25392: Hyppolite Pierre (point of view): Revolution (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Hyppolite Pierre <hpierre@irsp.org>

It's kind of weird but increasingly likely to me at least. I feel very 
uncomfortable in my heart and soul about the notion of revolution itself. I 
suspect however, that we are heading that way, for better or worse. Those on 
the list who have been arguing along those lines may be right after all. 
After much thoughts about this issue (of revolution) for not months but years, 
I had begun to think of revolution as an enterprise that goes through phases. 
The first one is like a big bang; the actual removal from, and taking of, power 
by one group to the detriment and benefit of another. Both sides are 
drastically different in their approach towards power, their goal, their 
affiliation, and everything else. To put it bluntly, you can never miss it when 
it's a revolution. This is why I refused and still refuse to believe, or agree 
with the argument that we've had another revolution in Haiti since 1803. And 
then there's the second phase. It's the rational, reasonable period where 
ideology gives greater space to pragmatism in order to achieve the initial 
revolutionary goals. This phase requires lots of flexibility and a great deal 
of focus and rectitude while adhering to principle. 
It seems to me that we're stuck in the second phase. It is so because mainly, 
we've never tried at flexibility, focusing on achieving the initial goals 
through the spirit of pragmatism and rectitude while adhering to principle. 
Let's stop it there and focus on the present. 
We seem unable to accomplish the second phase of that revolution (the 1803) for 
more than 200 years now. Worse, democracy which should have made it easier in 
Haiti's context is apparently an illusory goal for us. We've managed to develop 
at best, a boneless democracy which either sides can fold at will because it 
has no structures. The parties on either side are very rigid in their position, 
inflexible, resentful. Facts are distorted constantly and consistently while 
those who try to get to the heart of things are mostly accused of being well... 
pro-lavalas most of the time. 
Meanwhile, the situation is not getting better and those who should have or 
must show greater flexibility in their thinking or actions are as rigid as 
ever. At least the perception is, that the economic situation has worsened and 
keeps on worsening; Haiti is, despite whatever else some might say, an utterly 
failed State. 
The State has failed to the point where people from the private sector are 
suggesting that they be allowed to basically have their private army. 
Port-au-Prince has almost become a Mogadishu. The poor is marginalized and 
victimized even further while anyone who dare suggesting that things can or 
could be done better is accused of being Lavalas. In other words, they're 
suggesting that Lavalas is the alternative. That's the irony. 
It is bad. It is very, very bad down in Haiti. Democracy was supposed to be our 
last savior but democracy implies the very basic idea of working through 
consensus. How can you have consensus in a society when everyone is so rigid in 
their position? How can you? 
I hope once more, that I am totally wrong but I am becoming increasingly 
convinced, in light of these factors, that Haiti is fast-approaching a true 
revolution, unbeknownst to those in power and their acolytes and supporters, 
national and international. Even those who were in power [1994 through 2004] do 
not even see it coming. 
It is bad down there. Bad and dangerous. Haiti is an explosion waiting to 
occur. Unless some very drastic yet reasonable and thoughtful decisions are 
made, by the few reasonable folks among those in power, with the support of the 
international community (i.e. the US and Canada), Haiti may be a very bloody 
mess within the next few months. A very bloody and confusing mess. 
To be honest, only those who know what they want and wish to achieve in this 
process will win. Those currently in power may be sitting me on a very hot and 
burning stove, waiting to be lit. They don't even see it coming. It's scary. 
Revolution if it comes to that in Haiti, will be as bloody as it had ever been. 
Haiti is at a crossroad. 
It will either be fixed, or it will blow up. Perhaps for the better but I fear 
the worse. Haiti can still achieve the same goals without having to kill 
anymore of its children, but it's getting quite late. 
Hyppolite