Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the Best Choice
By Miamen Z.Z.Wopea
The Liberian election is a test to
all Liberians. It comes to test the many human traits that influence
our behaviors and actions; our thought process, the equation of personal
interest to national interest, and the degree to which we each put
national interest above both personal and sectional interests. Above
all, the election comes to test our ability to distinguish between
personal kindness and generosity on one hand, and competency, strong
leadership quality and the ability to make sound judgment on the other
hand. There is also a room for wise foreign policy decision-making
with respect to regional and international relations at the central
core of all of these. By Wednesday this week, we will find ourselves
in a completely different situation; we will be beginning a new process
of learning. That is, learning how to deal and live with the leadership
we put in place. The whole world is also watching our thought process.
I am one of the many Liberians, who firmly refute the notion that
“Liberians are good at taking actions today and regretting tomorrow”.
About two months ago I traveled to Liberia on behalf of LEAD Party.
I went to participate in the political process. I did so with pride.
I observed and learned from everyone in my company. I enjoyed the
warmth, support and hospitality of LEAD partisans and the good people
of Liberia. I remain appreciative of the generosity and determination
of Liberians. Indeed, I enjoyed the conversations and interactions
I had with a cross section of Liberians of all persuasions. I therefore
wish to take this time to express my profound gratitude to our supporters
for their generosity and the tremendous effort toward peace building
in the country.
My observation in Liberia was not without mixed feelings and perceptions.
I observed that both candidates and their supporters have interests,
which are discernibly contrasting in nature. That is, candidates think
about the future of Liberia while their supporters think mainly about
positions they would enjoy should their candidates win. I listened
to good reasons and real reasons for supporters’ choices. I listened
to well-informed and educated people, who are currently supporting
their children in schools and other higher institutions of learning
vehemently argue against ‘educated people”. I observed counter-arguments
and warning against incompetence, arrogance and ignorance at national
and international levels. It was rewarding to be in the midst of all
of these.
To those of you who may be pushing the “Congo-Country” line, I wish
to caution you that things have changed in Liberia. The young generation
thinks beyond this divide. To those of you who confuse being ‘educated
with literacy and tend to instigate new cultural war among our children,
I say to you, that is a dangerous path.
Finally, it is a good exercise to restate that this election comes
to test our ability to make discernible decisions between growth and
stagnation; between informed knowledge on state matters and incompetence,
between personal or county interest and national interest; between
profound pride and dignity and corruptible leadership and gross embarrassment;
and between education and ignorance. Therefore, in the best interest
of Liberia and our children’s future, I strong believe that the corresponding
best choice at this time is to vote Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as
the next president of Liberia. I am calling on all of you, my readers,
to influence your friends and relatives in Liberia to vote for Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf.
All opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those
of UNICCO.
© Copyright 2003 UNICCO DIGEST.
Subscribe to the Digest: Click
here to add your name to our list of subscribers |
