Trotting Around: People, Places, Cultures in Pictures

Click on pictures to see larger image: Photos by Musue Haddad
Trust and Love





In the thick of the clouds





This cup of regular coffee sold for $1.19 in the United States is sold in an European city for an equivalent of $6.00. A bottle of small mineral water sold for $1.00 in the United States, is sold in that European state for an equivalent of U.S$7.00 after converting the U.S dollar to the Euro

Memories

Aerial view of Allen, Pennsylvania

Mr. Dominguez, Ms. Blackwell, and Mr. White


Dancing to the African Beat. Now that is what we call acculturation - Western dance to African Beat

Just waiting, and waiting

In the same place, but in their own worlds. That's North America

Is that 'David and Goliath'-


Is the monkey staring

Give him way please. He's racing to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C

Garrison gets attention at the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Sis. Darling Poses

Patiently awaiting her next flight

Mr. Patrick, the businessman

Children must be children.

On Business or Fun

Fasue looks on as Garrison steals the show

The order of the day: shopping

Nature and Culture

'Slaves for sale" reads the sign. If we look around us keenly, we will notice that slaves are still on the platform for sale.

No doubt - in the midst of 'family and friends.'

Hooray

Warmth and familiarity reigns

Alike

Gio Devil in America



Whose legs?

(Left to Right) Mr. Zubah, former Diplomat and James Fasuekoi, Photo-Journalist

A thriving community in North America

Let the camera roll, and the tourists flow

That's not an ECOMOG vehicle. It's an old Military Vehicle on display in a Pennsylvania Town.

Girls just having fun

Is that an European Manufacturing site that produces weapons? Just asking.

Even guys can shake their 'tumba'

Seriously inspecting planes

Lights gone "larry"

Shortcut to manufacturing: Tell me what color shoes you want.

using the traditional means to fish

UNMIL on patrol

Thomas S Allentown

A Partial View of Monrovia In Pictures

Photo-Journalist James Fssuekoi poses with Malawala Balawal Star, Karmon Soko.

CDC Partisans at CDC's Head Office in Monrovia
Fresh Coconuts
Police Vehicle Caught in Traffic
Work on New Ministry of Health Building located in Congo Town Continues
Market Women Waiting to carry Loads
New National Social Security and Welfare Cooperation Building under construction in Paynesville Business Center
Partial View of Paynesville Redlight Market Kids enjoy free play
Kofi Woods, Minister of Public Works, and Cyrus Badio, Press Secretary to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
The Famous and guarded "White Flower" during President Charles Taylor's Administration, now a regular building in Monrovia On the day of Elections
Mrs. Medina Wesseh casts her vote.
Representatives of Political Parties at a pooling site in Monrovia
Pool Staff
Ms. Darling helps Ma Edith to reach a pooling site. MaEdith, apparently one of the oldest voters turned 92 in October, and within a few days casted her first vote.
An addition to Monrovia's transportation system
Lewis Browne
Newspaper Sellers navigate traffic
Newspaper sellers
Mr. Jallah K.K. Kamara, Former Director of the National Bureau of Culture and Tourism in Liberia
Ms. Yamah Darsee, a Registered Nurse and Business Woman in Monrovia James Fasuekoi meets his aunt. The aunt becomes a camera woman during the family reunion

For the Sake of Love and Liberia, In Private Sector Weah to Inspire Youth

Dearest Mama,

I say, my mouth is really full; not with food or water, but filled with utter surprise because of the political scenery, and “desperado” promises by partisans and candidates. Besides, I think some people have actually forgotten their strengths, weakness and limits, when it comes to the meaningful contributions they can make to society. You will notice that I added the word ‘MEANINGFUL” to qualify “Contributions,” because some contributions are not only personal, but also egotistical and obtained in a selfish manner. Darn! Am I stepping on toes here? I can hear some people fuming and foaming. Ah, jay!

Mama, are there people who are fuming and feeling like I am stepping on their toes? If so, please ask them to bear with me as I take them through some of the meditative exercise that I find quite helpful. I’ll give those techniques to share with my uptight friends free of charge with the agreement that they read or listen attentively to the content of this letter. Do we agree? Ok, here it goes: Breathe in through your nose. Then exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can slowly and without strain. Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Let them do this at least three times. Okay, that right, I can see some faces becoming calm, and the fists are a bit more relaxed now than earlier. Yes, I see chest going up and down, and shoulders relaxing. That’s good. Now, we can continue to read this letter.

Now Mama, as I went through the profiles of the 16 presidential candidates, I was astounded by the strengths of each candidates. All of the candidates have the potential to contribute meaningfully to our country and the world. But do they all need to be Chiefs to make great contributions? Can all 16 candidates become chief at the same time? And if Yakonno loses the presidency, does it mean Yakonno also loses the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our great Village, Liberia? Deep down in my heart, and in the minds of Yakonno, Nappong, and the rest of the candidates, they are fully aware that only one person can become chief, and by focusing on their strengths, they can find their individual strengths, and the channel through which they can contribute immensely to the growth and development of our Village. On the other hand, if Yakonno, Blaza, Nappong, Korsia and the others keep focusing on their weaknesses, they will simply become weak; blurred by their desires, and they will fail to see the great and wonderful strengths, skills and opportunities they have to help empower themselves and our Village, and the posts they can shine in making enormous contributions.

We heard today of the Nobel Prize Winners. We know Madam Sirleaf is the president, and she shared the award because of her work. But activist Leymah Gbowee, and Yemeni women's rights and democracy activist Tawakkul Karman are not Presidents, but their contributions have been recognized not only in their respective countries, but internationally. That is what happens when we delve in areas where we can make positive differences using our strengths, and not areas where the spotlight is on our weaknesses. Some times when we are humble, and appreciate our strengths and recognize our weakness, we flow. Isn’t that the truth?

In life, we all as individuals have the opportunity to make positive differences; we are all gifted and talented, but we must learn to appreciate and tap into our own talents and skills, rather than spent sleepless nights chasing the platforms of others. We can decide to identify our strengths, and align our strengths with our skills, and then find the platform to make that positive difference; otherwise we will continue to “chase the wind.” This is not magic Mama, and you know that. Mama, you always told me that from the day we are born, we possess talents and abilities. We are good at many things even if we do not realize it or take the time to bring those strengths out. To become happy, we must know what we are good at, and how we can use what we are good at to benefit others. Last week, a friend told me he was good at basketball, setting up websites, and helping other people make career decisions. I can only imagine Jeremy pushing to become a medical doctor or dentist. He will either struggle along the way, frustrating himself forever, or face some forms of lawsuit for malpractices in the medical field.

Now let’s focus on our village. Picture this youth, his name is George. He is now grown, but as a little boy, and a lad, George had his way with the ball. The guy touches a ball and it turns to gold. He not only has the magic touch, but he became an international icon because of that round object that many of us just kick along the way: ball. What does this tell you? It tells me that soccer is George’s gift, and whenever he pursues soccer, God smiles because God dedicated soccer to George, and God will always guide him when he focuses on soccer. Imagine if George decided to get into engineering or to become a pilot. Man! Someone please let me know whenever George is schedule to pilot a plane because if I am scheduled to get on that plane, I will cancel my travel on his flight. Or imagine if George insists on becoming a surgeon.

I had a professor who taught me economics in one of my graduate classes. This professor, an Indian always hammered that we cannot be everything. “There are people cut out for specific fields, and in those fields, there are people who are set to do specific things. In the medical fields, there are surgeons, and dentists. If the surgeon insists on carrying out the work of the dentist, you can imagine the disaster.” Whenever my professor got into this lecture, images would form in my mind of a person holding a tool forcing a tooth out of someone’s mouth. The images wouldn’t end. The brutal images would include the screaming sounds of the patient, while the so-called dentist struggles to pull out the tooth with probably the wrong tool. Ouch! Should the surgeon insist on becoming a Dentist? Should the Dentist wear a surgeon’s outfit and get in the operating room and begin cutting open the stomach of someone? Now, that is what we call misplaced talent.

I wonder why people become misplaced or displaced when it comes to utilizing their skills and talents to inspire others, make positive difference, or to contribute meaningfully to society? Is it because they are shortsighted, or flattered by others who want to exploit them? Someone tell me something here! I truly wonder why we sometimes waste precious times chasing the dreams of others, or trying to live up to the expectation of others, while squandering our own lives and dreams? Mama, maybe PaKoiye and MaKaisou can tell us something here.

Mama, as I look at the scene in our Village, I am beginning to honesty see where Weah’s skills can be utilized significantly in inspiring the youth, empowering them, and also where his face will lit again like the eras he reigned as the Soccer King. Have you ever seen Weah on the soccer field? I did. Whenever the guy got close to a ball; just closed to the ball, he shone, and his entire face lit with splendor and stardom. If his close associates can be honest with the King of Soccer, they will tell George that his brilliance, his success, triumph and admiration are in inspiring Youth, by encouraging them to focus on education and empowerment, rather than spending his resources on becoming chief, while at the same time bruising his reputation and character.

Mama, think about this, George Weah grew up in a slump, but by finding and appreciating his talents and gifts, he rose from the slump to become a King. Truthfully, because he embraced the skills God gave him, he rose easily to stardom. Later, George recognized the importance of education; he mustered the courage to go back to school; he set aside his fame and successes and sat down in the classroom to complete his studies. George completed his studies and got his credentials. The truth is he can use his story to inspire the youth in many ways, including raising money through UNICEF, and other international organizations to empower youth including helping them to focus on education. Imagine what history will tell us about George if he taps into such platforms to demonstrate his love for our Village, and the future of the youth. I can only imagine the fame George will win if he focuses more on inspiring the youth, rather than dwell on pushing himself or allowing himself to be pushed in an area where his strengths will be lost, mislaid or omitted. Someone shout to that!

Mama, as for me, I don’t want to be Chief. In fact, no one dare try fooling me. If whoever is trying to fool me think that they can go around fooling other people because they like drama, I will state categorically that such persons are not only ignoramus, but also cantankerous, and they are not only bent on misdirecting the likes of George, but also envious of George’s popularity, and would prefer to see George and his likes fail miserably and become unpopular. The truth is George is more valuable to the Youth, and he must make wise decisions in using his skills to meaningfully help to empower the youth. In doing so, George must realize the platforms that will boost his skills, rather than posts that will weakened his strengths. If George and others insist on listening to sycophants and flatterers who are bent on creating chaos, these flatters will be the same ones making mockery of George and other candidates they have fooled and even bullied into going into areas where they [George and others] will stagnate their skills, strengths, and stain their reputation.

Though time is far spent on this political drama, I hope that in the next few hours, George will use his strengths to speak peace; I expect to hear George say to the people what he really has on his chest: he wants to focus on being an messenger of Youth Education and Empowerment; I wait to hear George talk about soccer for the promotion of schooling; I wait to hear George speak of bringing together Youth from various political parties for promoting the importance of education. I wait, and I know this wait is over.

Mama, I am happy that Weah has realized that his strength lies in inspiring the youth to focus on education; and he will focus on identifying areas where he can raise money to help the youth of our village focus on education, vocational skills, and other areas of empowerment. We have one Village, it doesn’t matter what part of the world we find ourselves, and our Village is our home. We must therefore love our Village, cherish it, and help in the infrastructure development of our Village and the Social advancement of our people. Let us resist those who want to do otherwise.
I wait to hear from everyone.

Always,
musue

Random Thoughts: What Do You Think About CDC’s Comments on Free Speech and Civil Liberties…?

Have we Forgotten Journalist Charles Gbeyon, Politician Jackson Doe, Albert Porte and Others?

Dearest Mama,

I am still walking the streets of Monrovia. I passed Congo Town, and almost didn’t see the famous “White Flower,” because it is no longer the “sacred” ground, and the walls are scarred. There are algae on the walls, and the front gate was slightly opened with people sitting idly in front of the building. In fact, I saw people carrying charcoal bags on their head in front of former President Charles Taylor’s personal resident, White Flower. Then, I saw the almost completed Ministry of Health building. This time, the face of the new Ministry of Health building is beginning to appear as construction workers were busy doing their tricks on the building.

As I eagerly absorbed Liberia, I also engaged in random survey of news articles and interviews with citizenry. While still in the United States, I had skimmed through Liberian newspapers online that highlighted Cllr. Winston Tubman’s comments on free speech and civil liberties, this time, my interest on the topic was spurred by Weah’s threat to shut down FrontpageAfricaonlone if he [Weah] is elected Vice President. When I read that published letter by the Editor of FrontPageAfricaonline (FPA), my first reaction was a sluggish grin. After all the bloodshed for Press Freedom and Free Speech, how can anyone dare think of taking Liberia, and Liberians to a Tubman era where freedom of Press and Free Speech was shunned, and actually seen as a “taboo.” Kie!

However, before I completed reading FPA Editor’s letter about Weah’s threat, my mind zoomed to CDC’s Presidential Candidate, Winston Tubman’s comments last week that if elected, his government would restrain and de-prioritize Press Freedom and Civil liberties. Whew! Now that is some comment coming from a former United Nations staff. Mama, though I had read excerpts of Tubman’s comments on Liberian list serve, I assumed it was just one of those sensational materials. But when I arrived in Monrovia, I started adding 1 + 1; I saw that I kept getting 2 as my sum. I tried again adding, but the figure wouldn’t change. Later, after reading Weah’s threat, and then continuing my survey, and reading additional materials, I couldn’t help but delve further. It was then I summoned the courage to cast my net far and wide. Guess what! I came across an article in an outside media. The news report in a Washington, DC based Media organization stated: “The The CDC flag-bearer told a group of Liberian and Canada-based "Journalists for Human Rights" last week that Liberians, especially CDC supporters, were aware that they would have to forgo their rights to free speech and association as sacrifice for national recovery.” The report quoted Tubman, adding, “What the people who are dancing for us in the streets need are good roads, hospitals, not press freedom. After that, we will think about press freedom. What we will do for them, foremost, is to make the country more livable, give them more hope, give them more comfort, more opportunities, more health care and better roads. One of the things I said at the welcoming gathering just now is that we were spending the whole day on the roads just to get here. So one of the first things we will focus on is to make it easier to visit the various parts of the country. And when they have those kinds of real improvements in their lives definitely," Tubman continued, "we will focus on press freedom. We will focus on giving allowances for civil liberty."

Mama, did you comprehend the above paragraph that contained Winston Tubman’s statement and vision for Free Speech and Civil Liberties? Wow! Though Winston Tubman is said to have “explained” what he meant during last week’s Presidential debate, how does his explanation justify, rationalize and defend such utterances: "What the people who are dancing for us in the streets need are good roads, hospitals, not press freedom. After that, we will think about press freedom. One of the things I said at the welcoming gathering just now is that we were spending the whole day on the roads just to get here. So one of the first things we will focus on is to make it easier to visit the various parts of the country. And when they have those kinds of real improvements in their lives definitely, we will focus on press freedom. We will focus on giving allowances for civil liberty."

Mama, what scares me about Tubman’s and Weah’s threat against Free Speech and civil liberties is that the warnings to muzzle such undeniable right come from two high profile persons from the same camp. Is it possible that both Weah and Tubman mean no harm and their statements maybe, just maybe what we sometimes categorized as ‘slip of the tongue.” If so, how can both men: CDC standard bearer and Vice Standard Bearer; they are not twins, and do not come from the same professional background make the same mistake, or their tongues slipped in the same direction?

Mama, besides the “tongue slipping” excuse, should free speech, press freedom and civil liberties be de-prioritized in any democratic society? And why should Tubman even utter such comments, or dream of such ideology in Liberia, a country that have shed blood to reach a stage where press freedom, freedom of expression and civil liberties are thriving?

Mama, contrary to what we saw in the past, Winston Tubman has proven otherwise. He is probably telling the Liberian people his true intentions, so that when he is voted in, he may refer people to his utterances: Press Freedom and Civil Liberties will not be a priority, or as he corrected himself during the Presidential debate, in his “first 100 days,” freedom of the press, free speech and civil liberties will not be a priority.

Mama, I would like to ask Winston Tubman a few questions: Does he think Free Press, which is an embodiment of Free speech, and Civil Liberties are rights that he owns, and he [Winston Tubman] must decide when any of us can enjoy those rights? Wait now, does the Counsellor, Winston Tubman think we are still in those archaic era where he can bully people into submission or just go about makes utterances; playing on people’s rights and freedom whenever he pleases? Geez! This one reminds me about the saying, “The baby is not yet born, but the eyes are opened wide.”

Now, as I look back, I think about Charles Taylor. Taylor lured people; he waited, whether patiently, or impatiently, but Taylor waited to be born before opening his eyes truly wide. Taylor was born many times: to get territorial control; to win over supporters; etc, but he waited to be born during each of those periods before opening his eyes. But that is not the case with Tubman. Someone will ask why I am not scrutinizing George Weah’s statements. To that, I will say my reason is obvious. Winston Tubman is a Counsellor at law; Tubman worked within the UN system, and he is well informed that all and or any denials of Free Speech Undercut a Democratic Society. On the other hand, George Weah is known as a successful international soccer player, and I hope that one day he will begin realizing that his contribution to Liberia and the world lies in inspiring the youth. Sadly enough, many are those who are taking Weah for a ride – for their own selfish interest.

Mama, Liberians have suffered beyond description. Think about Liberia’s longest serving president, William V. S. Tubman who served for 27 years. Think about that era where press freedom and free expression, and civil liberties were at the discretion of President William V.S Tubman. Imagine how many persons died trying to advocate press freedom and freedom of speech? Is Cllr Winston Tubman, who is cousin of the late William V. S Tubman trying to recreate his late uncle’s archaic era? Now let’s reflect on William Tolbert’s era, Samuel Does regime, among others saw a struggle for free expression and civil liberties to prevail. Are Liberians prepared to allow Winston Tubman to begin withholding any amount of press freedom, civil liberties, or the right to free expression? I don’t think so.

Let’s take another critical, but brief look at Winston Tubman’s flimsy justification, reason and explanation that after providing “good roads, hospitals” “And when they {Liberians}have those kinds of real improvements in their lives definitely, we{if elected Winston Tubman and his CDC} will focus on press freedom. We {Winston Tubman and his CDC} will focus on giving allowances for civil liberty." Winston Tubman’s reason[s] for withholding press freedom and civil liberties are not only absurd, but also preposterous? If there is no free speech, how can the will of the people be known? Winton Tubman already knows that the will of the people cannot be known without free speech. So then, what is his true motive? It is well established that in a democracy, people are encouraged to voice their thoughts and opinions, and encouraged to participate in the decision-making process. There may be times that their thoughts and opinions disagree with the majority of other people, but does that make them less entitled to it? No. Tubman is also aware that citizen participation is essential not only for democracy to flourish, but also a strategy for enhancing good governance, empowerment and sustainable development programs. So how will he without the people’s right to free expression; that is denying the people’s empowerment and participation, and yet provide their needs? How will he determine what the people need?

On civil liberties, let’s look at what it is and whether Tubman has the right to even consider de-prioritizing those rights. Civil liberties are indisputable rights and freedoms and includes the right to life, and that is the right to live, freedom from torture, freedom from slavery and forced labor, the right to liberty and security, right to a fair trial, the right to defend one's self, the right to privacy, freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the right to marry and have a family. Now, Liberians have not forgotten the importance of these rights: all Liberians want to live a simple dignified life. Liberians don’t want to starve to death, or see themselves or family members ‘tabay” and taken away from their homes without the right to speak out. Do I go on? I guess not. We got the picture!

Now, let Winston Tubman tell me that he is ignorant of the importance of every Liberian rights to civil liberties. Tubman is aware that without freedom of speech, civil rights never would have been addressed, including the rights to vote, women’s rights, slavery and the list goes on. Most importantly, if people cannot say what’s on their mind [freedom of speech and press freedom], there would be no ability to get rid of politicians that were not living up to the promises they made to the people. And that would not be a true democracy. Is Tubman thinking democracy, or is he thinking autocracy, monocracy?

Mama, I must leave you now to scout the streets again. I wait to hear from those reading this letter with you. I hope that our Villagers will not allow our Village to backslide into those dark eras.

Always,
musue

P.S: Ask the elders to think and explain why Tubman in his socalled corrected statement about not prioritizing Freedom of the press, Freedom of speech and civil liberties in the first 100 days. What plans does he have for the first 100 days? Will the first 100 days set for people to “grab what they can for free” as payment?

Random Thoughts: What I see in Monrovia, plus Ellen and Snowe

Dearest Mama,

Last week, I was saying, “Monrovia, here I come.” Today, the song is, “Monrovia, here I am!” Are you surprise Mama? I am rather surprised that just as I was landing, you were leaving for the remote part of the village.

Well, while I was looking for you on the streets of Monrovia, I saw many things: some regular sights, most unclear, imprecise sights that are faint to my mind and understanding; others questionable, and a few unusual. During this election season, should I talk about the parking ticket system, where drivers pay certain amount to park on the streets of Monrovia? Should I write about how I rode a vehicle that passed in front of the Executive Mansion without coming face to face with [a] member(s) of a military or paramilitary force? Do I talk about the pedestrians who congregate on the streets of Monrovia every morning to wrestle for public transportation? Or I can talk about the elections season because of the intensity and vibrancy of the election campaigns?

Did I just say the campaign is intriguing? Oooh yes Mama, it is! Get this right; I have not attended any of the active rallies, or directly witnessed political campaigns. But I can safely claim that I have seen probably more than what attendees have seen. There are eye-catching billboards on the streets, and I saw some from the moment my flight began landing at the Roberts International Airport; and also taken a glimpse of large billboards plus small campaigning at the airport, when partisans welcomed part delegation from the U.S.A. There are also super large billboards on the highways. Campaign materials are also carried by partisans on the highway between the airport and Monrovia. I wish we could stand for few moments in front of some of the humongous billboards and placards on the streets of Monrovia. Some of the slogans are filled with platform materials, others are ‘tight,” while there are the ones that will loosen the belly.

Have you seen the slogan ones that reads, “Monkeys still working, so baboon wait small?” When I saw that slogan, I had to turn my head twice to make sure I was reading right. I began reflecting on the reverse: “Monkey work, baboon chop.” Ah, hay. Who came out with the slogan: “Monkey still working, so baboon wait small?” So after monkey fini working, will baboon come to eat? Someone tell me Ooo.

Oh, but Mama, let me quickly admit that I haven’t visited many streets, but the few I have plied are filled with series of billboards, and campaign materials on poles, buildings, homes, and worn by people. But wait, that’s not the juice. Gimme few moments to lay out what you never thought would have happened in this life time. At least I never thought it would in my lifetime.

Mama, the political climate here is really interesting. The political campaign has seen a shift in political pledges, and given birth to new political jargons and attitudes that political scientist may well begin breaking down, and exploring. Who knows, the next worldwide political ideology and practices may be drawn from this tiny village. Did you ever think that Former dies hard supporters of other political parties including, Snowe, Browne and others would be supporting the presidential second term bid of EJS? When I saw Snowe on television last night, wearing an UP campaign T-shirt that had engraved on it: Vote UP, I almost fell from the sofa. I asked my host, General in a stammering tone “Is that Snowe?” Her response was in the affirmative, I still could not believe my eyes; I pulled out my reading glasses, but it only hampered my sight since the glasses is only for reading, and not intended to enhance my sight for watching TV. I shifted my head from left to right, and then up and down, trying to get what I thought would be a better view of the TV screen. Or did I move my head in the four directions because I wanted my doubt to reign supreme at that moment? If that was my motive, then I was wrong because my own doubts were being dominated by the truth of what is actually occurring during this intense political season.

I then walked past General and drove my head in the face of the TV screen. But still, I came face to face with Snowe as he spoke incessantly; campaigning for EJS’ reelection. Ah, hay! Who would have ever imagined this twist of event, I asked myself as I glided across the living room to the sofa. My body was exhausted from the day’s activities. My mind was tired from the intense exercise it had engaged in during the last few days, but my curiosity was just warming up.

As I stood there, glued to the screen, I wondered whether I have observed a political rally, or was my presence at political rallies only for assignments? That unspoken question was actually a rhetorical one. I turned my attention to the screen and saw Deebah with a wide smile on his face as he stood closed to the president. The beam on his face continued to widen as he clapped. In a few moments V. Sherman took the screen, and then there was Kofi, Samuakai, Nguafan, and the list went on and on. I was like “wow.”

Then musician Friday took the stage with his dancers. The swinging of hips and legs went on and on, while I reflected on the days when Snowe and Browne and others stood with fist in the chest as they defended their cause. What happened? When did they change their cause? Or did they change their cause, or their vision of life just changed? My head began to ache, and I realized that only Snowe and Co can answer my series of questions.

When I sat on the sofa, my friend and host might have observed that I was surprised at the turn of events. She said, “You have not seen anything?” I turned to her and asked, “You mean there’s something more than Snowe on this campaign trail.” She said “of course.” But before I could say ‘jack,’ General said, “Do you know that Jean Richardson, S. Morlu and Darrius Diloon are also supporting EJS second term bid. I said, “you kidding.” Her response; a giggle. I tried to allow the night to flow with a close up picture of Snowe lingering on the screen. The design on his T-Shirt, “Vote UP” kept nagging at me. I wish I had my camera at that very moment to snap the historic picture. But my camera was in another room, and I didn’t want to miss a scene on the screen. Prehaps, just perhaps I may get the chance to see Snowe in the next few days. When I do, I will take a snap of Snowe all the “guys” in their campaign outfit to show you Mama.

Right now, I must take a stroll down the street before the “pan- pan” (Motor bike riders) take over the streets.

Always
musue

PEACECORPS 50th Anniversary: Liberia Peacecorps Program in Pictures

Mary Pat Kramer and Sarah Morrison

THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC: A Millennium Tribute to Tecumsey Roberts

This tribute to the late musician, Tecumsey Roberts was written by Robert Sesay, and first published in a Monrovia based magazine in 2000. With permission from author Sesay, this captivating tribute to the late Tecumsey Roberts, and the Liberian Arts and Cultural society is scanned and republished.
In order to enlarge the material, click on each scanned page.

Earth Quake in DC: Where Were You?

I was in the basement of a high rise office building near Connecticut and K Streets, NW when I felt the swaying and tremors caused by the earth quake. I looked around and perhaps may have mentally captured what was occurring around me. Then, I may have frozen in my spot when everyone started running. I heard rounds of screams, and continued to look around. Then I heard more screams. It was at that moment I gathered my belonging and headed for the escalator that was already shut down. I used the escalator as stairways to reach the upper ground level of the building.

Outside the building, I scanned the many high rise buildings that have provided shades to pedestrians along this street. Now people dreaded the thoughts of enjoying the comfort the buildings provided, and were fleeing the vicinity. There was a large crowd outside the building, and more and more people kept running from one part of the streets to the next. People were trying to avoid the high rise buildings, which is impossible unless you were completely outside of that part of K and Connecticut Streets.

To look at the throng of people on the street was like watching a high current wave on the ocean. All I could think about was my reaching my son. I tried calling his school, but my phone services were down. I tried calling friends, and colleagues, but I realized my phone, like most others were not receiving or sending out calls. Then my thoughts ran to the beginning of the war, and how families became separated just by the mere fact of being slightly away from one another for a brief moment. The thought of being disconnected from my friends and love ones was unbearable. I tried even harder, hitting harder the key pad on my phone to reach Wanda White, Angie, Baba, Mrs. Blackwell, James Fasuekoi, Thomas Toteh, my sister Munah, among others, but without success. I even tried sending a text to Sarah Morrison’s USA cell, even thought she is out of the country, but the text wouldn’t go through. My hope was that she would get my text upon arrival in the USA. I looked around me, aside a few persons who had highly advanced phones and handheld gadgets, many of us appeared frustrated by our inability to connect with families or friends.



Then I heard shouts that there would be another quake, my mind went into a dazed. I couldn’t bear the thoughts of being further separated from the ones I love. I sincerely felt that the situation I was in at that moment was a replay of the senseless war that engulfed my country for over a decade; or my years in exile when I was forcibly separated from my family, my friends and loved ones because of my journalistic practices in highlighting human rights abuses carried out by the Charles Taylor’s regime against citizenry of my country, and my work in promoting human dignity. I knew I didn’t want to be separated from my son. I hope he was also not frightened by the tremors, or the frantic manners others were responding to the situation.

I quickly dived in the first public transportation that came my way. As we rode on the bus, I was stunned by the throng of people on the streets of Washington, DC. The human occupation on the streets of District of Columbia reminded me of many places that are almost always crowded, including Waterside market in Monrovia, especially during the holiday seasons, and the Night markets in Taiwan that is a popular tourist destination. Many people visiting the People’s Republic of Taiwan visit the Night Markets to have a taste of Taiwanese food, for entertainment and to do lots of shopping. However, unlike Waterside, and Taiwan’s night market where I was in a somewhat joyous mood, our presence on the streets of DC today was primarily because of the 5.9 earthquake that struck, covering 83 miles southwest of the city. The quake forced the evacuation of government buildings, including the White House, Pentagon and Capitol, and shaking homes and structures up and down the East Coast, and was felt from Atlanta to New England, and as far west as Ohio and Michigan, according to reports.

Offices were abandoned, customers and staff fled businesses, most schools evacuated buildings, and parents were anxious to pick up children from schools.
As I looked out, I saw on the faces of people, white, black, yellow, the physically fit, the handicapped, the employed, and unemployed, the homed, and homeless, and people from various religions, including the ones wearing veils, and or hijab, those wearing robes, yarmulke or kippah; we all carried a face of apprehension.

Already, Washington, DC is a beacon for visitors. During the summer, people from all over the world flock DC. At the moment, officials in the district are preparing for the dedication of the Martin Luther King’s memorial scheduled for August 28th on the National Mall. The dedication of the memorial is scheduled to take place on the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom when King delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The effort to build the memorial took more than 25 years. In addition to residents, DC is also a host to tourists, and civil rights leaders and advocates, who are interested in witnessing the event.

While I stared at the faces of the crowd, I heard someone near say, “Look, this is probably what Martin Luther King wanted – everyone to come together.” Another voice said, “Maybe this is a sign since his memorial will be dedicated in a few days.” I turned away and realized that police had set up a barricade ahead. The bus I rode came to a standstill. Fire fighters and ambulances tore the streets- up and down, left and right. And the bus I sat on remained in that spot for more than two hours. Riders were screaming, and then I started experiencing a piercing headache. And a sharp pain ran through my back. The noise level on the bus continued to escalate. More and more passengers got on the bus, and many more got off. Later, I got off the bus, and started walking, aware that I could not cover the distance to my son’s school before the end of the day. I decided that, well it is better to do something, than sit idly. As I walked among the throngs of people on the street, I scanned the streets for a faster means of transportation, but taxis were completely off the streets. I was tempted to wave down one of the many police cars that went up and down the streets. After all, my reaching my son was an emergency. I couldn’t call anyone for help because my phones were down.

I kept walking, and calculating the distance I had covered. So far, it appeared I had covered a distance that was equivalent to walking from Broad Street to Freeport in Monrovia. Will I reach my son early enough? I started feeling alone, and the reality of being alone was not as piercing as the thought.

Later, I spotted a taxi cab far ahead. I stopped, and watched the taxi as it came closer and closer, waiting for the right moment to signal the driver to make a U turn. But just as I opened my mouth, two men nearby shouted for the taxi. I turned around and looked at them. “Damn, they just cut me off, I thought.” But deep down, I knew it was theirs. As soon as the taxi swerved around, the guys, apparently foreigners from Europe, asked the driver if I could also hop in. The driver agreed, and I gave my destination to the driver, and asked how my fare would be calculated. The driver, an African still shaken by the quake he witnessed near the Dulles International airport, said he would accept whatever I give him. I thank God and then once more thanked the guys.

The driver talked incessantly about what he saw, and his experienced, while the two guys made small contributions. I was quiet, and apparently still shaken by the thought of just what would have happened to me in that high rise basement. Then I heard what sounded like beeping sound coming from the car. We all sat up, looking around. I turned to the driver and asked, “Just what is that sound.” He turned to me and said, “It is you. You are not wearing your seat belt.” And for the first time in many hours a small smile lit my face. The two guys in the back heave a big sigh of relief. I then realized that probably, just probably the impact of the senseless war in Liberia, and the pains of being away from friends and loved ones during my life in exile would remain a part of my life forever.

ULAA’s Squabble: A Shadow of Our National Political Scene???

Dearest Mama,

It’s been quite a long time. How is the family? How is the Chief? How are the Chief’s lieutenants?

Mama, do you know the mail Clerk? Kindly tell the Postal Director that I am not receiving all of my mails. In fact, it was only yesterday I realized that I may somehow be on the partial mailing list? How is that possible? I don’t know. But I do know one thing; some of my mails are undelivered. For example, the mail from Dr. Gbaba, “Dr Gbaba Salutes the Manjah, Manjalin, and Massagi for their Patriotic Gestures,” is yet to reach me. The copy of the letter was forwarded to me, after waiting for the postal clerk to deliver my copy in vain. I’ve checked over the mail box, under the mail box, and the deep bottom of the mail box, but that mail didn’t reach me. I am beginning to wonder which other mails addressed to me are still travelling around the world. I just hope some of my mails do not get worn out while travelling over high mountains, deep valleys, and parched lands. To be honest, if any of my letters travel around North Africa, particularly around the Mediterranean coast and the Sahara Desert, I will assume that it will become a casualty of the fighting between loyalists of Muammar Qaddafi’s and rebel fighters. That’s because, an online Media, Bloomberg Businessweek in its latest report on the Libyan crisis said, “The present conflict is considered the deadliest conflict to emerge from popular protests across the Middle East inspired by the overthrow of longtime leaders in Tunisia and Egypt.” Eh, so if any of letters traveled within the Libyan territory, I will assume it was fired upon while flying over Libya.

So Mama, please tell the Mail Clerk to send all my letters directly, to me, and not to send them as emissaries around the continent. I beg! This conflict in North Africa makes me scratch my arms, not because I have skin rashes, but it is a way of diverting my focus from the situation. We heard of Tunisia, Egypt, and now Libya is flaring up. We know that bordering countries around Libya include Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. I know after you heard of Tunisia and Egypt, you immediately started the process of elimination. Well, we have to continue the process of elimination to help us prepare for other news, if not directly within the circle, let take a step backwards from the circle to widen it, and include other territories within that area.

The whole North African situation should remind us that we are all part of a circle. If one person within the circle becomes a victim, we should not rejoice, or feel that we are an exception, because ‘we are a part of the circle.’ Remember, we are not in a triangle, where one person is at the head, it is not also a rectangle, which may go in some form of sequence. No! I said Circle. In a circle, anyone from any part of the circle could become the next victim, or the next target. So if you are a part of a circle…… (Complete the sentence)

Ok, back to the letters. Mama, did you see all the letters displayed on the Village bulletin boards. There are many bulletin boards - the bulletin boards at the waterside, the ones’ at the village square, the ones pasted on the back of the town crier, and the ones at the market house. Oh, did you see the one under the Palava hut and the car station opposite the Palm wine stop?

I have been following some of the issues, from the few letters the messenger left at my door. Since it is apparent that I have not been getting all the letters, I will only talk about the ones I have been getting. So tell the people to hold on and let me open my mouth. What I want to talk about briefly is this Union of Liberian Association in the Americas, (ULAA) squabble. I know some people are upset that I am describing the publicized confusion as a squabble. Ok, I can call it clash, or dispute, or fight. However, in my view, ULAA’s quarrel, or squabble is a shame; and it challenges us to see the implications of our (ULAA’s) actions on local communities, and communities at the national level. Most importantly, if ULAA cannot or could not contain its squabble, how can we (ULAA’s) propose suggestions, recommendations or hold the national government accountable, or speak against flaws within the national government? How can ULAA make suggestions to an organization, institution or group about the importance of collaboration for promoting performance, if it (ULAA) itself has failed to resolve its conflict outside of the public domain?

Mama, you remembered the many courses and trainings we had on conflict resolution? In all of the lectures and hands- on training and field work, we learned that conflict arises in groups because of the lack of freedom, the lack of respect for positions, and scarcity of resources. Conflict arises in groups because people tend to resist the need for interdependence, and would rather insist on holding on to being independent, while working with, and in the midst of others. Could this be some of the challenges that ULAA is experiencing, or had experienced that resulted to this opened squabble? Or could it be that the people who sought/seek power within ULAA struggled with others for positions or status within the group? Or were there some sort of rewards, like credits, and recognitions that were considered insufficient and or improperly distributed, that persuaded some decision making members to compete with each other for these rewards and recognitions? If none of the above mentioned are the problems, what then could be the problem? Is it political, religious, tribal, economic or class related?

Mama, over the years, Liberia’s political systems, whether at the national, regional, community, group, and institution’s level has been about competition and winning. As a result, winning has become more acceptable, and therefore, competition has become more prevalent than cooperation. In the process of competition, and winning, , little attention is given to the effect the process of competition and desire to win has on the organization, or the people the leadership professes to serve, or the impact of the crude exercise on the credibility of the organization or institution. So, in the case of ULAA, who wins, and who loses? The battle could be won by any one of the parties, but will that party also win the war? What does it profit the winner, who stands with the trophy, but he/she has evidently lost the war? What does it profit the person who has won the leadership position, but in the process lost the people, or a large number of members of the organization? Or, what does it profit a person who has won the position, but in the process left their reputation/credibility/competence and (leadership) characteristics/traits in the squabbles? Ehn. Tell me! What does the Good Book says about similar situations, “What does it profit a man who gains the whole world, but loses his soul?"

Mama, I wonder if you were one of the parties to this situation, what would you have done? Would you stand up, beat your chest; raise your fist to announce that you’ve won the squabble? Who determines the winner of such publicized squabble or quarrel that has apparently obstructed unification, but has won national attention, not for an award but drawn attention to what appears to be our inability to work together, and our incapacity to rise above power greed, jealousy. This conflict also shows how difficult it is for us to serve as capable leaders, or to maintain our role models.
Now Mama, please tell the people in the Village, and the people across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and all the Oceans, and mountains that the shame I feel because of this public squabble, that prompted me to write this hasty letter is not aimed at any one party involved in this disgraceful and opened power struggle in ULAA. No, no! That is not the case. I am not interested in knowing who is right, nor who is wrong. I know that if anyone dare ask such a question, they should be ready to hear what happened from J.J Roberts' time till now. An in between the narration, we will see how almost all parties stood akimbo, resulting to one or more of the following: refusing to compromise their positions, diverting time and energy from the main issues, delaying decisions, or untimely decisions, decisions and situations that created deadlock, problems that drove unaggressive members to the sidelines, problems that caused members to drop out or resign from committees, problems that arouse anger and actions/inactions that disrupted meeting, decisions that left losers resentful, situations that provoked personal abuse, and resulted to defensiveness, and then this ugly situation.

Mama, isn’t this squabble; the ULAA’s squabble a shadow of what our national political scene has always been like? If it is not, how is ULAA’s squabble different from what we have seen at the national level? Do we need military and paramilitary groups to complete the scene? I think in some ways, there may be such groups, or such groups may be waiting along the wayside, waiting to be call in to complete or add to the drama.

Mama, all I can say is thank God MaZelepu and PaZlepu are not parts of this disgraceful situation, otherwise I would have asked them, “after winning, what do you hope to achieve? You will have lost a large number of people, you will have little or no credibility; you will always have to defend your positions, and spend more time explaining the shameful squabble than engaging in constructive work. Given the dispute surrounding such leadership, what constructive recommendations can you make to another organization, let alone a national government?”

Another question, Mama, is this the kind of contributions Liberians in the Diaspora expect to make to the reconstruction, democracy, empowerment, and the promotion for full participation of citizenry in the peace building process back home? Ah!

Mama, as I close this letter, let me remind those who find my letter unfavorable that their response(s) may be sent to North Africa, since it appears that some of my mails are lost in transit. And for those who may consider applying jungle justice, beware that my place is not only camouflage, but also fortified against all forms of non-opened and inefficient communications.

I will talk to you again Mama. Greetings and love from me and your grandchild. I am ashamed to lift my head up today.

Always,
musue

Random Thoughts: Is America the Great Equalizer?

Dearest Mama,

Do you have a list of the parties that have registered to contest the next Presidential elections? I am trying to follow the list of those expressing interest in the next presidential elections. Up to date, there are almost ten candidates who have registered interest in contesting the presidency. From the whispers here, and there, the numbers will keep increasing. You doubt that? Check this out; Flomo Tomelah, a snail harvester, a farmer, and hunter, vowed to contest the presidency in the coming elections. Mr. Tomelah said it takes a special eye to look at snails crawling over one another; it takes focus, guts, and commitment to be a hunter; and perseverance to be a farmer. All of these skills, Mr. Tomelah said, will come in handy in running the country. Tomelah lives in a far remote part of the country, and started his journey to Monrovia two days ago. He spent a day traveling from his village to the main gravel road. After reaching the gravel road, he waited for over 24 hours to see a logging truck, which he hopped on to reach the nearest city. But wait; don’t begin looking out for Mr. Tomelah. The logging truck may take a full day to reach the nearest city. From the nearest city, Mr. Tomelah will also need another day’s ride to the nation’s capital. At that time, you may also need to wait a few days, since Mr. Tomelah will need to figure his way around the city - what he needs to do; where he needs to go, and how to make his intention known to the general public. Phew!

At this end, Mr. Peter Homo-Triumliterarum Pilferer, commonly called PHP said he will be a candidate for the presidency in the coming elections. Mr. PH Triumliterarum Pilferer professional background remains questionable, but he is quick to introduce his beautiful wife, Mrs. Light-fingered Gentry Pilferer, who has two distinct ways she carries herself. Sometimes, she crouches like a cat awaiting its prey. I guess when beautiful Mrs. Pilferer crouches, that is the family's hunting period. When she becomes cuddling, sweet, and endearing, that is the win over and persuading period. Weird names for two odd characters, ehn!

Mr. PHP believes he is as equally qualified to run for the presidency because he comes from America, a place he has lived since before the 1980 Liberian coup. Moreover, he boasts that he has a house, rides a beautiful car, and rubs shoulder with those who shop at Bloomingdale, John Varvatos, Clive Christensen, among others. His beautiful wife shops regularly using online Jewelry catalogues, and visits several designer stores, including Gucci, Versace, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.

Aside their material status, Mr. and Mrs. Pilferer did not divulge information about their educational credentials, nor details of work history. However, Mr. Pilferer accidentally disclosed more than he intended. Hear this; “During our [his] days, High schools were High Schools. Yeaaa, you know what I am talking about. Our High schools those days are what you people call college these days. I don’t have to go to college, because the book from my high school days is like the book people learning in college these days.” He added boastfully, “Look at that boy who says he going to college, and he still working in the mall,” as he and his wife laughed mockingly. Mrs. Pilferer now in cuddling mode says, she did few college classes, (which I later understood to be less than a semester of undergraduate classes), but her husband quickly interjected: “My wife is very smart, even smarter than those who have college degrees. See all these people here with their degrees; my wife knows what they know. We all meet, and look at how my wife can dress. She can dress better than them.” With that, Mrs. Pilferer snuggled closely to her husband, and sheepishly added, “Honey, you know thy man we saw that day, did you see the car his wife has…...” as I bid farewell to the Pilferers.


I left the Pilferer wondering whether they truly believed in measuring equality by material things, and that includes setting foot on the American soil. Does America makes everyone equal, and how do we measure that equality? Is it by material things, or because we are human beings? Of course, as human beings we are all equal, because all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. However, it is obvious that the Pilferers idea of “equal” is far from the inalienable rights every human being is entitled; that is those rights that cannot be surrendered, sold or transferred to someone else. The Pilferers were using their so-called material things to mean being equal in status with others who pursue education, training, skills, and humbleness. They seriously believed that material things outrightly placed them in positions to rub shoulders with certain crowd, and places them above others.


Mama, you’ve been in America; Swamama has been in America; Kaliako Kukumumu has been in America. Does America make everyone equal in status? I have heard some of our compatriots use the same phrase, “America is the great equalizer.” Some say the statement grinning, while others say it showing their jaw bone teeth.

Is America the Great Equalizer? Most of the folks on this side of the world have heard others bragged, “Yea, yea, America is the great equalizer!” Think about it, when you hear the “fiamomos” boasting, “Yea, what you thinking you were? Back home you thought you were something, but here we all are. We are now equal. Yea, America is the great Equalizer.”

You know, I was on the phone with some one who also started bragging about what they had, the places they go, window shopping, etc. The person continued while I held the phone smiling to myself. The person said, “I have Infiniti," apparentely to quickly feel somehow superior. You know the car I talking about?” I responded, “I heard about Infiniti, it is a sporty luxury car, but I don’t spend time reading about cars.” My message was still not clear, the person continued, “Oh, I have the 2007 model. It has…. The person went on and on and on. And I listened on and on and on. So I asked this person what they have been doing with their life. Any school? The person slowly responded in the affirmative, but said, they had to drop from the community college because it meant losing hours of work, that affected payment of bills. By bills, they meant ($200+) monthly car note, car insurance, payment for 42 inch HDTV, etc. Later, the person apparently regained their excitement, and said, “And you know what, I went to Atlantic City and La Vegas. You won’t believe how I enjoyed myself. I gambled and won, but lost again. Girl, you should come out sometimes. Yea, America is sweet. America is the great equalizer.” I responded calmly, “You know what, that statement is a fallacy. It is an erroneous belief, and strikingly misleading to believe and feel that America is the great equalizer in terms of status, and development, because of cars, visiting and gambling at Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and all the materials things you listed. I can give you some tips on how to use the money you worked hard to earn, and give you some ideas to manage your time, and how to become interpersonally competent, as well as competent and productive outside of your personal territory.” The phone conversation ended quietly, and I resumed my duties and responsibilities as a mother, and teacher.

Mama, you may have hear stories back home from some people, who are boasting that they are at the top, or on the same level here with others because of the cars they drive, the clothes they wear, and the stores where they buy shoes, jewelries and accessories, among other material things they use as tools for measurement.

Sometimes when I hear these statements, my mind gets in a whirlwind: how do people measure their status; why people will use material things to determine their position, their standing, their eminence, their status, or ranking, when it comes to their capability, aptitude, competency, and ability to make reasonable judgments, and meaningful contributions to their environment.

Well, I guess we are going to see some of these people as presidential candidates in the next elections. I wonder whether people back home will see beyond the words utter by the likes of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Homo-Triumliterarum Pilferer; will they look beyond the garb, and handshakes, and the idea that they come from America?

On the other hand, the likes of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Homo-Triumliterarum Pilferer, will take delight in participating in the coalition, where they feel and become relevant and yet still, hide their limitations. In the grand scheme of this coalition, who takes the back seat; who’s going second, or, who will give it all up?

So be prepared Mama to see Mr. and Mrs. Pilferer, Mr. Flomo Tomalah, Mr. Fraudster, Mr. and Mrs. Fraught, among persons vying for the presidency in our little Village. At this end, we will continue to hear of Mrs. Fraudster, Mrs. No Dollar Store, Mr. Posi and others.

always,
musue

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