It seems that the efforts of some within the Administration and Eldership of the Jamaican Ras Tafari Community to be accepting of, and to embrace any and all who perhaps pay lip service to the cause and Movement of Ras Tafari, may become a fulfillment of the old adage, ‘If you sorry fi maaga daag, maga Dogg tun round bite you.’
This is perhaps evidenced from the recent TMZ report suggesting that Snoop Dogg/lion is threatened with a law suit from Bunny Wailer, one of the original members of the world renowned Wailers, for "outright fraudulent use of Rastafari Community's personalities and symbolism" -- and has failed to meet "contractual, moral and verbal commitments."
According to TMZ, Snoop Dogg was sent a letter by the Ethio-Africa Diaspora Union Millennium Council (Millennium Council), defining for him the indigenous nature of Ras Tafari and insisting that he fulfill his legal and moral obligation to the Movement.
There are many unanswered questions on the process, personnel and contractual commitments involved in this spat, and, since this is a developing story, judgment and condemnation must be reserved until all facts are known.
Those who strive for, or assert leadership within the Movement of Ras Tafari must familiarize themselves with the principles for leadership established by Emperor Haile Selassie I, and to know or be reminded that the nurturing attributes of Ras Tafari can be bestowed on all who find their spiritual identity in the teachings and works of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Nurturing however, constitutes a journey, not hype.
So, for those who seek use of Ras Tafari to augment their fame or create notoriety, for sheep in wolf’s clothing, and for those who would bring the wolves among the sheep, whether through ignorance, arrogance or a combination of both, please remember, “if you jump outa frying pan, yu bound fe jump inna fyah!!”
Words to the wise:
"What is needed, above all, is patience which accepts delays, while striving to overcome them, and tolerance which comprehends our weaknesses, our selfish ambitions, and our narrow self-interest, while seeking to strengthen our will and stiffen our moral fiber and devotion to principle and international morality: which can alone arm and shield and support us in the daily strife which is our fate as we toil to better the lot of Africa and all [mankind] everywhere. Unless we find the requisite courage and fixity of purpose to rise above ourselves; we shall be broken on the wheel of our own invention, slaves of our own despotism. The spirit of Africa, which surrounds our deliberations here, is deserving of the greatness which Africa demands of it. Let us prove ourselves worthy of it." (Important Utterances of H.I.M. p. 379-380 - Address to OAU Cairo Summit, July 21, 1964)
Hail HIM!!
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