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Andrew Carr 09/30/2010 4:14:00 AM
Mr. Campbell conveniently quotes only part of the qualifications of a U.S. president. Besides being a native born citizen and thirty five years old, they have to have made the U.S. their home for the previous fourteen years. Mr. Campbell’s analogy is wrong, Mr. Jean would not qualify as a U.S. presidential candidate
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sharpton's hairdresser 09/29/2010 5:49:00 AM
you are just hating on sean because you know he would beat your ass!
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ELIO 09/12/2010 8:02:00 PM
WOW!!!!!!!!!If Wyclef is the best option Haiti have as a president. Well let's get used to the idea of keep pooring our money to help the poor people of our sister Island. I am cuban and it sounds like if we were happy having Emilio Estefan as our next president.
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mike 09/07/2010 11:29:00 PM
penn is racist he hates all black people and he is a criminal, type in sean penn racist and see what you will get, Jean is a nice guy who is p*****ionate.
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Michele 09/07/2010 6:50:00 PM
Well said. Sean Penn should stick to doing movies and scripted dialogues as he is totally unconvincing and embarrassing with his obvious overstated, overreactive & ignorant diatribe.
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elpa 09/07/2010 5:09:00 PM
luke you have a lot to learn thinking that wyclef can save haiti.May be you need to go downthere and find out what this so call small country is all about.
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Aramat Carless 09/07/2010 4:16:00 PM
Wyclef Jean is not qualified to be president. Period.
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Carol Laughlin 09/07/2010 2:29:00 PM
I agree Wyclef Jean is the best for Haiti!
Jean Penn is a Hollywood LIBERAL SOCIALIST nut close friends with socialist dictator Hugo Chavez.
God help Haiti if Jean Penn continues in Haiti.
God Bless Haiti and the Haitian people!
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hector ampuero 09/07/2010 11:24:00 AM
I agree with the story...Wyclef should be president....he has proven himself a man who loves his country and has done things for Haiti that no one would ever do....he is an incredible asset and would seriously help improve relationships with the US and Haiti....his heart and mind is in the right place....
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charlie 09/07/2010 5:49:00 AM
Me thinks the writer was hiding behind his laptop, jealous, perhaps envious, while Sean Penn was giving up his personal life for the Haitian victims. One doesn't need to be long on history to know what will work and what will not for these people.
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damond 09/07/2010 5:03:00 AM
My brother, as Caribbean-American, the real deal is not really wyclef Jean and Sean Penn. It's bigger than that...Wyclef has a good heart and motive. The social and political structure in Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana and other Caribbean states do not want their corrupt activities and way of life abruptly intrrupted. It's all about keeping the poor in their place.
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jil 09/06/2010 11:40:00 PM
You have the railings of a mad man WJ is no more than a thief he has proven that by his actions in the music industry and how he has runned his so called charity if your a real investigative reporter you'd get the facts before you opened your big mouth.
I doubt that he has given millions other than to himself or buy things in Haiti which he ownes. If your not inhailing, injecting or smoking something you have no reason to preach, your blastphamy! Either way your just another idiot on the soap box.
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rodolfo 09/06/2010 10:57:00 PM
I am surprissed by what I just read. I can not believe someone is arguing that a person who has spent his whole life outside the country they once were born in and now has a citizenship from an adopted country should have the right to run for president of the country he once disinherited. I dont care what type of fund raiser, intellect, charisma, power this person has. The mimute he accepted the US as his adopted country he rejected the Haitian citizenship. Be it for what ever reasone. Just as in the case of mexico, should a Mexican living in the US for the last 20 years and now a citizen of the US be allowed to run for president of Mexico. HELLL NOOO. Think first before writting something as ignorant as what was written above.
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Noel 09/06/2010 10:43:00 PM
Luke and millions of others, who know of the corruption in Haiti,are right. Jean is not allowed to run for president, first because he has a great chance of winning and the current government officials don't want to look bad in the aftermath of the Haitian situation. Haiti can be one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean, but the money hungry politicos are not going to allow anyone to steal their thunder. The US is stupid in not intervening in the way it has interfered with other countries. If we're in Iraq and Afganistan, then why aren't we in Haiti. They need our help more than any other country.
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Lloyd Cata 09/06/2010 9:58:00 PM
Look, I don't know Wyclef Jean, I don't propose that he lead Haiti or perhaps perform some other service in support of Haitian Independence and Freedom.
Let's not let this debate fool anyone that Independence and Freedom has been the goal for Haiti under the most inhumane aspects of Western Capitalism, under the influence of the Franco-American Alliance. There is no argument that 'certain' Haitians benefited immensely, as was the case for more than 50 years of the Duvalier family and their criminal and deadly cohorts. The threat to Haiti from these traitors and Western masters has not diminished and is directly supported by foreign troops occupying Haiti today. Shall we debate exactly 'why' Haiti is 'under occupation' for the benefit of Haitians? Is it credible to believe that those who supported and financed the massacre(s) of thousands of Haitians, and now support the occupation of Haiti, have now reformed themselves and no longer wish to use violence, intimidation, poverty, and corruption?
Defend Wyclef or not, defend Haiti or not, even defend Duvalier if you must, but to defend the agenda of the absolute imperialism perpetrated upon the Haitian people by the policies of the governments in Paris and Washington is to remain ignorant. Whether those governments were right or left, the Franco-American alliance have geopolitical uses and old animosities when it comes to Haiti. Never forget that it was Haitians who became the 'first' in freedom among the Carribean and Latin American nations, and assisted others in their desire for freedom from the Empire. Never forget that Haiti 'paid' France for its people to be free, under "commercial plantation" conditions, from the "'legitimate" claims of France to its Haitian slaves. The "slave debt" has been paid, but the "commercial plantation" remains, and that is what this election is about. That is why the choice in this election is so important. That is why Wyclef must speak out, as president or citizen. His voice must be heard because Haitian Independence, Freedom, and Self-Determination demand it. Those wishing him to go away have used the most heinous acts in the past to remove any dissent to their policies, and there is no reason to believe that they will not use these methods again.
So, the puppet election council will stick directly to a constitution riddled with clauses that prevent a 'native-born' citizen(?) of a country from participating fully in the political process. Something the Franco-American alliance has done time after time to install dictators and tyrants around the world. Haitians who escaped the "plantation of deprivation and fear" are no longer welcome to participate in a free Haiti. Truly a message to the Haitian Diaspora about returning home and interfering with the 'status quo'.
There is more I would say to you, but I will leave you now with this; "There is an island off Haiti's northeast coast which has been designed to further the ambitions of the Empire in Haiti. Pay specific attention to the terms of ownership, and ambitious plans for this outpost under the complete control of its 'foreign' owners.
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Nathalie 09/06/2010 11:27:00 AM
Agreed! I agree that Wyclef Jean should be allowed to run for president. He has been a true Haitian his whole life. He's been helping Haiti since before the earthquake. It may be that Sean Penn simply doesn't agree politically speaking with Jean and wants to put him down. So who is qualified in Penn's opinion?
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Gerald 09/06/2010 4:57:00 AM
I don't think wyclef is qualified to be the president of Haiti. I was ashamed the way he was like a joker on cnn that night when he told the world he wanted to run for president. I think he acted as a baffoon. What Wyclef needs to do with his money is invest it in major US cities where island people live. He should build restaurants that offer haitian cuisine to promote our cuisine like the chinese do here. He should buil an empire in this country promote the black race in this hemisphere,and create a scholarship for Haitian immigrants and blacks student who do good in school and not belive the racist scapegoat attitudes that some minority blacks have in the ghetto about creoles
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waterjunkie 09/06/2010 4:02:00 AM
Save Haiti? From what? Themselves? Haiti has always been a toilet. Sending them billions of dollars is just a waste of taxpayer money. These people are no better than dogs. They live that way, behave that way and will never change...Let them fall into the ocean..
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Gabriel 09/06/2010 12:52:00 AM
The Miami New Times has surely gown down the tubes when they let someone who has no knowledge of the legal system write garbage like the column above..
First of all three things are needed to run for presidency of the U.S. Born in the US, be 35 years of age and last but not least be a resident of the U.S. for the LAST FOURTEEN YEARS. It isnt simply enough to be born in this country.... Haiti has a similar law. The truth is that Wyclef has never lived in Haiti since he left as a child. It has nothing to do with corruption but the following of the laws of Haiti... Wycelf is also doesnt speak French and isnt fluent in Creole. To elect him would be like electing a president for the US who isnt fluent in English.
Haiti is full of corruption but Wycelf isnt much different as he paid himself $100,000 for his own performance at his own charity event... Wyclef isnt quilified to run his own two bit charity and you think he should run a country in despair?
As for Sean Penn, he simply expressd his opinion that Wyclef isnt qualified and guess what? He isnt.
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verizonjack 09/05/2010 8:16:00 PM
mr. campbell: i do agree with a lot of what you say in most of your articles. i do not necessarily think that sean penn should've totally dismissed wyclef's campaign for presidency. however, sean penn does go 100% for the things that he believes in. a lot of celebrities like face time, but sean penn is not one of those.
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Edna hallenberg 09/05/2010 11:17:00 AM
Wyclef is the best more then all this presindent
in haiti cause after jn claude no bady don,t do nathing for haiti
give Wyclef chance to change haiti hi has money already....i vote for u Clef don't worry
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Felipe 09/05/2010 10:19:00 AM
Mr. Cambell: You are just showing the tipical american (USA) attitude that reflect in the mentality on international policy in this country. Each country has their own laws that need to be respected by their citizen and other countries. Those laws may not be identical to the ones in the USA, but we need to respect the wishes of the citizens of other countries. Remember Honduras, were the public officials of the USA considered a 'coupe de stat' when their politicians just followed the rules as per their contitution. Please, stop meddling in other countries politics, ours can be reformed too.
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georges 09/05/2010 6:18:00 AM
i think Wyclef is the man for the job right now , the others all they do steal but dont a damm about the country . People who lives in Haiti they dont love the country cause they always try to destroy the it by stealing from the poor . we need someone with a good heart like Wyclef who loves his country and very proud of it .
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Me 09/05/2010 2:09:00 AM
I'm from Miami and a big Luther Campbell fan but can someone tell me did Luke become qualified to give an opinion about politics much less from a city he hasn't stepped foot on in years??????????
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t-paul 09/05/2010 1:47:00 AM
UNCLE LUKE, I FEEL VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU FIGHT FOR Mr. JEAN TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF HAITI, BUT ONE THING YOU DON'T REALZE THAT HAITI, EVENTHOUGH IS IN PAIN RIGHT NOW; WE NEED SOMEONE WHO QUALIFY AND HAVE A FULL PACKAGES FOR THE JOB. SO Mr. JEAN DOES NOT MEET 1% OF THE REQUIREMENTS THAT HAS IN THE PACKAGES. PLEASE BE ADVICES THAT HAITI IS NOT A FREE WAY PASS LIKE YOU AND Mr. JEAN THOUGHT IT IS.
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Leila 09/04/2010 3:30:00 PM
2 live crew suck that why he never made it big because he had no brain of all and that no need call somebody a loser or any kind of name if he want to run for president so be it dont hate him wanting be something he think probably make it better country perhap he can but you really idoit that sad you think you know it all really you dont you just wanna be writer who write piece of shit. if penn or other want be president there good luck to both of them not need to be name calling it uncall for and being ignorant that you. may best man win. now that what i call class and smart.
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Bernard 09/04/2010 2:18:00 AM
Uncle Luke it is good to see you standing for right when all the self-righteous previously were in judgement of your musical entertainment but that is past now. I stand, in words, with you sir, in calling for a man of substance and heart to have a chance just to run in the election. Elections are very difficult to win, is a given, therefore give him the opportunity to run and let's see what happens. I want to make a challenge to any of the descendants of the African Diaspora to lift your voices a sing for justice in Haiti. Love to all the Haitian people.
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Sean 09/03/2010 10:16:00 PM
When one becomes a US Citizen, you have to renounce all allegiance to other soverign nations; I am sure that this oath alone would preclude Mr. Jean's candidacy for what is, after all, office in a foreign nation. That being said, after the debacle in Iraq, is democracy the most appropriate political system for a society as backward as Haiti's? With half of more of the population illiterate, it is highly unlikely that, apart from the challenges of daily life, most Haitians have the capacity to read, understand and make appropriate judgement. For one thing, Haitian Creole has been an entirely oral language; signs are in French -- not in the mish-mash ersatz phonetic transciption you see in Miami; it's like making a written language out of "ebonics" that is used as an educational medium for all topics.
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Chris 09/03/2010 8:35:00 PM
I suggest that Haiti import someone with the intelligence to understand the management, financial accountability and Administration demands placed on a leader in a country or even an organized village. To support a hip hop person is one of the reasons that the country is in the shape it is now.
Think about it! If this is the best thing that can be supported for presidency of this lawless country of murderers and thieves, there is no hope of anything other than a continued spiral downward into primal savagery.
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benji baez 09/03/2010 7:23:00 PM
as you pointed out, the last democratically elected president which was jean-bertrand aristide, who left in a cloud. he was a priest before, and had no political experience. wyclef has not done a thing that qualifies him to run a country. it is completely different than running a charity
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Zatoichi Tanaka 09/03/2010 4:23:00 PM
Dear Mr Campbell,
I am in complete shock to read your commentary on Wyclef Jean's bid for presidency. I firmly agree with you that he has the right to run for presidency but to be the president of haiti.. this is a completely different scenario. If Sean P Diddy Coombs was running for President of the United States, do you honestly think that the educated individuals would choose him as a head of state. Why shouldn't the same criteria apply to Haiti. Its a shame to see that individuals can win on popularity and not practicality. Considering the history of haiti and the roles that international entities have played in destabilising it... One should always question individuals who all of a sudden want to be involved politically. Sean Penn has been on the ground in Haiti for quite some time and he knows the dynamics of governance and how it can be blurred. With all due respect Mr Campbell, please try to uplift and empower a people who because of alterior intentions of other entities and greedy selfish haitians themselves have been deprived of their integrity and dignity.. Allow them this again please..... Guidance and Protection...
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rick 09/03/2010 12:13:00 PM
good if only uncle luk knew the real haiti go there. and go there as a person with out all the security, wyclef is a POP STAR. leave it at that i lived in haiti my whole life lived thru all the b.s. all the americans i know want wyclef to be president but if you look at it would you want lil wayne to be president... or t.i....
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fresh rob 09/03/2010 4:20:00 AM
Luke, Preach on my brother....Penn is nothing more than a pseudo -intellectual who gets played by corrupt figures such as Castro and Chavez like if he was a ole tired ass atari game. I wonder if his motives are deeply rooted in historical "white man's burden"; where the white colonists would believe that it was their destiny to educate and save the other, less fortunate folks....Mr. Penn, needs a verbal check ...and Tio Luke has dropped some science. Much props and see around teh streets of downtown my brova. Peace and love to all.
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wally 09/03/2010 3:00:00 AM
I really like this article. The international community will not contribute to rebuil Haiti with those gangs. The only person that I trust to run the country, is JEAN WYCLEF.He has more connection with rich poeple than any other candidates. No one can buy Wyclef like they did to Rene Preval who let 20 poeple from the group of BOURDON to sacrifice the haitian poeple.
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Sade 09/03/2010 12:08:00 AM
Luther, Luther, Luther - whilst I usually enjoy reading your opinions you are really misinformed with this one. Haiti needs neither Wyclef of Sean. Wyclef would be horrific as a leader of that nation. Stick with the singing and do some fundraisers etc. Sean ... well, whatever but he is not running for President and he is on location filming somewhere right now anyway. Haiti needs to get out of the clutches of the IMF, WorldBank and Corruption - much like our fair USA. Haiti does not need HOPE - Haiti needs solutions and to do that - a lot must change. Currently the President of Haiti has zero authority over any funds donated for assistance. Bill Clinton has the de-facto strong vote and Bill Clinton's policies and initiatives were the exact same one that keep Haiti where it is. Frankly, until the corruption is mitigated; Haiti figures out a way to look out for itself re: infrastructure and basic services (like water)...nothing is everything going to change. Too many fingers in that kitchen. Running a country is not easy and Wyclef cannot do it. Neither can most politicians who run today. As to what can solve Haiti's issues? That is a very loaded question but whatever can give it: 1) Infrastructure (health care, water, transportation, etc. 2) Operation with minimized corruption and outside influences. Whatever and whoever can do "that" - then Haiti will rise from the rubble. Luther - you should know better. That is like saying Community Redevelopment Agencies/Groups can help Overtown.
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suck it up 09/02/2010 11:44:00 PM
Why some medias in US are so interested to Wyclef to be a president in Haiti. If Wyclef already received money for some big corporations to run his campaign, tell them to write the money off as loss. Wyclef was not ready to be a president, he will not be ready, and he will ever be ready, because there will be more candidates better qualify then he will be, and he may not spend 5 consecutive years in Haiti. Wyclef and a group of Haitian in the Diaspora are trying to amend the Haitian Constitution that is why they fitting for. Some people had mentioned, Francois Duvalier was not Haitian. He came from a Island near by as a CIA agent to help in Haiti.
Please people this is not music. Don’t tell me the younger starts come in the entertainment music and make it without help. Some people, who are tigers, promote them; therefore, to be president of a country, you need to be a tiger. THIS IS A SHAME, SO SUCK IT UP.
After the Duvalier, We had a great candidate and we call him Mr. Clean, because he was eliminating all the bad checks people were having from the government in the Duvalier era. Because the College students didn’t feel it, and they were afraid that he was a CIA agent, he never elected. We missed him but we need to protect the country.
The college students who really understand will not vote for Wyclef. Those youngsters who want to cash on Wyclef , and some people in the Haitian Diaspora who are scare of their future because of the recession would like him to be president to amend the constitution.
This is time for this article to disappear in the front page of the internet. Did Wyclef pay for this spot or people who are investigating his NGO do? Wyclef should watch out before his political lovers create enough evidence for him to be indicted on something.
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Brigitte Desroches 09/02/2010 9:44:00 PM
Based on the Constitution, to be a president you'll need to reside in the country for 5 years. Wyclef is a great ambassador for Haiti. His contributions to the country is overwhelmed. But he never resided in Haiti for 5 years. Can he violate the constitution? People are talking with emotions. A law is a law. You need to respect the law. I love Wyclef but he still can be president of Haiti. He will need to do what is the right thing as a role model for the Haitian people. Breaking the law is ILLEGAL. We already have too many problems with corruption and others. We don't want Wyclef to start breaking the Constitution.
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Joe Jacob 09/02/2010 8:27:00 PM
I totally agree with the noble intentions of Wycliff and wish more like him will come forward and assist the country of their birth in times of need. Critics are a dime a dozen. unfortunatley though the leaders in the said countries try all in their power to stay in power, deceit and corruption while th ecountry suffers. This is a common ill of third world country leadership mentality!
I encourage the efforts and ask all Haitians to rally together and stive for change and allow Wycliff to play a greater and more significant role in the future of Haiti.
Stop the vultures from simply wanting other people's money.
Long live the new Haiti under Wycliff and others.
Joe
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Lloyd Cata 09/02/2010 7:49:00 PM
For those who are supporting Mr. Penn's interference in "Haitian elections" and who are so knowing in Haitian history, and progeny of Haitian elites, will you please answer on question that concerns every Haitian;
Why, after all these decades(before the earthquake) under the 'benevolent capitalist guidance' of the United States, is Haiti the 'poorest and weakest' country in the Western hemisphere? *** If your answer has 'anything' to do with Mr. Aristede, you are hereby publicly exposed as a liar and moron, so please don't shame the Haitian people further ***
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Jose 09/02/2010 5:59:00 PM
Maybe Luke is right. But why do I get the feeling that, if Wyclef were white and Penn black, the story would be titled, "Penn Is Right, Wyclef Shouldn't Run."
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jo 09/02/2010 5:15:00 PM
Wyclef should continue to make commercials in U.S. get his name behind a product like George Forman Grill and all the money he makes he spends on projects in Haiti. Not president of any country.
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Theryl 09/02/2010 2:57:00 PM
I agree with Clifford. Wyclef can help Haiti without being president.He don't really know to speak creole or french, there goes communication with your people, doesn't really know the history or culture of his people, What he should do if he really want to be president, is for the next five years move back to Haiti, learn their history and culture, learn about the people, their needs, learn their language, feel what they are feeling, grow with the people, then consider whether you are apt and capable of being president.Don't get me wrong, I love Wyclef as an artist, but that does not qualify him to run for President. Haiti have many candidates that are more qualified, that feel for their people and know what is needed for their country survival. The one problem is to find that right candidate.
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Jeannine Paul 09/02/2010 8:13:00 AM
In the United States at a bachelor's degree is required. Just becuse Wyclef is feeding hungry people does not qualify him to be commander in chief. First all, Wyclef does nothing about Haiti's constitution and knows nothing in term of history about Haiti. If he knew Haitian history he would not dare to say that people from Haiti "should learn English". Just because Haiti is in bad shape does not mean this is the end of the intellectuals, people who can teach our children about values it is only about food.
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Adner 09/02/2010 8:13:00 AM
In what way wyclef will help haiti, you guys think because Haiti is a Poor Coubtry that's mean everyone is stupid and ignorant right?, Mr wyclef paid himself $ 400.000 from the fundraising money, go look, he gave a mistress $ 103.000 from yele haiti, He owes haiti taxes that he never paid, Morally wyclef and his wife married on contract, they are swingers, the kid they have is an adopt child, then check ! wyclef finish High school, dropped out of college, Do you think that Haiti deserves to have this, common guys, you full of it! I do beleive Sean penn talk from his heart, he just couldn't say it like I do, If wyclef wants to be president why not running in USA, why Haiti?, he needs more money to pay his debts here in USA right, wycle using Haiti as a Pond to have sex encounter with young Haitian women do you know that? i do beleive wyclef is arrogant and ignorant, In the names Of Jean jacques Dessalines my Ancestors and family, Toussaint Louverture the great without forgotten the master Henry christophe, wyclef doesn't have his place over there punto. Do you know how many things I can do with $ 9.000.000 for those victims, what he did tell me? let's talk about facts. if you build 500 houses x $20.000 = $ 10.000.000 then so, why mr wyclef couldn't do the same? tell me, 500 houses with 6 persons on then that give you 3000 out of the streets.
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Bob Noes 09/02/2010 5:28:00 AM
Well in my humble opinion, Haiti needs to hang anyone who is corrupt as an enemy of the state, after the first 30 hangings, I believe things will change. I don't think Mr. Wyclef should be President of more than a record company, that might be in line with his qualifications. Sean Penn, he is trying to help. Enuf said.
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maria navarro 09/02/2010 4:38:00 AM
i think haiti was such a misserable country, this man who wants to be presidente did nothing to help it. penn is right tha's my opinion
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Lloyd Cata 09/02/2010 3:40:00 AM
Strange that the present President Preval named Wyclef ambassador-at-large when Sean Penn couldn't find Haiti on the map.
More than 200 years Haiti has suffered under the thumb of the French thieves who extracted the 'freedom-price' for every Haitian, forcing Haiti to BUY the freedom of its citizens. Perhaps when Mr. Penn addresses this with Mr. Sarkozy his attitude might change.
Then the French relinquish Haitian dominance to the US which proceeds to install dictator after dictator who ruled Haiti under the 'benevolent' hand of the US State Dept. Perhaps Mr. Penn will address this with his countryman Bill Clinton, who admits to his failures in Haiti.
For Sean Penn the disaster is months long, but to Haiti the disaster is centuries long. That is not to belittle Mr.Penn's efforts which are much appreciated, but to interfere in the future and 'internal affairs' of Haiti is something else. Considering Mr. Penn does not think Wyclef is qualified to be president, perhaps he can explain the role of Mr. Negroponte in Haiti...then maybe he will have something worthy to say.
BTW, why isn't Mr. Penn shouting about the fact that the 'reconstruction aid' promised by France and the US has yet to appear. Perhaps it is only blackmail to install another dictator, but then we don't need another Saddam Hussein, do we?
That the Franco-American alliance attempts to declare Wyclef Jean a 'man without a country', it is telling that they use 'other means' to disqualify him from the election.
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MICHY 09/02/2010 3:36:00 AM
TONI...You are a moron! Learn how to write properly!
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MICHY 09/02/2010 3:32:00 AM
Luke needs to SHUT UP! Since when does he know anything about politics and foreign politics nonetheless? Hey Luke stick to nasty strippers and girls with cellulite shaking their asses on stage and leave politics to those with something beyond a high school education. Loser!
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rh 09/02/2010 2:31:00 AM
l
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Irvin 09/02/2010 2:14:00 AM
Enough of the Sean Penn this, and that. Wycleff does not qualify for mmany reasons: prior to not speaking the language of the majority he wants to represent. He does not have a clue about the country's history, he does praised the flag, very good. However, he did not helped the people that much as he claims. For all these years he has been a millionaire how many haitians has he even got out of the country or improved there lifestyle and many will die for him, unfortunately. If he had the country at heart he would go beyond waving our flag wherever he goes. I am sorry but when the mass population cannot read and write I think I need to see more than flag waving also most of these people beleive in him by what they are told not for what he has done for them. If I have money I help a few people does it really mean that I helped the people. We have to establish the difference with what is shown? and What is real? Haiti is so poor even me I can go with a grand and make it seem like I helped the majority. Also most of us do not know he has supported gangsters in Haiti as well. Below is a link of Wyclef in a documentary about a ruthless gangster in Haiti observe how comfortable the gangster is with Wycleff. I don't care if you feel they are poor but killing is bad regardless of the purpose? why does an armed individual can contact you personally? how many of us in this blog have Wycleff's personal number? And to go as far as praised him as bigger than the real Tupac. Also he produced the documentary.
And for those of you that states that it should not matter that he does not speak the languages of the people.
Here is a question for you; Can a hispanic be president of the States if he does not speak english properly? So for all the people that tells me he can be President please do not say that because that is an insult to my people. If you cannot picture a non-native American president I cannot allow it for my country and that goes for any country. In any case here is the link enjoy.
Please skip to 5:00 and give me some feedback people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-ZgKQHJZTs&feature=related
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Beauty48 09/02/2010 1:17:00 AM
Mr. Nasty:
You don't know what you are talking about. I am a Haitian woman and I can tell you that Sean Penn is correct. Yes, we all agree that Wyclef has been a positive force in aiding Haiti during its time of turmoil. Having said that, that does not qualify him to run a corrupt, unstructured de-moralized country like Haiti. He barely speaks Creole or French, for that matter.
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Herold 09/02/2010 12:44:00 AM
Luke- you make some very interesting and valid points regarding Clef candidacy for President of Haiti. In addition, you are absolutely correct regarding Haiti's prior political history. But, the lack of experience and education by prior administrations has brought Haiti to the brink of complete failure. Haiti was the first black country to gain its independence from the mighty French Army-which is equivalent to what the US Army is now; yet economically the country has regressed. I know this is in part, because of the oppressive world government and the IMF- giving absurdly high interest loan to Haiti. These issues are extremely complex, therefore, Haiti needs a well educated, experience leader in world politics, whose an outsider to bring about the changes to the country, similar to what President Obama has brought to the US. As a Haitian-American, I'm unable to support Clef giving his lack of knowledge and experience at any level of government. I know his intents are good and he has done a lot keeping the world interested in Haiti. But I believe, he should immerse in the government, obtain some experience, get serious about his goal- he's only 40 and in five more years, he would be an ideal candidate.
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cookie6 09/01/2010 11:54:00 PM
HELLO
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Tom Chamberlin 09/01/2010 11:19:00 PM
Speaking of losers, in the absence of any meaningful reporting from the Herald, why does New Times continue to waste ink and paper on this trite, simplistic, wrong-headed opinion column?
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Miquel 09/01/2010 10:47:00 PM
Luther, what does Haiti’s past corrupt political have anything to do with Sean Penn’s comment about Wyclef??—unless you’re pointing out the facts which surround Wycleff’s Yele Haiti Foundation.
You stated in your editorial “Wyclef has been helping the people of Haiti since long before the earthquake. He has represented his country throughout his entire career by feeding the hungry and needy and speaking out on the political corruption.” Now let’s set the facts straight, monies Wyclef raised through his Yele Haiti foundation were completely mismanaged if not outright, misappropriated. If he really cared about “his people” every cent would have been used for the relief effort. I mean, who pays himself six-figures to perform to help raise money for his OWN charity!???
Public information of Wyclef Jean's "Yele Haiti" Foundation documents which show the charity was founded 12 years (and did ZERO by the way) but only filed income tax returns for the first time in August of 2009 Ironically, this was at the same time he wanted to “help” his improvised country and raise money. …hmm, seems like “opportunistic” on his part after millions of dollars were being raised for the disaster. For example; tax records show his group paid $31,200 in rent to Platinum Sound, a recording studio owned by Jean and Jerry Duplessis, who, like Jean, is a foundation board member.
Of Wyclef Jean’s Yele foundation, Dean Zerbe and the former tax counsel to the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees charities commented, “It seems clear that a significant amount of the monies that this (Yele Haiti) charity raises go for costs other than providing benefits to Haitians in need.” Zerbe is national managing director of Alliant Group, a tax services company and monitors multiple other charities which actually do help the Haitian people. These FACTS alone should raise HUGE questions on Wyclef’s motives; least of all his financial wherewithal to operate what would essentially be a Fortune 100 Company if elected President.
It’s common knowledge Haiti is, and always will have a certain level of corruption—you really believe Wyclef; who mismanaged monies he received to help his country would all of a sudden operate like a saint and have some financial accountability, highly doubtful. How sincere is Wyclef when before the earthquake he was taking advantage of funds which should have ALL been directed to Haiti, this is at a time Jean’s making over $10 million a year!??. Now we’re supposed to believe he’s seen the “light” and have altruistic motives?? Put down your crack pipe Luther and open your eyes.
I’m sure Wyclef is just as sincere as Penn in helping Haiti, but at what cost to the Haitian people. He’s an opportunistic hip-hop (talentless) parasite in my humble opinion.
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toni 09/01/2010 10:29:00 PM
the yankee sean penn should sit down and go back to hollywood what do he know about Haiti. Nothing! It makes me ill when white folks strat to more about Black Folks business. Just like Bo Derick invent the braids. Ya right. You go Wyclef.
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Alex David 09/01/2010 9:37:00 PM
It's a sad day in HISTORY when Uncle Luke calls Sean Penn a loser. A man who didn't know any better and pulled this nation and world lower stands up for a musician trying to "big up" himself and feed his ego. Yes Wyclef's heart is in the right place but he wants the power but not the work. Wyclef isn't a great man and neither is Sean Penn but Penn is in Haiti, Wyclef isn't. Penn has nothing to gain but Wyclef does. Luke is small time and a one trick pony. His opinion means nothing especially since he doesn't have the sense to stand up for what is right.
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lmrg 09/01/2010 9:23:00 PM
The law is the law and he has to obey them...however, Sean Penn is a communist traitor and his words should not be heard or taken seriously.
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Paul 09/01/2010 8:13:00 PM
Yes and no. I agree with you that Sean Penn should not try to interfere with Wyclef Jean's candidacy or attempt to become a candidate, but he hasn't done so. First of all, he is in no position to do anything but voice his opinion on Jean's qualifications to be a candidate for president, or president itself. That is what he has done, and that is a tenet of any democracy, purported or legitimate. I agree with you that Jean has been helping his fellow Haitians for years, but so has Sean Penn. Yes, there are plenty of celebrities who are in it for the photo op, but in Sean Pen you are picking on the wrong guy. He has just as long a history of trying to help others across the globe as Jean. And unlike Jean, Penn shares no nationality with any of the peoples he has tried to help. Like him or not, Penn has gotten his hands dirty, and has put his money where his mouth is. I think BOTH Sean Penn and Wyclef Jean are genuine people who are genuinely trying to help. If you have a problem with anyone, it should be with Haiti's own election commission, they are the ones who denied Jean his ability to run. To blame that on Sean Penn somehow is a big stretch at best, and absurd at worst. Instead of criticizing Sean Penn, why not criticize our own government here in the USA that forces Haitians to return while it lets Cubans stay, simply because the Haitians aren't fortunate enough to have a Communist leader. Let's face it, Cuba on its worst day is still 100 times better than Haiti on its best day. I also agree with you that Jean might make a good president, but you quoted Penn as saying that Haiti "...must be handled and led by a qualified president's deft hand." and how can anyone argue with that? You yourself cited Haiti's past. But to take that comment as a swipe directed specifically at Jean is completely out of context, and projecting on your part. Sean Penn is not a loser. You may not agree with him, or what he does, but his desire is sincere, his compassion is real, and that is all that matters.
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yourdaddy 09/01/2010 8:04:00 PM
Here he goes again, LUKE why must all of your posts involve PULLING THE RACE CARD!
Now its a white man (Sean Penn) saying something bad about a black person. Come on you fuc*k'n idiot.... Its the truth.... Helping doesn't make him qualified to run a country in turmoil. He doesn't LIVE there luke. Look what that got us by having a COMMUNITY ORGANIZER run this country! Now this country is worse off than it has ever been since the Civil War.
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Zahiir 09/01/2010 7:43:00 PM
The highest virtue in man is to be able to discern what his God given gifts are and how to use them to help his fellow man, the mistake we almost always make is in confusing that with delusions of grandeur. Mr. Wyclef needs to be careful in his consideration of how best he can help his countrymen,lest he make an allready grave situation worst.( by the way very little happened when the priest was president.)
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civilian 09/01/2010 7:28:00 PM
IF HE WANTS TO BE HAITI'S PRESIDENT, THEN FINE. BUT MAKE SURE HE'S PREPARED. ALSO, DOESNT HE OWE TONS ON TAXES HE HASNT PAID HERE IN THE UNITED STATES? HMMM AND HE WANTS TO RUN FOR HAITI'S PRESIDENT? THEN THE PEOPLE IN HAITI DONT HAVE TO PAY TAXES TO HIM EITHER, RIGHT? GREAT GOVERNMENT THAT WILL BE...
I THINK IT'S A SLAP IN THE FACE TO THE HAITIAN PEOPLE IF HE CAN'T EVEN FOLLOW AMERICAN LAWS.
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robert 09/01/2010 6:07:00 PM
penn is only there to rob the haitians charity money for his own movie making benefits
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Yvon Desulme 09/01/2010 12:05:00 PM
Yes Wiclef can be President of Haiti base on his artistic Talent but yes he can help rebuild the country and bring business to haiti. Two things remain why the international communuty so interested about him and why his candidature in front of cnn? if this guy was to be president it will be a shame for our french speaking people and a disgrace for the country intellect. When some as such vision the person must prepare himself by all means, do not take advantage on a crisis that destroy the country and kill so many people.
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Mr. Demas 09/01/2010 11:37:00 AM
I am a fan of Wyclef Jean. I think the commission does Wyclef a favor.Wyclef is the beggest voice we have, throughout his career he represents haiti. We need that and I applaud him for that. During his candidacy he talked about education,jobs and health care. These are serious problems haiti face right now. I think Jean can use his star power to build school and create jobs in construction in haiti. I think all Jean has to do his to organize some concerts across the country, and use the profit to realize those projects. In 5 Years from now, no one can stop Jean to be the next president of Haiti. I hope he does that. God bless!
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Marques Wilder 09/01/2010 8:45:00 AM
Hey Luther, I agree with you totally. Sean Penn so called bad boy back in the day now he is some angel. You are right when these celebrities put their faces in front of the cameras they get so much publicity. If someone like Danny Glover and other stars of Afro-American descent not enough pub for them when they are in front of the camera. Take care, Luke known you for a long time.
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Gerald 09/01/2010 7:26:00 AM
"Here in the United States, if you were born in this country, you're eligible to run for president. "
And this is why people like Luke shouldn't comment on politics in any country, because he doesn't even know the Constitution of his own country.
If Haiti had the same Constitution as the United States, then Wyclef Jean would STILL not be allowed to run for President. In the United States, not only do you have to be born here, but you have to have lived here for at least 14 years. Wyclef Jean left Haiti when he was 9 years old.
How can you honestly expect anyone be an effective President of a country that they left when they were barely old enough to even remember anything about living there?
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willie 09/01/2010 7:17:00 AM
I am surprised at the deft silence and disrespect that has been paid to electoral rules in Haiti in this article. Last time i checked the US Constitution states that you must have lived here at least 15 years in order to be able to run for President. Haiti has a 5 year minimum, among other requirements. Why should we ignore the pre-requisites of the country of Haiti when it comes to electoral rules.Should we or any citizen of Haiti have a lower level of respect for their rules. I smell a double standard here! Is anyone bending the rules of the Constitution of the United States so Arnold "The Terminator" could run for President here. I don't think so. Does anyone understand that you must be approved to run for President of Haiti by what is known in Haitian as the "KEP", the electoral board whose members are appointed proportionally by the chamber of deputies, the senate and the executive branch. Wyclef Jean's uphill battle had to do with the fact that his permanent residence is in New-Jersey and that in his Haiti voter identification card is coded "009" which is the code given to Haitians whose permanent residence is in the diaspora meaning in plain english "Overseas".That was an uphill battle. Also his appointment as "roving ambassador" from Haiti was made in 2007 by President Preval, His voter ID card which he used to votes in 2006 misses the 5 year qualification deadline by a few months. There is no instability being created in Haiti. The earthquake did enough. You can trust me on that one. The key now is how to rebuild Haiti systematically and that is what the Interim Commission to Rebuild Haiti is handling right now. several public works project have already started and the reconstruction of Haiti had started years before the earthquake: just look at how may new roads have already been built pre-earthquake some with the help of the United Nations, some with the help of the European Union and some with the help of Taiwan.Not to mention Venezuela is helping build an airport in the north of Haiti. Cuba has providing medical assistance for years in terms of training Haitian medical students. UNASUR is also providing technical assistance in energy and development. Just take a look at the United Nations Donors Conference on Haiti in the years before the Earthquake and you will understand what I am taking about. Haiti does not need a "Moses" now but dedicated competent Haitian citizens who are willing to help carry out a 10-20 year reconstruction plan to a new and improved Haiti away from the spotlight.It is also recommended that if you want to appeal to the citizens of your home country , it is best not to do it on CNN with Wolf Blitzer, but to appeal to the masses in Haiti who do not speak English by getting the HAitian radio stations and media involved. Last time i checked democracy is about inclusion. Most HAitiams do not have cable television at home. Especially after such an earthquake. But the are all 100% fluent in Haitian Creole, that much I will guarantee you!!!!!! The global thing is already well covered internationally, just look at all the worldwide fundraisers. President Aristide was the only one in Haitian history "drafted by the peopleto run" and he got 67% of the vote. Wyclef Jean was never drafted by the people.He really created his own draft in collusion with the American media and and his own "uncle". When things get "hot" in Haiti will he run to the seclusion of his New-Jersey Estate. How many translators and interpreters will he need to read and write Haitian government documents that are written in Haitian Kreole. Most haitian documents prior to 1987 are written in French.Will that also present a problem for him. Will we just throw away our cultural link with francophone coutries like Mali, Senegal and Cote D'Ivoire, among others. Not to mention nearby islands like Guadeloupe and Martinique who gave us "BIG HEADED THINKERS" in the "NEGRITUDE Movement" like Frantz Fannon and Aimee Cesaire .We share a special historiacal bond with them.
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JD 09/01/2010 7:11:00 AM
The fact that a moron like Sean Penn is against Wyclef is Wyclef's best endorsement!!
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Robert William 09/01/2010 6:34:00 AM
Luke, in my opinion, I think Haiti would be better off without him in government. As you say, Wyclef has done SO much for Haiti already + as long as he continues to do so + spread the word, then Haiti wins. HE is the face of Haiti in America, + in being that face, he can get as much help from Americans as he wants, then get it to the Haitians.
Brotherman, I wish we lived in a world where the government is who we look up to + rely on to help our countries move forward. Unfortunately, that's never the case. Wyclef, on the other hand, can show that THE PEOPLE are the real deal when it comes to making things happen! Wyclef is a hero to Haitians all over the world + also to this white/Cuban-American. I just hope that his countries government doesn't depress him enough to say, 'srew it'.
great article.
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Turn the Page 09/01/2010 6:33:00 AM
Wyclef did not meet the Haitian’s Constitution requirement to be a presidential candidate. Wyclef and his lawyers knew that he was not qualified; therefore, he might be fighting to amend the Haitian constitution which is wrong. If Haitians who spend their entire life outside of the country demand to amend the Haitian constitution based on their specific needs, what would it look like?
Every country has a constitution, and its citizens should abide by it. Everybody knows Wyclef did not spend 5 years in Haiti trough the day he announced his candidature.
Many people may want Wyclef to be president so they can fulfill their personal gain. If Wyclef had a team present in Haiti, why they did not help those affected by the seisme who had moved in to the other parts of the country? His organization did not answer to demand despite what media someone may ask for help.
Sean Penn was right with his statements. By the way what is Wyclef’s organization working on right now? Why did he spend one third of the 10 millions he had received?
Many people believe Wyclef Jean has been making some mistakes because of his inability to run his organization, Yele Haiti, effectively.
Luke, you are not helping Wyclef at all and you know it. Since many mentioned that his organization is under investigation, maybe you are one of the investigators as you may be trying to keep Wyclef busy so he can go to jail.
Please put this in your mind, the Haitian citizens don’t want anything bad happen to Wyclef. They know he left the country at early age and did not meet the Haitian’s constitution requirement to run for president. He also doesn’t have the ability to run a country.
Luck, now this is the time for you to take the fact as it is and leave Wyclef Jean to take care of his professional business and his family in peace. Believe me, when he is in trouble, nobody will see you. Nobody ever run a country for the love of it. They do because they have the capacity to do so.
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Jacques Andre 09/01/2010 4:52:00 AM
Before reading this article I was skeptical about Wyclef candidacy. I do agree with the author of this article. If Wyclef was born in Haiti then he is eligible to run for president. His dismissal doesn't make sense.
When it comes to his academic credentials the people should decide. After all what the scholars did for Haiti since its independence?
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Scott 09/01/2010 4:26:00 AM
Has anyone ever told you that you look like the Grinch? LOL. What makes the Grinch qualified to write a column in this newspaper? Your views don't usually line up with mine, but your column's and their content give me a good laugh from time to time. I like the one about Memorial Day Weekend. What did you call that weekend at South Beach: Urban Thug Weekend? That I liked. I made sure I went to Fort Lauderdale beach that weekend as my bullet proof vest doesn't fit very well and more.
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95%fhaitian 09/01/2010 4:13:00 AM
people you have to understand. Sean Penn is currently working on a movie right now playing a music rock star. He wants to milk the media under the name of Haiti as much as he can. He wants a pay back for all the time that he has spent in Haiti.
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Gary 09/01/2010 3:21:00 AM
I'm down with Luke on this.
Give Wyclef a chance, and Sean Penn should fuck off!
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Sergio P 09/01/2010 3:15:00 AM
C'mon people the more people that help the better. Sean Penn has stepped up to the plate and doing the seriously hard work. We know the history of Haiti but we shouldnt constantly be reminded of it. Haiti is moving forward and if you assume that anything new won't work...it won't...Haiti needs all to come together in solidarity and stop hatin on those who are sincerely there to help.---yess we must know the past to see the future....sometimes we need to put on the gloves and put down the pen..Talk is cheap!
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alyn brodsky 09/01/2010 3:03:00 AM
Sean Penn should stick to acting, at which he is superb, and stay away from politics, at which he is a pest.
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MizFurball 09/01/2010 2:18:00 AM
What part of the Haiti constitution do you not understand? Wyclef Jean HAS NOT continuous resided in Haiti for the previous five years. If he was allowed to run, THAT would be corruption.
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Miami Springs Dave 09/01/2010 2:11:00 AM
AGREED!!! Wyclef good for Haiti! Sean Penn a communist MORON!!!
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Clifford 09/01/2010 12:11:00 AM
Wyclef can help Haiti but does he need to be president to do that? By the way Wyclef doesn't know anything about haitian culture and haitian history.He barely speak french and creole, and he can't even speak grammatical english anyway.
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pam 09/01/2010 12:08:00 AM
I agree with Luke. Sean penn needs to step off. Wyclef been helping Haiti since forever. Sean Penn just started helping haiti since after the earthquake and thinks he can down Wyclef and speak bad over him. SMH
