Wyclef running for President

August 6, 2010 7:24 AM

Wyclef Jean has decided to run for President of Haiti. He has also resigned from his charity, Yele Haiti. Sean Penn isn't too thrilled about any of it. Previously and more previous.
posted by josher71 (155 comments total)

Is Sean Penn ever happy (unless he's punching a photographer)?
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 7:26 AM on August 6, 2010 [8 favorites]

This is literally all I've heard them talking about on Radio-Canada radio (the French branch of Canada's national broadcaster, the CBC -- and that's not redundant, their TV wing is also called "Radio-Canada") for the last three days.
posted by Shepherd at 7:27 AM on August 6, 2010

I'm not accusing Sean Penn of being a tosser; I don't know the man.
posted by cjorgensen at 7:31 AM on August 6, 2010

I think that Sean Penn often doesn't do himself many favours, but I have to say I think he's right on the money (ha!) on this one.
posted by ob at 7:31 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Careful, Wyclef: it's legally binding.
posted by MuffinMan at 7:33 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I have some colleagues working in Haiti, who told me that Sean Penn is running a relief camp. They also told me that it is considered one of the best managed camps there.
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 7:35 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Love him or hate him, you have to respect Sean Penn for putting his money where his mouth is. He says, "We have to help Haiti!" and then essentially devotes his life to helping Haiti. Mad props, Sean.
posted by Mister_A at 7:35 AM on August 6, 2010 [73 favorites]

> I'm not accusing Sean Penn of being a tosser; I don't know the man.

Then why the hell did you say anything? If you listen to this interview of Penn on Democracy Now!, you'll learn that he has a very keen sense of what is going on in Haiti and he's not afraid to live there in the camps and pour his heart and soul into his endeavor. He may have a different vision for a way forward than others, and I don't know enough about what's going on on the ground there to say either way, but he's not a goddamn tosser.
posted by Burhanistan at 7:35 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

So Wyclef is hitting the campaign trail, eh? I guess he'll be gone 'til November.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:35 AM on August 6, 2010 [32 favorites]

I think that Sean Penn often doesn't do himself many favours, but I have to say I think he's right on the money (ha!) on this one.

I agree with that, ob.
Also, I feel slightly ashamed - I was quietly ready to jump all over Penn's comments, even though I am perfectly aware of his work in Haiti. After reading them, I thought he was straining - impressively -to keep them measured but still wary. Which seems right.
posted by Jody Tresidder at 7:37 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I saw Wyclef rap with the president of Haiti at a free show at DC's Kennedy Center. It was some sort of Caribbean Cultural thingie, and Wyclef saw René Préval over in the VIP section, had his burly security guy carry him (and his wireless microphone) on his shoulders through the crowd to him, then did a back-and-forth call-and-response rap--while still on the burly security guy's shoulders.

And Condi had already danced to Shaggy (not my video, but right about where I was standing). And there was a surprise appearance by Jimmy Cliff!
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:38 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm not accusing Burhanistan of not reading the third linked articled; I don't know the man.
posted by Theloupgarou at 7:38 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Assuming he wins (and considering the current governor of California and the 40th president of the United States, he's got a shot,) and considering the current state of its infrastructure, would it mean that Haiti would become some sort of US-dependent pop music-powered autocracy?
posted by griphus at 7:38 AM on August 6, 2010

Opportunist = tosser?
posted by Burhanistan at 7:40 AM on August 6, 2010

Lauryn Hill running for mayor of Crazy Town.
posted by 2bucksplus at 7:40 AM on August 6, 2010 [6 favorites]

I'm going to judge both Wyclef and Sean from my morally superior position right here on my couch.
posted by srboisvert at 7:40 AM on August 6, 2010 [22 favorites]

He certainly took that some of his seriously. Also if he's elected on a Friday will he boost his security on Saturday?
posted by Sargas at 7:45 AM on August 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

I would vote for Ms. Hill based solely on her impeccable Miseducation.
posted by Mister_A at 7:45 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

good luck with someone who can't even keep the modest books of his charity on the up-and-up.

NYT: Haitian Quake Brings More Money and Scrutiny to a Charity
(...)with the money and renown have come a flood of questions — some from former employees — about the charity’s finances, its poor accounting and bookkeeping practices, and more recently, whether it has the capacity to distribute the money it raises. Some critics have also raised questions about payments made to Mr. Jean, 37, who was born in Haiti but left as a boy.

he also seems to have a problem with paying taxes.
posted by krautland at 7:50 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

If you liked his corrupt charity, you're going to love his corrupt presidency.
posted by spaltavian at 7:51 AM on August 6, 2010 [13 favorites]

Wyclef John?
posted by mr.marx at 7:52 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Is this news for any other reason than Wyclef Jean is a celebrity?
posted by swift at 7:52 AM on August 6, 2010

I'm going to judge both Wyclef and Sean from my morally superior position right here on my couch.

Doing nothing on a couch is morally superior to profiting from a charity you set up.
posted by grouse at 7:53 AM on August 6, 2010 [11 favorites]

Wyclef John

Yeah, that's embarrassing.
posted by josher71 at 7:53 AM on August 6, 2010

His spoken english is about as good as Sarah Palin's.. let's see some of his writing. How pathetic. The guy can't even manage his finances and he wants to run an entire country?
posted by ReeMonster at 7:54 AM on August 6, 2010

Wyclef John?

Flagged as HTML/Display Error.
posted by grouse at 7:54 AM on August 6, 2010

Wyclef John?

Just don't mention his name to Shaun Penn.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:55 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

[Jean'd! Carry on.]
posted by cortex at 7:56 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Sean Penn: "One of the reasons I don't know very much about Wyclef Jean is that I haven't seen or heard anything of him in these last six months that I've been in Haiti."

From my morally inferior position right here in front of a blue screen, I judge Mr. Penn to be the real deal. It remains to be seen if Mr. Jean is in the same league, but I wish him luck. I can't imagine he has anything other than his heart in it, but there is talk and there is action.
posted by three blind mice at 7:56 AM on August 6, 2010

Opportunist = tosser?

Does in my book.

"I'm not accusing Wyclef Jean of being an opportunist; I don't know the man," Penn told Wolf Blitzer.

That's just lazy rhetoric.

Listen, I'm not saying cortex is lazy; I don't know the man.

I wouldn't imply that BitterOldPunk is the type of man to kick a dog; I don't even know the man.

If you're going to to be critical of someone then man up and do it. This passive insult is crap. It's the equivalent of putting a smiley after a sentence and pretending it excuses the pervious words.

Sean Penn hasn't done a good movie since Fast Times at Ridgemont High. :)

See, it's lazy, and the fact that you're calling me on it proves my point. If it bothers you that I did it then the original statement is just as obnoxious.

I honestly don't know Sean Penn. Every time he opens his mouth he comes off like an asshole. See, clear, concise, and not wishy-washy.
posted by cjorgensen at 7:56 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

If I was President...
I'd get elected on Friday...
Assasinated on Saturday...
Buried on Sunday...
They go back to work on Monday.
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 7:56 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

shorter metafilter: It's funny because it's Haiti!

Sean Penn logic: I'm not accusing Obama of having been born in Kenya; I don't know the man.
posted by blucevalo at 7:58 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

> I honestly don't know Sean Penn. Every time he opens his mouth he comes off like an asshole. See, clear, concise, and not wishy-washy.

Yeah, you're a real hero there.
posted by Burhanistan at 8:00 AM on August 6, 2010

"I'm not accusing Wyclef Jean of being an opportunist; I don't know the man," Penn told Wolf Blitzer.

Just out of curiosity, was Blitzer's preceding question by any chance, "Do you believe Wyclef Jean is an opportunist?" I'll bet good money it was. If so, I really don't see anything remotely dickish about Penn's response; rather, it's quite careful and considerate.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:03 AM on August 6, 2010 [10 favorites]

Is Sean Penn ever happy (unless he's punching a photographer)?

Yes, Sean Penn did punch a photographer 23 years ago. Though I imagine this is largely irrelevant to modern politics in Haiti?
posted by applemeat at 8:04 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

I always say that Wyclef Jean is not running for the presidency of Haiti, I’m being drafted by the people of Haiti.

No, dude. You are choosing to run for president of Haiti, even though you have no qualifications whatsoever to actually run a country that is in seriously terrible shape. How ridiculous.
posted by lullaby at 8:06 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

l33tpolicywonk beat me by 10 minutes =(

Enjoy those favorites, man. They shall be... your last.
posted by Eideteker at 8:07 AM on August 6, 2010

> Just out of curiosity, was Blitzer's preceding question by any chance, "Do you believe Wyclef Jean is an opportunist?" I'll bet good money it was.

I couldn't locate a transcript of that interview, but that would seem to be the case. They conveniently started that clip right at the most soundbite-y moment.
posted by Burhanistan at 8:08 AM on August 6, 2010

His spoken english is about as good as Sarah Palin's.. let's see some of his writing. How pathetic. The guy can't even manage his finances and he wants to run an entire country?

I'm not really sure where to start with this ("Children, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of these here United States and is remembered for having a terrific head for figures."). While his charity results were unfortunate, was he part of the corruption? And as for his writing, how's your French? I'm assuming you're judging him based on your extensive knowledge of Creole or whatever. If he sees his country in trouble and decides to leverage his fame to try to make a positive difference, I don't see how to blame him. You can certainly argue it won't work, but I don't think you can call it "pathetic".

Don't worry about responding soon, I'm sure all of your public service commitments keep you busy.
posted by yerfatma at 8:09 AM on August 6, 2010

l33tpolicywonk beat me by 10 minutes =(

Not counting the two people who beat him to it. Which I only noticed for the same reasons as you.
posted by yerfatma at 8:10 AM on August 6, 2010

I'm gonna vote for him from Texas and I bet it gets counted.
posted by punkfloyd at 8:10 AM on August 6, 2010

I was wondering why I had not heard from some of my more politically insane distant relatives in a while, looks like they have been hanging out in the comments section of USA Today. What a relief to know they are on the front lines of protecting the USA from the socialism of Sean Penn assisting the people of Haiti. At least, that appears to be the argument, such as it is. Gah.
posted by joe lisboa at 8:11 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

His opponent should run TV spots that say, "Killing us softly...with his policies!"


(yes I know that's by Lauryn Hill, but they were both in The Fugees)
posted by mreleganza at 8:13 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

The thing is, we mock, but Wyclef has the ability to be a great President based on his ability to inspire. Sure, he is a celebrity/rockstar but in a nation where more than half of the population is under 21 and their inheritance is dead loved ones and a nation in ruins (destroyed by imperialistic policies as much as by the earthquake), perhaps inspiration is more needed than ever before. He's young (37 or 40, only two-five years above the Haitian requirement), fresh, and seen as non-corrupt.

The wonks will rebuild Haiti, but the people need a leader they can believe in while thats happening. A leader we won't demonize and depose.
posted by Chipmazing at 8:14 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Just out of curiosity, was Blitzer's preceding question by any chance, "Do you believe Wyclef Jean is an opportunist?" I'll bet good money it was.

BLITZER: You're absolutely right. It is heartbreaking to think about it. They make the pledges and then they don't write the checks. Sean, what's your reaction to Wyclef Jean deciding he wants to run for the presidency?

SEAN PENN, ACTOR AND ACTIVIST: ...the last thing in the world Haiti needs -- and I'm not accusing Wyclef Jean of being on opportunist. I don't know the man.
posted by gman at 8:14 AM on August 6, 2010

In what universe is Killing Me Softly by Lauryn Hill?
posted by ODiV at 8:17 AM on August 6, 2010 [8 favorites]

"I'm not accusing Wyclef Jean of being an opportunist; I don't know the man," Penn told Wolf Blitzer.

That's just lazy rhetoric.

I don't think you're getting his point. He continues to say that he doesn't know Wyclef because he hasn't seen him in Haiti, on the ground. In other words, he's not hedging his words so much as stating that Wyclef has been MIA from the crisis.
posted by Edgewise at 8:17 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

(yes I know that's by Lauryn Hill, but they were both in The Fugees)

It actually was the Fugees. Of course, the song was a cover of a Charles Fox/Norman Gimbel composition made popular by Roberta Flack in 1973.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:18 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Oh! Celebrities just make me so mad sometimes!
posted by xod at 8:18 AM on August 6, 2010 [10 favorites]

It's probably also worth mentioning that Wyclef's uncle is Raymond Alcide Joseph, who resigned his post as ambassador to Haiti earlier this summer to run for the same position. So, add to bad management of charity and songs about being shot, running against relatives.
posted by rodz at 8:19 AM on August 6, 2010

D'oh! I'll pay you later, gman.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:20 AM on August 6, 2010

It's perfectly true that Wyclef Jean has no apparent qualifications to run the nation of Haiti. Sean Penn is probably better qualified, except for the technicality that Jean is actually Haitian by birth, and Penn isn't. However, if Jean is popular with the Haitian public (which he would have to be, if he gets elected) he will just have to use that support to improvise some kind of functional government. Although there are people better qualified than Jean, I really doubt that any of them would be willing to take on such a challenge, in the poorest country of the Western Hemisphere, which was rife with violence and chaos even before the devastating earthquake. Haiti is a nightmare. It has never had good government at any time in its history (since the time it was originally created as a French colony). You may think that rule by pop music is strange, but this is a country that was once ruled by voodoo under the regime of Papa Doc Duvalier. So, by Haitian standards Jean is terrific.
posted by grizzled at 8:21 AM on August 6, 2010

I said his spoken english, which you can see is transcribed in the linked interview. He doesn't know what he's talking about! How can you defend the guy?? My french has nothing to do with it, as I'm not French, I was not born in France and I never studied it in school, plus I'm not trying to be president there based solely on mediocre celebrity. I certainly CAN call it pathetic, as pathetic as Palin's inevitable run for US President.
posted by ReeMonster at 8:21 AM on August 6, 2010

Edgewise: I don't think you're getting his point.

I don't think you're getting cjorgensen's point.
posted by blucevalo at 8:23 AM on August 6, 2010

Not wishing to accuse anyone of leaden comic timing that I've never actually seen do stand-up ... but man there's a lotta of really bad puns in this thread.
posted by philip-random at 8:29 AM on August 6, 2010

There is a pretty large part of me that thinks that people involved in stuff such as Haitian relief/reconstruction who aren't angry at some level are sociopathic.

Wyclef? Yeah it certainly appears he is trying to make hay from other people's suffering.
posted by edgeways at 8:29 AM on August 6, 2010

It's an odd day for us all when Sean Penn's response demonstrates forethought, restraint, and dignity while still communicating deep skepticism for what appears to be an opportunist looking to cash in on name recognition.
posted by FormlessOne at 8:30 AM on August 6, 2010 [6 favorites]

"In what universe is Killing Me Softly by Lauryn Hill?"

tvtropes.

"Is this news for any other reason than Wyclef Jean is a celebrity?"

Yes, because there are some very real questions about the mismanagement of his charity that could have lasting repercussions (at least, for the people of Haiti) if he mismanages the country in the same way.
posted by Eideteker at 8:32 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Hunkered down with Sean Penn in Haiti (a precis of the larger article in the print edition of Vanity Fair)
posted by lalochezia at 8:32 AM on August 6, 2010

Lauryn Hill running for mayor of Crazy Town.

Er, I think Michele Bachmann has that title for life, perhaps Hill could run for Socially Transgressive-ville?
posted by edgeways at 8:33 AM on August 6, 2010

CBS News: "Wycleaf Jean Responds to Sean Penn Criticism"

Jean's leap from entertainer to prospective head-of-state is also leading to some interesting transitional moments. After previously listing his age as 37, as a candidate he suddenly jumped to 40 years old...

"I just want Sean Penn to fully understand I am a Haitian, born in Haiti and I've been coming to my country ever since (I was) a child," [Jean] said. "He might just want to pick up the phone and meet, so he fully understands the man." [...]

Before campaigning can begin, Jean must be cleared to run by Haiti's eight-member provisional electoral council. Among the requirements he must fulfill are proving he has never renounced his Haitian citizenship by holding another (U.S.), and that he has been a resident of Haiti for the last five years, which by most accounts he has not.

The campaign will argue that Jean's status as a Haitian ambassador-at-large - a post he was awarded in 2007 - exempts him from having not spent more time in the country of late...

[An article in The Smoking Gun] stated the hip-hop star owes the Internal Revenue Service more than $2.1 million for taxes from his individual 1040 returns for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

"First of all, owing $2.1 million to the IRS shows you how much money Wyclef Jean makes a year," he said, pledging to publish an accounting of his finances online and to repay the money he owes.

posted by grouse at 8:36 AM on August 6, 2010

I said his spoken english...
Yeah, but why does his spoken English have to be good?
He's running for the presidency of Haiti not the US.
Haiti's official languages are Haitian Creole and French. So really, those are the only two languages he needs to know.

I wish him luck. I hope he is not corrupt. I hope the snafu with the money for Yele Haiti was an honest mistake. I hope he can inspire Haiti and the rest of the world.
posted by bitteroldman at 8:36 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

In addition to wanting Jean to do his best for Haiti, as the country needs all the help it can get, I also want him to stop talking about himself in the third person.
posted by NationalKato at 8:40 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

It doesn't have to be good, it just reflects on his general intelligence. I can't believe with all the lame jokes in this thread about his incompetence and fiscal ineptitude, I'm the one getting grilled? The guy is a joke and this is an insult to Haiti! Can we all agree on that?
posted by ReeMonster at 8:40 AM on August 6, 2010

Also, I don't know the man.
posted by NationalKato at 8:41 AM on August 6, 2010

I said his spoken english, which you can see is transcribed in the linked interview.

His "spoken English" is fine.
posted by blucevalo at 8:41 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

The guy is a joke and this is an insult to Haiti! Can we all agree on that?

No.
posted by blucevalo at 8:43 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I thought Penn's response was dead on. Here's a guy who's been living in Haiti and running a refugee camp, talking about how he hasn't seen the pop star in the country of which the pop star is looking to be president, when the closest thing the pop star has seen to a refugee camp is two thirds of the word on his royalty check.

Sure, Wyclef Jean can be inspirational, and I don't discount the power of an inspirational leader. I know he is very much loved and respected there (60 minutes, I believe, did a story on one of his trips home). However, the fact that his charity has come under scrutiny does not bode well for the other portion of what you need to lead, which are things like leadership and the ability to surround yourself with quality people.
posted by nevercalm at 8:46 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

It doesn't have to be good, it just reflects on his general intelligence.
I, too, only judge people based on the proficiency of their 2nd language. Anything less than articulate, unaccented fluency automatically means "complete moron" in my book. Je m' korije?
posted by Chipmazing at 8:47 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

> I don't think you're getting cjorgensen's point.

What point was that? That everyone should just speak their raw, unfiltered opinions peppered with profanity, even when they are in sensitive positions where offending others could result in their own endeavors to be curtailed? Politics sucks, but it's the only way things get done on any sort of scale, especially when there are lots of disparate groups vying for control of a developing situation like rebuilding/stabilizing Haiti. What good would it have done for Penn to call Jean an asshole on CNN?
posted by Burhanistan at 8:47 AM on August 6, 2010

"First of all, owing $2.1 million to the IRS shows you how much money Wyclef Jean makes a year,"

In Muffinman's world, anyone referring to themselves in the 3rd person should be automatically barred from public office.
posted by MuffinMan at 8:50 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

It doesn't have to be good, it just reflects on his general intelligence.

Well, your written English ain't exactly knocking me off my seat.
posted by yerfatma at 8:52 AM on August 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

can't believe with all the lame jokes in this thread about his incompetence and fiscal ineptitude, I'm the one getting grilled?

The other comments were about things that he actually did, and speak to his integrity and competence in an elected office. Your comments were calling him a moron because of how well he speaks his second language.

Put another way, the other comments are relevant and your comments are stupid. Stop.
posted by spaltavian at 8:54 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Regardless of all the first world chatter on the subject (including the silly, flamey comments upthread) I would love to know what real folks on the ground think about this issue. Anybody have links to local reactions?
posted by Chichibio at 9:03 AM on August 6, 2010

I don't know this Wyclef guy at all and reserve judgement, but my respect for Penn based on what he's done and what he's said has gone up exponentially.
posted by seanmpuckett at 9:04 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Since the rest of the world is beginning to look like every Bruce Willis movie ever-made shat onto a used copy of A Brave New World, can I assume that at some point in some sort of industrial section of Port au Prince Penn and Wyclef will end up mano-y-mano, both shirts ripped off bodies bloody and broken soaked in the rain delivering vapid one-liners?
posted by Back to you, Jim. at 9:05 AM on August 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm reminded of Chuck D of Public Enemy responding to suggestions he take up political leadership it was basically along the lines of - "I'm 23 and I make music. These aren't qualifications to hold leadership- if you're looking to someone to lead just because they made music, you're in trouble." (which, is effectively the same argument John Stewart had on Crossfire regarding looking to comedians for policy and political thought....)

I don't think Wyclef would be a good president by any means - but if you look at Haiti's political history here, it really is a matter of choosing lesser evils. If he manages to find a way to reduce political killings and see more aid gets to people, he'll already be not so bad.
posted by yeloson at 9:12 AM on August 6, 2010 [6 favorites]

Sure, Wyclef Jean can be inspirational

True. He has inspired me to change the radio station many times.
posted by timsteil at 9:17 AM on August 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

Wyclef sucks!
posted by ReeMonster at 9:24 AM on August 6, 2010

Wyclef Jean would not be a perfect president of Haiti. But average leadership, even well-intentioned incompetence, would be a huge leap forward for Haiti. If Sean Penn truly cares about a revived Haiti, he should review the electoral records of Sonny Bono, Gopher from Love Boat, and of course Ronald Reagan, and begin making nice with the man who could very well be the next head of Haiti's government.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 9:26 AM on August 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

Wyclef sucks!

Here's an idea: Less typey, more thinky. And fewer exclamations!
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:27 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Wyclef sucks!

Are you lost or something, dude?
posted by rollbiz at 9:29 AM on August 6, 2010

In related news, Sir Mix-a-Lot is running for president of the Society for the Appreciation of Big Butts.
posted by punkfloyd at 9:30 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

So the charge is that Wyclef is unqualified for leadership, financially corrupt, not dedicated enough to the people of Haiti, and is looking to make himself president backed by American support and dollars?

Those are pretty much the exact qualifications for running for president of Haiti.
posted by Astro Zombie at 9:30 AM on August 6, 2010 [13 favorites]

Sir Mix-a-Lot is running for president of the Society for the Appreciation of Big Butts.

His opponents, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bivens, and Mr. DeVoe urge caution and remind you of the untrustworthy nature inherent in those with big butts and smiles.
posted by elizardbits at 9:33 AM on August 6, 2010 [8 favorites]

If Sean Penn truly cares about a revived Haiti, he should review the electoral records of Sonny Bono, Gopher from Love Boat, and of course Ronald Reagan, and begin making nice with the man who could very well be the next head of Haiti's government.

And Fred Thompson. You left out Fred Thompson.
posted by blucevalo at 9:35 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm with MuffinMan...the number of quotes from Jean in this thread in which he refers to himself in the third person is enough to give me the Willies (Wyllies?).
posted by dry white toast at 9:36 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Agreed, stupidsexyFlanders. You don't need the holier-than-thou territorial pissing, the "I care more than the other guy" disses to the media, you need teamwork and cooperation. Wyclef may have some stains on his financial record, but as you point out his "well-intentioned incompetence" could prove to be the boon that Haiti needs. Besides, who are we to criticize--does Europe and North America elect flawless leaders each time? Hell, California and Minnesota elect 'em for the laughs, last I checked.
posted by Chichibio at 9:36 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I have some colleagues working in Haiti, who told me that Sean Penn is running a relief camp. They also told me that it is considered one of the best managed camps there.

Yep. It's a 55,000-person tent camp managed by him and the J/P Haitian Relief Organization he founded. He's been "on the ground" every since the earhtquake. I admire the guy for his commitment and hands-on activity. He's not just "throwing money" at a problem, he's actively playing humanitarian role in the country's recovery.
posted by ericb at 9:37 AM on August 6, 2010

His opponents, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bivens, and Mr. DeVoe urge caution and remind you of the untrustworthy nature inherent in those with big butts and smiles.

Shock G would like to interject that he has more a more diverse experience working with people of all creeds and backgrounds including: black people, white people, Puerto Ricans, and Samoans.
posted by wcfields at 9:39 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Love him or hate him, Sean Penn seems to completely immerse himself in situations like this in a way that is second to none in the world of celebrity activists.

Love him or hate him, Wyclef Jean seems to completely immerse himself in himself, and his forays into charitable endeavors have been less than perfect.

I think I know who I'm going with.
posted by rollbiz at 9:43 AM on August 6, 2010

Shock G would like to interject that he has more a more diverse experience working with people of all creeds and backgrounds including: black people, white people, Puerto Ricans, and Samoans.

Shock G would also like to remind you that he understands the challenges and struggles faced by those who once got busy in a Burger King bathroom.
posted by rollbiz at 9:45 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

It doesn't have to be good, it just reflects on his general intelligence.

No it doesn't.
posted by mreleganza at 9:49 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Why do you have to choose sides, rollbiz? If we're talking about who has done more on the ground post-The Thing, yeah, from this vantage point I guess Sean Penn is ahead. But this thread is about Wyclef running for president, something that Sean Penn can't do, no matter his celeb/activist credentials. Is Wyclef already so discredited as a leader that we can damn him before he even wins?
posted by Chichibio at 9:51 AM on August 6, 2010

Sean Penn should work over the list of other realistic candidates before weighing in on the political debate. I'd imagine a Haitian who spent decades in Hollywood's elitist but left wing circles will be more easily swayed by sound moral arguments than Haiti's usual political class, and therefore expect that Wyclef Jean offers more promise than other candidates.
posted by jeffburdges at 9:52 AM on August 6, 2010

Q: How many celebrities does it take to make an American interested in starving black people?

A: [celebrity Q factor/(scale of disaster * sufferer skin colour)] = interest
posted by larry_darrell at 9:56 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Jezebel weighs in.
posted by k8t at 9:57 AM on August 6, 2010

But this thread is about Wyclef running for president, something that Sean Penn can't do, no matter his celeb/activist credentials. Is Wyclef already so discredited as a leader that we can damn him before he even wins?

Actually, it doesn't sound like Wyclef is technically eligible to run for president either.

This thread is about both Wyclef running and Sean Penn not being happy about it. Much of the discussion has fallen along those lines, so that's what I was also discussing. I don't know that I would consider Wyclef completely discredited as a leader, but alarm bells are ringing, yes. Sean Penn has been on the ground in Haiti since the earthquake happened. I have not, so I'm inclined to give his comments some weight.
posted by rollbiz at 10:01 AM on August 6, 2010

Also, "the size of my tax evasion just shows you how rich I am" combined with the weird Charles Taylor-esque third person self-references is not giving me happy, fuzzy feelings.
posted by rollbiz at 10:04 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

How many celebrities does it take to make an American interested in starving black people?

No, no, no, it's starve a cold, feed black people.
posted by nevercalm at 10:07 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

In related news, Sir Mix-a-Lot is running for president of the Society for the Appreciation of Big Butts.

I can totally get behind his candidacy.

GET IT??
posted by Mister_A at 10:09 AM on August 6, 2010

the number of quotes from Jean in this thread in which he refers to himself in the third person is enough to give me the Willies (Wyllies?).

I demand a substantive, issues-based debate with Mr. T.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 10:12 AM on August 6, 2010

To be fair a lot of politicians refer to themselves in the third person in interviews. It an affectation to make sure their name gets out there. Christopher L. Jorgensen finds this ploy creepy.
posted by cjorgensen at 10:18 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Well, Captain Hammer's here, hair blowing in the breeze. The day needs his saving expertise!
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 10:22 AM on August 6, 2010

Ok, I feel bad about that last post. I do not in any way wish to make light of the situation in Haiti. I just find this affectation baffling and annoying.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 10:26 AM on August 6, 2010

Rapper is No Friend of Haiti -- Wyclef Opposed Aristide
posted by stinkycheese at 10:29 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

also: Wyclef sucks!
posted by stinkycheese at 10:29 AM on August 6, 2010

black people, white people, Puerto Ricans, and Samoans.

wait....there are FOUR races?!
posted by the bricabrac man at 10:30 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Chichibio: Anybody have links to local reactions?

Local reactions: Wilbur Alben, 62, building cabinets in the shade, gave a more wizened view. "I don't care," he said. "At this point, give me anything. I'll take it."

Amen.
posted by blucevalo at 10:30 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

In Muffinman's world, anyone referring to themselves in the 3rd person should be automatically barred from public office.

HULK DOES NOT CARE FOR ILL-THOUGHT-OUT POLICY!
posted by Shepherd at 10:30 AM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

Also, from the same article:

Michele Montas, a journalist for 38 years and now a special advisor to the head of the United Nations mission in Haiti, said the president must build a majority in both chambers of Parliament to accomplish anything.

"I wish Wyclef the best," she said. "He is my friend. Can he be president? That's not easy."

She noted that Jean, who has not lived permanently in Haiti for about 30 years, doesn't speak French, and his Creole is far from flawless. "Everything is done in French and Creole in government," she said. "There is no English."
posted by blucevalo at 10:31 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Basically it sounds like he was sitting around with some friends smoking herb and talking about how messed up the situation is "back home" where he hasn't lived for 30 years and can't speak either of the native languages. With excitement, the idea of running for president is riffed on: "Yeah, it'll be awesome, you can totally save that place, man!" .. "If not you, who else?! I mean, you're FROM there!" .. "Between your Twitter followers and Facebook fan page, you have more than enough American support!" .. and you know how amazing an idea sounds when you're stoned, well.. there you have it.
posted by ReeMonster at 10:41 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

It is possible to think that Mr. Jean would not make a good president, while simultaneously feeling that ReeMonster is acting like a heel.
posted by Mister_A at 10:45 AM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Personally, I wish they could reconcile their differences and run together on a combined Sean/Jean ticket.
posted by Eideteker at 10:50 AM on August 6, 2010 [10 favorites]

It is possible to think that Mr. Jean would not make a good president, while simultaneously feeling that ReeMonster is acting like a heel.

That's a platform that rollbiz can get behind. Mister_A for president!
posted by rollbiz at 10:58 AM on August 6, 2010

A Jean/Sean ticket would lead to more and better jokes, I think.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:00 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Rapper is No Friend of Haiti -- Wyclef Opposed Aristide

The funny thing is that Aristide's best friends in the US Government are Maxine Waters and Charlie Rangel.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:01 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I sort of don't think Wyclef will actually have a chance at winning.
posted by I Foody at 11:14 AM on August 6, 2010

Sean Penn isn't too thrilled about any of it.
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:29 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

On the third person thing: I have heard a couple of parents of Haitians that I have encountered(a couple of parents, a comedian backstage and a cab driver) slip into the 3rd person when speaking English. Is there a reason for this, or are my odd anecdotes excusing a popstar-potential President's awkward egotism?

The cab driver was super awkward because I had no idea what person he was referencing and when I asked he was like "it is me, of course!"
posted by Chipmazing at 11:33 AM on August 6, 2010

In related news, Sir Mix-a-Lot is running for president of the Society for the Appreciation of Big Butts

Fife Dog has already been mentioned as an ambassador to Mexico, Japan, Puerto Rico, or Haiti.

Oh, and I assume LL Cool J will be the Benedict Arnold of the country, even though he told you he'd be true.
posted by LouieLoco at 11:35 AM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

His spoken english is about as good as Sarah Palin's.

No, this is true.

It's why I could never find that song he sings about needing a one ton tomato.
posted by Back to you, Jim. at 11:53 AM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

The "anyone will do at this point" school of thought is infuriating. The guy doesn't speak French, speaks broken Kreyol, and has absolutely no political experience. If a Haitian son is going to return to save, can it not be someone with some background in policy? Give Georges Laraque a shot once he gets his chops up.
posted by Roachbeard at 12:09 PM on August 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

The guy doesn't speak French, speaks broken Kreyol

Nobody said he spoke "broken Kreyol." His Kreyol is "far from flawless." "Not perfect" != "broken."

Next people will be saying he doesn't speak any language.
posted by blucevalo at 12:42 PM on August 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Are people still calling Lauryn Hill "crazy" and "socially transgressive" because of a flat out lie—specifically, that she'd rather her children starve than a white person buy her record—that was started by a single caller to the fucking Howard Stern show and spread like crazy?

What are you gonna go on about next, people? Tommy Hilfiger spouting racist shit about young black people wearing his clothing? Or are you gonna go more contemporary and fill us in on Obama's real birthplace and religion?
posted by defenestration at 12:45 PM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

Since the rest of the world is beginning to look like every Bruce Willis movie ever-made shat onto a used copy of A Brave New World

I was doing a pretty good job of following the discussion in this thread through all the bad/weird jokes, puns and metaphors until I hit this one, but my brain is now mush.
posted by mannequito at 12:54 PM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

So I guess this means no Fugees reunion, huh?
posted by lunasol at 1:00 PM on August 6, 2010

Jezebel weighs in.

Seems about as relevant as Gizmodo or Jalopnik weighing in.
posted by modernnomad at 1:02 PM on August 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

A: [celebrity Q factor/(scale of disaster * sufferer skin colour)] = interest

The scale of the disaster is inversely proportional to the interest? So the smallest disasters get most interest?
posted by surenoproblem at 1:21 PM on August 6, 2010

Are people still calling Lauryn Hill "crazy" and "socially transgressive" because of a flat out lie

I always assumed the "crazy" BS came from the fact that she decided to have a kid at the prime of her career. (You know, before Brittany and everyone started posed pregnant, naked, etc. and it became "acceptable" for starlets white starlets to have kids).
posted by yeloson at 1:31 PM on August 6, 2010

.. and you know how amazing an idea sounds when you're stoned, well.. there you have it.

I do, but this is still offensive. And weak sauce, to boot.
posted by joe lisboa at 1:36 PM on August 6, 2010

Are people still calling Lauryn Hill "crazy" and "socially transgressive" because of a flat out lie—specifically, that she'd rather her children starve than a white person buy her record—that was started by a single caller to the fucking Howard Stern show and spread like crazy?

Probably not:

"It's safe to say that Lauren Hill pissed off her fellow bandmates when she broke up the Fugees, and according to Wyclef Jean, she did it because she's bipolar. Jean said: "I felt sorry for her, because I think she needs psychiatric help. I felt like she's bipolar. You can't get angry with someone who's sick," Jean tells Rolling Stone. "So I even called her mom, and I stressed to her, 'Yo, you need to get her psychiatric help.'.

"If you've been following the re-remergence and bizarre decline of Lauryn Hill, you've already thought it yourself, but now Wyclef Jean has joined fellow Fugee Pras on the "Lauryn Hill needs to see a psychiatrist" train. Just a few weeks ago Pras told AllHipHop.com that he feels his former band-mate is mentally ill."
posted by iviken at 1:42 PM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Ah, hadn't read that. That sucks. Thanks, iviken.
posted by defenestration at 1:43 PM on August 6, 2010

I've gotta say though, if she really is mentally ill, snarkily joking about it is definitely in poor taste.
posted by defenestration at 1:45 PM on August 6, 2010

Are people still calling Lauryn Hill "crazy" and "socially transgressive" because...

heh, well as the person who said "socially transgressive" I'll cop to the fact I actually have very little knowledge of Ms. Hill and her quotient of erraticism. Part of the flip remark was I tend to have a dim view of most people who occupy a certain celebrity niche and another, larger, part of it was Michele Bachmann wholly occupying the "mayor of crazytown" space in my head. And yet another was poking fun at the word "crazy" by replacing it with "socially transgressive", which in reality is all that crazy really means so often.

now... hows that for a beanplatted tl:dr response?
posted by edgeways at 1:52 PM on August 6, 2010

I sort of don't think Wyclef will actually have a chance at winning.

What? Say what say what? Anything can happen.
posted by Kirk Grim at 3:03 PM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Nobody said he spoke "broken Kreyol." His Kreyol is "far from flawless." "Not perfect" != "broken."

Actually, I didn't use that word because of the "far from flawless" quotation. I heard a bit on CBC radio a few days ago that featured on-the-street interviews with Haitian Montrealers. One woman commented (in English) "His Kreyol is as choppy as mine". I overstated the case, obviously. But I still think my point stands: he is a ridiculous option with the wealth of educated Haitians (expat or otherwise) that could offer more expertise to the job. It seems like grandstanding to me.
posted by Roachbeard at 4:26 PM on August 6, 2010

Basically it sounds like he was sitting around with some friends smoking herb and talking about how messed up the situation is "back home"

Basically it sounds like you undermine your own point by not only jumping to conclusions, but kinda racist ones. But I'm sure he gets high all the time, given that he is black and I'm sure the effects of his drug consumption would make him a poor candidate. Unlike the three Martini lunches that have kept our banking system (White People Hooray!) running like a top.
posted by yerfatma at 4:30 PM on August 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Wyclef Jean to Sean Penn: Boof Baf!
posted by bwg at 4:36 PM on August 6, 2010

I wonder if this will help or hurt him. "Funny money" indeed. Irrelevantly, the dopeness of this tune cannot be denied.
posted by Roachbeard at 5:34 PM on August 6, 2010

But I'm sure he gets high all the time, given that he is black and I'm sure the effects of his drug consumption would make him a poor candidate.

Who the fuck said anything about it having to do with race? That is an absolutely ridiculous conclusion to jump to and not what I meant at all, for crying out loud. I may enjoy making juvenile jokes but I didn't make any racial assumptions. I know plenty of people from all walks of life, including myself, who've had dumb lofty ideas after toking. It's pretty broad topic for a joke and it has been riffed on plenty before I showed up. And it has nothing to do with race.
posted by ReeMonster at 5:44 PM on August 6, 2010

Sure thing.
posted by yerfatma at 6:01 PM on August 6, 2010

Hey yerfatma: Wyclef put a song out this year called "weed for sale"
posted by Kirk Grim at 7:57 PM on August 6, 2010

Roachbeard: If a Haitian son is going to return to save, can it not be someone with some background in policy? Give Georges Laraque a shot once he gets his chops up.

I'm thinking about a certain Haitian daughter who actually speaks French and Kréyol, wjo radiates class and intelligence from every pore, and who'll be looking for a new challenge once her current high-profile high-level government posting comes to a close (though I see she's already lined up a gig as UNESCO special envoy to Haiti - figured she wouldn't just fade into the background).
posted by hangashore at 8:19 PM on August 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

I'm thinking about a certain Haitian daughter
posted by hangashore at 11:19 PM on August 6


ooooooooh!
posted by liza at 10:16 PM on August 6, 2010

Wrong words...metafilter...must...think...before...posting...aaaarrgghh.
posted by Roachbeard at 12:44 AM on August 7, 2010

Metafilter: Must...think...before...posting...aaaarrgghh.
posted by hangashore at 9:10 AM on August 7, 2010

Really, shouldn't it just be "Metafilter: aaaarrgghh"?
posted by Burhanistan at 1:02 PM on August 7, 2010

Metaaarrgghh
posted by ODiV at 1:05 PM on August 7, 2010

Hey yerfatma: Wyclef put a song out this year called "weed for sale"

Well then clearly all decisions he makes are done while high. And because he's famous, he's an airhead with nothing to offer, unlike Sean Penn.
posted by yerfatma at 2:11 PM on August 7, 2010

Former Fugee Pras NOT Backing Wyclef For President, Slams Private Jet Use.
posted by ericb at 2:34 PM on August 7, 2010

I speak Kreyol and his Kreyol is as good as his English. I have to admit, that New America Media article made a lot of sense. At first I was incredulous because he seems so earnest and dedicated even in his music.

However I remembered that he produced and scored "ghosts of Cite.." a documentary that was unanimously derided for it's intellectual dishonesty and anti-Aristide slant. It didn't make any sense that Wyclef would associate himself with something that propagated mistruths about Haiti but I did not investigate further thinking that he was simply misinformed like most north Americans who gobbled up the media propaganda.

I believe it (the article), and as much as his virtuosity has inspired me I cannot support Wyclef in this. He is an American citizen and his allegiances are dubious. In fact further reading reveals that George W. Bush (erstwhile imperialist who finished what his father had started in Haiti and elsewhere) pardoned Wyclef's old band-mate John Forte who was serving hard time. Sean Penn is one person who I respect immensely now and if he is suspicious along with Pras, then I'm doubly suspicious. This is not looking good.
posted by Student of Man at 8:23 PM on August 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Pras always seemed like he had the most on the ball.
posted by Eideteker at 9:17 PM on August 7, 2010

Haiti ruling ends Wyclef Jean's run for president.
posted by Sailormom at 2:22 PM on August 21, 2010 [1 favorite]

People in Croix des Bouquets were crushed.

WHAT THE FUCK ASSOCIATED PRESS
posted by Sys Rq at 2:34 PM on August 21, 2010