There is an adage written by George Santayana which states, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Thirty-seven (37) years ago, Liberians jubilated in the streets of Monrovia chanting, “(Native woman born soldier)” when President Tolbert was brutally murdered. The same people rejoiced when thirteen (13) senior officials of the Tolbert government were tied to a pole and executed. Ten years later, they protested against the Samuel Doe regime chanting, “(Monkey come down)”!
After seven years of brutal civil war, we had the opportunity to choose a good leader. Interestingly, we went counter to popular wisdom and voted for President Taylor. In fact, we defiantly told the international community to go to hell by singing “(You kill my ma; you kill my pa, I will vote for you”! A few years later, we were on our knees begging the global community to come to our rescue.
In the act of desperation, we took dead bodies to the American Embassy near Monrovia to show the world the carnage that we were experiencing. Today, we are bearing witness to similar stupidity that have steered us to a very dark place. The same people are once again chanting, “(You know book, you na know book, I will vote for you)”! How can some Liberians be so reckless about their nation's future? Even when faced with hopelessness, and uncertainty, we must appeal to our better angels by taking a position that is in the best interest of Liberia.
Dad often used to tell me “Son, experience is the best teacher, but the tuition is high.” Perhaps Liberians need to pay another very high tuition for making feeble choices. The dark side of me wants Sen. Weah to win the runoff election. However, 62% of the population will also be affected by the poor judgment of the noisy minority. Senator George Weah's alliance with individuals, and institutions that enriched themselves at the expense of Liberians do not represent a "Change for Hope". Say no to the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)!!