One of America’s foremost founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson once said,
“every generation needs a new revolution” that is capable to chart a
new course of action. In today’s Liberia, our generation is challenge
to order a new revolution to forward the social mobility of our people,
and one man has taken that challenge-George Weah.
Yet, the knowledge and socialization which has always objected to national progress in Liberia continue to strike against Mr. Weah. The latest victim of this yeoman governing knowledge is Liberia’s Planning Minister Amara Konneh.
In campaigning for the Unity corrupt Party senate candidate, Konneh breathed a juvenile and uninformed attack against the character of George Weah. Konneh called Weah a liar for going on an academic Sabbath in Liberia, “The man is supposed to be in school right now. This is the academic year. If it is true that he was in school, you think he will leave school to come here? I live in America so I know the system there. So he can’t come and lie. He does not know that we are waiting for him in 2011.” Further exposing his lack of emotional intelligence, Konneh criticized George Weah for going to Liberia to campaign for the CDC senate candidate Geraldine Doe-Sheriff, “You have George Weah coming here and does not know the kind of school he went to. Then you come and say you are going to acquire knowledge, what is knowledge?” The Liberian electorates has already answer the question of George Weah’s schooling except for the 2005 election robbery by Francis Johnson-Morris.
While surprising that Konneh would be displaying an emotionally wretched psyche, as if it is impossible to attend college in America and take a break. In Fanonian term, Konneh has strike a bad faith due to his hedonistic political socialization with Ellen Johnson’s incompetent and criminal leadership. Thus, it is reasonable to assert that Konneh’s psychology is bruised in an attempt to protect his JOB. Fearing that Ellen will leave office in 2011 thus he asked, “`What is [Weah] doing here?” in reference to Weah presence in Liberia. Let me straight up inform Konneh: Weah is a legitimate Liberian citizen and has all right to be in his own country. But we must equally asked, why is Konneh afraid of Weah presence in his own country?
Konneh’s fear against George Weah, Liberia’s greatest pride, most honorable, patriotic, and nationalistic son, offered us nothing new but the same old nihilism that pervades the sickening incompetence and hopelessness, which characterizes the corrupt and criminal leadership of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf government. Nihilism express here must be understood in the context of the live poverty experiences of our suffering people under the so called educated leadership of Konneh and his political mentor president Ellen Johnson. Such attacks against Weah results from Konneh’s numbing detachment of the Liberian complexities and his self-destructive disposition toward the real problems facing our people. Simply put, Konneh, a promising young talent, has been socially corrupted, brainwashed, and mis-educated. Thus, the proper starting point for such a crucial debate about “what is knowledge” must examine the development agenda of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, if she ever has any. Where is Ellen development plan for Liberia? We are not speaking here about World Bank’s poverty reduction strategy. What a pity for a promising young mind?
Even when Konneh’s knowledge criteria for leadership is encouraged, as in any profession, the dominant incompetence and corruption in Liberia has foundation a paradigm and mindset preventing the necessary social transformation processes for national development. So Konneh is not qualified to question any Liberian citizen about knowledge when he, as planning minister for our nation, has failed to produce any knowledge system to curb corruption and incompetence. Konneh is simply relaying the echo chambers of miseducated Liberians and hostile intellectuals, which is border on juvenile amplifications. Noise making, that’s it!
In their study of people with psychological and psychiatric disorders, scientists have made some intriguing discoveries about intelligence. The central findings hold that a damage brain, like Konneh, can still talk, analyze, perform excellently on IQ tests, and interact in social situations. However, such person lacks critical decision making to develop serious plan for strategic problem solving. So, although Konneh seems to be a brilliant young man yet, he lacks the critical know-how to understand that a citizen has the right to participate in his nation’s political process.
In his famous, Civilization and its Discontents, Sigmund Freud compares the "civilized" and "savage" human lives to recoil the meaning of civilization. While Freud focuses his attention on psycho-sexual issues, we can expand his Oedipal conflict to explain the political dregs of incompetent and corrupt leadership in Liberia. Freud proposes a kind of social Darwinism (struggle for survival) that the primal instinct of humans is pleasure seeking. Thus, Freud joins the enlightenment cause for a social contract to escape the mutual aggression and self-destruction of society. Freud argues that libidinal gratification or the satisfaction of our biological drive has paradoxically ignited great unhappiness, increasing a burden of guilt, and various forms of psychological neurosis. Psychological neurosis is a kind of high functioning mental state that is socially acceptable in society but lack full comprehension. Thus, the distorted reasoning by Konneh that an incompetent and corrupt leadership is best for Liberia is a form of guilt to satisfy his mentor, president Ellen Johnson, only because they possesses some form of “knowledge.” What knowledge Konneh? Is it criminal knowledge? What a pity for such promising young mind?
But most interestingly, in Konneh attempt for libidinal gratification or ,in our case, social gratification (Job protection), he sees George Weah as a threat and engages in primitive defense mechanism-aggression, the very negative aggression that his political mentor Ellen Johnson unleashed on the Liberian people, and so, Konneh seeks to destroy George Weah. This is exactly what Konneh has embarked upon, to repress George Weah participation in the political life of his country by asking, “what is he doing here?” As if to suggest that only people from Harvard University has rights to participate in the political affairs of Liberia. What a pity for such promising young mind?
Rather than the innovation of development, which knowledge is suppose to create . In Liberia’s case, possessing what Konneh considers as knowledge, means holding a college degree to engage in a crime of socialization, a government of theft, social rape, and political murder. By theft, social rape, and political murder, I am speaking of the rampant corruption in the Ellen’s government, which leaves poor people dying from curable diseases, lack of basic education, and joblessness. Is this what Konneh called knowledge, the knowledge of degree holders in organizing a criminal political leadership? What a pity for such promising young mind?
On the altar of Jehovah, I pledge undying resistance to criminal knowledge. 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
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Comments (53)
1. 07-11-2009 16:15
This has to be one of the worst attempts at political commentary I have ever seen. Any random visitor to the site will think Liberians are either crazy or stupid after reading something like this.
2. 07-11-2009 22:48
The people's pride
George Weah will always be the pride of the Liberian people. Is there anyway we can know the name of the college Weah goes to? Phil
3. 08-11-2009 10:31
The people's pride
Mr.Charlie,did you read this political commentary before posting it? It sounded really crazy and stupid to me. And you as a social and political commentator you got me woundering.......... And by way which college Mr. Weah goes to or graduated from ?
4. 08-11-2009 11:04
Chorpie
This writer is perhaps living on the Moon. He seems to have more problems than what he thinks he writing about. Unless Liberia is without such people with problem thinking, the search for progress will be hard to come by. If Charlie is sick he must get help!!!
5. 08-11-2009 19:58
You guys got the point
Atleast you guys got the point that crazy people ruling Liberia.
6. 09-11-2009 04:23
This is the knowledge
MR.Konneh asked "What knowledge".The Knowledge is the one that Mr.Weah used to improve his life and other liberianslife is the knowledge he used to establishe the Royal communication inc and employ more than 30 young people,is the knoledge he used to establishe "GIVE",a vocational school providing education for liberians free of charge.Is the knowledge that makes he Konneh affarid of Mr.Weah pressance in Liberia.
7. 09-11-2009 05:16
Eloquent Foolishness!
I am unable t comprehend why George Weah's supporters continue to argue that the 2005 ellection was stolen. I believe that the math does not add up. Here is why:dont you think that it would have been in the UP's interest to have also stolen the legislative elecyion? Doesn't it matter that this would have serve the President well? To the contrary, the opposition won the majority of seats!
It is sad that some of our ccompatriots have decided to support Geore Weah blindly. They do not ask themselves the hard questions: how can Mr. Weah claims his concerns for the Liberian people when he lives in the USA full time, under the disguise of attending colloge? Don't his political supporters see the failure of Mr. weah to remain in Liberia and attend school would have elevated his political cause? What has Mr. Weah done for the Liberian people since 2005, besides criticizing the government?Is Mr Weah power hungry when he attends private functions and act presidential? Mr. weah is talking about a party in Point when he gradutes. Doesn't the brothers and sisters in the community deserve more than a party?
Look, let us be realistic. I love George Weah. The guy has done a lot of good for the country, especially during his playing days. unfortunately, Mr. Weah has decided that the best way he can help Liberia now is by becoming president; until that happens--no help, not even the national soccer team!
I am convinced that every human being is placed on this earth for a purpose. God gave Oppong a unique soccer talent that he had used for his personal benefit and the benefit of society. Now he has decide that those skills to waste baffles me!
Besides all of this, herewhat bothers me: The same election Commission that allowed Mr.Weah to contest the election, when clearly he was not qualified (I am not speaking about his education)is a shame.
Here i why Mr. Weah is not qualified to contest the for the Presidency: 1)Mr. Weah holds a US citizenhip--can he deny this simple fact? 2)Mr. weah a French citizenship--isn't this is fact?
In all, I strongly believe that Mr. Weah is diingenious. You cannot hail yourself as a champion of the causes of the liberian people when you do noothing for them. you cannot claim that you are a patriot when you knowingly violate the consitituion. The fact remains that Liberia does not have a dual citizenship law; and therefore taking up the citicenzhip of another country necessarily causes you to forfeit your Liberian citicenship by default-and even if you yo regain you liberian citicenzhip, it is by naturalization-- and guess what? natualize liberian citizens cannot run for the presidency!
Finaly, I am hoping that Chorphie will begin to rethink his blind support for Mr. Weah and begin to formulate strategies to address some of the major challenges that await him, if he deides to run for the presidency aagain in 2011. in 2005, oppong was little known(politically) and so there was not much to criticize him about. Today, the story is different: he lives in the uSA full time, he cl;he claims to be in school to acquire knowledge; eventhough he had claimed that educated people destroyed the country; and the citizenship question will definitely come up again.
I am only hoping that the CDC--a social movement--more than a political party will truly begin to offer the Liberian people more substantive policy options that expressing eloquent foolishnes in responses like this one!
8. 09-11-2009 06:35
We Need To Know!
Charlie, from time on your position on this forum has been understood-- to front for CDC thru your half-baked analysis and slanted opinions empregnated with flaws and portray a bad image of president sirleaf and her administration eventhough some of the realities proved otherwise. With this, you have signed a contact and as a "opposition writer" you enjoy that right.
But sir,as a man part of the inner-cirlcle can you please furnish us with informations regarding the university our proud son of the soil, weah is attending. Atleast you can do this forum a favor by posting just the website cos this is becoming a topical issue in every haitai shop and forum. Thank you!!!
9. 09-11-2009 07:20
Charlie Please!!!
If George Weah is determined to run in the next elections, people like Chorphie Charlie, who appears more confused in his own thinking,should not be defending him. Chorphie Charlie must seek help and after he is de-traumatized then he will be able to come to the defense of politicians. With Mr. Charlie's commentary here, he is hurting Mr. Weah's future as a respected politician.
10. 09-11-2009 07:36
Questions for Chorphie
These are difficult questions for me to ask but with the kind of anger built in you, as your commentary here shows, I must as well ask them and get them out of my system. I read your commentary and at the end several questions stood out clearly. Ready? The questions are: Were you a combatant for the NPFL? Did the NPFL fail to give you what it promised? Did you think, that is if you were a combatant, fight for nothing? Are you angry as a result of your "successes" on the battlefield, since most of the combatants killed civilians? Did you see too much blood? Did anyone curse you during the war, just before he or she was murdered? Do you visions of blood, even as you sit in the comfort of the United States? Do you dream visions of war, where someone is asking you, "attack, attack?" Do you think all Liberians, minus you and the few friends, including George Weah that you admire, are all "killers? corrupt?" If you were asked to choose a "gun" or a "pen" which one would you choose to "hide?" Do you receive "messages" from a higher spirit? In your sleep, have you been to Liberia? If yes, how many times? Do you cry at night, Charlie? If you have children, do you think sometimes they are holding guns, whenever they come to you with their home-work? If you answered YES to even one of these questions, then I will recommend that you seek some serious help, Charlie. And anyone reading this questions, please offer some comfort, for those who became combatants did not choose that course. They were victims of circumstances who need all our support.
11. 09-11-2009 08:35
Questions for Chorphie
I don't think we were referring to the individuals in government being crazy...
12. 09-11-2009 11:59
Questions for Chorphie
This goes to Mr. Konneh...
Arrogance on the part of the meritorious is even more offensive to us than the arrogance of those without merit: for merit itself is offensive...by greater thinker Friedrich Nietzsche
13. 09-11-2009 15:25
Your're obviously mad
Charlie, As I see things, you're not a madman, but you are obviously not at peace with Johnson-Sirleaf neither are you taking it easy with Konneh. One wonders who the main character is in your article.
Believe it or not, poor Konneh acts as an operative who tests the waters for political purposes. There is nothing wrong with that. Instead of coming to terms with this reality, you're lambasting Konneh, Johnson-Sirleaf and others because their views are not in sync with yours. There's a way that your contumelious argument could take hold, however, you refuse to show modesty or sound judgement. In other words, your argument flies in the face unreasonableness because you fail to realize that Konneh has a right to speak, call it an attack if that suits your perspective. Verbal attacks, not smears or the shouting of profanity at an opponent is acceptable in politics. How dare you intimidate or deride Konneh?
Furthermore, I have a feeling that you're mistreating Freud. Freud was concerned about the "subconscious mind" of an individual. Freud was not thinking in political terms when he involved himself in psychoanalysis. In religion which you did not overtly mention, (you mentioned Jehovah) Freud felt that the concept of God was a "centuries-old" Jewish myth! His theories are not very highly regarded because of many inconsistencies or later psychological discoveries.
Freud's frame of mind: Freud himself was mentally unstable. Like the Roman emperor Nero who had sex with his mom, I feel an immediate discomfort to let you know that Freud sexed his mom. The last time I looked, I saw more women out there than men. What's the gratification one gets by sexing his own mom? With such a behavior, does Freud have any credibility? Why would you align his studies with Konneh's political activity?
All candidates need to be investigated. Our form of democracy is unlike Western democracies in so many ways because of many reasons. One of the ways in which the Liberian people get to know about a candidate's background is to do what Konneh does. If the public waits until a politician gets elected to the presidency, prior information about the politician cannot be obtained or verified. Thus, Konneh is in the right, politically.
I like Weah. But, Weah is not a saint. The Liberian public has a right to know. If you don't like that, that's too bad, Charlie.
14. 09-11-2009 17:05
"vw" idea
I have tried to stay out this kind of nonesense by some self-claimed "intellectuals" like "CHARLIE BUKOW" WHO I supposed is the President of the University that George Weah is attending or perhaps he is the surrogate student at that university for George Weah or simply put a ghost writer for George Weah and the like.I am prone to think that "CHARLIE BUKOW" has aquired some misguided academic knowledge but he is applying it as the Germans did during WW 1 when they build the VW car and put the engine in the BUTT.I do believe that "CHARLIE BUKOW" has his brain in his BUTT hence he lacks the iota of academic rationalization and interlectual reasoning. Finally. "CHARLIE BUKOW" I will sincerely suggest that you continue your good work at the nursing home and keep your big and dirty mouth close so the sun can shine. Please stop washing your dirty clothes outside. A hint to a wise is quite enough!
15. 09-11-2009 19:00
Education
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Chorphie Charlie, Thanks very much for your fine article. The barrage of insults to you from the stooges of government operating on this forum is a clear signal that your message touches them where it pains most. Madam Sirleaf and her cronies’ days are numbered. They thought 2011 would never come. As we fast approach 2011 they are becoming more desperate. In 2005, they promised lots but have delivered very little. They gave many reasons why Madam Sirleaf should be elected and what she would accomplish in Six years but all had been proven false. This is the thing about falsehood; it life time is simply a matter of time. So, since they have run out of ideas on how to concoct new lies and also since they have nothing concrete to campaign about, all they can now do is engaged in sneer campaigns. Even if in 2011 the Liberian people don’t think George Weah is competent enough for the Presidency, one thing is cleared; Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will never again win a free and fair election in Liberia. Madam Sirleaf will be humbly retired.
17. 09-11-2009 21:31
A mess
This commentary is a complete mess and disaster. You don't have to post articles if you are not ready. What a shame!!
There are too many grammatical erros in this commentary. I a m not sure what is the message this brother is trying to convey.
Dr. Hney please talk to your guy, Charlie to try harder. Jeese,jeese, jeese Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Oh Alah,sala pas-ci cest très mal écriture.
18. 09-11-2009 21:46
Infantile and Pointless Whinning
Mr. Charlie- Your "psychoanalytical nonsense" and reference to Sigmund Freud is nothing but none stop nonesense....Perhaps, you have given a true meaning to the term "freudian slip". Just because the pen is available, doesn't mean the incapable should use it to make a point... Nice try, but no one is feeling this piece of bullshit you just wrote. Go impress some unsuspecting person/s...folks on this forum are not stupid...Call us "Knowkarthay" (liberian for someone who professes to know) or whateve, but we are not buying this bullshit you just penned........ Holler...........
Paul Jackson
19. 09-11-2009 23:52
Be careful Paul Jackson
Paul Jackson, I thought you told us that you have changed from childish antagonizing others but you post 18 betrayed your claim. Even Bozzo the clown has the ability to call anything he is not comfortable with ‘nonsense and bullshit’ but to provide evidence to such claim requires intelligent which I seriously doubt you have. You would do this forum and yourself well by stating how the great and intelligently writing article of Charlie is a nonsense and stop deluding yourself that we are going to accept something as true because paul Jackson claim it to be so. Next time, be careful with your diction otherwise we will make this forum very uncomfortable for you. This is neither a threat nor a warning. It is simply a statement of fact.
20. 10-11-2009 08:43
intellectual weakness exposed
It is homourous to read all the insults and crying regarding my pen power. But I am not surprise at this level of intellectual violence on the part of Ellen supporters. Afterall, it is the only socialization that they have experienced-violence.
Thus, it is a humbling gratification to see miseducated and hostile intellectuals bitterness in a game that they have no skills. The die has already been cast. Ellen days are numbered and I wish you guys all the luck but please do not wage another war on the people of Liberia.
I am hopeful the people of Liberia will do the right thing, never again to be misuse and abuse by political charlatants disguised as educated.
cry babies!!!
21. 10-11-2009 12:25
intellectual weakness exposed
hey, why not leave weah alone. there is nothing this poor guy by attempting to run for presidency in liberia. i voted for ellen but now i think george weah would have been the best choice and come next election we will decide
22. 10-11-2009 12:32
Damn Charlie
You are getting a whipping on here Charles what have you done?
23. 10-11-2009 12:42
Damn Charlie
Mr. A. Konneh is no different from the late. Hon. Edward Kasselly, who assure Late Tolbert that he is backing him.
24. 10-11-2009 13:11
Offer critique, not insults
I began reading the comments of this article before I read the actual article. From the comments, I really expected to see some very nonsensical opinions proffered by the author. My expectation was furthered strengthened by Paul Jackson's vile criticism of the author because Paul has levelled some of the harshest criticisms on this forum against this President and her administration. For him to castigate this author in such vitriolic terms as he did, I expected to read opinions from the author that were simply off the silly charts. But surprisingly, I found the author's criticisms to be simply run-of-the-mill. It would edifying if discussants would gave an analysis and judgment of what they disagree with as opposed to just levelling insults. Not only do we seek to be enlightened by an article, we also seek enlightenment from the commentaries. That said, not knowing Minister Konneh, I have always had the impression that he was an effective and forwarding-looking member of this administration. I was taken aback by his comment about Weah when I first read about it. Literacy statistics of Liberia will suggest that approximately 80 percent of the people he was talking to were illiterate. Isn't his comment deriding people without formal (US) education an insult to the very audience he was speaking to therefore? This minister has adversely altered my opinion of him. He now appears to be just another politician who will say anything to keep his job. He ridiculed Weah for not being in a classroom in the U.S., but as planning minister of Liberia, if he is not cognizant of distant education (which is the nature of Devry University – Weah's university), is he not demonstrating sheer ignorance? How can he contribute to the planning of education in Liberia when he is so benighted about one of the ascendant modes of education in the 21st century? I am not a CDC member. I just find it very nauseating when people claiming to have formal education use it condescendingly to deride people who were not so fortunate. The U.S. mental hospitals are littered with PhDs. Are they also better human beings than people with no formal education?
25. 10-11-2009 14:32
Offer critique, not insults
This is biggest show of incoherent writings I ever read. This whole article is without logical or meaningful connection, disjointed, rambling and loose. Wonder if this site has any editors.
26. 10-11-2009 17:06
BIG FAT LIE
WEAH IS NOT ATTENDING DEVRY WHICH IS A SUB-STANDARD UNIVERSITY ANY WAY. A FRIEND JUST CALLED THE SCHOOL ASKING TO KNOW IF A GEORGE WEAH IS ENROLLED OR HAS EVER BEEN ENROLLED AT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE ANSWER IS A BIG FAT NO. OH THIS WILL BE A BOMBSHELL
27. 10-11-2009 20:09
BIG FAT LIE
I didnt know that Chorphie was such a handsome man.
28. 11-11-2009 07:21
Taylor thinks Obasanjo lied to the world
well has Charles Taylor forgotten the saying the 'end justifies the means'? has Taylor forgotten when he Taylor used to say he was pressured into accepting peace accords and that was why he rejected them one day after signing accords after accords? Taylor used to say,'my mouth is not a Bible .anything i say today can be changed tomorrow'.at the time,that was in Taylor's view , being wise. now that this same wisdom of the much wiser Obasanjo has placed the mouse in sealed bottle,and the old rascal mouse is crying foul.infact, no one cause Taylor to leave liberia. we have documented evidence that Taylor was crying on radio for the peace keepers to come and take over liberia. he was being bombarded day and night by the much more superior forces on the people. everyday that the peace keepers delayed, was like the nearer Taylor was coming face to face with death. he said and i quote, 'we dont want them to be weeks or days away, we want them here in a few hours time to save this nation from this blood bath'.he was being pushed and beaten in every battle his man engaged in . in that state of mind , Taylor had no choice but to walking the open trap and once the lid was closed, he is now saying he was fooled into being trapped.he could have gone to Burkina Faso or Libya the nations that sponsored him but instead he choose Nigeria. who stopped him from going to Libya, Burkina Faso or ivory coast? after all, those were the nations that brought him to Liberia.well we all know why he couldn't go to those places . we all know that albino bit the hands that fed him and he could not depend on those same hands when he needed them most. that why he walked into the death trap of Obasanjo and the world court thinking he was going to find freedom in the hands of those he had always be cruel to.
29. 11-11-2009 10:26
Stop It aaaayy, Ms. Naomi
Ms. Naomi, or Whatever! I sure did reasoned it was high time I stopped responding to others in a disconforming manner-But it's difficult to maintain that standard, with your likes still on this forum. I see why you see a lot of sense in Chorpie's nursery composition, I cant blame you, you dont know any better. As for your man Chorpie Charlie, sooner that later, he'd get bitch-slapped by the gods of reasoning...let him continue to write off tangent.
thought you told us that you have changed from childish antagonizing others but you post 18 betrayed your claim. Even Bozzo the clown has the ability to call anything he is not comfortable with ‘nonsense and bullshit’ but to provide evidence to such claim requires intelligent which I seriously doubt you have. You would do this forum and yourself well by stating how the great and intelligently writing article of Charlie is a nonsense and stop deluding yourself that we are going to accept something as true because paul Jackson claim it to be so. Next time, be careful with your diction otherwise we will make this forum very uncomfortable for you. This is neither a threat nor a warning. It is simply a statement of fact.
30. 11-11-2009 10:50
No, Mr. Wilson...
Mr Koiquoe Wilson- Because I am a harsh critic of President Sirleaf doesn't mean I lack the wherewithal to discern "bullshit" from good academic writing. I dont mean to suck up to you or sound like a braggadocio, but your man Charlie could get ome tip from you; I have seen your writings, I do not support some of your arguments, but there's no way my conscience can permit me to ingore the fact that your are a damn constructive and thorough writer.....Wish I could say the same for Charlie;I would rather be a prisoner of conscience,and take insults from the likes of Naomi, than support any lackluster and lame criticism on this forum.
31. 11-11-2009 10:52
Liberian Constitution Article 52
Below are the requirements of being President of Liberia.
Article 52
No person shall be eligible to hold the office of President or Vice-President, unless that person is:
a) a natural born Liberian citizen of not less than 35 years of age;
b) the owner of unencumbered real property valued at not less than twenty-five thousand dollars; and
c) resident in the Republic ten years prior to his election, provided that the President And the Vice-President shall not come from the same County.
The above three requirements does not state that the person has to be formally educated. This is very similar to Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution. There might not be notes on what the framers intents were for these two constitutions, but there was reason for this omission.
I am living in Liberia, and it appears that whoever is interested in running for President in 2011 they must be fully committed in developing the country. Liberia is a beautiful nation that could easily compete with other tropical destinations for tourism and such. Liberia is rich in resources that if they are developed for the good of the people while protecting its beautiful landscape then it can become an economic powerhouse.
I just know if you were to compute this equation a "country rich in natural resources and fertile soil" plus "3.5 million people" it does not equal widespread poverty.
I can only hope for the Liberian people who had to stay and endure the war are given chance to be part of this rebirth.
Thank you and blessings,
32. 11-11-2009 12:10
Knowlege and education.
Those who think education is not worth should try mad understandind. What readly making me angray is those who pushing Weah into politic are not doing him good. Because these gay know even Weah go back to school it would help him just to say somthing to his fans, but not to be president.A good avised to you Mr Waeh the little money that left with you please save it becouse those gay just want to use you skip goat, I live in europe and travle a lot and they talk a lot.So take knowlege not football popuarity.
Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done. Louis D. Brandeis
34. 11-11-2009 16:57
You're the Greatest
I take issues with two points raised in your article. One, your total mischaracterization of Freud's theory is evident to anyone with only a cursory familiarity with Freud. Suffice to say that at a basic level, Freud's theory of sexual gratification applies to all people (from childhood to adulthood). Thus, if you aim to apply Freud's theory to one particular person, you must also apply it to yourself.
Secondly, you accuse this person; Konneh, of many things, but it appears the jist of your argument is that Konneh is a psycopath and because of his need for self gratification he is corrupt and he supports Ellen, who is also corrupt and thus he has no right to question Mr. Weah. I can't speak to the truth of your claims about this individual, however, it seems you are quick to pass judgement on him without really addressing his claim. If Mr. Weah is attending college online, you could have just said that. Because unless that is the case, it would be difficult for him to be on a break at this time during the semester or quarter. But you are so upset by the audacity of this person to question "Liberia's greatest pride" (I am insulted by this characterization), that frankly you become incoherent at times. Perhaps you should examine your own Freudian tendencies. Just the fact that your response to a negative comment refers to the "power of [your] pen" has me imagining that your quest for libidinal gratification is in full swing.
35. 11-11-2009 21:47
You're the Greatest
Chorpie,
I see your passion and I'm amazed at how you're making yourself so vulnerable to diappointment. Although corruption is, as if it were, the viral infection that has permeated the Liberian society, you would have us believe that somehow a new new political order would rid us of this malady. And all you have to go by are your hope and wish for change plus your faith in Weah. Remember this: the most passionate loyalists who announce the route of the revolution train are often the last to find out its true distination. For what do politicians in general do except ascend to power by offering that your wish list will be fufilled only if you would elect them? Ther is a world of a difference between what you wish your favorite politician would do and what he/she actually ends up doing.
I look forward to the day you, Naomi Brown, Thomas Doe, etc. will find out what some of us already know. Knowing that 'evil lurks in the hearts of men', and this being abundantly clear from our nation's past, it is absolutely futile to rest one's hope for change in any politician. Most often than not your favorite politician will veer off a charted course and leave you absolutely miffed.
I AM ABOUT NOW WONDERING TO KNOW WHO'S THIS RUDE PAUL JACKSON PERSON, WHO DOES NOT DISCUSS ISSUES BUT SPEAK INVECTIVE AGAINST ANOTHER PERSON.
37. 12-11-2009 10:14
live debate
I have said that in a democracy you haters got the right to displays your arrogance and miseducation. But I am putting out this public challenge to any of you to hold a live debate.
The debate can be held in any of the two forms:
1. By teleconference which could be audio recorded and play on radio stations in Liberia.
2. By a live face to face debate which could be both audio and video recorded to be play on both radio and television stations in Liberia.
Which one of you insulting cowards can take up this challenge?
38. 12-11-2009 12:29
Let Us Be Civil With Each Other
Isn’t it puzzling that we can’t disagree without barrage of insults? Look, I don’t know Chorpie Charlie or George Weah personally, but I do know Mr. Amara Konneh. The Amara Konneh I do know will wish he could take those words back. They don’t represent him at all. He is independently articulate and bright. He’s learned enough to know that George Weah is not the one on the ticket against Mr. Urey nor is CDC the ruling party. His campaign should be about Ms Sheriff and not Weah. Is it ok to leave the affairs of the state to go and run campaign for your candidate but becomes questionable when one leaves the U.S. to also come to run campaign for his candidate? That is double standard in my view. I think it is too premature to start attacking Weah, wait 2011 Amara. You should rather be attacking Geraldine Doe Sheriff since she’s the one seeking the office for which your candidate is aspiring.
It is also intellectually prudent and for the sake of we the readers to please state exactly what’s in a person’s writing that you disagree with. This will help us the readers to compare and contract from your criticism of the passage from the writer’s article, instead of blanket criticism. The writer might not get everything right, but to insist or infer that his entire piece is “bull-shit” I think is gross or insulting. Make an argument and just don’t criticize. Anybody can criticize but not everyone can make an argument.
We (the readers) want to read counter arguments to keep us engage and inform and not just blanket and insulting criticism. Give us something to deduce from; don’t only disagree with an article but state exactly what’s in the article that you have your disagreement with. This is just a food for thought.
39. 12-11-2009 18:25
Hurrah for FPA !!!
FrontPageAfrica has launched its new print version of its premiere on-line newspaper in Liberia. The citizens will now become more aware of the rampant corruption that are occurring within this administration. We should all be very thankful to FrontPage's editor, Rodney Sieh, for this noble and patriotic effort.
Who told Mr. Weah that his party owns any legislative seat? This is where Mr. Weah is a very dangerous person to be president of Liberia. If Mr. Weah thinks that he owns a legislative seat, then what will he think about the presidency? If, and it is a big if, this guy is ever elected president, the Liberian people should forget about presidential until Mr. Weah can finish his life term because he will never give up the presidency - he will be thinking that it his property.
This is what Liberia will become under Dictator Weah - a person with no idea of what a government is about or any idea of running a government. You have to really hate your own country to push for a person like Mr. Weah to be president.
So Mr. Chorphie Charlie what will be the topic of the debate you are proposing? Will it be about Mr.Weah's record of running private organizations and his great knowledge of running government? What is Mr. Weah record when it comes to running government? What area of government has Mr. Weah worked? So this is a guy that has no idea of how a government works but he wants to be president because he thinks being a president is all about popularity contest. Good luck to the paid agents of Mr. Weah but the Liberian people are not fools to let him near the presidency. If you people really love your man, tell him to run for the house of representative or the Senate - so as to learn who a government is run. Or ask to be Minister of Sports and then show his administrative skill if he has one.
VICTORY ELLEN SIRLEAF 2011
41. 13-11-2009 01:02
Farley Has Got Charlie's Back....What!
Mr. Farley: that your last name rhymes with Mr. Charlie, did not go unnoticed by me... Is there also a confluence of the minds between you two?
Never mind my crassness,I am a regular dude.......
Deep within, I would like to write and argue with the same spirit of equanimity that oozes out of Mr. Hney's pen, with the meticulousness and candor of Nat Gbessagee, with the pizzaz and intellect of Lee Wuanti, but I just cant...My genre of writing, albeit confrontational,also honestly speaks to the same issues of our times.I dont do it in a mean-spirited way.
I honestly care about everyone on this forum, I just plainly refuse to hide behind the romanticism that because one can write few lines of gibberish on this forum, I am obligated to being his/her ideological room mate.
Thatz why Naomi and a negligible few on this forum hate my guts but also which the had my grit....
Call me provocative sir, but "rude" I'm not.
Good riddance
Paul Jackson
42. 13-11-2009 09:31
LIBERIA, EJS FAMILY PRAVITE FARM!!!!
The Analyst: Sirleaf Conundrum Cracks Her Son Prefers Right Over Campaign Promise
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf bulldozed her way to power using her background as political activist, advocate of social-economic justice, and trailblazer with proven local and international credentials. But most of all, it was her promise to be a one-term President that attracted her campaign for president to intellectuals and Liberians who thought her one-term promise would be a legacy of disinterested and stake-claiming governance in postwar Liberia.
But if the comments made by her son are anything to follow, according to observers, that legacy may be unlikely.
The Analyst, reports.
Mr. James E. Sirleaf, son of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, last Tuesday, cracked the puzzle regarding the President’s political future when he disclosed that she no choice but to run for re-election in order to sustain the growth of peace and development in Liberia.
Observers say until Tuesday’s hints on the President’s possible re-run, the whole question was wrapped in a conundrum, which some say was troubling, because it made it difficult to determine the turf and shape of elections 2011. They did not say what knowledge of the President’s running would bring to that determination, but Mr. Sirleaf thinks he knows.
In his view it brings a successful incumbent, who was not restricted by law to seek re-election, fact-to-face at the poll with candidates that will have tough times establishing their presidential credentials.
No Legal Restriction for Re-Run
Mr. Sirleaf, a banker of local and international repute, said there was no law in Liberia that restricts the President from running for second term. He described the 2011 presidential and legislative elections as the most important test of Liberia’s new political dispensation and that therefore it would be a disservice to the President’s supporters and the challenges facing Liberia for her to abandon the process.
“It is imperative that we continue to live with peace, economic development and improve upon our rule of law,” he said, noting that these were factors of national challenge that could not be abandoned at the time they were beginning to take roots. He was however quick to noted that President Sirleaf has not yet decided whether she will run again or not.
“Legally, she can run for another term. I would encourage her to run again because it would be in the interest of all of us that Liberia continues down this positive development path,” Mr. Sirleaf said. Looking at the country many years ago and comparing it now, he said, there was need for Liberians to be grateful for the level of transformation the country has undergone. He believes this was so because the Sirleaf Administration has pooled international support in the form of economic partnership that paid off liberally.
“The growth agenda must be followed. Since 2006, the country has benefited immensely from western political goodwill. The main development partners made up of many western nations led by the United States of America, Great Britain, Germany and France have provided funding for many projects in infrastructure and education development,” he said.
He continued: “The World Bank and IMF have provided emergency assistance primarily in the form of grants that have made it possible for the Government to conduct major road repairs in the city of Monrovia and its close environs. The government has been actively campaigning for global debt relief from both institutional and bilateral lenders.”
He said the battle was far from being over by 2007 but that bilateral lenders such as the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, and China have since made concessions to cancel Liberia’s debt. The World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank (ADB), he said, followed the generosity of the five Security Council members, as early as 2008.
“What this means in a nutshell, is that Liberia would now be able to qualify for drawings under a fully fledged World Bank and/or IMF program. Over the past three years, there has been a virtual turnaround in public finance and national development. Things are not rosy and perfect yet….mainly because of the many years of destruction of life, of culture, infrastructure, and so forth. It is going to take some time to focus on the most vital elements that will make the difference for benefitting the majority of the people.”
Regarding sustained growth in the education, health, and agriculture sectors, according to him, the Sirleaf Administration has had to start from scratch.
“It is going to take some time and it will cost much more money. The economic conditions in the country have been subject to world economic pressures. One reason for this is because Liberia is 100% import dependent,” the banker said. There was need, he said, for the country to move forward in electing people of competence and with good integrity.
“In order to have a sustained peace in this country, we must pursue a path of democracy and the rule of law. We've an obligation to improve our legal system so that everyone has the right protection under the law. We must only place the right people in eminent positions and other senior positions of trust,” he said.
He said it was therefore incumbent upon the voters of Liberia, as a starter, to elect what he called the best candidates to the National Legislature. He acknowledged the fact that electioneering politics was new to Liberia but noted notwithstanding that the failure of the electorates to put experienced persons into public offices would gravely affect the way the nation was governed. He said the Unity Party-led government has done well for the past years.
“The Unity party-led government has done pretty well; nevertheless in lieu of all of these difficulties and uncertainties, we are optimistic that the quality of life for all of the people of Liberia will continue to improve.”
Campaign Promise & Presidential Legacy
Observers say while Mr. Sirleaf may have made striking points in support of his call for the President’s re-run, he was calculatedly or inadvertently brushing aside serious factors that border on the President’s political integrity and the legacy she may create by adhering to her campaign promise to be a one-term president. The President’s academic and accomplishments in local and international financial management aside, they said, it was her promise to the Liberian people to be nothing but a trailblazer and pathfinding president that endeared many to her camp.
“If she dare renege on that promise to step down after one term, even though the law is on her side, she stands to lose her support base and open her achievements to political challenges,” says one observer. He when Madam Sirleaf, as candidate, told the people of Liberia that at her age she would find the challenges of government too burdensome at the end of six years, they saw the fulfillment of the promise as a precedence that future presidents after her could follow.
“Liberia is not accustomed to having former life presidents. Most Liberian presidents since Edwin Barclay were compelled by either the forces of nature or brute force to leave office. President Sirleaf promised to break that vicious cycle and many believed and hailed her. Now that promise is about to be betrayed,” he said. But no all believe that the inevitable in the conundrum for the President’s re-run is about to take place since the President herself has not said she would run.
“We see that some counties and individuals in society have been nudging the President to run, but I think they are doing her a disservice. The people who are doing this are looking only at the benefits that may accrue to them when the administration continues in office.
But they are not looking back at history, at how Liberia came to be what it was some five years ago in terms of governance and economic development,” said political observer Thomas Z. Bayou of suburban Brewerville, west of Monrovia. Bayou said unless the President considered seriously the whispering from family members and political opportunists urging her to run for president and make a decision on her conscience and honor, she was likely to fall into the trap many before her had fallen into.
“The trap usually has several convincing components: fear of pejorative life outside the presidency, the fate of opportunists who had put their ‘life on the line for the chief, the fear of ‘inexperienced’ successors squandering or taking credit for good works left in progress, and the fear of misguided trial. This trap caught and guided Tubman’s political actions and decisions for 27 years, Tolbert’s for 9 years, Doe’s for 10 years, and Taylor’s for 6 years,” he said.
He said even though President Sirleaf has worked overtime to rebuild Liberia’s shattered economy, bring the nation’s problems and challenges to international front burner, and demystified the Liberian presidency by meeting and holding discussions with ordinary Liberians and tolerating outright criticisms of her administration by politicians and the media, that does not follow that she cannot preclude herself from the 2011 elections.
“There is much to be gained by being deferential to the promise she made to the Liberia people than by flouting it in the name of continuity for sustained growth and development. One key factor in politics is trust; when it is betrayed, there is nothing left to hold on to,” agreed Thompson W. Weah, Jr. of the University of Liberia Teacher’s College. Weah said the President has done well and therefore does not need to hold on to power in order to complete any project or protect the growth and development of Liberia from being stalled or reversed by so-called inexperienced politicians or enemies of growth and development.
“There are no such people. The only enemies to Liberia’s growth and development are individuals who opposed smooth political transition through the polls, people who advocate life presidency and whip up all sorts of fears to sustain it, people who we call the despots makers,” he said.
Analysts say while it may be too early or it be unjustifiably jumping the gun to open debate on the President’s possible re-run on the mere pro-run opinion of a family member, the pros and cons of President Sirleaf’s re-run bid promise to be fundamental to the future of Liberia’s pluralistic democracy vis-à-vis the historic cult of the presidency. “That, though, can be made unnecessary by the President,” they say.
ELLEN JOHNSON THE TERRIBLE-TLP
43. 13-11-2009 09:53
LIBERIA, EJS FAMILY PRAVITE FARM!!!!
Weah needs to shut up and go back to school. He is so dumb he doesn't even realize he's ruining his reputation in the international community. I have been telling people since the last election that the man is a dictator. Even his own team mates have said the same over and over again but some Libeians are just plain naive.
44. 13-11-2009 10:31
to this written
To this writer, I really wish that the Liberian people will listen and understand people when they speake, if yyou can play the tape Amb. Weah spoke, he did not mention any severe consequences if the monsterrado by-election was marr by flaw. Please listen and listen well. You are the people that cause trouble and run from it.
45. 13-11-2009 16:34
Surprise, Surprise
Look who's talking! Not you, Mr. TheLiberianpeople TLP,
The gods of FPA are closely watching you. I can only refer to your "unexpected move" as a year-end conversion. In post number 39, you lavish praise at FPA because it has launched a new online print version for the Liberian internet users.
Not only did you show "class" by doing what you did, you took two steps forward: (1) You claim that the corruption that exists in the Johnson-Sirleaf government will be exposed because of FPA's unabashed style of reporting and (2) You unequivocally say that the editor, Rodney Sieh should be appraised because of his "noble and patriotic effort" [perhaps] during these perilous times.
Mr. Liberianpeople, TLP, please stick to your guns, don't flipflop or create enemies for yourself. On the "road to Damascus" you have shown yourself as a changed guy. Bravo! I have always believed that you're a great guy. Keep up the good works, guy.
Miss Naomi Brown, Welcome back. Your 6-week absence on this blog created an imbalance. Your return is appreciated.
On the other hand, Miss Brown, I have got some bad and good news or shall I say a prediction for you. Here it is.
First the bad news: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is not going away soon. Come during the 2011 Liberian elections, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will throw in her tower once again.
The good news: You will go to Liberia in 2010 to test the "political waters" of the 2011 elections. You will be a prime candidate for an elective office in 2011.
46. 13-11-2009 19:55
Surprise, Surprise
VR, and others I think you guys should give thanks to Weah who will put some fear in Ellen and give her a run for the job and vice verse, so far I see no one on board to shake up Ellen or Weah, many of you guys think democracy is joke it is good or else people will be taken for granted by politicians there must be a strong opposition so that we can get the best out of politicians, even God himself except opposition such like Satan.... the name Satan meaning in old Hebrew word mean "OPPOSE". Therefore let see what up, the both candidates are power house in Liberian politic.
F.S. Hney I will be there in full at 2011 election.
47. 13-11-2009 20:32
Surprise, Surprise
Liberia had been in the state of anarchy since 1980-2003, the both candidates are extraordinarily people who over shadow many others candidates in Liberian politic.
A- first female political power house in Africa B- first soccer star turn politician in Africa. Liberia once again showing the world that democracy works.
48. 14-11-2009 01:13
Correction in post#46
I meant to say accept not except
49. 14-11-2009 14:52
Live Debate, Mr. Charlie?
Mr. Charlie, You can't be serious, Charlie! I seriously doubt that you're calling for a live debate. What would be the main objective?
First and foremost, you label those who disagree with your assault on Konneh and Johnson-Sirleaf as being "arrogant and improperly edcated". If you feel strongly so, why in the world would you call for a "live debate" with anyone who is a lunatic or who is educationally inadequate or both?
I would love to engage you in a live debate. I really do not care where. But, the purpose of my engagement would be to set the record straight. The record is this: "Decency, respect for oneself and others" is the best way to conduct any kind of business"! If you agree to adhere to those demands, you have a challenger! You became very intemperate in your denouciation of konneh. Yes, politically you have a right to express yourself. But, I have a feeling you went a little too far and that's why things are going as they are.
I do not know Konneh. I don't believe I have seen him in person. Neither have I seen Weah. When he became known world-wide because of playing soccer, I wasn't in Liberia. But, I like Weah as a fellow being. Despite all of that, I show class and respect Konneh and Weah. I may disagree with their views, but it's only human to do so. But I would not delve into my opponent's personality with your choice of provocative words.
I hope that in the future, you will acclimatize your diatribe to the rules of decency. Once again, you have a right to disagree, but be careful. Your educational background is not in psychology.
One wonders how you could define an opponent in such terms?
In any case, I am proud of you.
50. 14-11-2009 17:45
Gargar, be there!
Honorable Gargar, Be a man of your words. If you say you'll be there to test Liberia's political climate in 2011, do what you say, but don't do as others do theirs.
One of America’s foremost founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson once said,
“every generation needs a new revolution” that is capable to chart a
new course of action. In today’s Liberia, our generation is challenge
to order a new revolution to forward the social mobility of our people,
and one man has taken that challenge-George Weah.
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