Sapientia

Citizens of America,

Seldom, am I am asked for guidance in the affairs of our great nation; for the times are much different now. The colonies that fought for freedom from repression have grown beyond what the forefathers and I could ever have imagined. Yet, throughout the course of time, having on occasion been summoned to impart guidance to those in their dark hour; I have always been forthright in discreetly presenting my assistance. I have traversed the halls beyond the Oval Office with many who have followed in my footsteps. Abraham, Andrew, Franklin, John and even Richard have called upon me and I have always answered their prayers with a thought or an impulse that would assist them in their moment of choice.

However, the events of your new century have garnered our attention… and our concern. In numerous instances during my presidency and in my farewell address, I warned of the divisive nature “of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discrimination… This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.”

“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.” 1

Not since the time of the Civil War, has such divisiveness been more prevalent; and the current party discord now brings the citizens of America to a great moment of choice. It is a choice born of the winds of change, which have positioned the United States as a conqueror instead of a protector of liberty. Where this course will lead is uncertain but if you are to regain the trust of the world’s populace, it is imperative to understand that “the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.” 2

In large part, it is the division of party that has sent America toward the difficulties that are now presented to her… and it amazes us that despite the precarious nature of this position, so many of her citizens seem either oblivious to the challenges that must be addressed or in the other extreme, are zealous in the belief that their prescription is the only solution. You live in most difficult times but I ask you to consider that the path placed before you would be safer through adherence to the original precepts of the Founding Fathers. I once stated: “towards the preservation of your government… it is requisite… that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown.” 3

It is clear that these first misguided steps have been taken with your Patriot Act, without the full consent of the citizenry… and we find the name of this action, most ironic. The potential results of this path is of concern, for it is so foreign to the counsel I presented upon the conclusion of my presidential tenure. Words spoken long ago but still most applicable today: “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it. It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! Is it rendered impossible by its vices?” 4

“In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than those permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence, frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations, has been the victim.” 5

“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences… “The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations; to have with them as little political connection as possible…Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government… we may defy material injury from external annoyance; we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.” 6

Is it possible to adhere to these declarations and affirmations made hundreds of years ago? True, the United States was born in a different time. The world is much smaller today and it is clear that adjustments must always be made for ever changing events. However, the concepts that created freedom must still remain in effect if freedom is to be preserved… and this is why I beseech every citizen to look deep within your selves, in this moment of choice. Will your choice preserve freedom? Or, will it infringe upon it? Destroy it, in the name of retribution, expansionism and profits. The choice is yours… and you will be required to state it firmly, for the chasm among the American people runs deep.

Seldom, am I asked to provide guidance in the affairs of our great nation, but today, I humbly suggest that in order to retain your freedoms, you must look beyond the influences of divisive party rhetoric; beyond the desire for retribution and beyond your fears, to determine what is required to preserve the ideals from which democracy was birthed.

I present you with this request, for it is the alternative that causes me trepidation; having already seen a possible outcome during that wretched winter in Valley Forge. It was there, that “I saw three great perils that would come upon the Republic.” The first revealed the difficulties and pain of the revolution, which led to the birth of America. Within the second, I viewed the horrors of a Civil War, as I heard a mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.”

Then the third vision, of a future yet to unfold. A future, I fear, will befall America if the wrong path is chosen. “And again I heard the mysterious voice saying, “Son of the Republic, look and learn. At this, the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene. From each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were soon joined into one. And throughout this mass, there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country, and burn the villages, towns and cities that I beheld springing up.”

“As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice saying, “Son of the Republic, look and learn.” When the voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast.”

“Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shone the word “Union,” and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by legions of white spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle. Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice saying, “Son of the Republic, look and learn.”

“As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.”

“Then once more I beheld the villages, towns and cities, springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, plating the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: “While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.” And taking from his brow the crown on which was blazoned the word “Union,” he placed it upon the Standard, while the people, kneeling down, said “Amen.” 7

Perhaps, you think this impossible… and perhaps you are correct. Yet, I have seen the outcome of a battle, a war and even a Revolution, changed by a choice that seemed almost insignificant in that moment. If not for my decision to choose an alternate route from Hartford to West Point in September 1781, General Arnold’s treasonous plot would surely have succeeded; and all hope for freedom would have vanished. So, be prudent in the judgments you are about to make, for there are times when even victory comes at immeasurable cost. As I conclude, I can only impart the most important words from my vision to assist you: for “as I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word “Union,” bearing the American flag which he placed between the divided nation, he said, “Remember ye are brethren.” 8

George Washington

Notes:
1-6 George Washington’s Farewell Address, Sept. 26, 1796
7-8 General George Washington’s Vision,

Reprinted: Dec. 21, 1950. The Stars and Stripes

 

Nigerian invention keeps food fresh without electricity

[DARFUR] Hawa Osman is a farmer in Darfur, Sudan. She grows tomatoes, okra, carrots, and rocket lettuce, and also has small orchard of guava trees.

In the hot weather of Darfur, Hawa used to lose half of the crops she hoped to sell each day in the market of Al Fashir, the capital city of North Darfur, because of inadequate storage facilities — and no electricity or refrigerator — in her small canteen, the shed made out of wood and palm leaves in which she displays her products to clients.

But these days she is selling fresher produce and making bigger profit. This is because of an ingenious device — the zeer pot — that was invented by a Nigerian teacher, Mohammed Bah Abba and introduced to Darfur last year.
The zeer is a large pot inside which fits another smaller pot with a clay lid. The space between the two pots is filled with sand, creating an insulating layer around the inner pot. The sand is then kept damp by adding water at regular intervals — generally twice a day — reducing the temperature within the inner post decrease.

Each zeer can contain 12 kg of vegetables, and costs less than US$2 to produce.

Experiments assessing its ability to extend shelf life show that tomatoes and guavas can be kept for 20 days, compared to just two without. Even rocket, which usually lasts only a day before wilting, can be kept for five days.

Amina Abas, who sells zeers in the Al Fashir marketplace, says that she has found a high demand for the pot, as almost every family accommodates a family of refugees from the fighting in the region.

"As a result, there is a need for zeer for keeping water and vegetables and preserving fruit to meet the needs not only of the host family, but also of the refugee family," she says. "It is really great."

Hawa was the first person to use the zeer technology in her canteen. An information sheet attached to the pot tells her how long different produce can be kept.

Before getting her zeer Hawa used to have to carry any unsold crops home each day. During the six-hour walk the vegetables would end up rotten because of the heat.

Preservation is a key issue for food security. A good harvest is a rarity in the harsh climate of North Darfur; but even when farmers and small-scale producers produce a strong crop, they still face the problem of preserving the fruit and vegetables they've grown.

Dry heat and dust reduce the 'shelf-life' of foods such as tomatoes, okra and carrots to as little as two or three days, making it essential to get good quality produce quickly into the marketplace. And the fact that food must be consumed quickly means that wastage is high.

Since its introduction in November 2002, 110 families in Darfur have adopted the zeer. On average, two zeers are used in homes, while women on the market will have three to four.

"It is simple and appropriate technology to me, as a farmer always works to keep her produce fresh and in top condition," says Hawa. "I was able to understand and use it within a week, and the technology rapidly became my bread and butter."

She points out that she has to look after both herself and three children. "This technology has helped me gain a suitable income to meet my family's daily needs. I see it as the most positive turning point in my life, in that it has allowed me to become self-sufficient."

Furthermore, both producer and consumer benefit. For the farmer, the zeer increases sales opportunities and for the consumer the result is an increased supply of vegetables and fruits in marketplace.

The zeer is the brainchild of teacher Mohammed Bah Abba. Bah Abba passed his idea to the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG), which, with the assistance of researchers at the University of Al Fashir, carried out experiments to measure its value in maintaining nutrient content and extending the shelf life of vegetables.

As a result, the Women's Association for Earthenware Manufacturing in Darfur, with the support of ITDG, is now producing and selling zeers for food preservation in the Al Fashir area.

Iman Mohamed Ibrahim of ITDG says women using the zeer to preserve their vegetables on the market can make an additional 25 to 30 per cent profit on their income.

He points out, however, that it can have many other uses. "It can be used for storing sorghum and millets for a long time, as it protects from humidity when it is dry, preventing fungi from developing."

The zeer can also keep water at a temperature of about 15 degree Celsius. "In the camp, it is used as a water pot, to store relief items, and even as a clothes cupboard," he says.

There is also a health benefit. Mahmoud Ali, hygiene officer for the Al Fasir Municipality, says the zeer helps maintain the vitamin and nutrient content of the vegetables, and prevent disease by keeping flies off the food.

"Before the technology came along, vegetables on the display shelves attracted flies, resulting in stomach disease such as dysentery, " he says.

"Now that vegetables can be kept fresh for longer and away from flies, there is a remarkable decrease in such sorts of cases."