29 October 2008
editorial
PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON-Sirleaf, as a person, no doubt sees today at the exhaustive age of 70, a great moment.
But while counting her achievements, she would hardly continue or complete the task without sporadically bumping into Liberia and the things that concern Liberia. This is so because the stem cannot say it is not a part of a tree. How else can someone, whose life activities are fully intractably weaved into the history of his or her nation claim any achievements - even if failures - without mention of how that life impacts the nation. Is it not true that the beauty of a hero's profile is as good as the history of his origin? This is exactly why Ellen cannot be allowed to celebrate alone or celebrate along with her family, party and friends while the rest of the nation sleeps. The nation, on this occasion, must rise to reflect and to rejoice.
THE FACT IS that Liberians, Ellen's countrymen and countrywomen need no soothsayers to point to the amiable place she maintains in her heart for their country. This is simply because the evidence of commitment to change the country from its backward past to a prosperous future is clear and solid. Many Liberian leaders are known for making sweet promises and delivering big dreams in favor of the people, but as soon as they take the mantle of power, the ballgame becomes different. Not only do they forget the promises made and dreams delivered, they go after the people's scanty possessions and encroach upon them and their rights to property and life.
SO FAR, PRESIDENT Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has shown a great difference. She is not only a promiser; she is also a deliverer. She incurred bruises many times for the cause of the people, before coming to transform the country. And Liberians have seen with their own eyes how the nation is radically picking up under three years. Yes, manna might not be falling from Heaven; milk and honey might not be flooding the streets and communities; every dick and tom might not be holding on to a government job; yes, Liberia might not be a paradise; our streets might not be paved with gold and diamond; and everyone might not be happy - at least for now. But here is the indisputable true: the conditions long craved to lead the nation to nobler heights are tangibly evolving and this could not be without the deliberate and unshakable commitment of President Sirleaf in particular.
FIRSTLY, NEVER BEFORE had a political regime in this country presided over the business of Liberia for three years without making political casualties out of the voices of dissent. Critics and political opponents, real and perceived, are the palm oil with which Liberian leaders consumed their evening meals. But here we are, with all the critical utterances even from former agents of despots, some of the utterances however provocative, but the nation is calm; the political temperature is meek, if not patronizing. Even when zealots were tempted to go into action, Ellen diffuses the tension by chastising the heavy-handed persons.
SECONDLY, IS IT not true that Liberia has been effectively unshackled from the dark abyss of international stigmatization and isolation? Under whose presidential tenure is the country coming out of the bondage of foreign debts and neglect? Surely, everyone would admit that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's advent has cast the embers of the civilized community into Liberia, illuminating all hopes for progress and development. The world is now a global village and Liberia's odd image in the international community was largely militating against every meaningful effort aimed at fighting poverty and transforming the society. This is why all the lamentations of Liberians during the marathon heinous civil conflict targeted the international community, particularly those who control it. The international community so long sought is now overwhelmingly present in the country, not only through UNMIL but also via various other institutions and nations and contributing equally or more in ensuring the consolidation of a stable and just peace for all Liberians. This could not have been with the political and moral deportment and commitment of Madam Sirleaf. Others before her squandered such opportunities.
WHAT MUCH AND better can be done in three years to keep a nation on steady course and to charge or recharge the hopes of a people for better tomorrow? Aren't the pretexts and alibis used by "freedom fighters" in the past to go into action against sitting governments now effectively under control as long as all Liberians have unrestricted access to their homeland and given the opportunity to contribute to national development even if that contribution is to criticize and condemn the regime at will? Are peace, justice and stability not guaranteed once the international community is on board the Ship of State with its valuable human and materials resources being massively funneled in the recovery and development process of Liberia? Don't these achievements set the course for future Liberians and future Liberian leaders? So, why refuse to acknowledge Ellen's monumental achievements by standing on the side as she celebrates today? Come on Liberians, celebrate with Ellen at 70. Happy Birthday, Madam President.
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