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Sirleaf declaration to seek reelection in Liberia undermines justice Print E-mail
Written by Tamba D. Aghailas   
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
sirleafpic3When President Johnson of Liberia ran for election in 2005, she made numerous promises to the war-weary people of that nation, promises that have yet to be honored. She pledged then to serve only one term (although there is no law in the constitution that makes such a pledge binding); she promised to make corruption "public enemy number one" (corruption under Sirleaf's watch is rampant and mismanagement of public funds is the order of the day); she promised to combat poverty, crime, and injustice (all these ills continue to plague the country).

President Sirleaf initially accepted to fully implement the findings of Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC); recommendations which called for the prosecution of war criminals like Prince Johnson and al, and a thirty-year ban on war financiers, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Harry Greaves and many others.

After failing to live up to her campaign promises and side-stepping the TRC's report, President Sirleaf declaration to seek reelection undermines justice. The President's decision has the propensity to derail post-war development, reconciliation, and in bringing justice to the people of Liberia.

As many Liberians observed in awe appointments made by the President, the same old goats that changed skins and are now acting in sheepskin, are the ones being named to top government jobs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf poverty reduction strategy has only benefited her political appointees who continue to steal and mismanage public funds that would have otherwise been used for development projects and to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. 

Since taking the helm of this war-ravaged nation on January 16, 2006, President Sirleaf has embarked on a mission to reward loyalists and campaign funders – the same old folks – with high power government jobs have pillaged the local economy and maintained the same oligarchy Liberia's founding fathers instituted for more than a century ago.

Over the course of her presidency, Ellen has continuously argued that she seeks to facilitate the building of a nation that is peaceful, secure, prosperous, where the rule of law and good governance are cornerstone of that vision. However, Ellen has demonstrated the contrary by her failure to hold political appointees accountable for corruption. Her declaration to seek reelection is yet another indication that she will go down in history as a president who chose to disregard the voice of the masses. This is the last straw that broke the camel's back and it has the propensity to lead to the president's eventual downfall.

Corruption has become the norm
Ordinary Liberians have seen dictators come and go, while politicians, both elected and appointed, pillaged public good and crippled the economy. The likes of William V.S. Tubman, Samuel Doe, and most recently warlord Charles Taylor accelerated Liberia’s corruption decadence. More than one and half century of independence, yet Liberia has little to show in terms of development or better living standards (see the CIA fact sheet on Liberia). The country and its ordinary citizens have been respectively reduced to rubble and beggars.  Ellen and her government has only continue that tradition.

In an ECOWAS audit report published on June 18, 2005, several former government officials were implicated in the embezzlement of state funds and outright abuse of the trust of the people. Former vice interim chairman, Wesley Johnson, former interim chairman Gyude Bryant, former minister of commerce Samuel Wlue, former finance minister Lusine Kamara, among others were accused of stealing, falsification of official documents, and misappropriating public funds. The case against Mr. Bryant was lost by the government due to poor preparation by state prosecutors.

In a 2007 report by the US State Department Human Rights, the group noted that corruption and impunity is continuing in many levels of the Ellen Johnson-led government. The former managing director of LPRC (Liberia Petroleum and Refinery Corporation), Harry Greaves, was subsequently forced out after he was caught trying to cover up his corrupt deals at the state-owned corporation. He was never prosecuted.

The same year the Auditor General of Liberia, John Morlu termed the Liberian Government as three-times corrupt than previous regimes. Since then, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) has uncovered several corrupt practices and mismanagement of public funds within government ministries, including finance, telecommunications, gender, information and other public corporations.

Flash forward to 2009, an Elwood Dunn special commission report surrounding the Willie Knuckles scandal, a confidant of the president, linked Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to a $600,000 (six hundred thousand dollars) illicit deal conducted through the president's personal computer. The report, after the reaching the president's desk, was swept under the rug. Mr. Knuckles was eventually forced to resign. He was also never prosecuted. (see http://www.frontpageafrica.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=8011)

Several other audit reports have found gross mismanagement at the Finance Ministry and corruption at the Information Ministry. Like Greaves and Knuckles, Minister Larry Bropleh was recently forced to resign so Ellen could save face, yet Bropleh has not been charged for stealing. The Gender Affairs Ministry; the Telecommunication Ministry's board, among others, the GAC found through its audits, have all mismanaged public funds.

The GAC has gathered enough evidence that can be used to prosecute top government officials caught stealing the Liberian people's monies, but Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been skittish about pursing those officials cited in audit reports. The reason, Ellen may be trying to save face. But it may be too late.
(see http://gacliberia.com/)

A call to action
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf decision to contest the 2011 elections in Liberia only reinforces the rationale that she may be running away from facing prosecution for corruption. Her decision also jeopardizes efforts by the International Community, especially those who have tirelessly worked to bring about an end to impunity on the African continent. It also frustrates the efforts of human rights organizations in that country. What can be done?

Ellen must be pressured to abandon her plans to contest in the next Liberian elections to save Liberia another round of civil conflict. If allowed to run, the war against impunity and war crimes would have been crippled by the decision of one single person, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This will only embolden accused war criminals like Gen. Prince Y. Johnson, Gen. Adolphus "Peter Butter" Dolo, Gen. Butt Naked, Warlord Sekou Demateh Konneh, Alhaji Koromah, among others to resist prosecution by all means necessary.

If we (Liberian patriots, human rights campaigners, and our supporters, the International Community) can bring Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to bear the responsibility of her decision to fund the Liberian war in the 1990s, to respect and implement the TRC's recommendations, other warlords and rebel financiers can be held accountable for their actions and crimes against humanity.

If not, then Liberia may return to a long struggle to end impunity, combat corruption, and bring to book those responsible for crimes against humanity. And I can assure you that we will get the support we need and God's willing, we shall overcome.

____________________-

Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.voiceofliberia.org to lend us a hand in bringing to book war criminals in Liberia.

The author is a freelancer activist and founder of The Voice of Liberia. He is a contributing writer for several online news portals, including the www.voiceofliberia.org, www.TheLiberianTimes.com, liberianforum.com.




Comments (23)
RSS comments
1. 27-01-2010 19:45
 
THE PRESIDENT RESPONSE...
Corruption: A Societal Problem.. 
 
The President made the ongoing fight against corruption part of her annual message to the 5th session of the 52nd National Legislature, which she delivered on Capitol Hill in Monrovia on Monday.  
 
Against this background, the Liberian Chief Executive said corruption, which she has previously described as systemic, has a long history in Liberia. The problem, she acknowledged, has been exacerbated by the recent years of deprivation in which Liberians were left to fend for themselves and to survive by any means possible. 
 
Corruption, Sirleaf explained, is a value system turned upside down by the conscious destruction of institutions and systems that uphold the dignity of labor and honesty.  
 
The President indicated that it was clear a transparent budget and financial reporting process would have to be ensured, the Legislature and the public exercising their specific roles.  
 
It was also clear, she added, that the Civil Service would have to be restructured and proper internal auditing systems established.  
 
Sirleaf also told the lawmakers that she was aware that violators of the public trust should be punished through legal action. To that end, she added, measures aimed at enhancing national integrity were introduced. Some of those measures, the President said, included strengthening the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), supporting and strengthening the Governance Commission (GC) and reorganizing the General Auditing Commission (GAC).  
 
The Executive Branch also established the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and drafted a Code of Conduct to govern the behavior and action of public servants, a Freedom of Information Act, and a Corruption Offenses Act which, she said, are still before the National Legislature.
 
 
The President on the TRC report: 
 
The President also addressed the final and edited Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).  
 
Substantial local and international resources were expended, she acknowledged, and a significant number of man-hours expended by people of the highest caliber, both from within Liberia and from foreign parts – all investments that went into producing the TRC Report. 
 
While one may not agree with all of the findings and recommendations resulting from the report, Sirleaf explained, there is no doubt that it dissects and analyzes the country’s problems and makes meaningful recommendations for the healing, reconciliation, restoration, peace, prosperity and progress of the nation.  
 
The President contended that it is therefore important that all Liberians must carefully digest the TRC Report and make a conscious national determination to move ahead cautiously and strategically in the implementation of the recommendations.  
 
She intoned that things must be made clear, as Liberians strive to understand the contents and objectives of the report.  
 
“Like you, I took an oath to defend, protect and uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia. It is therefore incumbent upon us all to uphold that oath. I recognize that the TRC Report makes several generalized recommendations, to include: (i) Extraordinary Criminal Tribunal; (ii) Domestic Criminal Sanctions; (iii) Public Sanctions; (iv) National ‘Palaver Hut’ Programs; (v) Economic Crimes Investigations and Prosecutions; (vi) Reparation; (vii) and others,” she pointed out.  
 
She said recommendations that relate to criminal tribunal, criminal and public sanctions, economic crimes and investigations have been the subject of great debate since the report was made public. 
 
To deal with that, the President added, she would propose amendments to the Independent National Human Rights Commission (INHRC) Act of 2005 to enable that body to seize itself of those aspects of the TRC report, and to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice to determine those recommendations that are implementable or enforceable under the Constitution and laws of Liberia.  
 
She further told the lawmakers that she would also urge urgent Senate confirmation of those persons nominated to serve the INHCR as Commissioners in order that they may start their work.  
 
Sirleaf told the 52nd National Legislature, however, that she welcomes the recommendations from the TRC report on national ‘Palaver Hut’ programs and reparation as true measures for reconciliation. She pledged her commitment to working with that august body to determine the processes and identify the resources for their implementation, suggesting that the process should start immediately.
 
 
Contrary to your misleading article, the President will implement the TRC recommendations under the Constitution and laws of Liberia. 
 
 
ELLEN SIRLEAF IS THE BEST LIBERIAN PRESIDENT EVER  
 
VICTORY SIRLEAF/ BOAKAI 2011
 
The LiberianPeople
2. 28-01-2010 04:00
 
Dont celebrate yet!
Why should partisans of the "Unity" party celebrate over madam Sirleaf's declaration that she will contest 2011?The fact of the matter is ,the president's statement is nothing to take into serious consideration since she is noted for making statements that she can not live by.she said she was a one term president,today she anounce her 2011 intention.No one knows what she has to say tomorrow.Lets wait and see her on the ballot."When one sets a record of inconsistencies he or she is never taken seriously".Meanwhile,we will be glad to see the president on the ballot as a presidential sapirant. we belive this will allow liberians to show her their satisfaction or dissatisfaction over her six years rule.Though the Montserrado senatorial By- election, which Vice-president Boakai said was a refferendum on the performance of this government shows that montserrado which constitute almost two third of the voting population is not satisfy, the remaining 14 counties need to express theirs.Lets wait and see.A.Mamey
 
A.Ambulah Mamey
3. 28-01-2010 04:08
 
Dont celebrate yet!
There is an old Liberian adage that says "first fool is not a fool, but if you allowed yourself to be fooled the second time then you are a big fool." That goes to say that Ellen fooled the Liberian people the first time during the 2005 presidential election campaign by saying that if elected, she will ensure that Monrovia is electrified by Christmas of 2006, and among other things, promised to fight corruption and hold those involved accountable. Ellen did not achieve any of the above only to succeed in making corruption a way of life for herself and those of her immediate surrounding. I wonder Ellen thinks the Liberian people, despite of their high illiteracy, are stupid enough to be fooled again by her and have elected for a second term knowing the catostrophic clift she has the country hanging by virtue of the way she is recking the economy?  
Truly, Ellen is making a mockery of justice and-if I may add-democracy when she announced her run for a second term-come 2011 in total defiance of the TRC report which bars her and others for 30 years to not partake in politics because of their glaring sponsorship and direct involvement in the 14-year war that snatched the lives of thousands of Liberians and reduced the country to rubble in the aftermath. Are Liberians going to elect this self-centered and corruption-oriented woman for another six-year term so that she will continue to drain the economy? I rest my case,
 
Payee Swen Pupuoh
4. 28-01-2010 04:24
 
Liberian politics.
Personally I would like to see Madam Johnson Sirleaf step aside and let someone new try. 
 
But I do not see or have confidence in any one on the Liberian political Roster, to lead Liberia without the same foundamental problems currently on the ground today. 
 
A re-run of Sirleaf, and weah is not necessary, or appropreate for our small socity. Weah should not run but support another person from his party. If they really want to defect Ellen. 
 
 
Unless a real love for country politician can step up to the place, with plaform and future adgenda for Liberia, Ellen will win again. 
 
This is only my personal view, nothing to do with any political moment or group. 
 
Clinton view is a friendly one, it may not be the view of all Americans. 
 
 
 
By: EM Dispatch  
WASHINGTON -- Barely twenty-four hours after she announced her intention to stand for re-election in Liberia’s 2011 presidential elections, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf received strong moral support from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  
 
During a town-hall meeting with employees of the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., to commemorate her first year in office, Clinton said she was “delighted to hear that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said she will stand for re-election.” 
 
More to follow as news unfolds. 
 
0Copyright Liberian Observer - All Rights Reserved. This article cannot be re-published without the expressed, written consent of the Liberian Observer. Please contact us for more information or to request publishing permission.
 
Thomas Doe
5. 28-01-2010 05:24
 
Dont celebrate! wait for Best of Three
There is no need for partisans of the "Unity" party to celebrarte or opposition to consideer the president's recent declaration as something genuine.When one sets a record of being very inconsistent his or statements are never considered serious. Yesterday,President Sirlesf said she was a one term,today she has declared she wants to be a two term president,who Knows what she has to say tomorrow?Maybe one term, may be two term, maybe amendment for three term or........Meanwhile I welcome the second term decision since it will allow Liberians to express their dissatisfaction or satisfaction over her performance as they did in recent senatorial by-election which was describrd by Vice president Bokai as a refferendum on the government.Wish the president well till 2010 and beyound.A.Mamey
 
A.Ambulah Mamey
7. 28-01-2010 09:43
 
tamba
Tamba the only place in this world for you to live is Agansnatan. I just want to say that 2011 will be VVVY for Ellen, so just shout out.
 
A trued Liberian
9. 28-01-2010 12:28
 
She will win !
This old lady will do what ever necessary to declared herself the winner. Than what? 
 
It will be like the 2005 election. While people making noise, she will be preparing to take office. 
 
Money will close down the Supreme court in day light. 
Liberia, is still Liberia. 
 
The election will be cosmeties 
so the world can say there was an election in Liberia. 
 
Da me say so !
 
Thomas Doe
10. 28-01-2010 13:50
 
Boakai
Boakia, my man, you could have turned your comment into an article as well. It was very long and not many persons believe that comments should be more than 2 paragraphs atmost, especially in response to an article-  
 
However, I think it is not the issue of societal problems but the inability of the president to exercise political will for the sake of seeking political benefits; national interest- the people vs. personal interest- the presidency
 
barclayville boy
11. 28-01-2010 14:04
 
We all have fall short
She is a liberian, and we all been bad. I stole from the Liberian govenrment but the liberian people forgive me. So, let leave Ellen alone.
 
JD Slanger
12. 28-01-2010 15:01
 
If she runs, she violates no laws.....
Mr. Aghailas, 
Your article is appreciated. Your argument has been made properly, but there's a slight difference of opinions from my standpoint. 
 
Johnson-Sirleaf's decision to run for a second term in Liberia does not besmirch justice in any way. Politicians make promises and talk tough because that's what the electorate likes to hear. Johnson-Sirleaf's decision to run for a second term shows how political she is. Her decision shouldn't be all that surprising neither should it be seen as an attempt to begrime or undermine justice. That's politics as usual! Or let's call it politics 101! 
 
The TRC report was plagued with problems originally. An odd number of nine Liberians were slated to do a comprehensive fact-finding job. But when the findings became public, only eight members remained on the panel. Questions were never asked as to why the Methodist Bishop resigned neither was there any attempt made to have the gentleman replaced by an act of legislation or by the president. Furthermore, there weren't any ground rules that stipulated what punishment would be meted on the perpetrators. (Example, if Mr. XYZ is found guilty, this is his punishment.) Additionally, the eight-member panel exempted "some child soldiers" without logically considering the repercussions. In short, the panel did a poor job after so much money was unnecessarily spent.  
 
A good number of "turncoats" are employed in Johnson-Sirleaf's government. Johnson-Sirleaf should do whatever it takes to deal with the thieves in her government. It's part of the job. But, let's be clear: Johnson-Sirleaf's decision to run for a second term does not violate the laws of Liberia. Indeed, she has a right to run!
 
F. S. Hney
13. 28-01-2010 23:29
 
What in the bag ?
By: Alva Mulbah Wolokolie  
MONROVIA – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has disclosed that since the ascendancy of the ruling Unity Party (UP) administration, the country’s national budget has increased from the US$80 million, when she took office, to over US$370 million. 
 
Is this some kind of political point? WHERE IS THE MONEY? Poverty, suffering and unemployement, arm robbery on the increase, SO WHO GOT THE MONEY? 
 
MOST OF IT IN OVERSEA ACCOUNTS? 
 
WHAT IN THE BAG??
 
Check point rebel
14. 28-01-2010 23:37
 
Where were you?
JD Slanger, JUST SHUT THE 'F' 
up. You think Stealing government money should be a normally practice in Liberia? 
 
Where were you? when they the (NPFL) were looking for your at every check point? 
You luck, those boys were looking for you to do your work..
 
Check point rebel
15. 29-01-2010 01:24
 
shameless
JD, you must be ashame of yourself, loser.
 
concern
16. 29-01-2010 11:13
 
Liberians beware
DID ANY LIBERIAN REALLY BELEIVE ELLEN PROMISE OF ONE TERM PRESIDENCY? ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF IS JUST ANOTHER HARD-CORD CONVENTIONAL, AFRICAN POLITICIAN WHO WILL LIED THE WAY THROUGHT ANY MEANS OF HOLDING ON TO POWER. ELLEN NEEDS TO LEARN FROM FORMER PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA, WHO AFTER STAYING IN JAIL FOR SO MANY YEARS CAME OUT, SERVE FOR ONE TERM AS PROMISE AND STEP ASIDE TO PRESERVE IS LEGACY AND RESPECT.MAYBE ELLEN IS TRYING TO TAKE US BACK TO THOSE YEARS,WHEN NEPOTISM WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY,JUST HER, HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. BEWARE LIBERIANS WE ARE LEADING BACK TO THOSE DAYS.
 
Gbokaison
17. 29-01-2010 13:58
 
Check point rebel
Check point rebel, you are the man of the day-I mean to say the currrent discourse. 
 
You are hitting hard facts. Check point rebel, I am "God Bless you gate #1. hahahahaha 
 
These peopole are playing with our intelligence. They think we are fools because we don't have Masters and PHDS. 
 
Na waoo- Oga? YOR ZIP YOUR WIDE MOUTHS-eXACTLY POINT-EXACTLY THE POINT THE PONIT. 
 
DA ME SAY SO!!!
 
KMS
18. 29-01-2010 15:24
 
Check point rebel
Your must jest be deh jah.
 
Borbor
19. 31-01-2010 14:36
 
Check point rebel.
I'll let check point rebel take over. He is not letting any bag pass through his check point without looking inside.. 
 
Check them up, check point rebel. You're the man for the job. Ellen Johnson will NOT WIN this coming election we all know that. 
 
But she will want to force the results on her side, we'll be ready to say no enough is eniugh. 
 
Ellen Johnson must wait on the side, for the war crime court to call her for hearing...She really need to join Taylor. 
 
DA ME SAY SO..
 
Thomas Doe
20. 02-02-2010 14:31
 
Here We Go Again, Thomas Doe............
Mr. Thomas Doe, 
Your predictions about Ellen Johnson Sirleaf are always wrong, therefore, I am not going to lose one inch of my sleep when you make any predictions about her. 
 
What I will do in this debate will be to respond to each of your points from post #19. 
 
#1: Mr. Checkpoint Rebel will make sure that you get stopped and investigated for spreading anti-Ellen rumor. Enough is enough. If Ellen offers you one big-title position in her government, (propaganda coordinator) will you turn it down? Titles is what some of you Liberians like. If you don't calm down about this Ellen business, I will square you off with my Bassa friend, Gargar! Gargar is a man of influence and tremendous power. He eats unfried crabs and hates any kind of monkey meat, cooked or raw. He's not from a county where people fry snails, turkey eggs and cassava for breakfast. Don't test his resolve, man.  
 
#2: While Mr. point checks people up, Ellen will do everything possible to win. She will win, Thomas! What will your candidate do for Liberia? What are your candidate's game plans? With your education, you're amply qualified to represent your counties, Grand Gedeh and Sinoe. But, you're blasting instead of returning home to bring about a change which the Liberian people desperately need. 
 
#3: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has never forced any election results on her side, brother Thomas. She will not do it now or anytime in the future. Thomas, don't believe everything you hear, my man. Ellen's enemies concocted a plan that makes it look as if she cheated during the last election. Thomas, remember this: The home team always rejoices, but the losing side always comes up with excuses, lies and innuendos. 
 
#4: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will not wait on the sidelines. No way! I bet no way!  
Secondly, the war crimes court will be unwilling to try two Liberians at the same time. The first guy that was sent there hasn't been sentenced, hoping very much that he'll be found guilty. No way man, she will not join Taylor. Stop dreaming about that. 
 
Later, Thomas. Calm yourself down and get out of this anti-Ellen groove.
 
F. S. Hney
21. 03-02-2010 05:29
 
Election 2011
Bro. F.S Hney, you've got this whole Ellen johnson issue all twisted. 
 
Ellen may run, she has all rights to do so, as citizen of liberia, and current president. I personally have nothing against that. But she MUST WIN. If the suffering people of liberia refuse to vote for her, she must be willing to give up, and respect the results to save us all the trouble. 
 
I am not confident that Ellen Johnson will FAIRLY WIN this coming eletion. 
 
 
 
I've not place my support behind any candidate, until I know who is in the race, and what their plaforms are for Liberia. All I want is a better Liberia. 
 
F. S. Hney, you're an American citizen why you care about who win election in Liberia?  
 
You think I want to represent any county? I like to be the president of Liberia myself. why you laughing? 
 
There is no such thing as anti Ellen Groove. I've no problem with Ellen as an individual. My problem has always being the government polices, towards living standrads, and National development. 
 
You'll think I could be another kofi woods with official government position? No way, not me. I do'nt play that. 
 
My position has always being the same about Liberian Warlords. They must HAVE their day in COURT. 
 
Taylor is in Court for supporting Sierra leoneans rebels, not for the war in Liberia. At the end of the day, Taylor will be free just in time for the election in Liberia. So that, he too can join the race as a free Liberian citizen. 
 
Taylor and Prince Johnson has got strong support on the ground. F. S. Hney-just keep on dreaming about Ellen Johnson. Remember also that, Washington has to approve who win election in Liberia. 
 
Maybe you have, but I haven seen Ellen johnson and Obama on the same photograph. 
 
Remember President Obama statement in Ghana? Obama said that washington will not support any government that is STEALING from it's people. 
 
F. S. Hney. A local newpaper published a story some time last year. It was about the president of Liberia asking for 2Millions United States dollars to make something happened. 
 
The president was taking the newspaper to COURT, to proof the story. 
 
I was just wondering, do you know what happened to that case? 
 
A former pro-Temple of the senate (EDWIN) Complained that the President of Liberia paid few senators to vote him (the senator) out of him position. 
 
You know what happened to that case? 
 
I could go on and on. Where in the world your employer will catch you STEALING, and they'll say to you, good job, done do it again, go back to work You heard of that any where Chief?
 
Thomas Doe
22. 04-02-2010 09:54
 
Thomas Doe on election 2011
My mom always told me that people who talk plenty can lie. 
Thomas Doe is proving it here.  
"A former pro-Temple of the senate (EDWIN) Complained that the President of Liberia paid few senators to vote him (the senator) out of him position." He is missing facts here, so how can we trust your other writings. 
There has being no President pro tempore of the senate called Edwin in recent time. Check your facts.
 
Patrick Tarr
23. 04-02-2010 15:05
 
Ellen is on the ball, Thomas Doe!
Comrade Thomas Doe, 
 
Stop joking, my man. Johnson-Sirleaf is on the ball. She stands to be "our next" president! It is my hope that you will change your mind and cast a ballot not against, but for Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf in the 2011 elections. Peace! 
 
Yes, Thomas, I am a US citizen. I love it and will do it again. But, I have not forgotten where I was born neither will I ever do so. A majority of Liberia's middle and upper class intellectuals live out of the country. Despite that, our remittances help in terms of stablizing the Liberian economy. I am happy to assist my countrymen and women in that regard. My style is not to insult, denigrate or look down on those who work hard in Liberia. Unlike me, you always land negatively on Johnson-Sirleaf without ever giving her an inch of credit for the few good things she does. Has there been a Liberian leader in recent memory who has performed his or her presidential duties perfectly? If so, name just one! Yes, make my day, Thomas. Name just one leader, if you can! I bet you're scratching your head hoping that I didn't ask you this question. Come on, man! 
 
We Americans, including Hillary Clinton our secretary of states, has endorsed Johnson-Sirleaf. That means something and you know it. I just cannot wait for 2011! I will be ready to celebrate the Johnson-Sirleaf legacy in 2011! I hope you'll be there to jump up and down. If you don't show up, Thomas, I will encourage my buddy Gargar to stuff you up with crow! 
 
The newspaper case you're wondering about is another example of things to come. The fact that you've not heard much about it indicates that Ellen is moving on. Ellen declines to dwell in the past. Shape up, Thomas and present your self like a man who wants to work for his country.
 
F. S. Hney

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