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Exposing NEC Chairman Fromayan: remembering General QUOIWONKPA Print E-mail
Written by Chorphie Charlie   
Friday, 13 November 2009
 This is a difficult question for me to address considering the unconstitutional intrigues surrounding the November 12, 1985's General Thomas Quiowonkpa invasion of Liberia, and my condemnation of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to reject the decision of the Liberian voters.

Ellen won the Montserrado senate seat but refused to take office because of what she characterized as fraud in the 1985 election process. However, in the face of recent pronouncements by the National Election Commission‘s chairman, James Fromayan regarding the fraudulent conduct of the Montserrado senate bi-election, I am compel to honor General Quiowonkpa's memory, on this fateful day, by exposing the thug-life of Election Commission Chairman James Fromayan.
 
According to news reports from Monrovia, NEC Chairman Fromayan alerted Liberian security and UNMIL that the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the leading opposition political party in the nation, had threaten his life-to burn down his home and kill him. What a callous, disingenuous, wicked, reckless, devious, deceitful, and hateful statement from a former war combatant. This statement by the NEC Chairman has upped the political tension already breathing from the fraudulent Montserrado election process, leading UNMIL to expand limited security resources needed for national interest, to provide additional protection for the cowardice election chairman. UNMIL must expand all resources to investigate this political distraction by a former war combatant, now dress as a democratic agent.

To understand this shameful diversion by a former war combatant now serving as Liberia’s election chairman, we need to revisit the November 12, 1985 invasion since we are remembering one of Liberia’s finest military leader, General Thomas Quiowonkpa. Let me state for the record that I condemn the illegal, unconstitutional, and unwarranted military attack against the Samuel Doe government by General Quiowonkpa. I admire both President Samuel Doe and General Quiowonkpa and believe they could have resolve their personal disputes in a more decent manner. It is no secret that one of the reasons for the failed Quiowonkpa’s Invasion resulted from the lack of or poor communication equipments, which should have been the responsibility of Dr. Henry Boimah Fahnbulleh-but a counter coup occurred from inside the ranks of the invading Quiowonkpa’s forces. Reports indicated that the prevailing elites’ miseducated mindset of some Liberians degree holders led to the failure of the invasion and eventual death of not just General Quiowonkpa but countless ordinary Liberians including one of Liberia’s famous and most respected journalist, Charles Gbenyon.

Joe Wylie ignited the mischievous sprite at the BO Waterside when he shot and kill Major Joseph Diah, who was the Commanding General for the invading forces, without the knowledge of General Quiowonkpa. According to Dr. Fahnbulleh own accounts of that fateful day, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was part of this operation but she did not cross the Sierra Leonean border to enter Liberia. The former combatant, James Fromayan was in full military regalia on November 12, 1985. Reports revealed that war combatant Fromayan shot, at point blank, some AFL soldiers, under arrest, right at the entrance of the Barclay Training Center (BTC) military barracks. Kindling a hidden fuel that would in later years lead to the poisoning of former AFL Lt. Col. Anthony Jerlue. I shall return to the Jerlue issue.

NEC chairman Fromayan was no doubt a former foot soldier for Fahnbulleh and, at the same time, a former bagboy for Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Fromayan’s militarism  came to full, in disguise of a scholarship to Ethiopia. At the time, Dr H. Boimah Fahnbulleh was education minister of Liberia and used this position to send several individuals to communist countries, including Russia, Cuba, Libya, and Ethiopia, for military training in preparation to overthrow the Doe’s government. Combatant Fromayan took military training in Ethiopia, allowing him to play an important role in the Quiowonkpa’s invasion. We will get to the point.

During the period between 1990-1994 of the Monrovia city rule by Dr. Amos Sawyer, as Interim president of Liberia. Combatant Fromayan served in a position of deputy education minister and was one of the senior military officers of the defunct Black Beret forces, according to sources. Combatant Fromayan was also a founding military strategist for the erstwhile LPC rebel militia. If one examine carefully, one will appreciate the relationship at the time existing between the Black Berets , LPC, and the Armed Forces of Liberia against Charles Taylor’s NPFL. In later years, similar relationship existed between LURD and MODEL rebels to oust the government of president Charles Taylor. Both LURD and MODEL were mostly remnants of the Doe’s AFL.
Thus, combatant Fromayan had enjoyed a smooth relationship with former members of the AFL throughout the Liberian civil wars, and up to the time of the election robbery that made Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf president of Liberia. We are getting to the point.

Upon Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf assuming the Liberian presidency, she immediately dissolved the full national army-Armed Forces of Liberia. This was no restructuring program but a pure Machiavellian ploy promoted by Fromayan and others superior ellenists to have a squashed grip on power. The dissolution of the AFL detonated a political bomb in Liberia when former AFL soldiers took to the streets demanding their salary areas. The leader of the protesting former AFL soldiers, at the time, was former Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Jerlue. Col. Jerlue was a very trained military officer and had been very instrumental with most of the anti-Taylor activities. Reports indicated, that the trained military man felt betrayed by the new Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf administration, considering the sacrifices they [former AFL members] have made to oust Taylor, he insisted they must get paid. A plan was hatched to eliminate former top officers of the AFL to rid the embarrassment the soldiers’ protest was causing the new Ellen’s administration. We are there now.

The famous “Rock,” late General Charles Julu was arrested for attempting to overthrow the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf government. Later Lt. Col. Jerlue disappeared from the face of the earth, after he was arrested by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s security forces. Fresh unconfirmed reports indicates that Lt. Col. Antony Jerlue was poison by some Liberians who  were hired by people inside president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf network. Those hired hands  are holders of American passports and have recently been demanding their full payment from NEC Chairman Fromayan because they believe that Fromayan is getting huge pay from the conduct of the Montserrado senate bi-election. So why is Fromayan saying the CDC wants to kill him?

NEC Chairman James Fromayan, is crying wolf by blaming the CDC of plotting to burn his home and kill him, because he wants to get increase state security, to protect him from his past association. CDC lost the presidential election in 2005 and never engaged in any violence, and CDC has no violent history, unlike Fromayan with a violent history dating to November 12, 1985. Fromayan is still a combatant disguise as a democrat, and is only  threatening an indirect war on the people. Fromayan, the Liberian people know your violent and combative history and will not cow under your devious plot to rob them of their votes in this Montserrado election. No way combatant commission!

On the altar of Jehovah, I pledge undying resistance to fraud elections. Above all else, the people’s struggles must continue. It is time to build a BLOJU NATION. Excuse me while I throw out!
_______________________

About the author:
Chorphie Charlie is a social and political commentator who resides in Philadelphia. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it




Comments (52)
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1. 13-11-2009 06:57
 
Liberia is still bleeding
Hmmmmmm! Hmmmmmmm! 
Thanks alot for the real story behind this big elephant meat we call our home ( Liberia) i am shocked from Chorphie's true story on Jame Fromayan and those who pretend showering love for this country Liberia. 
where is Liberia heading? 
she is crying blood to see the same old power greed in offices. 
Liberia is crying. 
i fore see another war coming to Liberia. this not in the bushes but,
 
B.Augustus Gbain
2. 13-11-2009 08:31
 
real gbanapekin
this entire article is a fable we are not going to waste our time reading here.pls do ur 14 hrs job and sleep well. 
joe
 
joe king
3. 13-11-2009 11:21
 
Ancestral Bekehkeh
**Liberia, your ancestors are crying. This continued political rape is before them. It is an abomination. Wash your hands clean of the blood that soaks their graves. Turn away from that which greaves their spirit. Heed the cries of their subsequent generations. Liberia is a gift to you: A protectorate of your identity; a legacy from the Creator; a sacred heritage. Liberians, you are one mama’s children, no matter where you hail from, Africa is in your blood. Stop wasting precious blood. Without you humanity dies. 
Without you Africa dies. Liberia make atonements. Let noble be your marking. Let honor be your practice. Let justice be your guidestick. Let freedom be your star. Liberty is your name. Blessed is your  
being. Heal from your wounded history; turn toward your glorious destiny: Decide to do it now. The seasons keep on passing, the grounds are steady moving... Stop spoiling our people’s name. Stop taking them from their dreams.** 
 
Brought forth by:  
DekBonga Sistah Duffy
 
Sis Duffy
4. 13-11-2009 12:26
 
let Fromayan resign
Fromayan has cheeply marketed his inability to conduct 2011 elections.The illresponsible manner in which the recent montserrado senatorial by_electioin was conducted points to the fact that this FROMAYAN has lost track of conducting free,fair and trancepent elections which is a major determinant and guarantor of peace, security,and democracy.WHAT irresponsibility?It not strange that citizens stood for more than 4hrs before election officers could arrive a situation that lead to people leaving the lines which resulted to low turnout in the election.it is not strange that citizens left from one polling center to another in search of the rigth polling center to vote after they were told that they could not vote to where the voted in 2005.It is not strange that people with legitimate IDCARD names were missing from NEC log.People went to vote when some one had voted for them earlier.This was not strange to me as Unity party was paying people just to collect their voter ID numbers,polling center numbers and names.This same man refused to maintain the original polling centers from 2005 durring the voting card replacement period.His greatest arguement was there was no fund to maintain the orriginal polling center since infact everybody was not replacing card.Hence the centers were reduced, a situation that caused some very courageous citizens to walk far distances to renew their cards while others fell furstrated and could not go to renew their cards.I again told this same man that the amount of money needed to conduct free and fair election where polling centers will be accessable to the people is by far less the amount to confront electiion distruction.After reducing the centers during voter cards replacement period,this same Fromayan whose arguement, one week ago, was "there is no money" increased the polling centers more than the original number in 2005 adding more than ten new centers.What for?After increasing polling centers,one day to election we manage to identify more than 23,000 GOST name on the final roster of the NEC.A statement Fromoyan confrimed but said it was a mistake.What mistake?IF this man can not conduct himself and activities of the commission in a responsible manner just for a by-election it will be very dangerous to intrust the future of our country,our juvinile democracy,fragile peace in the hands of this  
guy.While fluctuate the polling centers and number of qualified voters .we will not rest until FROMOYAN who poses threat to the future of this state leaves the National Elections Commission. fututre
 
A.Ambulah Mamey
5. 13-11-2009 12:26
 
KING GEORGE.......
CLAM further indicated that “football language is completely different from political language.” 
 
The release, signed by CLAM’s secretary general, Jerry N. Nyenpan and approved by Julius T. Dweh Jacesen II, chairman, said the statements by Weah were not only reckless, irresponsibly undemocratic, undiplomatic but also immature. 
 
FOXNEWS-FPA IS A MANUFATURED NEWS SITE 
 
 
RELECT ELLEN SIRLEAF 2011
 
TheLiberianPeople
6. 13-11-2009 13:00
 
I am not getting it.
Mr. charlie, 
So many words but no clear picture. What are you really saying? James Fromyan was involved in the Quiwonkpa invasion and is ally of Ellen and the senate election was flawed? someone may need to help me to understand your point. 
 
John Toe
 
John Toe
7. 13-11-2009 18:52
 
Quiwonkpa, right man, wrong time
The right man, but the wrong time 
Make no mistake the Nov-12 invasion was uncovered by the CIA and Israelites highest security service (Mossad), long before the invaders descended on Liberia’s soil. Without revealing some classified info or naming covert agents, let me provide a diagram, which may aid your analysis of this infamous event. When President Doe and Gen. Quiwonkpa parted, Quiwonkpa moved to the United States, under the watchful eyes of American intelligence agents (CIA, FBI, Secret Service etc). During this very period, military and economic aid from the United States to Liberia surpassed all countries in sub-sahara Africa, because according to Secretary Cohen, “President Doe was our [United States] point man”. Furthermore, Doe admired President Ronald Reagan and America. “He was willing to consider any request from us” (Cohen). Additionally, Doe fascination with Israelite military, coupled with pressures from the US, led him to normalize relation with Israel against the collective will of OAU. Samuel Doe was now enjoying full military support and protection of Israelite Mossad. In addition to the Israelite trained SATU guarding the presidential palace, Doe was assigned 75 secret Mossad operatives to protect him inside Monrovia.  
Meanwhile, in Jan of 1985, Doe informed the US govt that the single most prevailing threat to his govt was Gen. Thomas Quiwonkpa, who now resides in Maryland, USA. Interestingly Quiwonkpa was invited to West Point Military academic by the US govt. One night, during a covert operation at RIA, involving arm transport to UNITA, in Angola, a package was delivered to Doe (intelligence on Quiwonkpa activities in America). It was during this same period that certain prominent Liberia officials convinced Mr. Yuan to bring Gen. Quiwonkpa on board. Well, the rest is a know history.
 
The insider
8. 13-11-2009 20:03
 
Thomas Gonkama Quiwonkpa
a man that could have still been alive today had he known that a soldier is to be steadfast and courageous. a soldier is a man who does not hesitate when he sees an opportunity. a soldier is to take advantage when opportunity prevails itself. a man of peace does not stage a coup. a man who is friendly , does not try to over throw the government this is run by his friend. in a coup , men go out to spill blood and if a man plans to stage a coup and does not want to spill blood, it is best that he remains put .reasons are , those who he might want to unseat, will do everything possible to remain in power. power is such a unique thing that can transform a human into a beast and only in few instances,had power changed a beast into a human. may the soul of Thomas Gonkama Quiwonkpa and all those that his failed coup caused to die rest in peace.
 
J. D.mends cole Gborr
9. 13-11-2009 20:29
 
Mr.
Mr. Chorphie Charlie, 
It is one thing to criticize NEC chairman James Fromoyan for a slippy job during the Montserrado bi-election; and another thing to blantantly LIE about Fromoyan's record. I happened to be one of those that went to Ethiopia for Adult education training. James Fromoyan was not one of those that was on that delegation, during the Quiowonkpa invasion, James Fromoyan was in school in the Hague. 
The internet is a good place for us to engage in serious debete about how to reconstruct our wrecked country, but I do not think that it is a healthy dialogue for Liberia or ourselves if the debate is not truthful. 
Stop being a tribalist, you do not say anything bad about the real murderers like Charles Julu and others. 
Have we all forgotten that James Fromoyan, Ezekiah Pajibo, Lucia Massaly and others spend more than one year in the notorious Belle Yella prison on the orders of President Samuel Doe? James Fromoyan is amongst those who sacrifice for the freedom we are enjoying in Liberia today. 
I just wanted to set the record straight for you, Mr. Charlie. 
Tolo Bonah Corfah 
St. Paul,MN
 
Tolo Bonah Corfah
10. 13-11-2009 21:05
 
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM!
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM! 
 
First of all Charlie, what you called personal dispute between Doe and Quiowonkpa was not personal at all. The dispute between Doe and Quiowonkpa was about the fundamental direction of the country. Quiowonkpa wanted the military to return to the barracks and not be part of the 1985 elections while Doe wanted the military to take part in the elections. As you can see Charlie, this was not a personal thing for Quiowonkpa but a principle stand for the good of the nation and its people. Quiowonkpa knew that the military was not compatible with democratic rule - even if the military person changes his uniform for a civilian clothes. 
 
You see Charlie, changing clothes is not the same as changing mind-set. Doe as a military man was not going to change what he was predisposed to - the dictatorial tendencies of the military. Quiwonkpa was sophisticated to understand that but Doe was all about greed and power. 
 
It is just laughable to compare a senatorial election to the elections in 1985 that had the future of the nation at stake. Here is a senatorial election that is not yet complete and you are clamming fraud without indicating what the fraud is. What will be your reaction if CDC wins the election? Will you call on CDC not to take the seat because there was fraud? 
 
Now we know why you want another dictator in waiting, King George Weah, to be president of Liberia. You are still reminiscing about your other dictator, Samuel Doe, and longing for your good old days under Doe when Liberians were killed for just expressing their freedom of speech - opposition leaders had to run for their lives never to return to their beloved country - when students were raped and killed on UL by Doe security guards - on and on atrocities with complete looting of the country by Doe and his friends like you. I see why you are a bitter person. People like you can only operate under a dictatorship and not an open and fair system. 
 
What you called unconstitutional is really constitutional because it is the right of the citizens to remove from power any leader that is a despotic - a leader who has no problem killing others just for speaking their minds - an intolerant leader. 
 
Every nation that has the kind of freedom we enjoy in Liberia today had to pay the ultimate price and we are no different. The price that we paid will be a reminder to us and generations to come that we should never take for granted the freedom we have. 
 
No matter what you and others who were enjoying under Doe while the rest of the nation suffered say about those that fought to bring real freedom, their contribution in removing the dictator Doe will always be recognized by the freedom loving people of Liberia. 
 
 
 
VICTORY SIRLEAF/ BOAKAI 2011
 
TheLiberianPeople
11. 13-11-2009 22:17
 
communication rules
I am not a professional writer, but I know all who claim to be a professional writers should know the rules about communicating on the web. This article betrays that rule. The sentences are cumbersome and their meanings obscured. The ideas are incoherent, leaving the reader to wonder what message the writer is passing on. Are we to read about the November 12 and its consequences or about the senatorial election? There is nothing to connect the two episodes. It seems the writer aim was to vent out his anger at Mr. James Fromayan and president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Unless a writer examines his/her own biases and assumptions, the product is always one of hasty generazation and confused juxtaposition of events.
 
Donzo, Sekou
12. 14-11-2009 14:24
 
What is this article really about?
Charlie, 
I am going to try hard and be direct and sincere with you -- this article lacks any central idea; it lacks coherence, it relies entirely on misleading information; and draws conclusions on pure subjective truths. 
 
1) Your article lacks a thesis: 
 
It is difficult for anyone reading this article to really understand what your argument is; or at least, what you want us to learn from reading it. The basic strategy in writing of this nature is to state that cardinal point(s), at least, in the beginning paragraph(s).Unfortunately this is missing in this article. You leave the reader wandering on what you actually arguing about.  
 
You begin the article with an expression of your frustration over the November 12, 1985's failed coup and the refusal of Ellen Johnson to take up her senatorial seat won in 1985. 
Is this article about remembering Quiowonkpa? Is it about Ellen’s refusal to take up her senatorial seat in 1985? Or is it about Fromayon and fraud at the Elections Commission? If your heading is about to help us find the direction of your argument, then your opening paragraph is a clear spoiler. 
 
2) Your article lacks coherence and at times highly contradictory: 
 
There are many instances, but I will point you to a few. 
 
You write in paragraph 2:  
"Ellen won the Montserrado senate seat but refused to take office because of what she characterized as fraud in the 1985 election process. However, in the face of recent pronouncements by the National Election Commission‘s chairman, James Fromayan regarding the fraudulent conduct of the Montserrado senate bi-election, I am compel to honor General Quiowonkpa's memory, on this fateful day, by exposing the thug-life of Election Commission Chairman James Fromayan." 
 
How does Ellen Sirleaf’s refusal to take up her seat, in your opening sentence, relates to the rest of the paragraph? A paragraph is supposed to have a unifying theme. Regrettably, this one goes all around the place-- from Ellen refusal to take her seat, to the fraudulent elections, to honoring Quiowonkpa, to insulting Fromayan.  
 
In paragraph 3, you suggest that we need to understand the Nov.12 coup to understand the diversion of Fromayan; why? What diversionary tactics have Fromayan exhibited that requires revisiting Nov.12? Besides failing to establish the relationship, you go to say that you condemn the action of Quoiwonkpa but admire him at the same time. Is this really true? Can you sincerely do both? The rest of the sentences in paragraph 3 are only descriptive about the Nov. 12 failed coup and do nothing to support the topic sentence of the paragraph, if any.  
 
 
3) Your article is replete with imaginary generalizations: 
 
You claim that the CDC is the leading opposition political party in the Nation. What do you really mean? Leading in what context? This statement has no absolute truth, so to speak. While it may be true that the CDC (a social movement in my opinion more than a political party) seems to have a large following, its contribution to the political environment in Liberia is so far abysmal and therefore challenges your assertion. I believe, in terms of quality, the Liberty Party is the leading opposition party. So, I hope you see my point! 
 
On the issue of the AFL, you write: “Upon Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf assuming the Liberian presidency, she immediately dissolved the full national army-Armed Forces of Liberia.”  
 
This is actually untrue. The restructuring of the AFL was a cardinal component of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of Ghana 2003. It was agreed upon by members of the warring parties. The implementation of the process was left with the elected government – that is the simple fact. 
 
 
Bro. Charlie, we have learned, from middle school that our arguments must be supported with examples and facts to reach valid conclusions – our conclusions must always be based on the facts that we used to argue our points. When we failed to do this, we necessarily hurt our reliability and the validity of our arguments. I am sorry that your article fails this basic test – most of your points are invalid and your credibility highly questionable. 
 
I understand that it is sometimes hard for us to remove our personal biases from our writings. This can actually be more difficult when we allow our emotions and frustrations to overtake our objectivity when we write. In spite of these challenges, we must always hold true a primary tenet of academic integrity – honesty-- and rely on our conscience – we achieve nothing when we knowingly decide to embellish the truth just in order to satisfy a selfish ego. No! This is not the essence of learning! Peace, my brother!
 
Patriotic Liberian?
13. 14-11-2009 17:52
 
Criticism lacks substance
Well, again, I can appreaciate the insults and poor comprehension on the part of most of my critics. It is part of the intellectual debate and so I celebrate your right to criticize me just as I value my own right to criticize your incompetent Ellen government.  
 
Patriotic Liberian; I think you only did 100 level writing courses, so I don't blame your poor comprehension.  
 
Ask your man Sekou Donzo, he wrote: Code:
There is nothing to connect the two episodes. It seems the writer aim was to vent out his anger at Mr. James Fromayan and president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
 
 
I don't know how Sekou manage to know my aim yet cannot connect the ideas. It seems all you critics are operating on emotionalism. Anyway, I admire your no hold bars treatment. Thanks !!! :grin
 
Chorphie Charlie
14. 15-11-2009 03:08
 
Your insultss do not negate the poor qua
Charlie, 
 
My attempt to respond to your poorly wriiten and confused article was to point out the flaws in your essay. I attempted to be brief and so avoided a paragraph bu paragraph critique of your article. however, it seems that you are more interested in insulting the intelligence of your critics than proofing them wrong. 
 
To be sure, I aoided placing any emphasis on the overall mechanics of your essay--I avoided the temptation of criticizing your sentence strucure, spelling erros, and punctuations-- for the sake of promoting a civil dialogue, I only oncentrated on your overall thesis or there lack of.  
 
yet, in your attempt to avoid the obvious weakness in your essay, your have attempted to attack my academic qualification. You have clearly choden the wrong fight. I will henceforth provide you a more detailed critique of your essay in a subsequent response.  
 
before then, let me simply remind you that you are a very bad writer. there is nothing much that you have written that validate who you want us to believe you are--you have a long way to go before you become a good writer--KEEP TRYING!
 
Patriotic Liberian
15. 15-11-2009 03:21
 
The CDC lives on mediocracy
Charlie, 
I am really sorry if you are one of the so callaed political commentator of advisor to the CDC. The poor quality of your argument only suggests to me that the CDC on appeal to the very poor quality of acdemic talents Liberia has. It is a shame that you write so poorly and yet consider yourself a social and political commentator. Are you on eof the guys hoping that Weah becomes president so you can have a ministerial positon? Is this how low Liberian politics have degenrated?  
 
You are accusing President Sirleaf of being incomeptent; yet, you forget to acknowlwgde the poor and corrupt behabiors of your Legislators -- open your eyes and see that your CDC party ha given Liberia the most unproductive legislators in history-- George Mulbah for example.  
 
It is sad that you know so little of the workings of the Liberian Governament but yet consider yourself a politicl commentator--it is really unfortunate.
 
patriotic liberian
16. 15-11-2009 05:24
 
The CDC lives on mediocracy
thanks for reading between the like
 
vasu
17. 15-11-2009 06:12
 
Disappointed
If the writer of this article is sincere and meant well, he would have accepted the valid criticism of Posts 11 and 12. I don't need to elaborate on what Posts 11 and 12 have brought out. Charlie must accept what has been brought out and be willing to improve. All Mr. Charlie's articles anywhere seem to have more problems. Can't he learn? I don't want to believe that others find it gratifying to "always" point out 'mistakes and inconsistencies" and the "vicious anger" that are found in Mr. Charlie's articles. Please grow up so that your writings can be accepted like anyone's. Your refusal to accept correction suggests you may have problem with the English language, Charlie. Look at what Patriotic Liberian did by timely examining what you did not do, and with examples from the same work, and yet Charlie you come back trying to save your face with some incoherent justification. Look at what Sekou wrote about what is wrong and you are unhappy about it. Though you may have 'degrees' in something but not in English Composition because wherever your articles appear, people find it difficult to understand who you are saying. The only thing people understand is the "vicious anger" and "disrespect" that, beside, George Weah, you vomit against the government in Liberia. I pray that you will see wisdom in what I am saying and what others have said so that your articles will have the ordinary common understanding as how articles are written. Let me suggest what you must do: Find someone to edit your work for you. If you may someone let me know because I am of a fellow who can of great help to you.
 
Joe Blow
18. 15-11-2009 07:48
 
The things we write
Be mature and learn to accept constructive criticism Charlie. What your readers are saying is that your article lacks subject matter. Your best approach should be clarification of your article and not an insult at some of your readers. Also, be mindful that the proper spelling of the name Quiwonkpa is not Quoiwonkpa as indicated in your heading. Try and do better next time.
 
Tina
19. 15-11-2009 10:20
 
writing tips from my Middle School notes
Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper 
 
The following sections outline the generally accepted structure for an academic argument paper. Keep in mind that these are guidelines and that your structure needs to be flexible enough to meet the requirements of your purpose and audience. 
 
Introduction 
 
You should answer these questions by doing the following: 
1.Set the context – provide general information about the main idea, explaining the situation so the reader can make sense of the topic and the claims you make and support 
2.State why the main idea is important – tell the reader why s/he should care and keep reading. Your goal is to create a compelling, clear, and convincing essay people will want to read and act upon 
3.State your thesis/claim – compose a sentence or two stating the position you will support with logos (sound reasoning: induction, deduction), pathos (balanced emotional appeal), and ethos (author credibility). 
Thesis Checklist 
Your thesis is more than a general statement about your main idea. It needs to establish a clear position you will support with balanced proofs (logos, pathos, ethos). Use the checklist below to help you create a thesis. 
 
Make sure you follow these guidelines when creating your thesis: 
 
•A good thesis is unified: Detective stories are not a high form of literature, but people have always been fascinated by them, and many fine writers have experimented with them (floppy). vs. Detective stories appeal to the basic human desire for thrills (concise). 
•A good thesis is specific: James Joyce’s Ulysses is very good. vs. James Joyce’s Ulysses helped create a new way for writers to deal with the unconscious. 
•Try to be as specific as possible (without providing too much detail) when creating your thesis: James Joyce’s Ulysses helped create a new way for writers to deal with the unconscious. vs. James Joyce’s Ulysses helped create a new way for writers to deal with the unconscious by utilizing the findings of Freudian psychology and introducing the techniques of literary stream-of-consciousness. 
 
Body Paragraphs: Moving from General to Specific Information 
 
Your paper should be organized in a manner that moves from general to specific information. Every time you begin a new subject, think of an inverted pyramid - the broadest range of information sits at the top, and as the paragraph or paper progresses, the author becomes more and more focused on the argument ending with specific, detailed evidence supporting a claim. Lastly, the author explains how and why the information she has just provided connects to and supports her thesis (a brief wrap up or warrant). 
The four elements of a good paragraph (TTEB) 
A good paragraph should contain at least the following four elements: Transition, Topic sentence, specific Evidence and analysis, and a Brief wrap-up sentence (also known as a warrant) – TTEB! 
 
1.A Transition sentence leading in from a previous paragraph to assure smooth reading. This acts as a hand off from one idea to the next. 
2.A Topic sentence that tells the reader what you will be discussing in the paragraph. 
3.Specific Evidence and analysis that supports one of your claims and that provides a deeper level of detail than your topic sentence. 
4.A Brief wrap-up sentence that tells the reader how and why this information supports the paper’s thesis. The brief wrap-up is also known as the warrant. The warrant is important to your argument because it connects your reasoning and support to your thesis, and it shows that the information in the paragraph is related to your thesis and helps defend it. 
 
Conclusions 
 
Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research. The following outline may help you conclude your paper: 
In a general way,  
•restate your topic and why it is important, 
•restate your thesis/claim, 
•address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position, 
•call for action or overview future research possibilities. 
Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message. 
The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers: 
1.Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction). 
2.Tell them (body). 
3.Tell them what you told them (conclusion
 
Patriotic Liberian
20. 15-11-2009 11:31
 
America allow us self destruct.
Fellow countrymen, Why all the noise? Let assume Liberia had huge deposit of crude oil in our territorial waters, they would not allowed Quiwonkpa to have defected, fled the country and become misled by Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and others to launched the invasion. If we had crude oil, there would be no war entering Liberia from the Ivorian border either. America John Peter Devose, then ambassador would have persuaded his government to stopped the carnage that claimed more than 350,000 lives. So, if you don't know America got no friend but interest. I hope we will all learn from our mistakes.... and rebuilt our country.
 
Eddy Dolo
21. 15-11-2009 11:33
 
America allow us self destruct.
Fellow countrymen, Why all the noise? Let assume Liberia had huge deposit of crude oil in our territorial waters, they would not allowed Quiwonkpa to have defected, fled the country and become misled by Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and others to launched the invasion. If we had crude oil, there would be no war entering Liberia from the Ivorian border either. America John Peter Devose, then ambassador would have persuaded his government to stopped the carnage that claimed more than 350,000 lives. So, if you don't know America got no friend but interest. I hope we will all learn from our mistakes.... and rebuilt our country.
 
Eddy Dolo
22. 15-11-2009 17:02
 
Let get the name right
To post #18 
The name is Quiwuonkpa  
Gen. Quiwuonkpa was a great man and for the love of Liberia he let himself to be fool by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other for their own selfish game and I pray that Gen. Quiwuonkpa and all those Liberian that lost their lives on nov. 12, 1985 soul rest in peace.
 
True Liberian
23. 15-11-2009 17:56
 
homourous criticism
Tina and Joe Blow, I am really laffing here. What are you guys talking about?Tina says: "Be mature and learn to accept constructive criticism Charlie. What your readers are saying is that your article lacks subject matter." So r u saying just because my critics say so that means it is true? Aye ma! Don't debate like that. But remember ur key phrase is 'constructive criticism" which was not the case. 
 
Joe Blow says, : "If the writer of this article is sincere and meant well, he would have accepted the valid criticism of Posts 11 and 12." Joe , just because you guys say so does not mean that your criticism is valid. If we go by your logic then there was no need for anybody to criticized me, since I am also criticizing someone else. Not just because me or anyone criticizes another person means that such criticism is valid. The arguments made by my critics are silly.  
 
So far, of all my critics, only one person attempted to make a valid argument. And that is Tolo Corfah. I am rechecking my facts before responding to Tolo. 
 
Patriotic Liberian is making an academic argument as he puts it, "The following sections outline the generally accepted structure for an academic argument paper." He listed his structure. But what PL failed to understand is that, this article is not an academic paper. Moreso, his reasoning that all papers must begin with a thesis statement in the frist paragraph robbed him of his school fees. Thus, I responded to him in like manner, since he raised an academic argument by saying that he only took 100 english course.  
 
Look fellow readers, I love criticism and I welcome criticism but when people engage in intellectual combat as most of my critics have behaved , I am left with other option but to fire back! We are not in the classroom here. So if some people don't have an advance social understanding, all they can do is ask questions instead of shooting from the hips, on bended knees.
 
Chorphie Charlie
24. 15-11-2009 19:30
 
Be careful first
Patriotic Liberian, 
I appreciate your desire at helping others improve their writing skills but I am greatly disappointed that your post # 12,15 and most glaringly post #14 are inundated with errors. Your Post # 14 is infantile. You would have simply given the link to the website from which you copied a guideline for good writing rather than posting others’ work as yours. 
I hope you can take note and practice what you preach.
 
Naomi Brown
25. 15-11-2009 19:57
 
Vantage Chorpie Charlie
Sir: 
You leave your reading audience in a quandary when you write like this... 
 
Your piece is supposed to be exposing the elections commissioner and Remembering General Quiwonkpa, but you start off with: "This is a difficult question for me to address considering the unconstitutional intrigues surrounding the November 12, 1985's General ..." What is the question, Mr. Charlie?! 
 
At first glance, your piece seems like an interesting juxtaposition, but as one continues to read,it is hard to overlook the sense of "nothingnesss" and verbiage that accompany the rest of your paper...  
 
Mr. Charlie, writing is not your fortay(urban parlance for forte or strength). I don't see how you can fancy yourself a social commentator! I reckon the term "social commentator" can be used loosely by any jackscrew who has enough gumption to write off key like you... 
 
Thankfully, Ms. Naomi is in your corner; I expect her to extol this other "great piece of writing" by you... 
 
Sorry, the rest of us are not yet sold.... 
 
Holler- 
Paul Jackson :(
 
Paul Jackson
26. 15-11-2009 21:07
 
Free Education
If I were Chorphie Charlie I will say a big Thank You to Patriotic Liberian, for the free education he has volunteered here. I have personally learnt a lot from Post 19, and I have even copied it for future reference. Thanks for this particular post, even if Charlie fails to acknowledges it, you have done many of us a good service, and it is free of charge. Let those who ears understand!
 
Joe Blow
27. 16-11-2009 00:17
 
Paul Jackson proves Patriotic Liberian w
1. Paul, I appreaciate your question. But let me first address this. You wrote, "Your piece is supposed to be exposing the elections commissioner and Remembering General Quiwonkpa." I am wondering how did you determined that was the intent of the piece? I ask because our man Patriotic Liberia says he does not know what the piece was about. 
 
2. Patriotic Liberian wrote, "writing tips from my Middle School notes." PL, I keep telling you to take away your elementary writing notes from here. I respect the reading audience here and know that they have a higher level of comprehension and not your elementary level. Stop making elementary arguments when I am making a higher level of argument. I don't understand why you want to force me to write like an elementary person. If I was writing to an elementary audience than I would have tailor my writings like you are suggesting. So kpa, please drop this question and focus on the issues that I raised in the piece. Do you agree or disagree with my views? 
 
3. Back to my man Paul Jackson who asked: "What is the question, Mr. Charlie?!" The question is "exposing the elections commissioner and Remembering General Quiwonkpa." My brother Paul, while this is not a direct question. It is a linguistic expression to consider an issue. 
 
Check this link out: 
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/question 
 
A question is define as: 
 
Code:
2. a problem for discussion or under discussion; a matter for investigation.  
3. a matter of some uncertainty or difficulty; problem (usually fol. by of): It was simply a question of time.  
4. a subject of dispute or controversy.  

 
Chorphie Charlie
28. 16-11-2009 11:40
 
Thanks Naomi and see my Edit to your com
Naomi, 
Thanks for the observation -- and you’re absolutely correct! I failed to edit before posting.  
 
I disagree with you;however, when you accused me of plagiarism. For your information, it is not necessary for a writer to provide a reference for what is common knowledge -- these guidelines are necessarily common knowledge and therefore require no reference. You could find the same information in any English book for that matter. 
 
Naomi, I have personally refrained from attacking the grammatical errors of contributors on this forum. I have always focused my effort on making sense of the general purpose of the writer, rather than picking on mechanics(spellings, grammar, and punctuation). This is not an excuse for my obvious errors; I just simply want to remind you that we should focus on the most substantive issue instead of the mundane. 
 
Did you also say that my posting (#14) was infantile? (Wow!)How so?  
 
It is rather sad that both, you and Charlie, have refused to see the salient points in the criticisms regarding his article. All of our criticisms have focused on the substantive argument of the brother’s narrative and not necessarily on the mechanics. Unfortunately, instead of addressing this obvious weakness, you have chosen to insult others. It is shameful! 
 
While I promise to take your advice seriously, please find my edits to your own posting.I have rewritten your brief posting, preferring an active voice, inserting commas, and correcting verb forms. I am hoping that you will also take my corrections with humility. My guess is that you will also find errors in my comments, if you decide to edit – then I will find errors in your response, if I decide to edit --and on-on-we will go. I hope you see my point. Keep your eyes on the big picture.  
 
My Correction of your  
 
I appreciate your desire atto helping others improve their writing skills of others, but I am greatly disappointed that your post(ings), #s 12,15 and most glaringly posting #14, are inundated with errors. Your Posting # 14 is infantile. You would should have simply given the link to the website, from which you copied a the guidelines for good writing, rather than simply posting the work of others’ as your own. work as yours.  
I hope you can takeyou take note and practice what you preached.
 
Patriotic Liberian
29. 16-11-2009 13:21
 
My two cents in
Charlie, 
Thanks very much for your recollection of significant events. As a colleague, I just wanted to throw in my poor little observation. I have been following your writings on this forum. You are a good writer, if not one of the best. Sometimes our emotions can impact and influence our thoughtfulness and abilities. If only you have put your emotion and hastiness under control you would have reduced the chances of lots of criticisms, though no works go without flaws-not even the New York Times writers’ articles.  
 
According to my analysis, the article lacks organization. That is you failed to create relationships between the events, as laid out in sentences and paragraphs.  
You intended to address two topics at the same time “Exposing NEC Chairman Fromayan: remembering General QUOIWONKPA.” In the process you got confused big time. From my inference, this was supposed to be a recollection of events from 1985 (history) leading to the war and the subsequent election of Ellen Sirleaf.  
 
In a historical piece like this, you must connect the events according to timeline. For example, you did not state categorically when, why, and how Gen. Quinwonkpa left the country. Instead of comprehensively addressing the events before the war such as Madam Sirleaf’s rejection of her seat, you jumped to post war election alleged irregularities, thus leaving your readers to lose direction of where the article is heading and what message it seeks to convey and achieve.  
 
As a consequent, the readers are obliged to re-write the story using their creative and visual minds. What happens then, are hisses followed by a click-and bye to your article or book.
 
KMS
30. 16-11-2009 18:39
 
Naomi, Please read!
Naomi, 
My edit of your comments, using tracking, did no show up in my last posting (#28). I am reposting my revision of your brief comments to let you realize how easy it is to make mistakes. I will post your comments first and then my revision.  
 
You wrote: 
I appreciate your desire at helping others improve their writing skills but I am greatly disappointed that your post # 12,15 and most glaringly post #14 are inundated with errors. Your Post # 14 is infantile. You would have simply given the link to the website from which you copied a guideline for good writing rather than posting others’ work as yours. I hope you can take note and practice what you preach.  
 
My correction: 
I appreciate your desire to help improve the writing skills of others; but I am greatly disappointed that your postings, #s 12, 15 and most glaringly posting #14, are inundated with errors. Your Posting # 14 is infantile. You should have simply referenced the link to the website, from which you copied the guidelines (tips on good writing) instead of simply posting the work as if it was your own. I hope you take note and practice what you preached. 
 
Now, please tell me which version of these two paragraphs reads clearer?
 
Patriotic Liberian
31. 16-11-2009 19:03
 
Show some humility!
Charlie,  
You are completely missing the point of the ongoing discussion. No one on this forum has questioned your professed academic credentials or accomplishments, even though your line of argument leaves room for interpretation. It appears to me also that you prefer to compel others, on this forum, to agree with your arguments at all cost, instead of simply facing up to your own lazy arguments.  
 
Certainly, this argument is not about an elementary student finding it difficult to read a well crafted article. The argument is about a so called self-made social and political commentator with numerous academic degrees writing an article that even a P.HD finds difficult to comprehend. My brother, the hallmark of an educated person is humility –we proof that we are educated when we recognize how little we know --but we make fool of ourselves when we profess to be too brilliant! In your case, the later seems to be the case.  
 
Your argument reminds me of these words of wisdom “what sometimes seem to be brilliance may just simply be eloquent foolishness!”  
 
I hope you get the point.
 
Patriotic Liberian
32. 16-11-2009 23:55
 
None of Us have Perfection
Patriotic Liberian, 
You are being deceptive here. In the first place, except for mechanics, I didn’t see you making any corrections on my post #24. For instance, I wrote ‘I appreciate your desire at helping others improve their writing skills—‘but you think it is much clearer to say “I appreciate your desire to help improve the writing skills of others---. “ Brother, the only difference between the two is the question of taste or style of writing. 
Second and most importantly, I neither claim to be a good writer nor have I ever attempted editing others’ works. My problem with you is that you were preaching something but doing the contrary. You see, none of us have perfection to offer so we have no right to demand it of others.
 
Naomi Brown
33. 17-11-2009 00:54
 
critics! critics! critics!!
KSM, Patriotic liberians, and other critics: You guys are trying too hard to discredit this piece and this is why I am being tough on you guys. I am doubting whether you guys are seriously reading with comprehension.  
 
 
I opened up the piece by expressing the difficulties for me to write about the subject matter considering all of the issues surrounding the two events, Quiwonkpa's invasion and this Montserrado bi-election. Yet in the face of such pronouncement you guys continue to make unreasoned arguments. 
 
I did not expect this article to go unchallenge and that was why I quickly announced from the onset the problem I was having. So if you guys were serious readers, you would have appreaciated my humility and stop all of this academic arguments. 
 
If Patriotic Liberian had not brought about his elementary writing skills , then I would not have responded in such manner. I expected people to criticized my ideas instead of raising illogical argument about writing structure because this article meets that criteria.  
 
I repeat, maybe it is difficult for you guys to appreaciate such writing styles but I have read other people on this site with similar writing abilities. One does not need to explain in details a subject matter if one knows the audience one was communicating to .  
 
You guys should understand that I find this reading audience on this site to be highly intellectual and this is why I post articles on this site. One's audience determines the level of communication one would use. This audience is sophisticated and I respect their level of understanding. So you guys should stop reducing people in this reading audience to elementary students.
 
Chorphie Charlie
34. 17-11-2009 05:57
 
critics! critics! critics!!
once doe had galvanized his ethnic group in the circle of power, he was unwilling to listen to anything like lets return power to civilian.we that was the only difference between doe and the late general.if people can remember,Quiwonkpa remained a simple man even though he has so much power in the PRC government.men like John Rancy and kekura Kpoto had become Doe's advisers over night and they too were greedy and cunning men who would do anything to stay around the circle of power. so instead of having Quiwonkpa and his talk about restoring democracy to Liberia,Doe appointed greedy men as himself to be his advisors and these evil men told Doe all the things he Doe wanted to hear. so instead listening to voices of reasoning , Doe continue to tell Liberians that he was used to coup attempts and his Krahn soldiers were more trained and ready to keep him Doe in power until death. well we saw those that made Samuel Kanyon Doe to think he was invincible to bullets standing around almost twenty years since Samuel Kanyon Doe went down at the handle of knives and hail of bullets.
 
J.D.Mends-cole Gborr
35. 17-11-2009 09:22
 
Following the footsteps of their so call
Look at this foolishness. 
http://www.liberianobserver.com/node/3000 
 
Let the CDC (Congress of Disgruntled Criminals) go to hell. They haven't produced a single good thing for Liberia since they became a party. All they have are a bunch of do nothing senators and representatives in the Legislature, useless and ignorant just like their standard bearer. Now they will win "by force"?  
 
The woman led Urey by a narrow margin and their logic is that 70% of the electorate didn't vote for the Unity Party...well 70% also didn't vote for them! It is beyond belief that people like this actually exist in the world.  
 
Hopefully all the people with sense vote for Urey and against this band of undemocratic trash. I would have liked to see Wilson Tarpeh win but Urey was definitely a close second to my choice for the seat. Both of these men were my candidates of choice for the two seats in 2005 but ignorance placed two do nothing CDC candidates in Senate.
 
V.R.
36. 17-11-2009 09:45
 
The makings of a dictatorship
“Our partisans are informed on the issue. This time, we are not going to have NEC informed about any fraud; we will effect citizen’s arrest if we see anyone involved in fraud,” Neuvfille threatened. 
 
Sounds like the CDC is creating their own police force and individuals in their party will serve as judge, jury, and executioner. If you don't involve the NEC and law enforcement how will you be able to prove there was fraud? Sounds like they are setting the stage for a slew of false accusations and outright lies.
 
V.R.
37. 17-11-2009 14:00
 
Why should we trust Fromoyan now?
It's a shame that Liberia can have a figure like James Fromoyan as its Demoncratic Election Chairman. That fellow is very corrupt and short on integrity. 
 
James Fromoyan headed the Liberia Demoncracy Resource Center (LDRC) sometimes by 1999 and upward and it was a real disgrace as he embezzled cash from the Brtitish government and did not pay his staff instead used the money to sponsor little girls for his selfish desire of exploiting them.  
 
When did James Fromoyan become a good guy that he should head the NEC? Why would people mess up their lives and suddenly they want to be considered worthy for genuine position in the civilized world? 
 
If Liberia doesn't learn her lesson well she will continue have figures such as Fromoyan, Ellen and others who think that they should be trusted overnight after they've made mess of their lives. 
 
Poor country, I am so sorry for you!
 
AG
38. 17-11-2009 18:17
 
Naomi and Charlie, time to move on...
Folks, 
The discussions have been interesting. However,it is time to move on. The discussions have,unfortunately, taken a different tone that contradicts the essence of the argument. At this point, continuing this line of debate benefits no one.  
 
Since I am hoping that this will be my last posting, on this topic, I am leaving all of the participants with a few writing guidelines that I have come across on the Internet. I am hoping they will be helpful--take it or leave it! 
 
How to Write an Opinion Essay 
 
Structure and Argumentation in Personal Approach Writing  
Opinion essays require a combination of personal and argumentative approach. Learn all about writing opinion essays from the following article. 
 
Unlike most paper types, opinion writing doesn’t require objective insight into the subject matter. Having stated your personal opinion on a topic of your choice, you are required to proceed with arguments that explain and justify your position. You will want to rely both on your own views and back them up with quotations and examples from secondary sources. 
 
Opinion Essay Introduction 
 
In the introduction, you should be very clear about the subject of your presentation. Name it in generic terms and define your line of argumentation. The reader must be informed about your ideas and attitude toward the topic since the very beginning of your essay. Your topic will, usually, be formulated a as question – you should provide an answer to it in the introduction, and elaborate on it in the body essay. 
 
Opinion Essay Body – Paragraphs  
 
In subsequent paragraphs you will elaborate on your arguments; that is, you will provide an argumentative context to the conviction you expressed in the introduction of the paper.  
Opinion Essay Argumentation Structure 
You will be relating your arguments to two separate entities. First, refer your views on a particular topic to your own cultural background, age, family status, and personal experiences. You must allow the reader to situate your own self in the context of the problem you present. 
 
Second, use varied source information in order to validate your points. Draw from multiple disciplines in order to manifest fluency in the subject and make your opinion essay sound authoritative, well-thought, and justified. Remember that one remark can be supported as well as challenged by scientific, axiological, historical references, and more. 
 
Opinion Essay Language and Vocabulary 
•Avoid being too personal – don’t expose too many details from your personal life;  
•Avoid going off-topic – all arguments should reinforce thesis statement and you shouldn’t go off mark providing additional information on the arguments themselves – their origin, definition, etc.;  
•Avoid excessively emotional content – opinion essay presents a point of view and illustrates how it was developed by the author. Avoid aggressive tone, moral judgments, and don’t attack the opposite side – for comparison. Overall, avoid being excessively vocal about your opinion, however strong it is. Instead, concentrate on composing s logical flow of diversified arguments, and essential examples. 
 
Part II 
 
How to Write Opinion Articles 
 
Opinion articles (or op-eds) allow you to present your extended opinion on a specific issue or event covered in the daily news. They are usually written by leaders of local and national organizations or people with expertise in a particular issue or subject area.  
National papers usually publish articles written by well-known public figures, so you may want to focus on writing op-eds for local newspapers, magazines, and campus media to increase the likelihood of getting your article published. Do not get discouraged if you don't get published the first time -- keep trying! 
 
Guidelines to help you get your op-ed published: 
 
Be concise. Your piece should be clear, succinct, and to the point. State a strong argument both in the introduction and in the conclusion to keep the reader focused on the issue you are discussing. 
 
Be specific. Write about one specific policy issue at a time. Make sure to explain why your argument is relevant to a recent issue or event raised. 
 
Provide a recommendation. Your opinion should also consist of suggestions of possible solutions to the problem at hand. 
 
Use facts. Support your opinion with well-documented and well-researched facts, statistics, and examples related to the issue. 
 
Get local. When writing about global issues think about how your local community is tied to and affected by the issue you are raising. 
 
Format. Consider mixing long and short sentences to maintain the reader’s attention. At the end of your piece, mark –End- and provide a word count to present the editor with an accurate length of your piece; try not to exceed 750 words.  
 
Proofread. Make sure your piece is organized in a logical manner. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. The terms used should be familiar to the average reader. Avoid personal attacks or clichéd language. 
 
visit here to learn more: http://essay-writing.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_write_an_opinion_essay
 
Patriotic Liberian
39. 17-11-2009 19:48
 
We've All Got Our Achilles' Heels
Mr. Charlie: 
 
There's a reason that some of your writings do not resonate with folks on this forum- it's not because your are not a smart guy;it's because your style becomes a little circuitous and overbearing.  
 
You exude a lot of energy and do have a provocative, progressive, and sensational writing style, but you need to stick to your script. 
 
Instead of being defensive, just take an instrospection....A quiet one too, then ask youself:WHY ALL THE CRITICISMS? COULD I BE DOING SOMETHING WRONG? 
 
We've all got our Achilles' Heels, bro... 
 
That deep quiet voice might be imploring you to reorient the way you present your narratives...Listen to it... 
 
May God, whomever he or she is, continue to guide your pen...
 
Paul Jackson
40. 17-11-2009 23:33
 
Paul Jackson you are correct
Paul, you have proven to be an intelligent character and I appreaciate your comments. You correctly concluded that Code:
[I] exude a lot of energy and do have a provocative, progressive, and sensational writing style, but you need to stick to your script.
 
 
Well, if you say that I need to "stick to [my] script," I do not have any disagreement with that. I will always attempt to do so. But like my man Patriotic Liberian said, let allow this dog to sleep. Thanks Naomi and all the folks. I look forward to reading something incisive from Naomi cuz she does what I call empirical intellectualism.  
 
This is the new Liberia!
 
Chorphie Charlie
41. 18-11-2009 03:43
 
I'm just responding to Tolo Bonah Corfa
I would have just read this and pass on without making any comment at all. Because it sounds more and more of the same from my fellow Liberians especially some of us who claim to be intellectuals. We can come here and say all the good things about the one we like and castigate or demonize those we don't. The question we all have to answer is, does this in anyway help make us better as country. 
Tolo Bonah, I thought you started with a good approach by avocating or setting the record straight on James Fromoyah's records and how to engage the internet for serious and constructive debate for our wrecked country. And if I understood you well, you accused Chorphie Charlie of tribalism. Ummmm.. I think you sound more tribalistic than even the one you trying to accuse especially by name calling. 
Samuel Doe was an idiot, a murderer, and a theif, Charles Taylor was a murderer, a theif, and a terrorist and so who is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf?  
Let me go back to the record. 
Doe stole the elction between he and Jackson Doe in 1985 and so Thomas Quiowonkpa came with invasion to remove Doe and it didn't work as planned thousand lost lives, Charles Taylor won a fair but not free elctions and so called LURD and MODEL rebels groups came and remove him with thousands of Liberians lives, and Ellen Jhnson Sirleaf won free election but not fair stolen from George Weah CDC. Should we sacrifice additional Liberians lives to make wrong right? 
For any Liberian who favor arms struggle whether it be from Samuel Doe to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf they are all idiots, they did the country no good but only fought for themselves, greed for power and money that's what it is. 
 
Observer 
Plymouth MN
 
Observer
42. 18-11-2009 12:56
 
Managing Editor/Owner
Mr. Charlie, 
 
Your unabated campaign of hate,rage,thirst to revenge and your plan to unleah them yet to be known as is concealed in your heart is the very kinnd of symptoms which fueled the carnage our country is recovering from. 
 
This kind of red meat politics can not succeed in Liberia today. Reason being, we are all direct victims of its venorm. You will to our country great if you could transform this enormous negative energy into something in whatever little you can to someone helping in need in Liberia or the country as the rest of your fellow countrymen are doing to advance their country to replenish the 162 year the locusts ate. 
 
The accusation about Mr. Fromayan playing a serious role in LPC, MODEL, and LURD is completely misleading. I say this with all certainty because unlike you who left the country since 1990 to Ghana and to the Uited States eventually, which I think powers your misinformation, during the lifespan of the LPC era, Mr.Fromayan was Director of the Liberia Democracy Resource Center, a US sponsored public democratic resource center which provides opportunity and capability to civil society institutions and is open to the public as well. This was before the 1997 election. I know it because I did my research there for my organizations, the Liberia Institute of Public Opinion andLiberian-American Friendship Organization whileserving as Executive Director and president respectviely Mr. Fromayan was later appointed as head of the International Foundation for Election Systems-IFES, a us based reputable institution which strengthen democracy worldwide and build election capacity and facilitates elections around the world. IFES office was located in the very building with National Election Commission. 
 
I believe Mr. Fromayan was appointed to the Commission as one of its commissioners during the Bryant Transitional government because of his experience and work in democracy and in particular, elections by virtue of his work as Country Director of IFES. He along with Commissioner John Langley, are the most qualified in the area of electioneering and elections at NEC than the rest on the commission who were taken from their area of discipline. 
 
For the Montserrado election Mr. Charlie, you are purposely misinforming the public because all candidates who contested the election were allow to post their party representatives at the polls to observe how the election was being conducted. Those party representatives are signatories to official tally sheet result which was tallied in their presence and independent local and international observers, like our organization the Lberian-American Friendship Organization, LIAFO which began to submit its report to the world, just hour after polls closed. 
 
Though as independent observers polls opening on time is one of the firt checks we have to check for and we were disapointed with the delay and the disorganization during the election, those problems did not in any way affect the process and result in any signficant way or disenfranchise voters. All qualified voters who went to the polls cast their votes and none was deny. 
 
So why this big noise is all about? Does the process need to improve? No question, it should but to use just one situation which did not affect the result to reign this sort of barriage on your fellow country man is wrong, you could redirect that negative resource into helpingt o see how we can all impprove the system. We shouldn't justsit back and waitfor mistake to happen andjump in, criticise and not help find solution or get involve in helping to improve on the mistake. There is no perfect election ever held and will ever be held.  
 
For any election to be characterized as fradulent, the irregularities of that election must be significant enough to affect the final outcome. In this election, those irregularities had no effect on the final result. You can not consider the just ended election fraudulent.  
 
The new Liberia is booked and has room available for this sort of attitude. If we can not get adopted to the fast changing paste of the new Liberia, very soon we will be alien in our own homeland because the rest of the country would have gone so far, your idea would be so removed from the realities prevailing in the country.  
 
EMAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
J. K-K. Peah
43. 18-11-2009 14:58
 
Mr. Charlie is incorrect!
Charlie, 
I am of the opinion that you're in complete disagreement with Paul Jackson's Achilles' heels suggestion.  
 
For instance, if Miss Naomi Brown is considered by you to be the "only writer" on this blog who does "what you call empirical intellectualism", then all of us who contribute commentaries/articles have a problem, according to your rationale. But, that's hardly true. Anyway, mine is an opinion. You have a right to disagree. 
 
Hang in there and say hello to Miss Brown for me.
 
F. S. Hney
44. 18-11-2009 16:12
 
Revolution a com!
While most sit steeped here in intellectual arrogance an atrocity is ongoing in Liberia. Democracy was raped in the just passed bi-election of Nov. 10th, 2009. An alarming amount of injustices occurred when NEC in its failure to properly organize a system that would uphold the democratic practice it pretends to support, failed to allow opportunity for the voice of the people to be heard through the vote. The result of such systematic injustice is the now ongoing 2nd round. That this 2nd round is occurring is a blatant disregard to the rule of law that should have stepped forth and halted such illegal and unjust procedure. What should now be obtaining is a re-run or a declaration by default. On November 10th the voice of the people was denied. The victims have been forced to accept the result without due process of law.  
 
The justice system should be held in contempt for failing to come to the rescue of those whose vote should have counted. 
 
The press should be held with disdain and mis-trust for failing to protect the voice of the people, instead choosing to distort reality by employing yellow journalism and sensationalism. Both international and local Press have remained dumbfounded in this whole process, neglecting to raise timely issues that should have derailed this horrific display of injustice. 
 
The international community, whom Liberia so shamefully relies upon for moral and political clue, appears to be confounded into a creepy silence. Sounds of faint moans squeeze from certain corners; too inaudible to check this total march of injustice upon the soul of Liberia. 
 
NEC claims to have trouble-shooted the system however the same misguiding and insulting information is being barked out at the Montserrado voters-should-be. To date the NEC’s director has not been made to face justice for his inept presentation but is instead being given the benefit of the doubt in complacent belief that he will perform better this time. Is the NEC his study class?  
 
When shall the voice of the people be heard? Why the mockery of the people by this continuing election? Why the censoring and suppression of the voice of the victims by all parties involved in this process? Why no outcry by the financiers of peace and democracy? When a reply to the higher call? 
Who is ensuring justice? Why the condemnation of the people for seeing through this fiasco and keeping away from the polls. Their silence spoke multitudes. Who is listening? When will the ancestors of this land rest assured and rest in peace? 
 
*I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.*-Bishop Tutu 
*The first principal of nonviolent action is that of noncooperation with everything humiliating.*- Cesar Chaves 
*Find out just what people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.*-Federick Douglass
 
Sis Duffy
45. 18-11-2009 23:32
 
F. S. Hney misrepresents
F. S. Hney, please read again what I wrote regarding Naomi, cuz sometimes in our rush to crucify others we misrepresents their views.  
 
 
I wrote this: 
 
Code:
Thanks Naomi and all the folks. I look forward to reading something incisive from Naomi cuz she does what I call empirical intellectualism.
 
 
F S Hney, if you read carefully , you will clearly see that I did not write that Naomi is the ""only writer" on this blog who does "what you call empirical intellectualism"." So you misrepresented my views. 
 
To J K K Peah: I will just say that you are an intellectual joker. Just stay in utopia and keep duplicating the use of America's political language and make yourself believe that you making sense.  
J K K Peah: Using a phrase like "red meat politics" makes you fake in projecting a slave mindset. Try to be orginal and have an independent thought. Your used of those words exposes that you have been brainwash by listening to extremists American political thought. 
 
Anyway, that is good therapy for you, so enjoy!
 
Chorphie Charlie
46. 18-11-2009 23:50
 
Naomi Brown..........?!
Ms. Brown-I know you very well..I had this healthy suspicion that you were the one going incognito with the alias "Naomi Brown"... 
I admit though, that you blindsided me and have gotten me mired in some unnecessary exchange with you via this forum...I aint mad at you OOOh..
 
Paul Jackson
47. 19-11-2009 11:39
 
There's no misrepresentation here!
Charlie, 
There's no misrepresentation on my part! The word "only" was implied by you, and the facts bear out. I can refer to you in a statement without saying the word you. 
 
Let's take a closer look once again at what you wrote: 
"I look forward to reading something from Naomi cuz she does what I call empirical intellectualism". In order to avoid a conflict or the appearance of it, you could have said that Miss Naomi Brown "is one of those whose written work you admire most". Let's temporarily forget the words "empirical intellectualism". 
 
You wrote what could be considered a "statement of fact". But, the statement is hardly factual. It's an opinion of yours that I disagree with. But, I will wave that because I know profoundly that you're entitled to your opinions. 
 
There are a few prolific writers who I will refer to as virtuosos on this blog. They are: 
Wilson, Waunti, Jackson, Gbessagee, Nyankor Matthews, Paul Harry, Jestina Woa, KMS, Zobong, etc. (Please note, that the order in which they're named does not mean that's how they appear on my ladder of excellence. My God, someone has to be number one!) There are a few more, but I believe that my point has been made, and no offense is intended in any way. 
 
On any given evening after a difficult day out there, few of the writers mentioned above are those whose articles I would love to read even if I do not share their views 100%.  
Having said so, my dissidence on this issue is not a blatant attempt to smear or impugn the integrity of Miss Naomi Brown neither do I mitigate her professional writing style in any fashion. The real truth of the matter is I respect her and she knows it! 
 
I do not want to be repetitive. But there's a saying out there that goes like this: "Love is in the eye of the beholder". That's true. It's the equivalent of saying "everybody is entitled to his/her viewpoint".  
I would not singlehandily choose one person over so many outstanding writers for the sole purpose of lessening the heat. Please permit me to make another observation. If I decided to open a newspaper business, few of those mentioned above and a few others i did not mention, would be placed on my editorial board. Even if they agreed or not!  
 
How's that?
 
F. S. Hney
48. 19-11-2009 11:59
 
CHARLIE, ANSWER TO YOUR FABRICATED STORY
CHARLIE, ANSWER TO YOUR FABRICATED STORY!! 
 
Charlie, Mr. Peal and Mr.Corfah have raised serious questions about your truthfulness - instead of answering to those questions, you are being very dishonest in spending all of your time on a "sideshow" about your style of writing. This article should about your fabricated story surrounding the 1985 elections and the subsequent Quiwonkpa incident. 
 
So Charlie, when are you going to respond to the allegations that you are a liar? You said "So far, of all my critics, only one person attempted to make a valid argument. And that is Tolo Corfah. I am rechecking my facts before responding to Tolo." 
 
So Charlie, are you still "rechecking" your facts? Isn't that the first thing you do before putting something in the public view? 
 
 
VICTORY SIRLEAF/ BOAKAI 2011
 
TheLiberianPeople
49. 20-11-2009 13:34
 
Rechecking and checking
I continue to see homour displayed in this space. See LiberianPeople ownna troble. He askedCode:
So Charlie, are you still "rechecking" your facts? Isn't that the first thing you do before putting something in the public view?  
 

 
 
 
LiberianPeople, "rechecking" means that I will check again. Which means that the "first thing [I did] before putting something in public view" was to check it. So I check first before putting it in the public view but someone has questioned my facts thus I have to recheck. You feel me? 
 
Now to F S Hney, he wrote asking, "You wrote what could be considered a "statement of fact". But, the statement is hardly factual. It's an opinion of yours."" 
 
Doggit, it is becoming boring in here to school these guys on simple things.But let me first asked Hney where did I write that? I clearly stated my opinion regarding Naomi and you say I was stating what I said was fact? This is what I wrote: "I look forward to reading something from Naomi cuz she does what I call empirical intellectualism". Hney, the key phrase there is "what I call empirical intellectualism." So it is very clear that I was being subjective, it was my personal opinion. So how can you now accused me of trying to state facts? Now I see why the Liberian war lasted so long because of this type of misunderstanding by our socalled educated superiors.  
 
Then F S Hney wrote that I should not have written this,"I look forward to reading something from Naomi cuz she does what I call empirical intellectualism".To Hney, what I wrote means that Naomi is the "only" person who writes better than others on this forum. 
 
He wrote, " In order to avoid a conflict or the appearance of it (only person), you could have said that Miss Naomi Brown "is one of those whose written work[s] you admire most".  
 
F S Hney, you are displaying dictatorial tendencies by attempting to impose your words on me. That you will chose the kind of words for me to convey my message. If those are the "only" words that you know, I am sure many on this site knows more words and understood exactly what I meant. Wow! Please take some elementary logic classes to aid you. 
 
Back to LiberianPeople, my man, I am not shying away from the factual issues that was raised by Tolo Corfah. As you correctly noted , I wrote that I will recheck my facts. Yes, I am still rechecking my facts.
 
Chorphie Charlie
50. 20-11-2009 19:05
 
HOPE THE FACTS "RECHECKING" DO NOT TAK
HOPE THE FACTS "RECHECKING" DO NOT TAKE A YEAR.. 
 
When you are caught with your pants down, just admit and move on. Or you will keep checking and rechecking the facts (lies) over and over with no end - are you getting the point, Charlie? 
 
VICTORY SIRLEAF/ BOAKAI 2011
 
TheLiberianPeople


 

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