Challenge for Africa Part 2

I never realized how much I relate to everything Wangari says in her book until I started reading chapter six. After that it just dawned on me that the leadership problem not only exists in Africa, but practically in every country there is. Come to think of it, even in the United States people suffer because of poorly elected officials who's interests are not to lead, but to profit off of their position. Very few have ideals and principles, and are willing to take a stand against the impossible odds. 

Before reading Wangari's book, I always thought that landlocked countries with limited natural resources are destined to never become a developed country. But, come to think of it --  Austria and Switzerland are landlocked, and Japan doesn't have a plethora of natural resources, yet they still manage to be one of the wealthiest countries. It's like a game of poker, you have to play the hand you're given. Even if you have a terrible hand, if you play right, and at least you won't finish last.

Wangari also mentions public involvement. It is a crucial part of any democracy. Without people saying what they want, the government -- left unchecked -- will do whatever they think is the best for the country. Yet, their idea of the best for the country is not always right, and people know better. Even in the US, without people speaking out against variety of issues -- racism, sexism, and discrimination -- there would be no change for the positive. People need representation, and if the government fails to do its job, then it should be in the citizens' rights to change it.