Instructor of Haitian Language and Culture, Brown University
Writer, essayist and poet, and Instructor of Haitian Language and Culture at Brown University's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies; author of the forthcoming book, Framing Violence within the Haitian Context
'Haitian Politics' and Rejection of Wyclef Jean's Presidential Bid Wyclef Jean was born in Haiti, grew up in Brooklyn and became an international hip-hop star. Now 40, he announced his intention to run for president of Haiti earlier this month, on Larry King, Live. Last Friday, Haiti's elections board rejected his candidacy, but Wyclef Jean says that should not be the last word. Yesterday, he said he would challenge the ruling. Essayist-poet Patrick Sylvain is Professor of Haitian Language and Culture at Brown University.
Haiti's Troubled History, America's Role and Hope for the Future The human disaster in Haiti is hard to describe: mass graves and street-corner cremations with piles of decaying bodies still growing in Port-au-Prince. Tens of thousands of injured survivors with no access to medical care; the lack of food and water leading to fears of looting and violence. Rescuers with relief supplies are on the way from Latin America, China, Russia, the European Union and the United States, with President Obama leading a massive effort. We learn about a history of homegrown corruption and international exploitation. How much is the US to blame? Is there hope for the future?
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?