Crypto is the next step toward a cashless society

CC™ Financial News

Julian Hosp

It will take some time for consumers to warm up to crypto, but education is the key to its mass adoption. 

From QR code payments to mobile banking apps, consumers worldwide are increasingly reliant on digital payment solutions, especially as mobile technology becomes more ubiquitous. Government-led efforts in driving cashless economies have been a key factor, with countries such as Singapore or the Philippines seeing their central banks driving the adoption of contactless payments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, usage rates for digital payments platforms have recorded promising growth, even as high as 5,000% in the Philippines alone.

This unprecedented rise in cashless payments is also paving the way for the broader adoption of crypto, with the number of crypto users worldwide hitting around 106 million in January. While this marks an impressive 15% month-on-month growth, it is still just a drop in the ocean when compared to the 4.7 billion people who have access to the internet.

But as crypto continues to command headlines, what will it take for mass adoption to happen?

A new model of financial accessibility

Today, billions of people worldwide are unable to access even the most basic financial services via traditional means, and thus are unable to save or manage their money securely. In times of economic devastation, such as this past year in which global economies have been staggered by the impact of COVID-19, the vast gap between rich and poor has become abundantly clear. The global pandemic has only perpetuated the absence of inclusive financial infrastructure, which has led to approximately one-third of the global population having no financial safety net to fall back on.

With crypto wallets, however, anyone can transfer their crypto internationally without needing to maintain a minimum balance in their account, as long as they have an internet connection. As crypto applications are built on decentralized blockchains, transactions are performed on a peer-to-peer basis in the absence of traditional intermediaries such as bankers or brokerage houses. This results in significant savings in transaction costs, as traditional cross-border remittance fees for small amounts can be as high as 7% after taking into account intermediaries’ fees on both the sender and recipient side. Meanwhile, the same fees for cryptocurrencies are often less than 1 percent — regardless of transaction amount.

Furthermore, highly decentralized platforms are permissionless, meaning that anyone with a crypto wallet and internet connection can lend, remit or trade their crypto without validation by a central authority or intermediary. Instead, transactions are executed by smart contracts, which automate them as long as pre-encoded conditions are met. Beyond the cost savings, consider the time savings as well. Remittance transactions can take several days to be processed, whereas cryptocurrencies can be transferred in mere minutes.

However, most crypto platforms still ask for some form of formal identification as part of their identity verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This can range from a phone number to photo ID to proof of residential address. Some platforms adopt a multi-tier approach in which the more information that users provide, the more services they can access. While necessary for KYC and Anti-Money Laundering compliance, this poses barriers to users who do not own any formal identification documents.

Having said that, some decentralized exchanges, or DEXs, still honour the principles of anonymity and trustless working by not enforcing KYC on their users. The elimination of account verification and waiting time for approval has drawn many towards these types of DEXs — such as PancakeSwap, Uniswap and DeFiChain’s DEX — and has made finance truly accessible and inclusive for all.

Beyond simple transactions, recent innovations in the crypto space promise a much more equitable financial system where the unbanked and underbanked can access more means to build wealth. While DeFi products, such as token holding and staking on a DEX, might be a little too advanced for this group of users at the moment, simplified centralized decentralized finance (CeDeFi) services and improvements in financial literacy over time will help to open the door to these inclusive wealth creation opportunities.

Education is key to crypto adoption at scale

Widespread adoption of digital payment technologies, such as QR codes and biometrics, is definitely a promising sign that consumers have become more digitally savvy than ever before. In the Asia Pacific, more than 90% of surveyed respondents said they would consider at least one new payment method in the next year.

In addition to new payment technologies, the proliferation of retail investing has led to a paradigm shift in the investment landscape, with trading activities doubling over the past year. User-friendly platforms such as Robinhood and their well-known crypto counterparts — such as Coinbase — have made investing much more accessible to non-institutional investors.

This historic rise in cashless payments and retail investing saw the public gain more exposure to different asset types. However, in the United States, a staggering 84% of adults are either uninterested in cryptocurrencies or have never heard of them. While this could be attributable to the seemingly intimidating technicalities involved, we are now in a good place to gradually transition towards a more crypto-forward society.

For now, there’s much more to be done to help mainstream consumers gain a better understanding of crypto. Crypto projects, for one, would do well to invest more resources towards creating educational content to bridge the knowledge gap — whether through guides or detailed explainers. Meanwhile, taking on a more transparency-focused approach that looks to debunk misconceptions and ensure that users are aware of the risks associated with crypto, will enable those users to navigate their entry into the space with greater ease and confidence.

Crypto is the MVP in the cashless drive

As conversations on cryptocurrencies evolve, governments are taking note. While cash will not be eliminated any time soon, as many as 86% of central banks around the world are looking into central bank digital currencies in their quest to go cashless. The world’s first central bank digital currency (CBDC) — the Sand Dollar — was announced by the Central Bank of the Bahamas way back in 2018 and officially launched in October last year. The technology team behind this project was led by U-Zyn Chua, who went on to co-found DeFiChain.

Although CBDCs will be regulated by a central authority, their adoption will send a profound message to market participants on the legitimacy of digital currencies. The introduction of CBDCs is thus a much-needed springboard to catalyze large-scale crypto adoption.

In the short term, crypto is not going to replace the existing financial system, but will instead carve out its own ecosystem that is fit for a new generation of digital-first, financially savvy users. While it will take some time for consumers to warm up to crypto, the nascent technology will prove its worth in due time by offering cheaper, safer and more inclusive financial services for all.

Julian Hosp is the CEO and a co-founder of Cake DeFi, a platform dedicated to providing access to decentralized financial services and applications. He is also the chairman of DeFiChain, a DeFi platform built on the Bitcoin network. Julian is an active speaker for the Washington Speakers Bureau and an adviser for the EU’s blockchain groups. Julian graduated from Medizinische Universitat Innsbruck with a Doctor of Medicine in human medicine.

COINTELEGRAPH

Taribo West and the class of entitled footballers who think Nigeria owes them from cradle to grave

CC™ News

By Staff

Following the recent criticism former Super Eagles defender Taribo West leveled at the Federal Government over the neglect of retired footballers, his 1999 salary has resurfaced online, sparking buzz.

Taribo West, who played for AC Milan and Inter Milan, condemned authorities for abandoning ex-players during times of struggle, citing the recent deaths of Peter Rufai, Rasheed Yekini and Christian Chukwu as examples of the system’s failures.

Peter Rufai, a former national team goalkeeper, passed away in Lagos last month after battling a long-term illness, while Chukwu, another ex-Super Eagles captain and coach, had died shortly before.

The outspoken defender called out the lack of government support for football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Chukwu, and Rufai following their retirements.

Fellow former players, Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, also backed Taribo West’s claims, criticizing authorities for failing to assist with funeral arrangements and expenses.

Amid the debate, attention turned to Taribo West’s past earnings. Reports from All Africa and PM News revealed that he earned £1.24 million (?193 million) during his 1999 season at AC Milan, making him one of the world’s highest-paid players at the time.

Adjusted to today’s exchange rate, this amounts to about ?2.7 billion, sparking mixed reactions from the public.

Controversies surrounding Rufai’s funeral, held on August 22, 2025, further fueled the debate.

The outspoken defender called out the lack of government support for football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Chukwu, and Rufai following their retirements.

Fellow former players, Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, also backed Taribo West’s claims, criticizing authorities for failing to assist with funeral arrangements and expenses.

Amid the debate, attention turned to Taribo West’s past earnings. Reports from All Africa and PM News revealed that he earned £1.24 million (?193 million) during his 1999 season at AC Milan, making him one of the world’s highest-paid players at the time.

Adjusted to today’s exchange rate, this amounts to about ?2.7 billion, sparking mixed reactions among Nigerians. 

These athletes, football players especially, gained fame and wealth as a result of their exploits with the national team, which allowed them to secure lucrative contracts with European and other foreign clubs. 

While the nation is grateful for their exploits in the nation’s colors and has often rewarded them for such, the sense of entitlement has seemingly gone too far for most Nigerians, who feel that better money management, as well as smarter lifestyle choices, would have ensured a more stable and secure future for these athletes. 

The culture of indiscipline

CC™ Editor-in-Chief

--- Boyejo A. Coker

It is rather easy to lay the blame for Nigeria's lack of progress and development to as many factors as one can come up with...but the most obvious impediment to Nigeria's forward progression is the apparent culture of indiscipline that has become part and parcel of the society as a whole. We like to ascribe to ourselves the title "Giant of Africa" without realizing the attendant incumbencies that accompany such a position.

At 63 (this year), we seem more lost than ever. Take a look at the various sectors of Nigerian life and you will see a true representation of the present deplorable state of affairs, in a country that holds so much promise, but bears so much despair.

The history of Nigeria is replete with several notable accomplishments, more notably in the arena of international politics (with Africa as its frame of reference). Nigeria has been unflinching and resolved in our commitment to the total liberation of Africa from the clutches of imperialism and neo-colonialism. In as much as we have succeeded in this high-order endeavor, we have fallen short miserably in not realizing that true freedom in all its peculiarities must be absolute and comprehensive.

Freedom does not only entail "political emancipation" but more importantly must include economic, psychological, emotional, cultural and spiritual emancipation. Please note that when I say spiritual emancipation, I am not referring to religiosity, religiousness or religion for that matter, I am in fact referring to a thorough cleansing of the "impurities" that may serve to inhibit the process whereby potential is transformed into reality through self-actualization.

As several African countries such as Zimbabwe and Namibia, to name a few, have gained independence, so also have their African leaders become worse than their original European subjugators. Why you ask? Well, let's look at the "Big Brother" (Nigeria, that is). Is it unrealistic to expect the "Younger Siblings" to follow in the footsteps of the "Eldest Child?"

I mean, we are the "Giant of Africa" right? As such we expect the rest of Africa to follow our lead. But what example have we shown the rest of Africa so far...what, a culture of pernicious graft, moral decay, spiritual bankruptcy, political crookery, self-aggrandizement and an ominous lack of transparency and accountability in all tiers of government.

Worse still, in the West African sub-region that had until now been known for its relative calm and stability, chaos is now the order of the day. A careful examination of the events in several of these countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone will reveal that Nigeria (through its murderous dictators...Babangida and Abacha) in one way or the other, had a hand in the disintegration of civil society in these countries. The indiscipline that had become the order of the day under the regimes of both Babangida and Abacha permeated into the social and political fabric of these countries.

Now, more than ever, we as Nigerians must not only resolve to change our ways for the better, we must embrace the spirit of humility and a culture of personal discipline. For all that was wrong with the Idiagbon-Buhari administration, there was one thing they did right; they made Nigerians think before we talked, they made us reflect before we acted, they made us resolve to imbibe a sense of moderation and comportment in all facets of our lives. If only they hadn't arrogated so much power and knowledge to themselves, in addition to sectionalizing the execution of their agenda (the Yoruba and other non-Fulani ethnic nationalities bore the disproportionate majority of their wrath) we may well have turned the corner by now.

It is indeed time for a rebirth of a True War Against Indiscipline (TWAI), as no nation, no matter how blessed, can aspire to true greatness under false pretenses. True greatness has its rewards, but the sacrifices must be such that they are commensurate with the expected rewards.

The rest of Africa needs a truly strong and vibrant Nigeria, a Nigeria that represents the true values and ideals of accountability, transparency and human dignity. No nation, I reiterate once more, can aspire to true greatness without inculcating in its people, a strong sense of discipline...as this is the basic (but most important) foundation upon which a truly just, equitable and civil society is built.

God Bless Nigeria!

I regret ever supporting him – El-Rufai’s ex-aide, Ben Kure, says…..

CC™ Politico

By Staff

Ben Kure, a former political adviser to the erstwhile governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has described his ex-boss as a devilish manipulator, who can not be trusted. 

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, Kure stated that El-Rufai is a bad person whose time in power was marked by exclusion and manipulation.

Kure, now the managing director of Kaduna State Media Corporation, said he initially championed El-Rufai’s rise to power, only to later regret his role.

According to him, “I was Director-General of his campaigns in 2015 and 2019. In my life, I have never regretted an action as much as supporting Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

“He was presented to us as a nationalist. But what we saw was politics of exclusion, politics of discrimination, and divide-and-rule. He thrives in crisis by knocking people’s heads together.”

Kure recounted how he, alongside other APC pioneers, helped build the party structure in Kaduna and delivered the ticket to El-Rufai, who had little political base at the time. According to him, the image of El-Rufai as a unifying figure quickly unravelled once he assumed office.

“He used religion and ethnicity to achieve his goals. He pitted communities against each other so he could have his way. That is not leadership, that is manipulation,” Kure declared.

Pressed on why he continued to serve under El-Rufai despite these misgivings, Kure explained that his disillusionment grew gradually. He had served in multiple roles, including local government chairman, executive secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, and political adviser, but he said he eventually saw through what he called the governor’s divisive style.

“I did not know he was a bad person at first. The truth became clear during his leadership. The Bible says you can do nothing against the truth but for the truth. We endured him because of the party, but we always believed the future would bring someone to redeem the ills he inflicted on the people of Kaduna,” Kure said.

THE CITY BOY: A POLITICAL STRATEGIST AND CONSUMMATE POLITICIAN

CC™ PersPective

By Yahaya Balogun

Let us take a deep dive into the leadership and political strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the grand tapestry of political discourse, I find myself captivated by the muse of creativity and inspiration. I am a fervent admirer of the political artistry exhibited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a nation as complex and richly diverse as Nigeria, it is nothing short of a blessing to have such a strategic mind at the helm of leadership during these turbulent times.

The present administration, under the stewardship of PBAT, faces a myriad of challenges—obstacles that may appear mundane on the surface but are steeped in intricacies that demand astute political maneuvering. Despite these trials, the President's Bola Ahmed Tinubu remarkable ability to confront and navigate these difficulties is nothing short of praiseworthy.

In the intricate realm of political strategy, one often endeavors to create scenarios that yield win-win outcomes amidst a landscape filled with potential losers and winners. This delicate balancing act requires not only acute awareness but also profound understanding—a trait that President Tinubu has demonstrated time and again. His finesse in orchestrating the management of both scarce and abundant resources, whether they be human or material, has garnered admiration from both discerning intellectuals and pragmatic realists alike. It is a rare skill, particularly in a nation like Nigeria, where the echoes of a turbulent history reverberate through the political strata.

Since the dawn of independence, Nigeria has been embroiled in a political landscape where fairness and equity often seem like distant dreams. Yet, under PBAT's guidance, there emerges a flicker of hope—a vision of how to redefine the rules of engagement in a nation characterized by its political diversity. The President’s remarkable capacity to endure criticism and withstand the slings and arrows of public opinion goes beyond mere resilience; he possesses an uncanny ability to decipher the body language and psychological landscape of his people. This insight not only astounds his adversaries but also draws the admiration of those astute intellectuals who recognize the depth of his understanding.

In the colloquial parlance of Nigeria, it is often said that Omo Ologo—"the child of the illustrious"—is a soul destined for greatness. President Tinubu embodies this ethos, emerging as a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of political disillusionment. In the realm of business, corporate titans glide through the intricacies of national life, shaping the trajectory of both the private sector and public governance. A master strategist, then, is not merely someone who plots and schemes; rather, they are individuals adept at navigating the complexities of their environment to realize defined goals and objectives.

In the vibrant streets of Nigeria, there thrive individuals who are street-wise—a unique breed, well-groomed yet familiar with the harsh realities of life, who adeptly maneuver through the squalor and surmount the challenges that time presents. These are the good rogues—those who comprehend what it takes to engage in a gritty fight for the greater good of humanity, battling the unjust systems that entrench society's inequities. 

Moreover, PBAT can be likened to a political gymnast—an agile and astute figure who deftly maneuvers through the many hurdles of governance, mastering the art of politics to sail toward victory. His strategic prowess allows him not only to navigate rough waters but to come out stronger on the other side.

As I pen down these reflections from my vantage point in Arizona, United States of America, I cannot help but feel a deep connection to Nigeria's journey. It is a land rich in potential, poised for transformation, and bolstered by the dynamic leadership of individuals like Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our collective fate depends on such strategists, whose vision can guide us through the labyrinth of challenges toward a brighter, more equitable future.

FIFA Council election: How Pinnick was schemed out

CC™ PersPective

By Jacob Ajom

At the 14th Confederation of African Football(CAF) Extraordinary General Assembly held on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt, former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick failed in his bid to be re-elected into the FIFA council. Pinnick garnered 28 votes—just one vote short of Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi, who secured the final two available slots.

Sports Vanguard gathered that the Nigerian candidate was coasting home as there were indications that he was the clear favorite until the eve of the election when a major conspiracy was hatched by his opponents.

Pinnick, we further gathered, was the favourite candidate of both CAF and FIFA Presidents Patrice Mosepe and Gianni Infantino respectively. His closeness to the two powerful figures in world football, his charisma and influence were perceived as major threats by the other contestants, most of whom are still serving FA Presidents of their various countries.

Our source put it more succinctly: “It was the power of incumbency against the helplessness of one being out of office that came to play in Cairo. Just like in Nigeria, where State FA Chairmen wield the big stick when it comes to NFF elections, in Cairo, the FA Presidents hold the ace.

“The other candidates who are FA chairmen and Presidents felt that since Pinnick was no longer President of Nigeria’s federation he could be sacrificed. They ganged up against him when they were deciding on who should be favoured” our source who was in Cairo said.

“Remember, most of them are serving FA Presidents in their respective countries and they felt that since Pinnick was no longer the head of his country’s football federation he could be dispensed with without much harm to their own political fortunes.”

He added, “Untill then, he was ahead with at about 40 votes. But overnight, everything changed and the battle assumed a new direction.”

Coming from an English-speaking country did not help his case one bit.

Our source said, “Pinnick fought a good fight.I’m surprised he got up to 28 votes. When the conspiracy plan was hatched, no one gave him any chance of getting even four votes. To have battled all the odds and got 28 votes overnight, he fought a good fight.”

A battle-weary Pinnick himself alluded to that when he said after the results were announced. “Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight. I campaigned hard; travelled to more than 30 countries. Hours before the election, I was sure of close to 40 votes. But politics happened. I am not bitter about anything, just full of gratitude to everyone who supported my push.”

Pinnick made history as the third Nigerian to be elected into the FIFA Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu. He first secured his seat in March 2021 during the 43rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco.

Prior to his FIFA role, Pinnick served as the president of the NFF for two consecutive terms, from 2014 to 2022, before being succeeded by Ibrahim Gusau.

VANGUARD

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CC™ VideoSpective

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CC™ VideoSpective

THE MYSTICAL POLITICAL POWER OF JAGABAN AS ALBATROSS FOR ATIKU AND OBI

CC™ PersPective

By Yahaya Balogun

In many ways, the ceaseless ambitions of both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi for the presidency have ignited a downward spiral for the People Democratic Party-PDP, serving as the spark for its symbolic demise. Their repeated pursuits of the nation's highest office not only complicated the landscape of political aspirations but also laid bare the irreparable fractures within the party. Now, there's no doubt that opportunistic Peter Obi must be shopping for another ramshackle party like the unserious Labor Party, using it as a political Ponzi scheme for his political ambition.

As opportunistic politicians with substantial followings and experience, Atiku and Obi's continuous attempts to capture the presidential nomination illuminated the internal divisions and ideological divergences that had been quietly brewing. Each campaign revealed a story of ambition and rivalry that eclipsed the party's dubious foundational values, eroding its unity and cementing its incoherence.

Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi's aspirations wielded a double-edged sword in Nigeria's fiercely competitive political arena. While they aimed to ascend their personal political ladders, they inadvertently cast long shadows over the PDP's stature as once a formidable political entity in Nigeria. Each presidential bid, laden with challenges and controversies, inadvertently highlighted the party's diminishing clout and its struggle to project a cohesive image. As factions splintered and loyalties shifted, it became increasingly apparent that the PDP was not merely contending with external rivals; it was ensnared in an existential crisis from within, paving for the tsunami and influx of political jobber into the Alliance of People's Congress-APC. 

Thus, as Atiku and Obi relentlessly chased their presidential dreams, the PDP appeared to be edging toward a crucial turning point. Rather than rejuvenating the party, their ambitions were nails in its coffin, signifying the curtain closing on an era for an organization that once dominated Nigeria's political theater. The phrase 'sealed the coffin' captures a moment of irrevocable change, revealing how, amidst towering aspirations, the party's legacy now teeters on the brink as it struggles to redefine itself in an evolving political landscape.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known as 'Jagaban,' emerges as a monumental presence in Nigerian politics, embodying a unique blend of insight and strategic prowess that few can rival. Often characterized as a political maverick, he navigates the perilous currents of governance and public life with a boldness that has earned him both fervent supporters and staunch critics. Overlooking the depth of his influence and the complexities of his political tactics would be a significant oversight—an oversight fueled by naivety.

It would be shortsighted to disregard the fact that many of his political adversaries have, in essence, woven the fabric of their own declines through a series of blunders. Dismissing the imposing presence of Tinubu, affectionately dubbed 'Jagaban,' could very well lead to calamity for those who underestimate his political shrewdness. More than just a contender on the political stage, he represents an unwavering force—a true juggernaut capable of reshaping and redefining the political landscape of Nigeria.

His substantial influence has not merely disrupted the existing order; Tinubu has played a pivotal role in shaking the foundations of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition factions, entities rooted in a political epoch marked by military takeovers and upheaval. Once considered stable pillars of Nigeria's political scene, these parties now confront a palpable atmosphere of uncertainty and turmoil.

Under Tinubu's watchful eye, Nigeria stands at a crucial intersection, teetering between a past characterized by turbulent political crises and a future that could promise stability or further discord. As he continues to navigate this contentious crossroads, the implications of his strategic leadership extend far beyond the political realm, touching the lives of millions of Nigerians watching with bated breath to see how this complex saga unfolds to collective fruition. In recognizing the historical significance of this moment, one cannot ignore the ongoing transformation of Nigeria's political scene. This transformation is both exhilarating and rife with the imperils and political peril of Atiku and Obi—serial presidential contestants.

Flashback: Whither the GOP and true conservatism

By the Editor-in-Chief

I was a young man those days when I was back in Lagos, Nigeria. Lived on the Island, good family upbringing, went to some of the best schools, had a healthy knowledge of current affairs and world politics at a young age and above all, grew up in a political family which gave me a vantage view of the nuances and intricacies of the oldest game in the world.

Yes, politics is a game upon which the dreams and aspirations of many hinge. It is because of the latter that it is incumbent upon us all as a nation, a people and a world to get it right.

This brings me then to the current state of American politics, particularly the GOP as it is presently constituted. As I would watch the NTA (Nigerian Televison Authority) World News @9 pm those days, I would reel off the names of the members of Ronald Reagan's team. These were essentially all Republican stalwarts. The likes of James Baker III, George Schultz, Casper Weinberger and many others. Many of the Reagan aides went on to serve in the administration of Bush 41 (Herbert Walker) and we also saw the advent of one Dick Cheney. Dick Cheney? Whatever happened to him an old friend of mine from back home asked the other day? Dick Cheney's "metamorphosis" into the abyss of political thuggery masked as altruistic patriotism is the one line that most perfectly describes the current state and decline of this once storied party.

I don't know if I have said it here before, but I have never been a Democrat, as the party was in fact the party of segregation, Jim Crow as well as the marginalization and abuse of African-Americans for decades and even centuries if I might add. It was not until the realization of reason and human decency, thanks to a "Texas red-neck", Lyndon Baines Johnson that blacks began to be treated with the decency deserving of humans and it was during this period that the "Dixiecrats" (Southern Democrats) left en-masse and it is unquestionable that they have now found a home over the years in the GOP.

I am also not a Republican, but I have always admired the party mainly because of Ronald Reagan and Bush 41. They were both decent men who respected their opponents and had a statesman-like disposition to them that was appealing to many across the political and other divide. I was brought up in a family where education, hard work and self-less sacrifice were imbibed into us and passed from generation to generation. We were told that we represented not only ourselves, but our family name and its ideals and believe in personal responsibility and dutiful citizenship.

While it is the duty of government to "correct" the wrongs of the past, I have NEVER believed that overtime, it was also the duty of government to teach fathers and mothers how to be responsible parents and conduct themselves with dignity and a strong sense of purpose.

The crux of the GOP's mantra on personal responsibility - a "small government" built on enduring and fiscally responsible policies, as well as a "strong defense", has always appealed to me. The problem though is that the GOP, Reagan included, has left the nation in debilitating debt each time they have been in power, thus betraying their own ideals and in the process eroding the confidence many had reposed in them. However, the difference between the Reagan/Bush 41 years and this current band of marauders masked as conservatives, has been how low they have sunk in their attempt to control the tone and direction of the national conversation.

While I would posit that the one component missing from the Reagan dynamic was that of a certain form of compassionate conservatism, Bush 41 addressed this during his tenure in office and it is no wonder he was never liked by the rabid-dog neo-cons that have now usurped the mantle of leadership in the GOP. Both Reagan and Bush 41, I will reiterate, were decent men and believed that the GOP had room for as many as possible without the party necessarily changing its core ideals and principles.

Reagan and Bush 41 were however both pragmatic men with great vision as Reagan reached out to democratic leaders consistently during his tenure, while Bush 41 had one singular act that showed how much wisdom he had as a leader by resisting every attempt by hard-core "conservatives" to lure the US into invading Iraq having ejected Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. His son, Bush 43 went against his father's sound judgment (and the US and indeed the world has been worse off for it) with the invasion of Iraq (the torture at Abu Ghraib in particular) being a solid rallying point and recruiting advertisement for radical Islam and its murderous proponents.

While I largely disagreed with the policies of both Reagan and Bush 41, with regard to their seeming indifference to the policies of the apartheid regime in the then racist enclave of South Africa as well as their "tepid" support for civil rights, they both still recognized the importance of a party where dissension was actually healthy as it helped shore up whatever "policy white spaces" there were in the political landscape. The current GOP, in the last two decades or so has become increasingly intolerant, xenophobic and downright unrelenting in its attempt to rid America of its most important source of strength and dynamism, its diversity.

That the leaders of today's GOP look to the likes of Sean Hannity (a Neo-Nazi sympathizer), Rush Limbaugh (an unabashed racist) and Joe "the plumber" is really quite telling. That the notion of someone being educated and going to some of the best schools in the US and indeed the world makes them an elite is also quite revealing. That the usurpers of the party of Lincoln see nothing wrong in America spearheading torture at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay while forceful defending the same tactics used by the Nazi and imperialistic Japanese soldiers shows just how much the GOP, as presently constituted, is not the party to lead this nation.

Indeed again, I must ask. Whither the GOP? The party of Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest leaders in the history of mankind, has been taken over by those who resent a culture that encourages a divergence of opinion and backgrounds within their ranks and through their rhetoric and seditious irredentism, these agents of intolerance and hatred have created an atmosphere where discord is the order of the day, and destructive violence, in the name of religion and "morality", has again been visited on the American consciousness.

This is not the party that gave us decent men like Bush 41, Ronald Reagan James Baker III and Brent Scowcroft I must say. Obviously Dick Cheney was always "a wolf in sheep's clothing" as his conduct has betrayed the dignity, integrity and decency of most of the men he served with under Reagan and Bush 41.

In a write-up by former New Jersey Governor, Christine Todd Whitman, she alluded to the convincing dynamic of the Obama candidacy and asserts his victory was a "personal" one steeped in the persona and vision of the candidate himself, much like Reagan and that it was not a victory based necessarily on ideology. She states, rather cogently, that the GOP's inability to figure out a way to hold together a coalition of economic conservatives, foreign policy conservatives as well as social moderates and conservatives while resisting the specter of a circular firing squad, has been to the party's detriment and will be so for a long time to come.

I am not one of those that wants the GOP to die away, on the contrary, like the true democrat that I and most Americans are, I very much want a vibrant two-party system like we've always had as I believe it is healthy for our democracy. The GOP as it currently stands, however makes that increasingly less likely.