Dearest Mama,
Thanks for your response to my last letter, “Prayers for Sale.” Yea, yea, I know some folks had problems with the little true story. It is not a “They say story, it is something I saw with my own eyes, not once, not twice, but many times. I am not against street preaching, but I get discourage when I see people take advantage of others.
I do appreciate feedback from everyone, particularly those from the village. Thanks to Sikuno for her letter. I could tell from the manner it was packaged that she didn’t find my letter to you and the villagers favorable. I hope she is not one of those who is paying for prayers and blessings. If she is one of the victims of such schemes, I want her to know that God loves her, and his love and blessings are not for sale.
I also want to share with my sister Sikuno some captivating comments from a sermon at one of the churches here. Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach, in his preaching on tithing said, “ tithing is one of the ways God allow us [a choice he wants us to make] to create and protect our wealth and finances. In order to protect our finances from Satan, we must bring our tithe [10%] of our wealth into God’s store house.”
Bishop Johnson said, though God wants us to tithe, “God is not a Mob Boss, who will stick a gun to our heads demanding 10% of our income. Unlike the Mob Boss who will harass you to buy protection by giving, or threaten you and your families, the purpose of tithing is to show faith in God, that he [God] will take care of your needs and you will not have to rely on material things.”
I know, some people are already hissing their teeth at the mention of 10%. It is not necessary to get a lawyer to defend you in this matter, because in the Bible, it says, [Psalm 24:1] "The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His!" and honor him by giving our tithe.” Ah, let me quickly make a simple correction here. Yes, the earth belongs to God, and everything on this earth belongs to God. But that doesn’t mean we have to make the 10% payment of our income in the same manner we make our credit card payments, or the way we turn our heads when we pay our rent. We shouldn’t angrily or reluctantly pull out our check books, or tear money out our purses and wallets to buy money orders, and sign off the ten percent [in the same manner we make minimum payment to credit card companies] and turn our backs. This is not about law, it is about love.
Bishop said giving with love [God’s way] and giving according to the law [the Mob Boss’ way] are two contrasting issues. In his words, ‘Law is external, and not from the heart. Law can get people to conform externally, but cannot capture the heart. God wants us to give with love and faith. God wants us to believe him, he wants us to have faith, and he wants us to have a heart filled with love and faith – a place that better serves him.”
Bishop Johnson said, give with joy, be hilarious in your giving because you want to please God. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each man should give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Also remember in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Bishop added, “Giving to God hilariously makes our lives to come alive because the spirit of God’s grace can work through our prayers and all that we do.” [When I hear this I wanted to blow whistle.]
So, whatever you are thinking, please don’t think Aunty Margborlu can pay your tithe. PaGono can buy a gift for you, but he cannot pay your tithe. Leave Mr. PayZeh out of this too, he cannot pay your tithe. This is like a bundle we all have to carry on our own, and we must learn to do it with our hearts.
With love and faith in God, I will have to pay my tithe, and you will have to pay your tithe. As Bishop Johnson said, giving voluntarily, and giving hilariously to God is a way of “honoring him, it make us bigger, it make us rich in faith, and it is a way of activating God’s promises in our lives.”
I understand, and we all know that things are tough – the harvest is not very good this year. Even here, in the kwee people’s land, most offices have closed down, leaving many of us without jobs. But think about it this way, would you hold back on your 10% tithe so that you can have the 100% of your income without God’s blessings on your finances, or have 90% of your income with God’s blessings?
If you are still struggling with letting go of the 10%, look at these verses:
Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Malachi 3:10-12: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food [tithing in God’s house is the food, which provides the ability and finances for the church to reach out to others] in My house, and try Me now in this’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field’ says the LORD of hosts; ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land’ says the LORD of hosts.”
I know that by God’s grace, soon I will begin going on the farm again. Even in these rough times, I am seeing and appreciating God’s blessings when I tithe.
Mama, let me stop here. I must run to pick up your grandson. I missed the 3:00pm bus. Geez! The post guy said he wants you to send some country soda.
Always
musue
Friday, June 18, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Random Thoughts: Prayers and God's Blessings For Sale
Dearest Mama,
It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:
The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.
Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!
From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.
Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.
Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.
During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!
As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.
Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.
Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.
In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.
What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."
He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."
Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they robbing God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?
What does the Bible say about robbing God?
Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."
After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?
Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”
Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.
He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?
Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”
Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!
Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!
Always,
musue
When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. However when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, it is easy to find ourselves on the street with a "street preacher."
It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:
The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.
Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!
From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.
Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.
Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.
During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!
As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.
Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.
Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.
In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.
What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."
He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."
Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they robbing God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?
What does the Bible say about robbing God?
Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."
After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?
Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”
Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.
He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?
Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”
Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!
Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!
Always,
musue
When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. However when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, it is easy to find ourselves on the street with a "street preacher."
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Random Thoughts: On 61st Birthday, Charles Taylor Hears Prosecution’s last Witnesses in his Case
Dearest Mama,
Hope all is well at your end. Thanks for your note reminding me about Pappay’s (Charles Taylor’s) birthday, and the inauguration of Obama as U.S. President. Before discussing Pappay’s birthday, I really want to say that from where I sit, Obama’s elections and inauguration have left me pondering over two things: Obama Democratic Convention Speech was held on the night 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream Speech," and Obama’s inauguration took place a day after Martin Luther King's Day in the U.S.A. In the U.S. Martin Luther King’s Day is observed on the third Monday of January, and this year it fell on January 19th, ushering the inauguration of Obama.
Regarding Pappay's birthday, it’s partly because of the birthday I travelled to The Hague to watch the last parts of the prosecution’s witnesses and also see what Taylor was doing for his birthday. The last few days of the prosecution’s presentation was tensed: A man who had both hands hacked off during Sierra Leone's civil war testified, A rape victim testifying against Taylor described her unbearable pain, and journalist Hassan Bility testified against Charles Taylor.
Mama, unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry, this time I got the feeling that Pappay almost forgot his birthday. In fact, when he was reminded about his birthday, Pappay stopped momentarily in his track, stared briefly at what seemed to be the tip of his foot wear, and then he quickly lifted his head and looked far ahead. Mama, before I could read his expressions or connect his actions to facial countenance, Pappay had become aware of his environment and taken on his mode- easy strides and expressionless face as he was being taken to the courtroom.
Mama, while Pappay was in the court room, I found out in my own fashion that the tradition of celebrating birthhdays with showiness doesn't exist at The Hague; at least not in the part of The Hague where Taylor is held. Unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry: songs/music written and sung in his honor; events organized to celebrate his natal day; government offices closed to celebrate his birthday, this time, Pappay spend his day facing victims of atrocities carried out by rebel group and during his administration.
It was awkward to see Pappay- a man who once summoned authority, now without status or authority. As I stood there looking at Pappay, I reflected on the degree of power he once held and wielded as rebel leader and during his years as President of Liberia. You’ll recall that during those days, when Pappay stood up, it seemed the World around him trembled; and when he walked, everything stood still. I can tell you that things are quite different at The Hague. On January 28, 2009, Pappay spend his 61st birthday in prison, reminiscing days of old when his birthday was a national events celebrated with showiness and splendor.
Actually, while en-route to The Hague, I had anticipated that Pappay would have stack of mails containing birthday cards and photographs from some of those we considered his “close’ friends, including the “queens” and “missuses.” Mama, Pappay had only a few pieces of mails in his room – none from his ‘circle of friends.”
When I had the opportunity, I seized the opportunity to ask Pappay about his birthday and his days at The Hague – was he in communication with his friends and families? Pappay paced back and forth, and then briefly held his chin. He responded to my inquiry by giving me a brief lecture: “Betrayal brings about …..anger. That’s because people remember their friends and the happy times they have spent together, and then the idea of betrayal…. At the end of the day, when we sit back, people remember friends who might have hurt them or betrayed them at some point of time.” At that end, Pappay became silent. I then knew that it was time to return home.
Mama, during my trip home, I thought about home- Liberia and the ritual of celebrating presidents’ birthdays as holidays, which over the years became an obsession. Before becoming president of Liberia, Taylor who was still head of his rebel group, together with his supporters converged on Monrovia in January, 1996, and celebrated his 48th birthday in grand style, while those he professed to be liberating were going to bed hungry daily. That tradition of celebrating his birthday in pomp and Pageantry continued throughout his administration.
President William V.S Tubman birthday which was a national holiday was celebrated November 29 of every year. When William R. Tolbert succeeded President Tubman, Tolbert’s birthday on May 13th was also a national holiday. President Samuel Doe continued the legacy; his birthday was May 6 of every year. And so, Charles Taylor’s birthday, January 28 was added to the calendar.
Mama was there any “Happy Birthday” announcement in the newspapers for Charles Taylor? How big was the advert? Was it a full page? Oh, if you see any advert, kindly let me know the size and the sponsor. I am just curious.
Talk to you later.
always, musue
Hope all is well at your end. Thanks for your note reminding me about Pappay’s (Charles Taylor’s) birthday, and the inauguration of Obama as U.S. President. Before discussing Pappay’s birthday, I really want to say that from where I sit, Obama’s elections and inauguration have left me pondering over two things: Obama Democratic Convention Speech was held on the night 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream Speech," and Obama’s inauguration took place a day after Martin Luther King's Day in the U.S.A. In the U.S. Martin Luther King’s Day is observed on the third Monday of January, and this year it fell on January 19th, ushering the inauguration of Obama.
Regarding Pappay's birthday, it’s partly because of the birthday I travelled to The Hague to watch the last parts of the prosecution’s witnesses and also see what Taylor was doing for his birthday. The last few days of the prosecution’s presentation was tensed: A man who had both hands hacked off during Sierra Leone's civil war testified, A rape victim testifying against Taylor described her unbearable pain, and journalist Hassan Bility testified against Charles Taylor.
Mama, unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry, this time I got the feeling that Pappay almost forgot his birthday. In fact, when he was reminded about his birthday, Pappay stopped momentarily in his track, stared briefly at what seemed to be the tip of his foot wear, and then he quickly lifted his head and looked far ahead. Mama, before I could read his expressions or connect his actions to facial countenance, Pappay had become aware of his environment and taken on his mode- easy strides and expressionless face as he was being taken to the courtroom.
Mama, while Pappay was in the court room, I found out in my own fashion that the tradition of celebrating birthhdays with showiness doesn't exist at The Hague; at least not in the part of The Hague where Taylor is held. Unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry: songs/music written and sung in his honor; events organized to celebrate his natal day; government offices closed to celebrate his birthday, this time, Pappay spend his day facing victims of atrocities carried out by rebel group and during his administration.
It was awkward to see Pappay- a man who once summoned authority, now without status or authority. As I stood there looking at Pappay, I reflected on the degree of power he once held and wielded as rebel leader and during his years as President of Liberia. You’ll recall that during those days, when Pappay stood up, it seemed the World around him trembled; and when he walked, everything stood still. I can tell you that things are quite different at The Hague. On January 28, 2009, Pappay spend his 61st birthday in prison, reminiscing days of old when his birthday was a national events celebrated with showiness and splendor.
Actually, while en-route to The Hague, I had anticipated that Pappay would have stack of mails containing birthday cards and photographs from some of those we considered his “close’ friends, including the “queens” and “missuses.” Mama, Pappay had only a few pieces of mails in his room – none from his ‘circle of friends.”
When I had the opportunity, I seized the opportunity to ask Pappay about his birthday and his days at The Hague – was he in communication with his friends and families? Pappay paced back and forth, and then briefly held his chin. He responded to my inquiry by giving me a brief lecture: “Betrayal brings about …..anger. That’s because people remember their friends and the happy times they have spent together, and then the idea of betrayal…. At the end of the day, when we sit back, people remember friends who might have hurt them or betrayed them at some point of time.” At that end, Pappay became silent. I then knew that it was time to return home.
Mama, during my trip home, I thought about home- Liberia and the ritual of celebrating presidents’ birthdays as holidays, which over the years became an obsession. Before becoming president of Liberia, Taylor who was still head of his rebel group, together with his supporters converged on Monrovia in January, 1996, and celebrated his 48th birthday in grand style, while those he professed to be liberating were going to bed hungry daily. That tradition of celebrating his birthday in pomp and Pageantry continued throughout his administration.
President William V.S Tubman birthday which was a national holiday was celebrated November 29 of every year. When William R. Tolbert succeeded President Tubman, Tolbert’s birthday on May 13th was also a national holiday. President Samuel Doe continued the legacy; his birthday was May 6 of every year. And so, Charles Taylor’s birthday, January 28 was added to the calendar.
Mama was there any “Happy Birthday” announcement in the newspapers for Charles Taylor? How big was the advert? Was it a full page? Oh, if you see any advert, kindly let me know the size and the sponsor. I am just curious.
Talk to you later.
always, musue
Random Thoughts: Dependency Syndrome - A Society of Predators and Sycophants
Dearest Mama,
I understand your interest in hearing my views on the implications of predators or predation and sycophants on our society. I also received several communications from our compatriots requesting a short discussion on these issues. Personally, I wanted to write on the topic few months ago, but have been preoccupied with getting the claws of predators from my flesh. At the moment, I have large wounds that may take several months to heal.
Mama, let me forewarn you that this is a broad topic, and this communication may not touch on all facets of the issues, but I will attempt to set the premise for future discussions.
“Predator” is mostly associated with conservationism, which is a process where one animal attacks and feeds on another. Sometimes, the predators may or may not kill their prey before feeding on them, but the act or practice of plundering or marauding; or the act of attacking a prey as a means of maintaining life almost always results in the death of that prey. The word sycophant refers to a person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, tries to win favor by flattering people in positions of power, at the cost of his or her own personal pride and in most instances, at the expense of his or her peers.
Mama, when a society has a powerful human (political) predator, life becomes difficult for others, particularly the those that are helpless or unable to fight back. Most human predators are even more cunning than animal predators. Like animals, human predators may hunt actively for prey, or sit and wait for prey to approach within striking distance, and then they pound on them. Most preys are innocent, and struggling to live a simple life. What makes this more challenging for human being prey is that when greed and power comes into play for human predators, their minds operate like animals, and even below the thinking capacity and reasoning of low class animals.
Mama, you will begin to imagine that living in the midst of predator is difficult. I will then add that, if living in the midst of predators is difficult, then imagine what’s happening in our society where predators and sycophants are rubbing shoulders?
Mama, I have experienced the handy works of predators and sycophants. Believe me, when it comes to greed and power, predators and sycophants put aside common sense and reasoning; they move head on without any consideration for the implications of their actions on other human beings, including innocent children. It’s kind of scary looking at some of the consequences of sycophancy, and victims of the predators and sycophants in our society.
Mama, it is sad to see that of all the beautiful things in our world, people can select and become exceptionally good at the art of sycophancy. Imagine the time, resources and efforts they devout to not developing their God given skills and talent that could be used to contribute meaningfully society. No! They spent all the time trying to flatter, and undermine others. It is sad to know that sycophants deliberately prey on colleagues or co-workers who simply desire to uphold and maintain their dignity, rather than engage in flattery. In a world where competition is much more encouraged, while collaboration and coordination is gradually being pushed under the carpet, sycophancy and predation are gradually becoming acceptable norms and practices within some institutions, and communities.
To beef up the practice of sycophancy, almost all acts carried out by sycophants in the world of sycophancy are considered "right," and any attempt by non-sycophants to question such unfair practices will ultimately result to isolation and or intimidation. Quite funny ehn! But the goal here is to protect their territory, and also claim other territories with complete disregard for the implications their actions will have on society, and the generations ahead.
Sycophancy is almost everywhere, and when sycophancy strikes, predator are the 'cleaner." Sycophancy is no longer carried out in subtle manner, we see it when subordinates praise their bosses’ second-rate performance. Even in schools, students pay unnecessary compliments to their teachers in order to secure better grades. I see it when the helpless pay needless respect to their phony “experts” and hierarchs. Look at the way a person, or politicians praise their so-called leaders in spite their unprofessional conducts and corrupt practices; that’s sycophancy. I see it, and you can see it in the advertisements sponsored by an unknown official of some unsuccessful organization applauding someone's unworthy appointment to a position.
Foolishly, sycophancy is grossly displayed when suddenly ‘social justice persons and groups’ start to sing their own praises, trying to draw the attention of some groups and take credit for the hard work of others. It is even cheaply visible when those imprisoned for wrongful deeds try to claim that they are heroes or heroines. And when true heroes or persons who have worked hard to maintain their reputation, or when an independent minded person question unfair practices, sycophants and predators feel challenged, the immediately start pounding. They hurriedly set in place some of their syco- behaviors and preda-tragies to destroy that person’s accomplishments, or the hard earned efforts of such groups.
Mama, I don’t know when sycophancy emerged, but when sycophancy was born, it came with its twin - the predator. And ever since their birth, sycophancy and predation have been walking side by side. Call them the destructive two!
It may be difficult to say exactly the roots of sycophancy, but perhaps, it has to do with the injustices, and the manner our ancestors were forcibly programmed or trained to take on their ‘masters” point of view; their bosses way of thinking; and the concept that "you must always worship the powerful." I say Ah-kay to that! Mama, this “dependency syndrome” is an attitude and way of life that is rapidly becoming embedded in our society.
Mama, when a person engages in sycophancy, they corrupt two major qualities for leading a successful life: their integrity and self-respect. And the self-corruption of a person's integrity, and and that person's dependence on another groups of persons with like mind set in place a cycle, that grows, and grows.
The cycle of sycophancy continues to exist in our society because after a sycophant becomes a leader, he or she is surrounded with sycophants, and there is a birth of more and more sycophants. In that process, predators prey on non sycophants. The elimination of non sycophants and the continual promotion of sycophancy destroys efforts for progress. Moreover, when sycophancy becomes a recurrent practice, it creates a system where ineffective persons are placed, or find themselves as heads of institutions, thereby obstructing development at the institutional and national levels.
Most importantly, upcoming sycophants, or new breeds of sycophants desperate to prove their loyalties and committments to the profession of sycophancy begin to vigorously hunt down non sycophant and independent minded persons as a way of impressing their bosses. Look around you, you will see some of these practices.
The question then becomes, how do we rid our society of sycophancy; how do we discourage the birth of human predation? We must first begin by doing the following:
1) Believing in ourselves by acknowledging and valuing our competence, and ability to progress in life, instead of feeding on another person’s weakness for sweet talk.
2) Recognizing that as human beings, we are entitled to certain inalienable rights. Some of these rights, precisely articulated by United States President Franklin Roosevelt known as the Four Freedoms that humans "everywhere in the world" ought to enjoy: Freedom of speech and expression, Freedom of religion, Freedom from want , Freedom from fear.
Whenever you have an opinion, or want to ask a question, and you are beginning to feel intimidated, remember two things: Believe in yourself, and recognize that by nature of being a human being, you have the right to life, and that includes the four freedoms.
Mama, one last point, which in any case is not the least point is to resist becoming a member of the cheering squad of ineffective leaders and systems. Let us learn to leave our own trails, rather than follow the cataclysm trails of others.
In whatever you do, ask yourself: Am I a [supporter of] sycophant, a predator or a professional seeking to promote good practices, or am I selling my soul to the devil and destroying the lives of others? Let's always remember that, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," it may take some time to see the consequences of your action, but it does come, and at the appropriate time.
always,
musue
I understand your interest in hearing my views on the implications of predators or predation and sycophants on our society. I also received several communications from our compatriots requesting a short discussion on these issues. Personally, I wanted to write on the topic few months ago, but have been preoccupied with getting the claws of predators from my flesh. At the moment, I have large wounds that may take several months to heal.
Mama, let me forewarn you that this is a broad topic, and this communication may not touch on all facets of the issues, but I will attempt to set the premise for future discussions.
“Predator” is mostly associated with conservationism, which is a process where one animal attacks and feeds on another. Sometimes, the predators may or may not kill their prey before feeding on them, but the act or practice of plundering or marauding; or the act of attacking a prey as a means of maintaining life almost always results in the death of that prey. The word sycophant refers to a person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, tries to win favor by flattering people in positions of power, at the cost of his or her own personal pride and in most instances, at the expense of his or her peers.
Mama, when a society has a powerful human (political) predator, life becomes difficult for others, particularly the those that are helpless or unable to fight back. Most human predators are even more cunning than animal predators. Like animals, human predators may hunt actively for prey, or sit and wait for prey to approach within striking distance, and then they pound on them. Most preys are innocent, and struggling to live a simple life. What makes this more challenging for human being prey is that when greed and power comes into play for human predators, their minds operate like animals, and even below the thinking capacity and reasoning of low class animals.
Mama, you will begin to imagine that living in the midst of predator is difficult. I will then add that, if living in the midst of predators is difficult, then imagine what’s happening in our society where predators and sycophants are rubbing shoulders?
Mama, I have experienced the handy works of predators and sycophants. Believe me, when it comes to greed and power, predators and sycophants put aside common sense and reasoning; they move head on without any consideration for the implications of their actions on other human beings, including innocent children. It’s kind of scary looking at some of the consequences of sycophancy, and victims of the predators and sycophants in our society.
Mama, it is sad to see that of all the beautiful things in our world, people can select and become exceptionally good at the art of sycophancy. Imagine the time, resources and efforts they devout to not developing their God given skills and talent that could be used to contribute meaningfully society. No! They spent all the time trying to flatter, and undermine others. It is sad to know that sycophants deliberately prey on colleagues or co-workers who simply desire to uphold and maintain their dignity, rather than engage in flattery. In a world where competition is much more encouraged, while collaboration and coordination is gradually being pushed under the carpet, sycophancy and predation are gradually becoming acceptable norms and practices within some institutions, and communities.
To beef up the practice of sycophancy, almost all acts carried out by sycophants in the world of sycophancy are considered "right," and any attempt by non-sycophants to question such unfair practices will ultimately result to isolation and or intimidation. Quite funny ehn! But the goal here is to protect their territory, and also claim other territories with complete disregard for the implications their actions will have on society, and the generations ahead.
Sycophancy is almost everywhere, and when sycophancy strikes, predator are the 'cleaner." Sycophancy is no longer carried out in subtle manner, we see it when subordinates praise their bosses’ second-rate performance. Even in schools, students pay unnecessary compliments to their teachers in order to secure better grades. I see it when the helpless pay needless respect to their phony “experts” and hierarchs. Look at the way a person, or politicians praise their so-called leaders in spite their unprofessional conducts and corrupt practices; that’s sycophancy. I see it, and you can see it in the advertisements sponsored by an unknown official of some unsuccessful organization applauding someone's unworthy appointment to a position.
Foolishly, sycophancy is grossly displayed when suddenly ‘social justice persons and groups’ start to sing their own praises, trying to draw the attention of some groups and take credit for the hard work of others. It is even cheaply visible when those imprisoned for wrongful deeds try to claim that they are heroes or heroines. And when true heroes or persons who have worked hard to maintain their reputation, or when an independent minded person question unfair practices, sycophants and predators feel challenged, the immediately start pounding. They hurriedly set in place some of their syco- behaviors and preda-tragies to destroy that person’s accomplishments, or the hard earned efforts of such groups.
Mama, I don’t know when sycophancy emerged, but when sycophancy was born, it came with its twin - the predator. And ever since their birth, sycophancy and predation have been walking side by side. Call them the destructive two!
It may be difficult to say exactly the roots of sycophancy, but perhaps, it has to do with the injustices, and the manner our ancestors were forcibly programmed or trained to take on their ‘masters” point of view; their bosses way of thinking; and the concept that "you must always worship the powerful." I say Ah-kay to that! Mama, this “dependency syndrome” is an attitude and way of life that is rapidly becoming embedded in our society.
Mama, when a person engages in sycophancy, they corrupt two major qualities for leading a successful life: their integrity and self-respect. And the self-corruption of a person's integrity, and and that person's dependence on another groups of persons with like mind set in place a cycle, that grows, and grows.
The cycle of sycophancy continues to exist in our society because after a sycophant becomes a leader, he or she is surrounded with sycophants, and there is a birth of more and more sycophants. In that process, predators prey on non sycophants. The elimination of non sycophants and the continual promotion of sycophancy destroys efforts for progress. Moreover, when sycophancy becomes a recurrent practice, it creates a system where ineffective persons are placed, or find themselves as heads of institutions, thereby obstructing development at the institutional and national levels.
Most importantly, upcoming sycophants, or new breeds of sycophants desperate to prove their loyalties and committments to the profession of sycophancy begin to vigorously hunt down non sycophant and independent minded persons as a way of impressing their bosses. Look around you, you will see some of these practices.
The question then becomes, how do we rid our society of sycophancy; how do we discourage the birth of human predation? We must first begin by doing the following:
1) Believing in ourselves by acknowledging and valuing our competence, and ability to progress in life, instead of feeding on another person’s weakness for sweet talk.
2) Recognizing that as human beings, we are entitled to certain inalienable rights. Some of these rights, precisely articulated by United States President Franklin Roosevelt known as the Four Freedoms that humans "everywhere in the world" ought to enjoy: Freedom of speech and expression, Freedom of religion, Freedom from want , Freedom from fear.
Whenever you have an opinion, or want to ask a question, and you are beginning to feel intimidated, remember two things: Believe in yourself, and recognize that by nature of being a human being, you have the right to life, and that includes the four freedoms.
Mama, one last point, which in any case is not the least point is to resist becoming a member of the cheering squad of ineffective leaders and systems. Let us learn to leave our own trails, rather than follow the cataclysm trails of others.
In whatever you do, ask yourself: Am I a [supporter of] sycophant, a predator or a professional seeking to promote good practices, or am I selling my soul to the devil and destroying the lives of others? Let's always remember that, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," it may take some time to see the consequences of your action, but it does come, and at the appropriate time.
always,
musue
Random Thoughts: You Have the Power - Be an Agent of Positive Change
Dearest Mama,
Thank you for the wonderful letter. I also received some letters from those at the fireside when you read my New Year’s note. Some of our kinsmen reacted positively to my note. For example, Mr. Sandy in a comment regarding my Random Thoughts letter said, “I like the piece and the creativity used in bringing to fore Liberia's unbridled corruption. I strongly agree with you that corruption in Liberia is a norm or way of life.”
Well, among the respondents expressing alternative views, Mr. Guano, apparently troubled about my comments on corruption said, “I will recommend that since you want to use your dearest mama as a shield to cover up your political reportage, you should not publish it on FrontPage Africa.” Wow! I didn’t realize that Guano was the CZAR Of Journalism, and the regulator of how corruption and other political issues should be reported. When I received Mr. Guano’s letter, unlike his three paragraphs, I wrote a single sentence: “This communication is to acknowledge that your e-mail was received.” As to what I am doing regarding his letter of ultimatum, this is exactly what I am doing: writing!
Mama, you can only imagine what would have happened if Mr. Goaho had the final say about my communication to you and others. It’s kind of scary how some people use their power, but then it’s even terrifying when those who don’t have power begin sending out clues depicting how they will use power. Mama, how do you describe such forceful and uncontrollable feelings that manifest in such manner – just simple letter to you on New Year’s resolution and corruption that provokes such feeling? Is it embedded rage, anger, wrath or something else?
Wrath almost the same as rage and anger falls almost within the same category, and they have the same, or almost the same meaning. They are feelings that can manifest as a result of rejection of the truth and also the desire to settle scores outside of the confines of the law. In most cases, someone with such rage or anger can show displaced aggression – that is the rage or anger is vented against someone or a group of people who are not directly a cause of the person’s anger.
Mama, an example of such wrath was displayed during the war in Liberia. You remembered how people were killed – some randomly and others targeted. In both cases some of those engaged in such acts were enacting their own form of justice, because they believed that the authorities didn’t or wouldn’t respond to the cause of their rage.
Another recent display of such wrath or rage occurring in Monrovia is the stance taken by citizens against “armed robbers”. We read recently that citizens are beating and physically assaulting and sometimes killing “thieves” and “armed robbers.” According to reports from Monrovia, citizens are ignoring the law and have decided to take on their form of justice because of what they consider insufficient response by authorities in curtailing robberies in Monrovia. The reaction by citizens falls within the category of rage and anger.
Mama, as we move from one point to the next in life, we will meet people who will push our last button; we will also find ourselves in situations where we will not be judged by our capabilities, but by our looks or other factors; we may even meet people who will despise us just because of who we are.
How we respond to such situations? The manner in which we handle our feelings during such situations or afterwards determines who we are. Ask yourself how will you treat a waitress, an unattractive person, an innocent child, someone outside your (political, racial, social, etc) circle, a bus driver, or a homeless person after you've been treated unfairly by others? Do you hold grudge and display anger or rage later?
Mama, I quite remembered you telling me that my response to others after such experiences determines my ability to control the development and growth of hatred and anger that lie dormant in all of us. I have seen it, and I have felt it Mama, and I know it - our everyday actions determine our character. We all make mistakes along the way, but what is our general pattern? That is the question we should ask ourselves as individually and as a people. At home, our partner, children, and family members will do something that upsets us at some point. It is how we respond to what our partner, our friends and colleagues do that defines what type of colleagues or partners we are.
I have also seen people (forcibly) influencing others into accepting and supporting their idea and beliefs. This force of will is almost always temporary, because people do mature, or sometimes they will someday have a taste of freedom, after which they will realize that they have been manipulated. This realization of how they have been exploited tend to create confusion and friction. Mama, we have seen this in Liberia and other societies- many people blindly accept what they are told by others, including those in positions of authority, be it in political, religious and educational positions. I believe that we should always use our mind, our intelligence, our reasoning and intellect to analyze and dissect situations, theories, and the ideas shared by others to determine whether or not something is true. This position can be challenging, it has been for me – I am not a conformist, believe me, it has been difficult for me, and it is still challenging. I rather think for myself and question others than swallow everything, which ultimately breeds hate, anger and wrath inside of us after recognizing how others manipulate and suppress our abilities to use our basic senses.
Mama, kindly inform all of our people out there that they should not believe that they "don’t know who they are" and therefore must wear the identity of others. No, No! We should remember that it is the authorities - the political, the religious, the educational authorities who educated our forefathers and mothers by giving them orders, rules, regulations, informing, forming in their minds their view of reality. It is this forced view of reality that shut the minds of our forefathers, pushing them in a state of dormancy, and ignorance, and when that little light flickered, rage and anger set in.
Let’s remember that an idle mind is a fertile ground for rage and hate. Let’s nurture our creativity so that we can become agents of positive change!
Always,
Musue
Thank you for the wonderful letter. I also received some letters from those at the fireside when you read my New Year’s note. Some of our kinsmen reacted positively to my note. For example, Mr. Sandy in a comment regarding my Random Thoughts letter said, “I like the piece and the creativity used in bringing to fore Liberia's unbridled corruption. I strongly agree with you that corruption in Liberia is a norm or way of life.”
Well, among the respondents expressing alternative views, Mr. Guano, apparently troubled about my comments on corruption said, “I will recommend that since you want to use your dearest mama as a shield to cover up your political reportage, you should not publish it on FrontPage Africa.” Wow! I didn’t realize that Guano was the CZAR Of Journalism, and the regulator of how corruption and other political issues should be reported. When I received Mr. Guano’s letter, unlike his three paragraphs, I wrote a single sentence: “This communication is to acknowledge that your e-mail was received.” As to what I am doing regarding his letter of ultimatum, this is exactly what I am doing: writing!
Mama, you can only imagine what would have happened if Mr. Goaho had the final say about my communication to you and others. It’s kind of scary how some people use their power, but then it’s even terrifying when those who don’t have power begin sending out clues depicting how they will use power. Mama, how do you describe such forceful and uncontrollable feelings that manifest in such manner – just simple letter to you on New Year’s resolution and corruption that provokes such feeling? Is it embedded rage, anger, wrath or something else?
Wrath almost the same as rage and anger falls almost within the same category, and they have the same, or almost the same meaning. They are feelings that can manifest as a result of rejection of the truth and also the desire to settle scores outside of the confines of the law. In most cases, someone with such rage or anger can show displaced aggression – that is the rage or anger is vented against someone or a group of people who are not directly a cause of the person’s anger.
Mama, an example of such wrath was displayed during the war in Liberia. You remembered how people were killed – some randomly and others targeted. In both cases some of those engaged in such acts were enacting their own form of justice, because they believed that the authorities didn’t or wouldn’t respond to the cause of their rage.
Another recent display of such wrath or rage occurring in Monrovia is the stance taken by citizens against “armed robbers”. We read recently that citizens are beating and physically assaulting and sometimes killing “thieves” and “armed robbers.” According to reports from Monrovia, citizens are ignoring the law and have decided to take on their form of justice because of what they consider insufficient response by authorities in curtailing robberies in Monrovia. The reaction by citizens falls within the category of rage and anger.
Mama, as we move from one point to the next in life, we will meet people who will push our last button; we will also find ourselves in situations where we will not be judged by our capabilities, but by our looks or other factors; we may even meet people who will despise us just because of who we are.
How we respond to such situations? The manner in which we handle our feelings during such situations or afterwards determines who we are. Ask yourself how will you treat a waitress, an unattractive person, an innocent child, someone outside your (political, racial, social, etc) circle, a bus driver, or a homeless person after you've been treated unfairly by others? Do you hold grudge and display anger or rage later?
Mama, I quite remembered you telling me that my response to others after such experiences determines my ability to control the development and growth of hatred and anger that lie dormant in all of us. I have seen it, and I have felt it Mama, and I know it - our everyday actions determine our character. We all make mistakes along the way, but what is our general pattern? That is the question we should ask ourselves as individually and as a people. At home, our partner, children, and family members will do something that upsets us at some point. It is how we respond to what our partner, our friends and colleagues do that defines what type of colleagues or partners we are.
I have also seen people (forcibly) influencing others into accepting and supporting their idea and beliefs. This force of will is almost always temporary, because people do mature, or sometimes they will someday have a taste of freedom, after which they will realize that they have been manipulated. This realization of how they have been exploited tend to create confusion and friction. Mama, we have seen this in Liberia and other societies- many people blindly accept what they are told by others, including those in positions of authority, be it in political, religious and educational positions. I believe that we should always use our mind, our intelligence, our reasoning and intellect to analyze and dissect situations, theories, and the ideas shared by others to determine whether or not something is true. This position can be challenging, it has been for me – I am not a conformist, believe me, it has been difficult for me, and it is still challenging. I rather think for myself and question others than swallow everything, which ultimately breeds hate, anger and wrath inside of us after recognizing how others manipulate and suppress our abilities to use our basic senses.
Mama, kindly inform all of our people out there that they should not believe that they "don’t know who they are" and therefore must wear the identity of others. No, No! We should remember that it is the authorities - the political, the religious, the educational authorities who educated our forefathers and mothers by giving them orders, rules, regulations, informing, forming in their minds their view of reality. It is this forced view of reality that shut the minds of our forefathers, pushing them in a state of dormancy, and ignorance, and when that little light flickered, rage and anger set in.
Let’s remember that an idle mind is a fertile ground for rage and hate. Let’s nurture our creativity so that we can become agents of positive change!
Always,
Musue
Random Thought: Reflecting on '09 Resolutions: Are They Within Our Range?
Dearest Mama,
Hello, hello, hello. The spirit of the New Year is already in me.
Are you feeling it already? I hope so. Well, in the U.S.A, people are saying that that the spirit of 09 started with the political change that resulted to the elections of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Well, it’s New Year, and most people are making resolutions for 2009. I just gathered that some people are mixing small and large wishes for the New Year.
Some people’s resolutions are that Obama will overturn the financial crisis in the U.S.A, and polish the image of the U.S.A abroad. A Liberian on the East Coast in the United States wishes to complete his studies with flying colors; another wishes to find a “soul mate;” while one man sitting cozily near his wife wishes for three things this year: Peace in the Middle East, take his wife on a cruise to the Caribbean, and an end to Corruption in Liberia. I almost wanted to ask this man; why of all the other romantic places in the World he is keen on taking his wife to the Caribbean.
My interest in knowing why he wants a cruise to the Caribbean isn’t because I am inquisitive, (maybe just tiny winy curious), but after he mentioned an end to corruption in Liberia, I stood up, used my hands to stroke the imaginary dust off my ‘behind’ and walked away. I couldn’t help thinking, “end to corruption in Liberia.” Does this man even understand how long corruption has existed in Liberia? Does he understand that corruption is deeply entrenched in that society? As I began playing the mind game with myself- picturing the different corrupt practices, and how people have come to see those practices as a way of life, I wanted to make a U turn to this man’s home. My intention was to just explain some of the corrupt practices and why it may be impossible that that particular wish- end to corruption was almost impossible in 2009.
As I stood there contemplating whether I should make that U turn, I started giggling. I quickly looked around, hoping that passersby don’t see me. If people saw me standing there alone and laughing, they would begin making ugly assumptions. I didn’t want that. So I pulled out my cell phone, held it to my ear, pretending that I was on the phone. And I laughed to my delight. It was fun laughing, and being able to successfully con the nosy passersby. Mama, you want to know why I was laughing. I was laughing at all the trickery attitudes of some of our people back home. You know, during those days, I mean before I crossed the ocean, I heard many stories of how some government officials had to back down on promises to weed out corruption from certain institutions, or withdraw their intention to take stance on certain undemocratic practices. These officials would announce that they would get rid of people engaged in corrupt practices.
Sometimes these officials would be almost specific about areas where they would focus on tackling corrupt or unfair practices. But guess what, after making those big announcements, at night they would then be reminded about their own direct and indirect roles in fueling those corrupt practices. Take for example, Mr. Man, or Madam Woman is the Boss of a certain institution. This Boss sends a note to the Port, directing that a certain item or a container is released without going through appropriate inspection. Tax is also waived on this item. After some time, Director of Port also goes to Mr. /Madam Boss to “assist” with passing certain papers through the system. No question asked; the paper goes through the system quickly. Then one day, this Boss wants to take action against the Director of the Port for being inefficient. Is it possible for Mr. or Madam Boss to take punitive action against the Director of the Port? If you are the Director of the Port, what will you do? This act of ‘looking out for one another,” also called, “you wash my back and I scrub your back,” is just one of the practices that fuels corrupt practices, allowing it to become a part of the norms within institutions. So, when people are making New Year wishes, perhaps we should start asking ourselves whether our resolutions and wishes for the year are within our range.
If we are making wishes for corruption to end in Liberia, can we be sure that the officials are also making resolutions to stop dispensing funds from the national coffers for their personal use? Picture this: Mr. or Mrs. Boss is sitting in Liberia, strategizing how much to steal from the national coffers, while you are sitting at another end of the World, wishing that corruption ends in Liberia for 2009. Who is closer to your target: You, or the Boss who is not only closer to the target, but already alert and waiting to pound on the target, as always, and again and again.
Well, to get rid of corruption, government will have to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption will have to be concurrently initiated, and simultaneously carried out in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices. Curtailing corruption in Liberia will definitely take a lot of work. Measures will have to be put in place to clamp down on the existence of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. Let’s ask ourselves whether that is possible within 2009. Is it? Can that really happen when even at this moment, people are floating gifts from one parts of the city to the next for the New Year to give government official. Just listen keenly, you will hear goats bleating because they are being dragged against their will, chickens chuckling, sheep baaing, ignitions of large small, and all colors of vehicles scurried across the city of Monrovia.
Well, Mama, for me, you already know my most important wish and resolution for 2009. Second to that is to do more writing. I know I had the same resolution last year - to write more than ever, but I wasn't able to, but I am hopeful this year, maybe because I can stand, beat my chest and say that I witnessed the beginning of a new era. Oh, by the way, I heard that Mr. Putor’s resolution is to increase his income for the New Year so that he can sustain his lifestyle – take care of his official family at his home, and also maintain his “lil” girlfriend.
Mr. Man lil girlfriend has threatened to leave him if he doesn’t buy her gold set, (necklace, earrings, and bracelet), in addition to releasing her suits from Mr. Abu, the tailor. Mr. Man said last year, he also made a resolution to live a decent life; that is to stop the infidelity, but he said he cannot resist the “lil girl.” “Every time I see her, he said, “My heart beats kutu, kutu, kuuutu, kuuutuuu.” Poor man, hope he doesn’t get heart attack. Mama, so what’s your resolution?
Resolution is all about admitting whatever mistakes we made and completing the old year with a promise, which is the resolution to change or do things differently during the New Year. To that end, with my precious jewel at my side, I’ll say: Any where the new year finds you, and whatever you are doing during the New Year, I hope the beautiful star that bring in the New Year fills your heart and your home with happiness. Happy New Year!
Always,
musue
Hello, hello, hello. The spirit of the New Year is already in me.
Are you feeling it already? I hope so. Well, in the U.S.A, people are saying that that the spirit of 09 started with the political change that resulted to the elections of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Well, it’s New Year, and most people are making resolutions for 2009. I just gathered that some people are mixing small and large wishes for the New Year.
Some people’s resolutions are that Obama will overturn the financial crisis in the U.S.A, and polish the image of the U.S.A abroad. A Liberian on the East Coast in the United States wishes to complete his studies with flying colors; another wishes to find a “soul mate;” while one man sitting cozily near his wife wishes for three things this year: Peace in the Middle East, take his wife on a cruise to the Caribbean, and an end to Corruption in Liberia. I almost wanted to ask this man; why of all the other romantic places in the World he is keen on taking his wife to the Caribbean.
My interest in knowing why he wants a cruise to the Caribbean isn’t because I am inquisitive, (maybe just tiny winy curious), but after he mentioned an end to corruption in Liberia, I stood up, used my hands to stroke the imaginary dust off my ‘behind’ and walked away. I couldn’t help thinking, “end to corruption in Liberia.” Does this man even understand how long corruption has existed in Liberia? Does he understand that corruption is deeply entrenched in that society? As I began playing the mind game with myself- picturing the different corrupt practices, and how people have come to see those practices as a way of life, I wanted to make a U turn to this man’s home. My intention was to just explain some of the corrupt practices and why it may be impossible that that particular wish- end to corruption was almost impossible in 2009.
As I stood there contemplating whether I should make that U turn, I started giggling. I quickly looked around, hoping that passersby don’t see me. If people saw me standing there alone and laughing, they would begin making ugly assumptions. I didn’t want that. So I pulled out my cell phone, held it to my ear, pretending that I was on the phone. And I laughed to my delight. It was fun laughing, and being able to successfully con the nosy passersby. Mama, you want to know why I was laughing. I was laughing at all the trickery attitudes of some of our people back home. You know, during those days, I mean before I crossed the ocean, I heard many stories of how some government officials had to back down on promises to weed out corruption from certain institutions, or withdraw their intention to take stance on certain undemocratic practices. These officials would announce that they would get rid of people engaged in corrupt practices.
Sometimes these officials would be almost specific about areas where they would focus on tackling corrupt or unfair practices. But guess what, after making those big announcements, at night they would then be reminded about their own direct and indirect roles in fueling those corrupt practices. Take for example, Mr. Man, or Madam Woman is the Boss of a certain institution. This Boss sends a note to the Port, directing that a certain item or a container is released without going through appropriate inspection. Tax is also waived on this item. After some time, Director of Port also goes to Mr. /Madam Boss to “assist” with passing certain papers through the system. No question asked; the paper goes through the system quickly. Then one day, this Boss wants to take action against the Director of the Port for being inefficient. Is it possible for Mr. or Madam Boss to take punitive action against the Director of the Port? If you are the Director of the Port, what will you do? This act of ‘looking out for one another,” also called, “you wash my back and I scrub your back,” is just one of the practices that fuels corrupt practices, allowing it to become a part of the norms within institutions. So, when people are making New Year wishes, perhaps we should start asking ourselves whether our resolutions and wishes for the year are within our range.
If we are making wishes for corruption to end in Liberia, can we be sure that the officials are also making resolutions to stop dispensing funds from the national coffers for their personal use? Picture this: Mr. or Mrs. Boss is sitting in Liberia, strategizing how much to steal from the national coffers, while you are sitting at another end of the World, wishing that corruption ends in Liberia for 2009. Who is closer to your target: You, or the Boss who is not only closer to the target, but already alert and waiting to pound on the target, as always, and again and again.
Well, to get rid of corruption, government will have to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption will have to be concurrently initiated, and simultaneously carried out in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices. Curtailing corruption in Liberia will definitely take a lot of work. Measures will have to be put in place to clamp down on the existence of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. Let’s ask ourselves whether that is possible within 2009. Is it? Can that really happen when even at this moment, people are floating gifts from one parts of the city to the next for the New Year to give government official. Just listen keenly, you will hear goats bleating because they are being dragged against their will, chickens chuckling, sheep baaing, ignitions of large small, and all colors of vehicles scurried across the city of Monrovia.
Well, Mama, for me, you already know my most important wish and resolution for 2009. Second to that is to do more writing. I know I had the same resolution last year - to write more than ever, but I wasn't able to, but I am hopeful this year, maybe because I can stand, beat my chest and say that I witnessed the beginning of a new era. Oh, by the way, I heard that Mr. Putor’s resolution is to increase his income for the New Year so that he can sustain his lifestyle – take care of his official family at his home, and also maintain his “lil” girlfriend.
Mr. Man lil girlfriend has threatened to leave him if he doesn’t buy her gold set, (necklace, earrings, and bracelet), in addition to releasing her suits from Mr. Abu, the tailor. Mr. Man said last year, he also made a resolution to live a decent life; that is to stop the infidelity, but he said he cannot resist the “lil girl.” “Every time I see her, he said, “My heart beats kutu, kutu, kuuutu, kuuutuuu.” Poor man, hope he doesn’t get heart attack. Mama, so what’s your resolution?
Resolution is all about admitting whatever mistakes we made and completing the old year with a promise, which is the resolution to change or do things differently during the New Year. To that end, with my precious jewel at my side, I’ll say: Any where the new year finds you, and whatever you are doing during the New Year, I hope the beautiful star that bring in the New Year fills your heart and your home with happiness. Happy New Year!
Always,
musue
Saturday, May 17, 2008
US Local Elections: Major Fenty Endorses Jack Evans, Evans Swaps to Obama, Kicksoff Reelection Campaign
Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) at a cook out he organized to kickoff his reelection bid, also used the occasion to publicly switch his endorsement of the Democratic Party Presidential candidates from Hilary Clinton to Obama.
Evans took the stage with D.C Mayor Adrian Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent C. Gary to announce his switch. He said he decided to make the switch because his ward (Ward 2) overwhelmingly voted for Obama in the District primary, and he wants to see a Democrat in the White House.
"There is an enormous difference in having a Democrat in the White House and a Republican in the White House," Evans said to supporters at the Kennedy Recreation Center, located in the historic neighborhood of Shaw.
Evans said the venue for the kick off of his reelection bid was strategic, because it represents the challenges the city has faced over the years. The Kennedy Recreation Center, one of D.C’s historic was dedicated in 1968 by Robert F. Kennedy on behalf of his brother, John F. Kennedy following the riots in the wake of Martin Luther King's assassination. It gave a lift to the neighborhood, but after several years, the place became dormant, Evans said of the Recreation Center.
Evans described the ongoing renovation at the playground and the face lift in the surrounding environment as revitalization for the neighborhood.
Evans flanked by Mayor Fenty and entourage told supporters that his vision for the neighborhood aligns with the hope of the people of the neighborhood; that is why he is running a campaign on ‘youth and energy.” He vowed to provide the change needed to revitalized the neighborhood.
Mayor Fenty said unlike others who after getting elected become unavailable to their constituents’, Jack Evans remained accessible for 17 years.
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Random Thoughts: Charles Taylor Breaks Prison, En-route to Monrovia
Dearest Mama,
Did you hear the News? Charles Taylor Broke jail and is en-route to Liberia? I am actually breathing heavily. I have been running, running to send you this telegram since I can not get through the telephone lines to Monrovia.
Mama, you are the first person to hear this news from me. Tell all of the family members and close friends to get out, but please, please whatever you do, do not go to Ghana. Given all the problems between the refugees and Ghanaians, the refugee camp outside of the capital of Ghana, Accra is not an option.
I heard that "intelligence" is keeping Taylor’s prison break a secret because they do not want to create chaos and insecurity in Liberia and the sub region. Perhaps the most important reason for keeping Taylor's escape from prison secret is to protect the image and credibility of the International prison security system and the Special Court.
Mama, do you think Taylor is on his way to Liberia? When I reflect on his last statement before his forcible exile, when he concluded that speech: “And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state, ” it is obvious that Taylor first destination, whenever he is out of prison is Monrovia.
Prior to that last phrase, ( And I say, God willing, I will be back...) a vowed he made to return to Liberia, Taylor openly said that he did not want to leave Liberia, let alone the presidency that had given him the power and control he had sought for many years. In Taylor’s own word, "I am stepping down from this office of my own volition. No one can take credit for asking me to step down. I did not want to leave this country. I can say I have been forced by the world's superpower."
Also in his departure message, Taylor said, he was fulfilling an old promise: "If I were the problem, which I know you know I'm not, I would step aside ... I would become the sacrificial lamb, I would become the whipping boy that you should live."
In a solemn voice, Taylor added, "I say to you if I have injured or hurt anyone, I ask you to forgive me. Because for those of you who have injured me, I say to you today, this Sunday afternoon, I forgive you." "What is most important is that you live, and that ... there is peace. These are very, very tough times, but I hope that as the international community is here, that our friend the United States who have been the architect of this 'anybody-but-Taylor-policy' ... that they will bring all of the good for you. I wish you all of the good."
Cahrles Taylor also took time in his farewell message to lash at those he considered against his presidency: "If (the Americans) say they will do nothing as long as I am here, this further threatens your survival as a people. I can no longer see you suffer, you have suffered enough. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I will always remember you wherever I am. And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state."
Mama, you remembered that fateful day Taylor steeped down, or that hot sunday Taylor forcibly left Liberia. When ever I think about the day, his speech comes to mind, I am immediately reminded that he relinqished power with the intention of returning with full force. Imagine the efforts, the risk and lives destroyed just to become president.
After I was told about the escape of Charles Taylor, I thought about two distinct incidents; his escaped in 1985 from the House of Corrections in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his 2006 disappearance from his Seaside villa in Nigeria where he resided after forcibly sent into exile. According to the Massachusetts House of Correction where Taylor was held, on September 15, 1985, he and four inmates escaped from the jail by sawing through a bar covering a window in an unused laundry room. Eventually all four who escaped with Taylor were captured. Taylor fled the United States.Let’s look at what happened in 2006. According to a statement by the Nigerian government, Charles Taylor disappeared from exiled home on March 28. On March 29th, he Taylor was arrested while trying to cross the border from Nigeria into Cameroon.
Mama, do you think Charles Taylor is actually capable of breaking jail at the moment? If he broke jail, will he come to Monrovia to assemble his old group, or will he form another group in another area? Do you think his old guys or cronies will give him their support at this time? Lets look at the missus, will they abandon their present connection for the “Pappay”? Is he still the King for the Queens?
Mama, this news is just an April Fool. Today is April Fool, or All Fools Day. Unpack the baggage and tell me what the missus and Pappay children and buddies are doing after reading this April Fool. Were they worried to hear that "Pappay" broke jail, or sad?
always,
musue
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
Did you hear the News? Charles Taylor Broke jail and is en-route to Liberia? I am actually breathing heavily. I have been running, running to send you this telegram since I can not get through the telephone lines to Monrovia.
Mama, you are the first person to hear this news from me. Tell all of the family members and close friends to get out, but please, please whatever you do, do not go to Ghana. Given all the problems between the refugees and Ghanaians, the refugee camp outside of the capital of Ghana, Accra is not an option.
I heard that "intelligence" is keeping Taylor’s prison break a secret because they do not want to create chaos and insecurity in Liberia and the sub region. Perhaps the most important reason for keeping Taylor's escape from prison secret is to protect the image and credibility of the International prison security system and the Special Court.
Mama, do you think Taylor is on his way to Liberia? When I reflect on his last statement before his forcible exile, when he concluded that speech: “And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state, ” it is obvious that Taylor first destination, whenever he is out of prison is Monrovia.
Prior to that last phrase, ( And I say, God willing, I will be back...) a vowed he made to return to Liberia, Taylor openly said that he did not want to leave Liberia, let alone the presidency that had given him the power and control he had sought for many years. In Taylor’s own word, "I am stepping down from this office of my own volition. No one can take credit for asking me to step down. I did not want to leave this country. I can say I have been forced by the world's superpower."
Also in his departure message, Taylor said, he was fulfilling an old promise: "If I were the problem, which I know you know I'm not, I would step aside ... I would become the sacrificial lamb, I would become the whipping boy that you should live."
In a solemn voice, Taylor added, "I say to you if I have injured or hurt anyone, I ask you to forgive me. Because for those of you who have injured me, I say to you today, this Sunday afternoon, I forgive you." "What is most important is that you live, and that ... there is peace. These are very, very tough times, but I hope that as the international community is here, that our friend the United States who have been the architect of this 'anybody-but-Taylor-policy' ... that they will bring all of the good for you. I wish you all of the good."
Cahrles Taylor also took time in his farewell message to lash at those he considered against his presidency: "If (the Americans) say they will do nothing as long as I am here, this further threatens your survival as a people. I can no longer see you suffer, you have suffered enough. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I will always remember you wherever I am. And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state."
Mama, you remembered that fateful day Taylor steeped down, or that hot sunday Taylor forcibly left Liberia. When ever I think about the day, his speech comes to mind, I am immediately reminded that he relinqished power with the intention of returning with full force. Imagine the efforts, the risk and lives destroyed just to become president.
After I was told about the escape of Charles Taylor, I thought about two distinct incidents; his escaped in 1985 from the House of Corrections in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his 2006 disappearance from his Seaside villa in Nigeria where he resided after forcibly sent into exile. According to the Massachusetts House of Correction where Taylor was held, on September 15, 1985, he and four inmates escaped from the jail by sawing through a bar covering a window in an unused laundry room. Eventually all four who escaped with Taylor were captured. Taylor fled the United States.Let’s look at what happened in 2006. According to a statement by the Nigerian government, Charles Taylor disappeared from exiled home on March 28. On March 29th, he Taylor was arrested while trying to cross the border from Nigeria into Cameroon.
Mama, do you think Charles Taylor is actually capable of breaking jail at the moment? If he broke jail, will he come to Monrovia to assemble his old group, or will he form another group in another area? Do you think his old guys or cronies will give him their support at this time? Lets look at the missus, will they abandon their present connection for the “Pappay”? Is he still the King for the Queens?
Mama, this news is just an April Fool. Today is April Fool, or All Fools Day. Unpack the baggage and tell me what the missus and Pappay children and buddies are doing after reading this April Fool. Were they worried to hear that "Pappay" broke jail, or sad?
always,
musue
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
Thursday, March 27, 2008
What Will Happen If the Temporary Protective Status Is Terminated?
Dearest Mama,
I have been away from this column for some time. In my absence, notes were sent by some fans. I really appreciate the Get Well notes from Kweme Cooper and Emmanuel Barpley. Let them know that the notes warmed my heart.
Mama, I also appreciate your recent visit: traveling from across the Oceans to visit me made a lot. I wish you did not have to leave. I was sad to see you depart. When you bid me farewell, I felt so sad, my heart broke. As Don Williams says, "Some broken hearts never mend," and that is how I feel about your recent departure. So, I hope you stick around as you always did over the years.
Before I can get on another subject, I was wondering whether it is because of reports circulating that those on immigration was about to deport immigration who do not have permanent status, particularly those with Temporary Protective Status? Is that the reason why you left abruptly?
Mama, those with Temporary Protective Status is not illegal immigrants. In the U.S, Temporary immigration status (TPS) is for foreign nationals currently residing in the U.S. whose homeland conditions are recognized by the US government as being temporarily unsafe or overly dangerous to return to (e.g., war, earthquake, flood, drought, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions). According to U.S Citizen and Immigration Services, TPS does not lead to permanent resident status. As the name indicates, it is temporary, granted anywhere from 6-18 months, with extensions.
When I heard that the government was considering terminating the Temporary Protection Status and returning those with such immigration status back to their countries, I feel so sad. If the U.S decides to terminate the TPS, several thousand persons will be affected. Many of those on TPS fled their individual countries because of war, conflicts, and other disasters and sought refuge in the U.S; with the hope of beginning a new life. The refugees and most of those with Temporary Protective Immigration Status were hopeful that the Temporary Protective Status given them would be extended after few years. Now, it is like some of them have just started to settle after many years of labor, and then they have to start preparing for life elsewhere. I am wondering whether all of the people on TPS will actually leave. I am asking if they will leave because if they do leave, where will they go? Will they return to their homeland - the same homeland they had fled; the homeland they have been away from for more than a decade; the homeland where some of them witnessed brutal violence; the homeland where most of their families and friends were killed; the homeland where their properties were destroyed, and their lives were threatened; most of all, their homeland where they no longer have any attachment?
Most of those on TPS have become accustomed to electricity, and other modern technology in their new settlement which is lacking in their home countries. Some of those on Temporary Protective Status have purchased homes, engaged in businesses, and other productive ventures.
In many undeveloped and war ravaged countries, not only is electricity lacking in rural areas, but modern technology is considered a luxury in large cities. In addition to the lack of electricity, internet services and telephone, most underdeveloped countries do not have adequate health care services, and safe running water.
If all of the people on TPS are returned to their respective countries, where will they sleep, where will they work?
It is a known fact that most war ravaged countries lack housing to accommodate even those presently in those countries. Take for example, Liberia. During the war, proprieties were destroyed including private and public housings, leaving most families roaming homeless. In addition to the destruction of building, hospitals in the capital city and also in the rural areas were destroyed, school building and other public and private institutions were looted and either burned or broken down. The massive destruction of public and private properties leaves many people homeless, and in abject poverty.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and local media reports indicate that the lack of housing and other facilities is making the resettlement of Liberians displaced in their home country and the reparation of Liberians from neighboring countries a herculean task. For example, most Liberians repatriated from neighboring countries within the West African Sub- region are making the transition in their home country: the lack of housing, jobs and health facilities.
Mama, two days ago someone sent me an e-mail asking what will happen to those who own cars, houses and those who have huge credit card debts? The person wanted to know whether those with huge credit bills will be allowed to leave the U.S without paying those debts. I have not responded to that e-mail because I really don't have the answer. I will have to find out. How can I research that without alerting the credit card companies, is another story. Mama, do you think that by accepting a credit card I will understand the policies?
Mama, if all the people on the TPS return, how will they cope with the lack of the basic social services: health care, education, daycare, etc? Talking about the different skills and education these people have acquired in during their stay in the countries that awarded the Temporary Immigration Status, how will they utilize the skills acquired to contribute meaningfully to society? How will Martha and others who are presently working as nursing assistant employ those skills in countries that lack Nursing Homes? How will Thomas and other continue to use their social work skills in countries that do not provide public assistance to those who need food stamps, low income housing facilities and cash assistance from their governments? What will Nuku and others do once they return to their respective countries and realize that they cannot use their skills to prepare taxes for individuals and families, even if those individuals were employed during the year. Kristo says he doubt that he can continue his night shift job at any of the airline companies back home. Is that true?
Mama, did you hear about the immigration proposals at the national Legislature in the U.S? I learned that several immigration enforcement bills were proposed before Congress. The proposals have some provisions in them that will affect asylum seekers, and the extensions of the time that they spend in immigration jails.
I also learn that some people were lobbying to include immigration enforcement provisions in the 2007 defense authorization bill (H.R. 5122). I will try to get information on this to send you.
Mama, until I can gather information about the credit cards issue and the bills before congress, let me leave political issues and discuss other concerns common to our wellbeing. I heard about the Lassa fever outbreak. Is it true that the fever claimed the lives of almost ten persons in our clan? I thought Lassa was no longer in our clan.
According to one health expert, Lassa is a viral hemorrhagic fever, known to be prevalent in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria. Humans become infected with Lassa from contact with rodents that are infected. The virus can also be transmitted from one human to another through direct contact with body fluids.
Mama, if people can get infected through contaminated rodents – mouse, rats, squirrels, etc, what strategies will be used by the health people in our clan to handle this issue? Imagine the number of rodents in our clan. Mouse and rats are competing with human beings for sleeping places, and food in our clan. Last week, Kotokollee said that a mouse was on the family's bed and several cockroaches were in the kitchen pots.
Given the competition for pots, pans and sleeping places between the rodents and our family back home, I wonder where the new arrivals in our clan will fit in the struggle.
Mama, I need to close this note, but before I do so, I want you to know that I have been thinking about you. When will I see you again; when will we hold hands and eat kola nuts together?
Always,
musue
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
I have been away from this column for some time. In my absence, notes were sent by some fans. I really appreciate the Get Well notes from Kweme Cooper and Emmanuel Barpley. Let them know that the notes warmed my heart.
Mama, I also appreciate your recent visit: traveling from across the Oceans to visit me made a lot. I wish you did not have to leave. I was sad to see you depart. When you bid me farewell, I felt so sad, my heart broke. As Don Williams says, "Some broken hearts never mend," and that is how I feel about your recent departure. So, I hope you stick around as you always did over the years.
Before I can get on another subject, I was wondering whether it is because of reports circulating that those on immigration was about to deport immigration who do not have permanent status, particularly those with Temporary Protective Status? Is that the reason why you left abruptly?
Mama, those with Temporary Protective Status is not illegal immigrants. In the U.S, Temporary immigration status (TPS) is for foreign nationals currently residing in the U.S. whose homeland conditions are recognized by the US government as being temporarily unsafe or overly dangerous to return to (e.g., war, earthquake, flood, drought, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions). According to U.S Citizen and Immigration Services, TPS does not lead to permanent resident status. As the name indicates, it is temporary, granted anywhere from 6-18 months, with extensions.
When I heard that the government was considering terminating the Temporary Protection Status and returning those with such immigration status back to their countries, I feel so sad. If the U.S decides to terminate the TPS, several thousand persons will be affected. Many of those on TPS fled their individual countries because of war, conflicts, and other disasters and sought refuge in the U.S; with the hope of beginning a new life. The refugees and most of those with Temporary Protective Immigration Status were hopeful that the Temporary Protective Status given them would be extended after few years. Now, it is like some of them have just started to settle after many years of labor, and then they have to start preparing for life elsewhere. I am wondering whether all of the people on TPS will actually leave. I am asking if they will leave because if they do leave, where will they go? Will they return to their homeland - the same homeland they had fled; the homeland they have been away from for more than a decade; the homeland where some of them witnessed brutal violence; the homeland where most of their families and friends were killed; the homeland where their properties were destroyed, and their lives were threatened; most of all, their homeland where they no longer have any attachment?
Most of those on TPS have become accustomed to electricity, and other modern technology in their new settlement which is lacking in their home countries. Some of those on Temporary Protective Status have purchased homes, engaged in businesses, and other productive ventures.
In many undeveloped and war ravaged countries, not only is electricity lacking in rural areas, but modern technology is considered a luxury in large cities. In addition to the lack of electricity, internet services and telephone, most underdeveloped countries do not have adequate health care services, and safe running water.
If all of the people on TPS are returned to their respective countries, where will they sleep, where will they work?
It is a known fact that most war ravaged countries lack housing to accommodate even those presently in those countries. Take for example, Liberia. During the war, proprieties were destroyed including private and public housings, leaving most families roaming homeless. In addition to the destruction of building, hospitals in the capital city and also in the rural areas were destroyed, school building and other public and private institutions were looted and either burned or broken down. The massive destruction of public and private properties leaves many people homeless, and in abject poverty.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and local media reports indicate that the lack of housing and other facilities is making the resettlement of Liberians displaced in their home country and the reparation of Liberians from neighboring countries a herculean task. For example, most Liberians repatriated from neighboring countries within the West African Sub- region are making the transition in their home country: the lack of housing, jobs and health facilities.
Mama, two days ago someone sent me an e-mail asking what will happen to those who own cars, houses and those who have huge credit card debts? The person wanted to know whether those with huge credit bills will be allowed to leave the U.S without paying those debts. I have not responded to that e-mail because I really don't have the answer. I will have to find out. How can I research that without alerting the credit card companies, is another story. Mama, do you think that by accepting a credit card I will understand the policies?
Mama, if all the people on the TPS return, how will they cope with the lack of the basic social services: health care, education, daycare, etc? Talking about the different skills and education these people have acquired in during their stay in the countries that awarded the Temporary Immigration Status, how will they utilize the skills acquired to contribute meaningfully to society? How will Martha and others who are presently working as nursing assistant employ those skills in countries that lack Nursing Homes? How will Thomas and other continue to use their social work skills in countries that do not provide public assistance to those who need food stamps, low income housing facilities and cash assistance from their governments? What will Nuku and others do once they return to their respective countries and realize that they cannot use their skills to prepare taxes for individuals and families, even if those individuals were employed during the year. Kristo says he doubt that he can continue his night shift job at any of the airline companies back home. Is that true?
Mama, did you hear about the immigration proposals at the national Legislature in the U.S? I learned that several immigration enforcement bills were proposed before Congress. The proposals have some provisions in them that will affect asylum seekers, and the extensions of the time that they spend in immigration jails.
I also learn that some people were lobbying to include immigration enforcement provisions in the 2007 defense authorization bill (H.R. 5122). I will try to get information on this to send you.
Mama, until I can gather information about the credit cards issue and the bills before congress, let me leave political issues and discuss other concerns common to our wellbeing. I heard about the Lassa fever outbreak. Is it true that the fever claimed the lives of almost ten persons in our clan? I thought Lassa was no longer in our clan.
According to one health expert, Lassa is a viral hemorrhagic fever, known to be prevalent in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria. Humans become infected with Lassa from contact with rodents that are infected. The virus can also be transmitted from one human to another through direct contact with body fluids.
Mama, if people can get infected through contaminated rodents – mouse, rats, squirrels, etc, what strategies will be used by the health people in our clan to handle this issue? Imagine the number of rodents in our clan. Mouse and rats are competing with human beings for sleeping places, and food in our clan. Last week, Kotokollee said that a mouse was on the family's bed and several cockroaches were in the kitchen pots.
Given the competition for pots, pans and sleeping places between the rodents and our family back home, I wonder where the new arrivals in our clan will fit in the struggle.
Mama, I need to close this note, but before I do so, I want you to know that I have been thinking about you. When will I see you again; when will we hold hands and eat kola nuts together?
Always,
musue
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Sleeping With the Enemy: The Silent Destroyer
By: Musue N.Haddad
"Your spouse is considered the nicest person in the community, but when your spouse comes home, your spouse beats you; your spouse terrorizes you; your spouse degrades you, " this is one victim's illustration of the predicament of domestic violence.
Although domestic violence is largely obscured, hundreds of women including pregnant women and new mothers are slain annually in various communities in different parts of the world. In Japan, domestic violence cases jumped 17.2 percent in 2005 to a record 16,888 incidents, with nearly all of the victims being women, the National Police Agency said recently. The figure was up from the previous record of 14,140 cases set in 2004, the agency said in an annual report marking International Women Day.
In the UK, between April 2005 and December 2005 the Crown Persecution service said it dealt with 35,231 cases, according to reports at the TUC's Women's International Women's Day conference, suggesting that cases of domestic violence are increasing in England and Wales. In Sweden, assaults against women have been increasing in recent years, with 22,400 reports filed in 2003.
In Spain, the number of women killed by their partner or ex-partner has continued to increase since 2001. In France, a woman is killed by partner every four days. In the United States, 1,000 to 1,600 women die at the hands of their male partners ever year. The estimated number of deaths due to intimate partner violence in the United States does not include those women and children who die home-less on the streets avoiding batterers, according to experts. In Africa, although very few cases are reported due to cultural practices and perceptions, domestic violence is prevalent.
Although women around the world continue to break political, social, and economic barriers - Angela Merkel chosen as the first female Federal Chancellor in Germany, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia as the first female president in Africa, and Michele Bachelet, the first elected woman President of Chile, women and children continue to be faced with high level of violence.
"Unlike the so-called "war on terror", the "war on women and girls" is not on the global political agenda. It takes its toll in battlefields, bedrooms and backstreets - the greatest hidden human rights scandal of our times, made all the more scandalous by being present in every part of the world and in almost every aspect of life," Amnesty International said in a report published on International Women's Day.
In all countries, few domestic violence killings make headline news. Unlike Laci Peterson's homicide case which became a national headline news for some time in the United States, the deaths of other pregnant women including Yolanda Coles, eight months pregnant and shot in Richmond, Kerry Repp, 29, shot in her bedroom in Oregon, Kathleen Terry 22, run over in Idaho, Tasha Winters, 16, was shot in Indiana the day she told her boyfriend about the baby, Marilyn Hassab, 29 was stabbed to death by her husband in New Jersey, Rebecca Johnson shot in Oklahoma, and many others cases of pregnancy and homicide produced a few community local headlines and then faded.
Domestic Violence is a serious, widespread social problem in America, Africa and other parts of the world. Domestic Violence isn't just hitting, or fighting, or an occasional mean argument, according to experts. Advocates say domestic violence is the abuse of power wherein the abuser tortures and controls the victim by calculated threats, intimidation, and physical violence. Actual physical violence is often the end result of months or years of intimidation and control.
Women Empowered Against Violence, Inc. (WEAVE), an organization that provides holistic services to domestic violence victims in the District of Columbia described domestic abuse as a violence that can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuses are not usually seen as criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. Domestic violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while.
Experts say that in most countries, there are no reliable national statistics on domestic violence because there are no efficient and effective systems to track domestic violence cases. However, in most instances, victims are ashamed or afraid to report domestic violence for fear of being judged or afraid of further reprisal from their batterers.
Margaret Tolbert –Wallace, a Registered Nurse who has interacted with several victims of domestic violence in an interview attributed the increase in domestic violence homicides to bureaucracy hitches that tend to intimidate victims and sometimes the lack of timely support for victims who seek assistance.
"Even after escaping, many victims find it easier to return to their situation either because supports are delayed or they are being judged or marginalized by society," Ms. Wallace said.
Ms. Wallace said some victims who escaped into shelters and transitional homes are sometimes faced with situations of marginalization and control. She described this situation as "a cycle of abuse," which she said ought to be removed in order for victims to have confidence that "there is a world out there that is ready to help them and not subject them to further abuse."
Family violence affects every country in the world, including even the most developed. Women in the richest and poorest level of society find it most difficult to escape violence - the poor because they have no means to escape and are afraid to reach out to institutions in society that probably would marginalize them and the rich because they have too much to lose, Margaret Tolbert Wallace said.
Samantha, (not real name) who has two children left her abusive husband. She said there is a certain level of misunderstanding when it comes to the public's perception of domestic abuse victims. According to Samantha, this comes in the form of judging the victim by asking such questions as: could it be true that such a nice person is a batterer?
While Samantha battled with the public's perception of whether her former husband was an abuser, another victim said she was always assessed critically by others: "Why didn't she leave or fight back? or disengaged from the victim by saying, "I will never accept that."
For Samantha and other victims of domestic violence, programs marking International Women's Day must highlight how victims of abuses are affected particularly children who are exposed to violence, and also educate communities on the implications of assuming that someone is the type of person that is a victim or a batterer.
The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence describes both victims and batterers: "Victims may be doctors, business professionals, scientists or judges, among others. Perpetrators may be police officers, sports heroes, CEOs or college professors or lawyers".
In November 2005, the World Health Organization held its first ever study on domestic violence. In its study, the WHO reveals that intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence in women's lives - much more so than assault or rape by strangers or acquaintances. The study reported on the enormous toll physical and sexual violence by husbands and partners has on the health and well-being of women and children around the world and the extent to which partner violence is still largely hidden.
In the United States, a Resolution, [S.RES.282.IS ] introduced to the Senate in 2005 indicated that approximately 8,800,000 children in the United States witness domestic violence each year. The Resolution furthered that witnessing violence increases the risk of children developing long-term physical and mental health problems, future struggles with substance abuse. The document also highlighted that a boy who witnesses his father's domestic violence is ten times more likely to engage in domestic violence than a boy from a nonviolent home.
President George Bush signed the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 into law on January 5, 2006. The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 contains initiatives to help children exposed to violence, train health care providers to support victims of abuse, encourage men to teach the next generation that violence is wrong, and provide crisis services for victims of rape and sexual assault. H.R. 3402 is part of the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. It also continues efforts to improve the law enforcement response to violence against women and provide supportive services, such as transitional housing, to women and children forced to leave their homes because of violence.
Samantha and other women in the United States are hopeful that the signing of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 by President Bush is a major step towards ensuring that women and children are protected against their batterers and also against being judged and marginalized by society.
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
"Your spouse is considered the nicest person in the community, but when your spouse comes home, your spouse beats you; your spouse terrorizes you; your spouse degrades you, " this is one victim's illustration of the predicament of domestic violence.
Although domestic violence is largely obscured, hundreds of women including pregnant women and new mothers are slain annually in various communities in different parts of the world. In Japan, domestic violence cases jumped 17.2 percent in 2005 to a record 16,888 incidents, with nearly all of the victims being women, the National Police Agency said recently. The figure was up from the previous record of 14,140 cases set in 2004, the agency said in an annual report marking International Women Day.
In the UK, between April 2005 and December 2005 the Crown Persecution service said it dealt with 35,231 cases, according to reports at the TUC's Women's International Women's Day conference, suggesting that cases of domestic violence are increasing in England and Wales. In Sweden, assaults against women have been increasing in recent years, with 22,400 reports filed in 2003.
In Spain, the number of women killed by their partner or ex-partner has continued to increase since 2001. In France, a woman is killed by partner every four days. In the United States, 1,000 to 1,600 women die at the hands of their male partners ever year. The estimated number of deaths due to intimate partner violence in the United States does not include those women and children who die home-less on the streets avoiding batterers, according to experts. In Africa, although very few cases are reported due to cultural practices and perceptions, domestic violence is prevalent.
Although women around the world continue to break political, social, and economic barriers - Angela Merkel chosen as the first female Federal Chancellor in Germany, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia as the first female president in Africa, and Michele Bachelet, the first elected woman President of Chile, women and children continue to be faced with high level of violence.
"Unlike the so-called "war on terror", the "war on women and girls" is not on the global political agenda. It takes its toll in battlefields, bedrooms and backstreets - the greatest hidden human rights scandal of our times, made all the more scandalous by being present in every part of the world and in almost every aspect of life," Amnesty International said in a report published on International Women's Day.
In all countries, few domestic violence killings make headline news. Unlike Laci Peterson's homicide case which became a national headline news for some time in the United States, the deaths of other pregnant women including Yolanda Coles, eight months pregnant and shot in Richmond, Kerry Repp, 29, shot in her bedroom in Oregon, Kathleen Terry 22, run over in Idaho, Tasha Winters, 16, was shot in Indiana the day she told her boyfriend about the baby, Marilyn Hassab, 29 was stabbed to death by her husband in New Jersey, Rebecca Johnson shot in Oklahoma, and many others cases of pregnancy and homicide produced a few community local headlines and then faded.
Domestic Violence is a serious, widespread social problem in America, Africa and other parts of the world. Domestic Violence isn't just hitting, or fighting, or an occasional mean argument, according to experts. Advocates say domestic violence is the abuse of power wherein the abuser tortures and controls the victim by calculated threats, intimidation, and physical violence. Actual physical violence is often the end result of months or years of intimidation and control.
Women Empowered Against Violence, Inc. (WEAVE), an organization that provides holistic services to domestic violence victims in the District of Columbia described domestic abuse as a violence that can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuses are not usually seen as criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. Domestic violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while.
Experts say that in most countries, there are no reliable national statistics on domestic violence because there are no efficient and effective systems to track domestic violence cases. However, in most instances, victims are ashamed or afraid to report domestic violence for fear of being judged or afraid of further reprisal from their batterers.
Margaret Tolbert –Wallace, a Registered Nurse who has interacted with several victims of domestic violence in an interview attributed the increase in domestic violence homicides to bureaucracy hitches that tend to intimidate victims and sometimes the lack of timely support for victims who seek assistance.
"Even after escaping, many victims find it easier to return to their situation either because supports are delayed or they are being judged or marginalized by society," Ms. Wallace said.
Ms. Wallace said some victims who escaped into shelters and transitional homes are sometimes faced with situations of marginalization and control. She described this situation as "a cycle of abuse," which she said ought to be removed in order for victims to have confidence that "there is a world out there that is ready to help them and not subject them to further abuse."
Family violence affects every country in the world, including even the most developed. Women in the richest and poorest level of society find it most difficult to escape violence - the poor because they have no means to escape and are afraid to reach out to institutions in society that probably would marginalize them and the rich because they have too much to lose, Margaret Tolbert Wallace said.
Samantha, (not real name) who has two children left her abusive husband. She said there is a certain level of misunderstanding when it comes to the public's perception of domestic abuse victims. According to Samantha, this comes in the form of judging the victim by asking such questions as: could it be true that such a nice person is a batterer?
While Samantha battled with the public's perception of whether her former husband was an abuser, another victim said she was always assessed critically by others: "Why didn't she leave or fight back? or disengaged from the victim by saying, "I will never accept that."
For Samantha and other victims of domestic violence, programs marking International Women's Day must highlight how victims of abuses are affected particularly children who are exposed to violence, and also educate communities on the implications of assuming that someone is the type of person that is a victim or a batterer.
The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence describes both victims and batterers: "Victims may be doctors, business professionals, scientists or judges, among others. Perpetrators may be police officers, sports heroes, CEOs or college professors or lawyers".
In November 2005, the World Health Organization held its first ever study on domestic violence. In its study, the WHO reveals that intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence in women's lives - much more so than assault or rape by strangers or acquaintances. The study reported on the enormous toll physical and sexual violence by husbands and partners has on the health and well-being of women and children around the world and the extent to which partner violence is still largely hidden.
In the United States, a Resolution, [S.RES.282.IS ] introduced to the Senate in 2005 indicated that approximately 8,800,000 children in the United States witness domestic violence each year. The Resolution furthered that witnessing violence increases the risk of children developing long-term physical and mental health problems, future struggles with substance abuse. The document also highlighted that a boy who witnesses his father's domestic violence is ten times more likely to engage in domestic violence than a boy from a nonviolent home.
President George Bush signed the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 into law on January 5, 2006. The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 contains initiatives to help children exposed to violence, train health care providers to support victims of abuse, encourage men to teach the next generation that violence is wrong, and provide crisis services for victims of rape and sexual assault. H.R. 3402 is part of the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. It also continues efforts to improve the law enforcement response to violence against women and provide supportive services, such as transitional housing, to women and children forced to leave their homes because of violence.
Samantha and other women in the United States are hopeful that the signing of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 by President Bush is a major step towards ensuring that women and children are protected against their batterers and also against being judged and marginalized by society.
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
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