a full house staff and I'm not bald. But we would definitely sing and go to the movies and do cute little dances involving wide staircases.

Sigh.

I know this is a hugely touchy subject, but I just don't understand why people choose to birth children when there are so many out there who need homes. Well, no, I think I understand, I just don't agree. If I had more money and more help and wanted kids I'd be all over adoption, fo' reals. As things are now we risk a Miss Hannigan situation.

In related news, though, I just got invited to a breakfast at Mercy Corps, where I made my Haiti donation, to hear from one of their staff that went there! I'm excited to hear a firsthand account.

CALL TO ACTION: HAITI EARTHQUAKE

Guys, I'm just now hearing about the Haiti Earthquake. Going along with our recent theme of belief in action, I'm calling on everyone reading this to go beyond saying "Oh, that's horrible" and donate to relief efforts. You can certainly afford $20... $50... $100 - this is important.

List of Charities here.
I donated at Mercy Corps.

Keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts, prayers, positive intentions. Countries all over the world are already sending aid and millions of dollars, but we can all help.

Please leave a comment here if you donated! Thanks so much.