1. 07-01-2008 19:12

Interesting Insight

Pioneer Day has some implications. This day is important in the history of Liberia. We can equate it to Christopher Columbus Day in America. But they both are observed for the wrong reasons. For example, pioneer is wrongly used. Pioneer means the first person to establish a place. Liberia was inhabited by the natives before the so-called pioneers, so as America or the USA. America was inhabited by the natives. While it is a true that this day is a very important event in the history of Liberia, it should not be called “Pioneer Day;” it should be called Settlers Day. I will answer your question, Mr. Linford by concluding that since this day shaped Liberian history it is should be observed annually but as Settlers Day. I will feel uncomfortable honoring this day as “Pioneer Day.”  
 
Thank you for your interesting insight. This topic looks simple but it’s not; it worth debating with an open mind.

2. 07-01-2008 19:55

Liberia's historical problem needs to b

Answering the question: "Was Liberia really colonized by the United States?" asked by Ronald Y. Free would also help answer this question as well.

3. 07-01-2008 22:04

"Pioneers' Day" In Liberia

Mr. Linford, 
Thank you for bringing the attention to “Pioneers Day.” I will admit that I was unaware that today was a national holiday.  
 
To your questions: 1. Was it necessary to mark January 7 as a national holiday in Liberia? I will say that back in 1822 -1847 maybe.  
 
2. Should we continue to observe this day as national holiday in Liberia? It seems that everyone has already stop observing January 7 as a national holiday. 
 
What I really wanted to know, you stated in your article: “Given the history of this piece of land called Liberia, it has been established by many different historical accounts that there were indigenous tribes occupying the land before the "Pioneers" arrived. “  
 
Are there any historical accounts that are stating that the land called Liberia was not occupied by any indigenous tribes? If you know of any of these accounts, please tell me where I can locate them.  
 
I am curious about this notion that the land was not occupy by any people, when the ACS and the Pioneers themselves talk about their encounter with indigenous people the from day one of their arrival to the shore of West Africa.

4. 07-01-2008 22:13

Off Track Again

Let me make a correction very quickly before we lose track of the purpose of this article and the questions. 
 
Mr. Linford wants to know the followings with explantions to back answers:  
 
1. Was it necessary to mark January 7 as a national holiday in Liberia?  
2. Should we continue to observe this day as national holiday in Liberia?

5. 08-01-2008 00:11

PIONEERS' DAY

"PIONEERS' DAY" 
 
Linford: 
 
Liberia like so many countries around the world, have had to marked events in its founding-and-or existence as a nation. For us,the arrival of former slaves from the United States of America on January 7, 1822 , marked a turning point in our national lives, as a people and a nation.  
 
A turning of significant departure of the relative calm that the natives enjoyed, despite the true establishment of a formal government and institutions that would have supported such an enterprise. 
 
As you rightly put it, your article is not to "create divisions", but rather to find answer(s)-perhaps to the significance of this holiday. However,if we make a sober reflection of the many events that transpired from the arrival of freed slaves on this peaceful land,up to the demised of the True Whig Party led government on April 12, 1980, by native born sons of a semi-educated military institution, one is left with mixed emotions-on one hand, is the illtreatment(those perhaps more inhumane than those encountered by them at lunch counters in America deep South)of the natives by the newly arriving settlers-and-their heirs for a very long period of time; and on the other hand, is the calculated, and brutal 'chicken fights' between natives-tribal groups upon their ascendency to national leadership in 80s and still is today. And not forgetting the untold human carnage and sufferings that were exerted upon our country. 
 
Perhaps let me suggest, that based on these two uneventful historical timelines;both filled with sadness and extreme bitterness, that 'Pioneers' Day', Redemption Day and National Unification Day, should be replace with one common holiday, namely, 'National Renewal Day'. 
 
Happy New Year to all discussants.

6. 08-01-2008 00:27

PIONEERS' DAY

Since this day symbolizes the return of those who were taken from their homeland by force it should be called Restoration Day or something of the like.

7. 08-01-2008 01:38

PIONEER'S DAY/RESTORATION DAY

I like the name Restoration Day, but I think it should be saved for when Liberian reject the excesses of the present constitution and rewrite one the return to a semblance of values that allowed the nation to endure for over 150 years of stability. 
 
Having said that and probably making everyone angry, let us be realistic. Certainly their were many tribes who had settled Liberia long before the arrival of the African-Americans, but none of them established the current nation which we all love. Granted Liberia could never have existed had not the tribes cooperated with the Americo government, nor could it have endured without their contributions. But Jan 7 represents the very foundation upon which Africa's first and oldest republic was founded. And Liberia and the entire world should never forget it.

8. 08-01-2008 04:49

Frankly I Don't Know

Afro-American, 
 
 
Frankly speaking, I don't know of any history books that say that the piece of land called Liberia was not occupied prior to the arrival of the settler/pioneers. The only thing I have been confronted with over the years is the phrase "Founding fahters of Liberia", which in my opinion, sounds like these so-called founding fathers were the ones that actually discovered this land. 
 
 
It may sound less interesting to others, but for me it matters and I think the unborn children of Liberia would need some clarifications on that phrase. The literal meaning of the word "founder" is someone who is credited for or responsible for the establishment and/or discovery of an idea, place or thing.  
 
 
So I would rather support the idea to observe this day, but not call it "Pioneers' Day". The people of Liberia can select a new nomenclature for this day to reflect the general representations of both the original inhabitants and the settlers or pioneers. 
 
 
The name "Pioneers' Day" as it is presently represents the settlers and leaves out the people who originally occupied this land, suggesting that the Pioneers own this land. 
 
 
This forum is blessed with some of the best historians of our time, so I hope someone will help clariify some of these questions and doubts.

9. 08-01-2008 09:10

Frankly I Don't Know

The term "Founding Fathers" strictly represents those who created the state, Republic of Liberia. It really has nothing to do with the the discovery of the land. For instance the Founding Fathers of the United States are not the same people who pioneered or discovered America.  
 
The term "pioneers" is a misnomer in terms of Liberian history. Unfortunately we seem to have a love affair with misnomers because even today you see regular use of terms such as "Americo-Liberian", "Congo" which can also be categorized as such. Another example is the use of LU for the University of Liberia, it should be UL. The University was never named Liberia Univeristy previously it was Liberia College or LC. The list can go on and on.

10. 08-01-2008 09:31

Frankly I Don't Know

Linford: 
 
The significance of observing any day in the live of an individual, and in particular a nation, suggests that such a day has profound meaning and of a measured-value, for which its recognition has helped shaped, impacted and propelled the upliftment of that nation to a sense of national renewal. 
 
For Liberia, the observance of certain holidays, for example, Matilda Newport Day (so- call demonstration of the prowess of a lady that took a lite out of her pipe, to ignite a Cannon, to fired upon decending natives, from the Ducor Hills), natives who were simply trying to maintained what [land] rightful belongs to them were murdered; Unification Day ( Wm V.S. Tubman day of retreat to Cape Palmas to smoke cheap Cigars with his friends), a day that can only be described as a "Return to Slavery and gross violation of Human Rights-and- an opened season for massive corruption by his administration." Than there is also the observance of Tubman's Birthday-what a shame-and of course Redemption Day-April 12th-the begining of 'Indigenous Rule'-the infighting which led to the senseless murders of over 200,000 of our brothers and sisters-all in the name of greed. 
 
Yes, there is a need to recognize days/events -importantly, if such events laid a better foundation for a nation-certainly, we have our share of holidays, some entirely meaningless-placing an economic stagnation for a greater part of our population, while a handful of others celebrite in pageantry. 
 
In all fairness, lets present this issue to the Liberian people and our National Legislature for consideration-interestingly, perhaps we can minimize some of these unecessary holiday observances in our country.

http://the observance of a national holiday

11. 08-01-2008 13:10

Celebrate January 7

In the interest of unity, Liberia must celebrate those days that are considered meaningful to its component groups. January 7 is an essential landmark in the history of Liberia. It was the day that some of its sons and daughters returned home. A lot may have transpired since between various groups, but whatever transgression may have transpired does not expunge this important fact. 
 
In any organization –country by extension – it is essential that all of its important milestones be commemorated. This serves to bolster the motivation within the organization and foster unity. It is necessary that Liberia upholds such tradition. As others have indicated, the name of the holiday may be a misnomer, but what’s in a name? Liberia has more important fish to fry. 
 
Of course, as Fahnbulleh alluded, there are many holidays that may be deemed offensive to some groups or are simply useless. Those should be reconsidered and slated for retirement if necessary. But January 7 is one that all Liberians should celebrate in the interest of unity. It is in this spirit that I also support the Information Minister’s call for a Muslim holiday in Liberia. This would be commensurate with our honoring various Christian holidays.

12. 08-01-2008 14:11

Celebrate January 7

Ok, if the settlers never came in 1822 to present day Liberia would there be a country called Liberia today. The argument that the natives were already in Liberia before the settlers came is true so it is true for all the colonized countries of Africa. Those countries only recently got their independence from their colonial masters. If the settlers had not come I am pretty sure we would have been colonized by either the British, French and lord knows who else. 
 
Pioneer day has become part of the country history,the question today is how we as a country can move foward to creat a country that provide oppertunities for all.

13. 08-01-2008 15:19

National Holiday!

1)I feel it was necessary for it to be established 
 
2)I feel we should continue to celebrate it because it was a focal point in the history of Liberia 
 
3)I agree that the name should be changed like some have suggested to "Restoration Day" 
 
Someone said "what's in a name?"  
Everything's in the name.The settlers were being restored to the soil of origin but the Land now called Liberia was virgin forest before the Gola arrived.Followed by the Kissi,Kpelle,Loma,Gbande,Mende,Mano,Kru,Bassa,Dei,Mamba,Greb o,Vai & Mandingo.Technically they were the pioneer's and the settler's were the founding father's.

14. 08-01-2008 16:57

It is what it is

In 1852, Frederick Douglass, a former slave delivered his speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" In this speech Douglass powerfully exposed the hypocrisy of americans for asking a slave to celebrate the Fourth of July. 
 
[EXCERPTS FROM DOUGLAS’ SPEECH] “This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony”.  
 
My fellow forumnites, what to the Native Americans is Thanksgiving Day? Most who celebrate this day call it a celebration of a somewhat sacred day, but to the decedents of Native Americans, this is a celebration of genocide against their people; this day, for native Americans, is associated with the murdering of thousands of their men, women, and children. This day represents broken treaties, warfare, the theft of Native American land, and the massacre of almost an entire race of people. We? give thanks for being the invader, the exploiter, the dominator, the greedy, the gluttonous, the colonizer, but the decedents of native Americans recognize this day and give thanks for a completely different reason. 
 
As much as I hate the native Congo thing, I have to take it there for intellectual purposes. 
 
What was the meaning of Pioneers’ day to native leaders who were raped of their dignity before their people? Do you think they celebrated this day in the same way the settlers did, after many had been forced into signing bogus land deals, or had their ancestral land forcibly stolen from them? do you think the Kru fishermen who were cutoff from their livelihood celebrated this day the same way the settlers did? do you think the natives whose villages were raided and destroyed by the settlers celebrated this day the same way? Did Pioneers’ day represent the same reality for many of the natives at that time? [These are all rhetorical questions] 
 
[This day was set aside by the founding fathers of Liberia to commemorate their arrival on the soil of present day Liberia]. [Our founding fathers called this day "Pioneers' Day" and was passed into the laws of Liberia as a national holiday].  
 
Why would any “native” person want to celebrate pioneers’ day? [this is a rhetorical question, I don’t care one way or the other] A native can certainly recognize this day and its historical significance for our nation and for the sake of unity, but the celebration of a holiday that excluded a large part of the population that was ill treated by their formerly enslaved brothers and sisters from across the ocean definitely calls into question the celebration of this day as a national holiday. As Douglas eloquently stated in his speech, to “call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony”. 
 
I believe that any significant historical day should be a part of our national consciousness, but celebrating those that are controversial or somewhat controversial and questionable will always be an issue of debate. 
 
Yes it is fact that the “founders” were distant relatives from another land, but the truth of the matter is they were oppressors in the eyes of the natives of the land. Why celebrate a reality created by people who oppressed you? 
 
So to finally answer your questions Mr. Linford 
1. Was it necessary to mark January 7 as a national holiday in Liberia?  
 
I won’t use the word necessary, considering the settlers did not really include the natives as full and equal participating members of their exclusive country. It may not have been necessary, but I’m sure the settler’s believed it was the right and natural thing to do. 
 
2. Should we continue to observe this day as national holiday in Liberia? 
 
I don’t see why not, as long as there’s a discourse on the true meaning of this holiday. I don’t believe in celebrating holidays blindly. I need to understand what I’m celebrating. 
 
Very thought provoking questions Mr. Linford.

15. 08-01-2008 17:37

No to religious holidays

In Liberia, the age-old call for a Muslim holiday is in the air again. I say no to this and go further in calling for any religious holiday presently on the books to be scrapped. Christians and Muslims should not force others to celebrate their occasions. 
 
Are we to also allow, in the future, holidays for other religious persuasions?

16. 08-01-2008 18:54

Debate Continues

The debate is going on smoothly. Everyone is on track apart from the second post. Congrats to you folks; ao far so good. 
 
Survey will be conducted and posted after the article is removed from the lead slot.  
 
KMS still looks forward for a volunteer to surface and take over the survey from KMS. 
 
Good day folks!

17. 08-01-2008 19:10

Post # 15 off track

In the name of our lord,savior, Jesus, Mohammed, Allah, God, and Jehovah and father, I beg for the continuation of this debate/forum to be on track.  
 
Post # 15 is another topic.

18. 08-01-2008 21:50

KMS's advice to City Boy

City Boy you have an ineteresting topic for debate. Please write it into an article and post it for deliberartion so that an opinion poll can be conducted. 
 
Thank you for bringing to the attention of this forum the Muslim/christian holidays in Liberia. 
Thanks, 
KMS 
chairman,opinion poll/survey committee 
The Liberian Forum 
USA

19. 08-01-2008 21:56

Frankly I Don't Know

Mr. Linford, I am surprise and somewhat shock by your response. I am not a Historian, but I hope, the definition of Pioneer(s) and Founding Father(s) that I provided will help you. 
 
Pioneer(s)-Persons or who are among those who are the first to enter or settle a region, thus opening it for occupation and development by others. To be the first to open or prepare.  
 
The first group of African descendants, who left America and settle on the West Coast of Africa are Pioneers. They were the first African descendants to return to the ancestor’s homeland. Their return to Africa paves the way for other African descendants to return also. 
 
Founding Father(s)-Person or persons instrumental in the establishment of an institution, usually a political institution, especially those connected to the origination of its ideals. The term is most often used in more reverential treatments of national history.  
 
Joseph Jenkins Roberts is known as the father of Liberia for officially declaring Liberia's independence in 1847.Those who drafted The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution are "Founder Fathers" of Liberia.  
 
"Pioneer Day" is the celebration of the return to Africa, descendants of Africans who was force from their families, homes and land 200 years before.  
"Pioneer Day" was a holiday before there was Liberia. 
"Pioneer Day" needs to be celebrated not only in Liberia but by all Black Africans, African-Americans and other Blacks in Diaspora countries. The event on that day was apart of Africa History not just Liberia's.

20. 09-01-2008 09:24

Frankly I Don't Know

Interesting point Afro-American. In that context the use of the word pioneer does make sense, in terms of those settlers pioneering for the others that followed. 
 
Good argument. 
 
From my understanding Tubman combined all of these different holidays into the one celebrated Unification Day. The importance of this particular day does however deserve to be recognized.

21. 09-01-2008 09:39

Holidays

In my view, certain Holidays in Liberia need to be quashed and replaced with a Holiday that serves the purpose of all Liberians. I could be wrong (and if I am wrong, I only human). I guess the point that I am trying to make is I am not cognizant of any Holiday that one might call a "Native" Liberian, Holiday. The use of the word "Native" may resonate negatively to some members of the audience, but God knows the truth here. I mean no harm, I see evil. 
 
Most, if not all of the people who perished in the Lutheran church during the early days of the civil war, were native born Liberians. They paid a terrible price for something they did not do, this applies to other senseless killings that occured during this period in our country's history.  
 
It seems to me that a Holiday is needed. I am aware that there are too many of them (Holidays, that is) but some of the useless ones like the "Pioneer Day" should and must be scraped, immediately, and replaced with something like  
"National Atonement Day" or something. 
A small country with so many Holidays, wow, that's something we can cogitate about. 
 
F. Hney  
 
 
F. Hney

22. 09-01-2008 09:54

WHO ARE THE TRUE PIONEERS

What a misconception! How can we refer to returnees as PIONERS? WHAT did the fred slaves pioneered. What about the traditional chiefs, who held their clans and vilages together long before the first first slave traders conned them to sell their kins into Slavery? Have Any Liberian ever HEARD about Chief Bo Swen, The kru chief who stood steadfast i a fight with the settlers? HE WAS A PIONEER, in a true sense. 
 
If you learn you STORY, You will KNOW his-STORY...(WHITE man´s Fairy tales)!!! The genesis of Liberia goes FAR beyond the ACS platforms! 
 
We ned a re-write of Liberian History! 
 
C.W

23. 09-01-2008 12:05

History "Pioneers' Day"

Thanks for this wonderful discussion of ideas and possible solution. First of all, Liberia is a country of story tellers and historians, let us remember the foundation of Liberia is our history, let us also measured those who were there before the settlers or {the natives}. Liberia is a multicutltural society with a unique diverse heritage of people. So every history is just as important as others. I command the idealist about this discussion. Once again, thanks. Quote of the day, "A person without knowledge of his past is like a tree without root." History is a retrospect of knowledge that would enable others to learn about multicultural understanding of our motherland {Liberia}

24. 09-01-2008 12:42

Get rid of Pioneers' Day

I can't agree with you more, Cucu Wesseh! That is exactly my point: we need to rewrite Liberia's history because currently Liberian history does not reflect the part played by White Americans. 
 
The so-called Pioneer Day which is a national holiday in Liberia serves only the need of those who migrated to Liberia in the 1800s; it does not serves the need of all Liberians and as such it needs to be done away with! I believe this from the bottom of my heart even though I am a descendant of some of those who migrated to Liberia from the U. S. during that time period.

25. 09-01-2008 12:46

Good Reminder

Cucu Wesseh 
 
I must admit that the point you interjected is worth considering in this debate. 
 
Since we all seem to agree that this piece of land called was Liberia was occupeid before the arrival of the settlers/freed slaves, then we can also argue that the settlers should not be referred to as "pioneers" of the land.  
 
 
Having said that, let me draw the attention of Afro-American to this point raised by Cucu Wesseh.  
 
 
Maybe Afro-American could further write a rebuttal to this point raised by Wesseh.

26. 09-01-2008 13:22

Holiday Celebration "Religion"

The quagmire of religious celebration as a national holiday in liberia is a sensitive issue, can we distinguish between state and religion?, state is base on the CONSTITUTION and religion is base on one's choice and morality in our comtemporary society, can we understand or respect one another choice of religion? and How can one say he/she is christain and not honor others religious celebration. Aagon, please write the ARTICLE on religious holiday and let discuss the issues. Thanks

27. 09-01-2008 14:19

In the interest of unity

Liberia is made up of a diversity of people. How does it contribute to uniting the country when one group contends that Liberia should not commemorate the history of another group? Pioneers’ day simply honors the day that the ancestors of one group arrived on our shores. It is not indicative of any transgression of one group upon another. There were wars in Liberia between natives before the arrival of Americo-Liberians. It was precisely some of those wars that led to Africans being sold into slavery. Does it then follow that their will never be unity between native groups of Liberia because of past internecine activities? 
 
We have to be forward-looking and aspire to that which unites us as a country. Bickering on trivial issues does nothing to foster unity. If the name of a holiday is so consequential then perhaps alternatives could be sought through dialog. We cannot seek to abolish the celebration of events that are important to any group based on reactionary reasoning. We are all Liberians and no one is going anywhere so we must opt for accommodations.

28. 09-01-2008 15:41

In the interest of unity

Who cares it is a day off from the 30 dollars a month job. Pioneer day, unification day, Tubman' birthday just do not call me late for dinner. 
 
These are Liberian at their best arguing over trivia compare to the major problems that confronts the country. How about changing the name Liberia and every coastal city such as Greenville and Harper. It is more important where we go from there than re drawing old battle line to creat more divison.

29. 09-01-2008 19:49

Article leaves lead slot; Poll...

Survey/Opinion Poll will be posted tomorrow as  
"Pioneers Day" In Liberia exits the lead slot.  
 
However, comments posted before the poll will be included. Thanks to all participants in this worthy discussion. 
 
KMS, 
Acting Chairman, Survey Committee

30. 09-01-2008 21:26

Get rid of Pioneers' Day

EL, 
you want to rewrite Liberia’s history to reflect the part played by White Americans, according to your statement “I can't agree with you more, Cucu Wesseh! That is exactly my point: we need to rewrite Liberia's history because currently Liberian history does not reflect the part played by White Americans.”  
 
Was not Robert Stockton, John Caldwell, Henry Clay, Bushrod Washington, Francis Scott Key, Jehudi Ashmun just to name a few, were all white Americans who are already written about in Liberia history? When you and Cucu Wesseh rewrite Liberia's History are you going to write that these people were Black Americans or Indigenous Natives. 
 
Off the topic is anyone listening to the Taylor trial or keep up with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission public hearing or have visit or plan to visit the Albert Porte Library?

31. 10-01-2008 01:30

THE UNBALANCED HISTORY

Post #22. 
 
CUCU, 
 
My attention is being drawn to your striking comments about our powerful traditional chiefs including those famous Kru chiefs who exercised control over the coastal region of Liberia long before the settlers arrived. Unfortunately, those leaders and their stories disappeared in oblivion when most of Liberia’s history was being written. Indigenous and their chiefs were rarely mention-and whenever they were mentioned, indigenous or natives are referred to as "uneducated," "uncivilized” or "hostile tribesmen" and yet there are those who believe Liberian history can’t and must not be re-written in order to reflect the heroic deeds of the native people who accommodated the settlers. What a hard joke? 
 
What Liberians must understand is that our history has been skewed in favor of the settlers and not much has been written about the 'Land and its People' prior to the arrival of the settlers. What we Liberians are instead stuck with as a result is something called, "Heroes & Heroines of Liberia." Is this what we should call history?  
 
As a student, I have read so much about Liberia’s “achievements” (including Tubman’s countless bios) under Americo-Liberian rule while at the same time I heard little about the struggles of great men; struggles of our people. There was King Boatswine. There was also D. Tweh among the many-where are the stories…I want to read more especially about D. Tweh’s struggles with Tubman. [Who is in possession of Dio Tweh’s famous speech?]  
 
What I think natives could do in this case is to set the records straight by adding their version and not to scrap those versions of the 'black or white' Americans. 
 
Meanwhile, I am grounded with Ali Sylla's Post #26 religious question and actually need time to ponder it; but for now, I will stick with moderate Poster #27 (KK. Wilson), who believe we should accept things (our history) the way they are for now "In the interest of unity." 
 
Bro. Linford, thank you for striking this issue for debate. 
 
James Kokulo Fasuekoi

http://liberianforum.com

32. 10-01-2008 08:58

STRUGGLING AGAINST NOSTALGIA

Wheather in Monrovia or Helsinki or Washington, I am a Liberian. It was always thus, and always thus will be... 
 
Eventhough, I enjoy the best of sancturary, relative freedom and some degree of tranquality, my heart aches for improvement in the lives of my Liberian brothers and sisters back at home. I constantly think about their poverty and socio-economic exclusion. The ache will torment me until all conditions in Liberia are improved for the beter. 
 
I am a man of courage and my beliefs. I do not write, nor intend to indulge you anger and dis-satisfaction or my own. 
I know how tempting and easy it is to think that a change of regeime or political leadership is the ultimate solution to our Liberian "SHITUATION"( intetional). But fortunately in retrospect, we have passed that stage1847-1980);(1981-1991);(1992-2002);(2003-2006).  
 
Many of us speak/write of the horrors and problematics of our Nation. But we now need to turn our anger(s) and energies into Synergic Actions for strategic alliances. 
 
We overseas as exiles in the great DIASPORA(Asia, America, Europe)must awaken ourselves, the International Community and Friends of Liberia about our choice foward... We must provide alternative strategies and methods of implementing them to achieve qualitative objectives for development, growth and inclusive social participation. 
 
Thus,it is pivotal to acknowledge that the Only Way forward is a UNITED LIBERIA with Friends of Liberia; supportive of this present democratically elected government in its effort to improve the Quality of Life of the people of Liberia as a National Agenda. 
 
We must exploit our knowledge and skills and empowerment with the weapons we already have - Our freedom to act freely to transfer acquired knowledge back home with ONE unified VOICE and force. 
 
Men of courage, men of Wisdom, men of Deeds!!! Lets rally towards this noble cause, worthy of the attempt! 
 
Remember that the struggle against nostalgia is the vice of every true PATRIOT.

33. 10-01-2008 09:11

Religious Celeobration

Thanks Brother James comment #31 for your religious ASSERTIVENESS. It seems for our democracy to work for the masses, we need to listen to the basic neccesity of the people and purpose of religion tolerance in any society. We as a society need to put it on the table and address it critically and assertively for the common good of the country. {Liberia}

34. 10-01-2008 11:05

All Is Not Lost

As I follow the diverse opinions on this debate, there is one thing I think is still possible. The "re-write" of Liberian history.  
 
 
I do not believe and will not subscribe to any ideas about scrapping the present history of this land, rather I support a revised version of our history to reflect some of the truths of the past that were ommitted by the early historians of Libeeria. 
 
 
My first knowledge of Liberian history was from the book "Heroes and Heroines of Liberia" a history book written by one of the off-springs of the settlers, Mrs. A. Doris Banks Henries. In that book, every story was framed to suit the interests of the settlers almost against the interests of the indigenous. 
 
 
Most of the things the author mentioned may have been stories she heard from her grand parents or parents. And who were those grand parents and parents? Of course children of the pioneers or settlers. 
 
 
The balance of education among the indigenous and settlers' children today was not the same those days. The elites were the settlers and their children. But now that indigenous children have learned some of the past stories of our land, it will be wise to add some of those stories to the book. 
 
 
Bro. Fasuekoi mentioned some of the great tribal kings. Yes these men werer great and had great influences on their people. It is about time to trace their stories and make them part of our Liberian history. 
 
 
I believe this nis not as simple as it may sound, however there is something to build on and that is the present history of our Land of Liberty. 
 
 
All is not lost!

35. 10-01-2008 13:07

Right On Target

The re-writing of Liberia's history will undoubtedly educate thousands or perhaps millions of people. The truth will come out. Some people who showed total disregard for others will now be able to see the mess they or their parents have caused. Let me expound on the subject a little bit. A.G. Linford points out that A. Doris Banks' books were read by a lot of school children in the 60s as opposed to other writers. This is a fact. I am a student of the 60s, my school in Maryland county read a book about "Momo Comes To Town". It's been a long time and so I cannot accurately name the right title. But at the time, one of Banks' books came out too: A boy a girl. What happened next? The book in which "Momo" was the main character, varnished from the scene. Why? It was believed that the author was a native Liberian who's perspective was completely unlike A Doris Banks'. 
Logically, it would have been a great idea for the author of "Momo" to have been encouraged to do even more, it didn't happen. 
 
Another example: For years and years, Our lady of Fatima college in Maryland county, Liberia,( a Catholic Institution) awarded BSc degrees to a host of people in Liberia. The college was authentic and accredited. However, in the 1970s when Tubman's institute was introduced to the Liberian people and the world, the Catholic college that had been in existence for a very long time and a blessing to the poor, was shut out/down. If you're dubious abot this information, contact any "good" Marylander from Liberia to tell you the truth.  
Why did this happen? 
Prejudice based on national origin! I sincerely believe that if competition had been allowed to exist, a whole lot would have been achieved educationally. 
 
The truth will never hide. Liberians will be emboldened. So much will be exposed. 
 
F. Hney

36. 10-01-2008 13:46

Remember & Let go!

I get troubled when I read comments that show anger & division between Liberian's based on classification.I was born in New York City to native parent's & I realized early that it would take maturity for our people to advance.I know my ancestor's were unfairly treated by most of their returning bretheren but I'm more angry at the slave system they were brain-washed by than them.The same brain-washing that had native's selling off native's & has black people bleaching their skin. 
Everything we love about Liberian culture as we know it was formed by Native's & Settler's.Various Tribe's that migrated to the area at different times explains our many Language's & diversity.Settler's came from not only America but all over the caribbean as well. 
We should high-light where we went wrong but not hold on to grudge's that can't change the past or affect the future positively. 
1)Celebrate Pioneer's day under a new name 
2)Institute a native holiday 
3)EMPHASIZE UNIFICATION DAY!! 
UNIFICATION DAY!! 
We Need Unity!!

37. 10-01-2008 14:29

Correcting Liberia's History

My only contention is that we need to focus on the positive things that we need to get done today as opposed to focusing on the negatives of yesterday. If the history of Liberia has not been inclusive of all Liberians, now is the time to correct it rather then allocating blame.  
 
Some prominent native heroes Chief Boatswan, King Sao Boso, King Bob Gray, King Long Peter, King Longfellow were all mentioned in Liberian history. We may take issue with their names being altered to reflect the language persuasion of the dominance of the time, but these were indigenous heroes mentioned in history books. 
 
One of the reasons that one can barely remember these people is because of the structure of the school curriculums in Liberia, which was relatively uniformed across the country. For the most part, Liberian history was studied around second and third grades. Perhaps in junior and senior high, we studied African and world history. Is it any wonder that we won’t remember Liberian history and all of these Native heroes? (I assume they were all heroes as do not remember the details from second grade.) 
 
But the bottom line is, no matter who did what in the past, there is very little we can do about that now. It is more constructive to focus our energy on correcting the history to reflect the collective contributions of all Liberians than directing energy towards why it was not done in the past.

38. 10-01-2008 14:50

Correcting Liberia's History

Hney and others, 
 
You can only "re-write" Liberian history if what's already there isn't true. I think the people saying re-writing actually mean including/adding more to Liberian history.

39. 10-01-2008 15:12

Re-write Doesn't Mean To Undo

VR, Your point is well taken. If you ready my post under #34, I clearly stated that I support the argument to re-write Liberian history. I also mentioned that I do not subscribe to any ideas to scrap off the present historical accounts of our country's past. we can build on what we have already written down on the books, after all that is what we have studied over the years and know well. 
 
 
So to butress your statement, we can re-write the history without doing away with the present history.  
 
 
Even textbooks are updated from time to time to reflect the changing realities of the subjects with time. So history should be revised as often as possibled with new topics added.

40. 10-01-2008 16:53

Observance of Poineer Day

Well I was unable to read through the various contributions on this topic, but certainly you all know that this is not a new topic. 
 
Fighting over the definition of pioneer is fruitless. The word pioneer in this context means the first to explore a territory. In my understanding the pioneers were the first from the continent of America to explore the interior of the pepper coast or grain coast as it was called. Changing pioneers to settlers has no magnitude. 
 
To conclude the rememberance of the pioneers is very important to Liberia and the continent of Africa. Let us not forget that the coming of the pioneers or if you want me to call them settlers helped the abolition of slave trade by tribal chief. Some of you might would have been grandchildren of former slaves. The coming of these people did bring about freedom to people who were being at threat to be sold by our great admired slave trading tibal kings. I will say that let us reinstate the commemoration of Maltida New Port Day as well. 
 
Koilor Kimba

41. 10-01-2008 17:07

ESSENCE OF REVOLUTION AND CHANGE

With regards and in addition to our re-write of HISTORY DEBATE, I´d like to add that SHAME is the only true emotion of a revolutionary...

http://www.tanoke.com

42. 10-01-2008 17:13

Re-write means what it is!

V.R., 
To re-write history doesn't mean to destroy all historical evidence, burn all history books around the world or bang on people's heads to obtain information. If that's how some Liberians see this, a terrible error is being committed. 
For example, a gentleman who wishes to re-model his girlfriend's house or apartment, does not destroy or burn down the complex. Rather, he makes changes on the house to make it more attractive than its previous outlook. Unfortunately, he may lose his girlfriend if he acts stupid and destroys the house or apartment.  
 
Similarly, in this mode of thought, re-writing one's history is first and foremost a nationalistic undertaking. It is an attempt to set the record straight so that mistakes that were made in the past will not be repeated. If this occurs, a terrible price will be paid.  
In real terms, I hate using the word "mistakes" because most of what was written about Liberia (in terms of its history) was intentional and sanctioned by the leaders who ruled Liberia. If a bulk those who participated in the overall development process of Liberia are not accounted for in the history books, bimbo vibrations will not abate, justice will be called "just ice" and the people will not be historically and educationally informed. The current crop of Liberians have a moral obligation to inform and educate its people. We will! We must! We will prevail at all costs!  
 
None of us would like to see unnecessary changes in the history books! All that's being proposed is to set the record straight. I see no harm done here. 
 
 
F. Hney

43. 10-01-2008 17:18

RELIGION

To Mr. James Kokulo F. 
 
Good that you held out on the religious holiday issue... It´s a very sensitive and touchy matter indeed. 
 
However, I just remember that our constitution does not render any special preference to any particular religious Group whatsoever. As far as my poor knowledge serves me Liberia is secular nation with regards to religious belief system and Faith indoctrination. The only thing I know Liberian feared was Communism, but that Phobia is long Dead and Gone in the light of post modernism...

44. 10-01-2008 20:04

Debate Continues

I see more participants on this web site are just arriving for this discussion.  
 
For this reason, our poll will be postponed to the week-end so as to include if not all, but a reasonable number of participants currently on this web site. 
 
Important note: 
This poll will only feature articles with direct questions or solicitation of views like the current one; as this is the basis for a poll.  
 
There will be more than one article to be surveyed at the week-end. Poll will be on Liberia only. Poll conducter, KMS is working overtime to make the result reasonable.  
 
However, this is not a scientific poll.  
KMS, 
Acting Chairman, 
Survey/Poll Committee 
Liberian Forum

45. 10-01-2008 21:23

Where's my Friend Gargar?

Gargar I miss you. I have been looking here on this forum for you. Are you alright bro.? Your input means a lot bro. I Look forward to seeing your post. I hope all is well with you. 
God bless,  
KMS

46. 11-01-2008 01:01

WHAT'S IN THE NAME "PIONEER?"

Post #40 
 
Koilor Kimba, 
 
I certainly go along when you say in (part), paragraph two in your above referenced post that,"Fighting over the definition of pioneer is fruitless. The word pioneer in this context means the first to explore a territory."  
 
Kimba, you go on further to state that "Changing pioneers to settlers has no magnitude." I wonder what so much have you found in the name "Pioneer" that you seem to prefer its usage over "Settlers?" 
 
Among a list of definitions, the WEBSTER'S NEW WORLD COLLEGE DICTIONARY provides for the noun "Pioneer" are: 1. an early settler; 2. being one of the first of its kind; 3. of or characteristic of the settlers of a new territory. So why would anyone have problem with the wording or noun "settlers" when after all, they returned from across the Atlantic and re-settled in their ancestral home? So referring to our Americo-Liberian brothers and sisters as "Pioneers" does not change the fact that they are "Americo-Liberians" or "Settlers" who were re-settled. 
 
That being what it is, whether one is a “Pioneer,” “Settler” or “Americo-Liberian”, what matters is that we are all Liberians.  
 
Kimba, you also wrote in part, your last paragraph: “Let us not forget that the coming of the pioneers or if you want me to call them settlers helped the abolition of slave trade by tribal chief. Some of you might would have been grandchildren of former slaves. The coming of these people did bring about freedom to people who were being at threat to be sold by our great admired slave trading tibal kings. I will say that let us reinstate the commemoration of Maltida New Port Day as well.” 
 
So are you tempted too to believe that the coming of the settlers actually brought about “Freedom” and the abolition of slave trade in Liberia? Perhaps you know more than I do, but from the little I know, I will certainly defer with anyone who would bask into such glory that everything could’ve fallen apart had our brothers and sisters not return to make a declaration of independence.  
 
I think there is a true meaning to the statement that: “Such is the time, such is the condition.” I am of the belief that our people would have overcome all obstacles before them and found a way out of their nightmare had the settlers not arrive. 
 
 
Unlike Ghana, we (Kimba and I) in the first place do not know for sure whether or how many slave stations were established or were active on Liberia’s coast from Grand Cape Mount to Maryland which was presumably the area for the slave business. Furthermore, we have not been able to establish an independent accounts as to how big the slave trade was and the extent to which local tribal chiefs participated. And this is, I think the reason for which we all need to get on our knees to research for our own good as well as for the benefit of posterity. So, until you can provide facts to support your claims that the coming of Americo-Liberians to the green coast halted slave trade and brought “Freedom” to our people, I will treat such claims as a myth. 
 
What I have read from independent foreign writers over the years is about “forced labor” which was not only practice by certain tribal chiefs and the Liberian government but was also practiced by influential Americo-Liberian on an individual basis. The “forced labor” issue must be a true story because it was so rampant that it warranted foreign intervention. 
 
Consequently, I can’t rejoice with you for I know well that the marginalization of a group of indigenous in all aspect of governmental functions as well as the illegal dispensation of the country’s wealth by a small class does not constitute “Freedom” nor is it something to be grateful about.  
 
 
 
As for your plea to “reinstate” “Maltida New port Day as well,” I say, let us first finish the task at hand before we can jump to that. 
 
James Kokulo Fasuekoi

http://liberianforum.com

47. 11-01-2008 05:36

WHAT IMPACT, IF ANY SO FAR?

Gentlemen of great Minds! 
 
When I first glanced at the contents of this Forum, I thought great!  
Furthermore, my impression was that the function of Liberianforum was to serve as a "think-tank" for alternative solutions aim at assisting government officials and civil technocrats in the smooth operations of their duties and obligation to the Nation. 
 
I sincerely hope that am right. Not that every details penned down herein will necessarily have a telling effect on government policies, but possibly influence the outcome of public opinions on Liberia[ path to rebuilding Democracy and rule of law. 
 
Hence, I am incline and compelled to ask- HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT, WHATSOEVER, thus far to this effect? 
 
please englighten me, if you will (anyone) regardng my concern!

48. 11-01-2008 06:17

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND RELIGIOUS SECULAR

Historically Liberia is a culturally diverse and religiously sercular Nation. The very heritage, which I alongside with a significant number of contributors on this forum agree needsds" modification or re-polishing to reflect the true realities of our ancestral past, and modest and challenging present as well as the "Bright" future in years to come. 
 
Our herterogenious nature and characteristics as a diverse Nation stem from those indigenous forefathers, those migrant Africans from the Congo basin, those free settling men of African descend from the "Deep South" of America and the Caribbien:Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Guayana, and Suriname.  
 
The One genetic commonality that we all share is the "blood of Black brotherhood"- the Uniting factor as Africans; that we belong exactly where we are from - Africa, but specifically Liberia our land of Birth. 
 
All of this resonates good memories of my times in London during the late nineties at a Nottinghill Carnival, enjoying sweet calypso music, rice and peas with chicken and okra. And you can imagine the bombastic sound blast of reggae and socca in such an atmosphere and background festivities. 
 
I think we should incoporate a carnival-type celebration either in conjunction with July 26 or then a special day didicated to our Liberian-Caribbien heritage heritage... 
 
What are your thoughts on this cultural diversity issue fellows of wisdom and vision?

49. 11-01-2008 08:36

"Diversity"

Thanks brother Wesseh, diversity is the key to inclusiveness in any social economy structure, black population is connected to mama Africa, we also need more culture diversity traning in Liberia and elsewhere in the world.

50. 11-01-2008 10:47

Ref. Post #27: Falsehood or Unity Talk?

Mr. Wilson, 
 
In Post #27, you raised several points but I want to address two. The first point I want to address has to do with the statement, "Pioneers’ day simply honors the day that the ancestors of one group arrived on our shores. It is not indicative of any transgression of one group upon another." 
 
Okay, Mr. Wilson, let us assume for the sake of argument that you are right in your sentiments about Americo-Liberians celebrating "Pioneers Day," but will you say the same about April 12, 1980 as "National Redemption Day"? After all, and to paraphrase your statement, "National Redemption Day simply honors the day that the first group of Natives became a head of state, a House speaker, a house president pro-tempo, a chief justice, and heads of several cabinet agencies in Liberia. [Hence,] It is not indicative of any transgression of one group upon another" right?  
 
Well, Mr. Wilson, I think you know that many Americo-Liberians did not and do not still consider National Redemption Day "is not indicative of any transgression of one group upon another."  
 
On the contrary, Americo-Liberians think National Redemption Day is a "transgression" against them and this is why they have abolished the celebration of National Redemption Day as a national holiday in Liberia whlie they continued to retain Pioneers Day as a national holiday in Liberia, although National Redemption Day happened only recently in 1980 and Pioneers Day in 1822. Do you see a sense of propositionality in your argument here Mr. Wilson, or you are still promoting the school of thought that what Americo-Liberians did and continue to do in Liberia is good for Liberia, but what Native Liberians did and continue to do in Liberia is bad for Liberia?  
 
I think Mr. Wilson you should understand that the time has passed in Liberia for the promotion of Americo-Liberian interest as befitting the interest of all Liberians when the facts prove otherwise. I think if you are sincere that celebrating Pioneer's Day is not an affront to anyone, then you should advocate for the restoration of National Redemption Day as a national holiday in Liberia, since it is also deemed not to be an affront to anyone.  
 
But I think you and I know that both holidays serve as affronts to those persons who lost their lives during the ushering of both political epochs in Liberia. Pioneers Day came on the backs of the Natives whose land was forcibly taken from them in order to proclaim a new nation that deprived the original inhabitants of not only citizenship, but also the right to excel in Liberia in the political, economic, and educational, and cultual levels.  
 
Similarly, National Redemption Day came on the backs of Americo-Liberians who were not only detroned from power, but many of whose key leaders were killed in the process. Hence, both holidays--Pioneers Day and National Redemption Day are direct affronts to various segments of the Liberian society, and this is why Pioneers Day needs to be abolished just as National Redemption Day was. Otherwise, National Redemption Day will have to be restored. 
 
The second point I want to address has to do with the statement, "There were wars in Liberia between natives before the arrival of Americo-Liberians. It was precisely some of those wars that led to Africans being sold into slavery." Indeed, Mr. Wilson, history will not bear you out that "there were wars in Liberia between Natives before the arrival of Americo-Liberians." Certainly, there might have been periodic wars involving some ethnic groups in the current Liberia, but there is no historical account to show that the natives were not engaged in any constant warfares with intent to eliminate one ethnic group after another until the former slaves came. This is certainly not the case because historical accounts on Liberia showed that the Dey, Vai, Gola, and Bassa ethnic groups welcomed the former slaves to the current Liberia. In other words, a warfare can occur for various reasons as eventually became the case between the Natives and the Americos several times throughout Liberian history as a matter of disagreement over land acquisition and other issues, but warfare was not a way of life for the Natives on the landmass that later became known as Liberia.  
 
As to the second part of your statement, "It was precisely some of those wars that led to Africans being sold into slavery," I think you are turning history upside down. First, I don't think you can provide evidence that "Africans [were] being sold into slavery" as a result of any war between the Natives of the current Liberia. I think the Amistad story (which you can find and read on the internet) is a telling account of how Africans were recruited by European slave-masters and plantation owners that no fantasy about Africans selling other Africans into slavery will hold. At least in 1986 I visited Goree Island in Senegal, the home of the one of two or three major ancient holding posts for African slaves prior to transport to Europe or America, and the historical account I was briefed on by the curator of the Island did not suggest that Africans others into slavery in any true sense of a sale. Second, slavery was considered a major economic commodity for nations of the ancient world just as modern goods and services, so the slave trade was not unique to Africans but Europeans, Asians, and the human race in general.  
 
Third, and most important, the landmass known today as Liberia was never a trading post for slaves, as the people called the Natives of Liberia migrated to that part of the land after the disintegration of key African empires and kingdoms such a the Songhai, Mali, Ghana, etc. Hence, the Dey, Vai, Bassa, and other kingdoms of the current Liberia did not historically exist during the time of the booming cross-Atlantic slave trade, so it is impossible for ethnic wars amongst Liberian tribes to have "led to Africans being sold into slavery" Mr. Wilson. 
 
Besides, historians have found it very difficult in tracing any former Black slaves as originating from any specific country in Africa, so I will be glad for you to point out, Mr. Wilson, which wars between Liberian Natives that "precisely...There were wars in Liberia between natives before the arrival of Americo-Liberians. It was precisely some of those wars that led to Africans being sold into slavery."  
 
I certainly don't think that you claims about Liberian Natives can be validated through historical facts, but I shall await your answers anyway! 
 
Nat Gbessagee 
1/11/08