Liberia’s Struggle for Democracy on all Fronts.
Solomon Myers (June 22th 2004)

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." ~ Martin Luther King Jnr.

Developed nations must not downplay conflicts in developing nations. Conflicts in totalitarian nations are particularly dangerous; regardless if the threat is a direct or an indirect threat against developed nations.

Human “vultures” feed on conflicts and these conflicts eventually effect us all, because they pump the blood line for greater conflicts that eventually point direct arrows towards other nations.

In our very interconnected world, the United States must do everything in its might to promote democracy globally; because, it epitomizes what a democracy can offer its citizens. The US must desist from conducting business with totalitarian states, regardless if the nation in question poses a strategic interest to the US or not. Just as communism and nazism were defeated; so must all forms of totalitarianism be eradicated. For nations struggling with democracy to thrive, they must be supported by developed nations.

In Liberia’s past attempt at democracy, a small group of Americo-Liberians held on to power and pushed its self-serving agenda on Liberians. Liberia's past regimes were totalitarian, and anyone who opposed the regime was crushed. Liberians who spoke out against the regime were labeled as enemies of Liberia. One of the late presidents of Liberia injected a method of secret killings of Americo-Liberians who opposed them. The services of a renowned doctor in Monrovia was engaged, and the doctor was instructed to murder any of his patients who opposed the regime. This method of killing opponents to the regime was carried out in various parts of Liberia.

During the Tubman era, there were uprisings by both native Liberians and Americo-Liberians who bucked against the totalitarian regime; however, many were killed or forced into exile. Although there were benefactors of the regime, there were outstanding Liberians (Americo-Liberians & Native Liberians) who fought against the injustices that Liberians faced. Two prominent Liberians who put up resistance against the Tubman regime were Albert Port and D. Tweh. These two men, who were Americo & native Liberian respectively, wanted to see a more democratic Liberia.

At the demise of Tubman, his vice president, Tolbert took over the helms of government. Tolbert practiced secret killing techniques and stories abound that Tubman’s life was ended by a doctor hired by Tolbert in England. Tolbert’s regime echoed many of Tubman’s intimidation methods against opponents. At the wake of the 1980 coup staged by Doe, Tolbert was murdered and tyranny overtook Liberia. Liberians were murdered without trial, the military held monopoly on power. Democracy had once again circumvented Liberians.

The struggle for democracy in Liberia has been fought for by both native and Americo-Liberians who opposed tyranny, totalitarianism and all forms of injustice.

Injustice in Liberia is a threat to justice everywhere; hence, developed nations, must stand by Liberians in their struggle against all forms of injustice.

Today, Liberians are once again embarking on the journey towards democracy; mentorship by America will provide the bridge that Liberia needs to finally emerge as a truly democratic nation.

If everyone agrees with one narrow idea that means no one is thinking.

From where I sit….

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Solomon Myers hails from Buchanan, Liberia. He is a Political Scientist/Historian, currently based in Ottawa, Canada.

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