Elections 2011, The Liberian story: Blessing or curse?

By: Stephen Johnson

As 2011 dawns, many new faces will emerge in an attempt to lure the people of Liberia in getting them elected into public offices. What remains a question is the simple fact as to whether these aspirants have what it takes to lead a country emerging out of years of total backwardness and massive underdevelopment. The challenges are quite enormous and herculean and it must be addressed by people with brittle characters coupled with the requisite credential and love for country-for it is only by having these values can one run an effective and efficient administration.

They have begun making promises, engaging in community work, spewing out ill-gotten wealth and claiming to be the true representatives of a group of people with little or no education-Hence their ability to think critically is affected by their desire for handouts. They are not in hiding for we see them every day along the streets of Monrovia beating their chest that no matter what, they are the winner, be it imagined or a reality, it is only but important that we engage our people in a massive awareness campaign which incorporates the grassroots movement with a rather rude awakening. I have heard names evolving, I have also heard organizations popping out, I have heard coalitions, I have seen crossover and unwholesome marriages, discovered strange bedfellows, I have witnessed meetings but what I have not seen is a clear defined agenda for Liberia in the years to come.

These conditions only pinpoint to the fact that we more concerned with getting elected rather than putting those who elect us first. We are only concerned with the gains and the benefits rather than the development of the communities we represent. We are more concerned with the luxury and royalties, fancy cars and flashing billboards rather than salary improvement for the ordinary civil servant and their families, we are more interested in the accolades rather than giving praises to those who truly deserves it [the people]. We are more fascinated about the social successes rather than a robust strategy geared towards self actualization. We are more prone on creating more beggars rather than making more people empowered. We enjoyed the “Yes Manism” rather than been called servants.

If we must have a radical shift in the paradigm from the past, we must begin to change the way we see things and form a common front, with a single goal, and a clear strategy which engenders the development and empowerment of our people, we must engage them in sustained programs and provide for them the basic necessities of life. For too long we expect too much from our people when in reality, we haven’t done much to bring them to the level where we all can hold hands and march towards success. So, as we go to the polls come 2011, let us bear in mind that the future of our country is at stick and we must, must and must do what is right for the betterment of mama Liberia. It’s our common denominator and all we have; we must together preserve it and prepare a safe haven for our future generation(s).

Together we will and YES WE CAN…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!