Liberty Party wants City Charter amended before confirmation
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Monday, 16 February 2009
The opposition Liberty Party has called on the Senate not to confirm any appointed city mayor until city charters are amended.
At a press conference, Liberty Party Standard Bearer Charles Brumskine said the charters give authority to elected not appointed mayors.
Cllr. Brumskine quoted a portion of the charter which gives city mayors the authority to create municipal laws and levy taxes.
He argued levying taxes lie solely with the Legislature, which can dedicate the function to legislative bodies of municipality.
Cllr. Brumskine noted the action is justified by accountability to the people and as such appointed officials who serve at the will and pleasure of the President can not operate under the charter.
He recommended the repealing of all city charters to create the legal framework under which appointed city mayors can operate.
He also recommended the holding of a referendum to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling on the appointment of city mayors as another option.
The Supreme Court in 2008 ruled in favor of the Executive, giving the President the power to appoint city mayors.
Meanwhile, a group of citizens under the banner: Concern Citizens, have issued a ten-count petition asking the senate to confirm Madam Mary Broh as City Mayor.
The Chairman of the group Thomas Bedell told Star Radio Madam Broh has a proven record of transforming government functionaries and is trustworthy.
According to Mr. Bedell, Madam Broh is an honest woman, an excellent manager and an agent of change.
The Concern Citizens said Monrovia was too dirty and need someone with the skills and passion to make it better.
Mr. Bedell said it was unfortunate for politicians to be playing politics with someone who has the passion to make Monrovia resemble a city.
On the issue of violating the constitution, he said it is only the courts that determine constitutional violation.
The Concern Citizens believe some senators would put aside heir political interest and confirm the City Mayor designate especially ahead of the international women colloquium.
THIS ARTICLE WAS LIFTED FROM STAR RADIO WEB SITE
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Dr. Joseph D. Z. Kortu on ULAA current Post Election Crisis
March 11, 2009, Wednesday marked Liberia’s 93rdNational Decoration Day. Cemeteries and memorials were packed with people laying wreaths on graves. Students paraded the major streets of downtown Monrovia. The Ministry of Education (MOE) staff laid Wreaths on the grave of President Daniel B. Warner on Camp Johnson Road, the State Cenotaph and William V. S. Tubman Tomb on Ashmun Street. Dr. Joseph D. Z. Korto, minister of education, concluded the Event by laying Wreath on President William V. S. Tubman Tomb. As he left the Pavilion, I engaged him in a Discussion. And this is what we talked about.
I asked him why the Ministry of Education single-handedly hosted such a National Event without the rest of National government. This is what Dr. Korto told me.
His Ministry (MOE) championed the Event to keep the “tradition” alive. He said “our fallen heroes must be honored. They made valuable contributions and sacrifices to our country.” He laid emphasis on those who died in military service. When the Event concluded, Dr. Korto said it was successful in his opinion. Because the number of students he expected to turn out came enmass. He said “As the next generation of leaders, it was good they turned out.” He continued by saying, “The students had a civic lesson from my remark. And I am glad for that!" But he expressed some disappointment, though. The rest of the National government did not turn out. But he draws confident next year’s Celebration will be better. It seemed to me then that after all was concluded, looking at Dr. Korto's smiling face, he might have considered his job done as the Man responsible for Education in the country. That is to say, he educated the students and people of Liberia on the Event appropriately. But his wish was not granted. The Legislators did not turn out. "But that's okay!" he said. I asked if he were pleased with the Celebration. He gave a resounding “Yes!” And that closed that particular chapter of our discussion.
We moved on to another topic that Dr. Korto knows very well – ULAA & its Post Election Crisis
For those who don't know what ULAA is. It is The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas. It was founded by students more than thirty years ago. Many Presidents have come and left. Dr. Korto is one. He was a two-term President. So he has the leverage and authority to discuss problems facing the Institution. What then is the problem? This how the current problem has been laid out. ULAA recently had its Presidential election. Suddenly, two opposing leaderships emerged. Chaos erupted. Since then. Each of the leadership is claiming legitimacy to the throne. Essentially, ULAA is split! Such a split, in its current state, is hampering the progress of ULAA and Liberians in the US, especially those faced with immigration problems.
I asked Dr. Korto about all this unfolding chaos in ULAA. And this is what he told me.
He said he “regrets” what’s happening in ULAA today. He thinks ULAA has a bigger job than it can ever imagined. As such, it needs to be serious. It needs to pay special attention to the immigration problem facing over 10,000 fellow Liberians in the US. This split, according to Dr. Korto, touches him at the core of his heart. Because when he was President, his administration succeeded in discussions with the US government to grant Liberians Temporary Protective Status (TPS). And he is proud his successors took the matter to another level to obtain The Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) status. He said what this administration needs to do, instead of engaging in an in-house fight, is to forge the future of the Organization and Liberians at-large in the US. To get entangled in nonessentials makes him "sick." Dr. Korto brags his administration succeeded because of a good relationship it developed with the US government, ULAA Board, ULAA Chapters and Liberians in America. So he expects this current-day ULAA leadership to complete the task of his administration. Dr. Korto says Liberia cannot absorb the number of Liberians on DED. That is, if for our "carelessness," they were deported to Liberia.
He said, there are no jobs to absorb all of those Compatriots if they were deported. So “ULAA needs to put its house in order. When it puts its house in order, then it can address the needs and aspirations of its members and Liberians in the US.” He warns, if the two groups do not compromise and continue the business of ULAA, they will hamper and damage his and previous administration’s assiduous efforts towards legal status for Liberians on DED and democracy in Liberia.
Dr. Korto, a candidate in the 2005 Liberia Presidential election, former President of ULAA and current minister of education, said that there are several advantages for those Liberians to remain in the US for now. Among the many advantages, he stressed only one. And that is because time was against us in the Dicussion. Everybody was leaving the Pavilion. And he had to leave too. Hurriedly, he looked me in the eye and said "Remittances from Liberians in the US are very “significant” to the economy of Liberia. And so there is a need for ULAA leaders to unite and forge the Immigration Issue at hand." He couldn't elaborate any further. So I did my research. And this is what I discovered.
2005 United Nations figures suggested that remittance from African abroad were $17 billion United States dollars per annum. Virtually overtaking foreign direct investment flows which averaged $4 billion dollars in US foreign aid to all of Africa. Delightfully an irony becomes apparent: Africans are the best source of foreign currency for their respective countries. Instead of holding out begging bowls each year African governments should find ways of harnessing this source by allowing dual citizenship, facilitating overseas voting activity courting Africans abroad to invest at home and offering Diaspora tourism packages.
According to Charles Abugre in 2005 article in Pambazulla News, “some estimates suggest that Africa’s accumulated stock of capital transferred abroad between 1970 and 2000 amounted to over $280 Billion United States dollars.
The research goes further.
There is an increasing global attention on the Africans in the Diaspora as their influence not only in terms of skills but their financial impact is now being acknowledged as an alternative source of funding for ailing economies in Africa. Remittances flow from Africans in Diaspora is on the increase, sometimes accounting for almost 25% of GDP of some African Countries. It is estimated globally at $200 billion - far more than official development and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).
"Remittances to developing countries from overseas resident and non-resident workers are estimated to have increased by US $10 billion (8 percent) in 2004, reaching $126 billion," noted the report, this amount is very conservative as data on remittances is very hard to capture. [http://siteresources.worldbank.org/] For example, according to Western Union, Nigerians in the Diaspora remitted up to over USD$28b into Nigeria over the course of 8 years., averaging over $3 billion annually whilst Ghanaians living abroad sent back US$ 800 million to the country – more than Ghana earned from cocoa or gold. "
In its new report 'Global Development Finance 2005: Mobilizing Finance and Managing Vulnerability' the World Bank noted that "workers' remittances provide valuable financial resources to developing countries, particularly the poorest".
AfricaRecruit with a mandate to 'create an environment that will enable Diaspora Investment flows compliment traditional financial assistance to Africa' has been using the annual Africa Diaspora Investment Forum (ADIF) as a vehicle to drive forward this agenda.
This Africa Diaspora Investment Forum attracts participants from across the globe to lead discussions on business issues and developments as well as find ways in which the potentials of the African Diaspora can be further utilized for the positioning of Africa on a global stage.
The conference has an established a history of over 20 multi-industry corporate bodies including stock markets, real estate and numerous Small / Medium Enterprises. Attendance at the event has been rising steadily with over 2,000 investors from across Europe and North America as well a robust participation from Africa. As a direct results of an increasing number of Africans in the Diaspora have engaged in various investments in Africa estimated at over 1 billion US dollars. http://www.africadiaspora.com/2005/events/ag/index.php
I asked him why the Ministry of Education single-handedly hosted such a National Event without the rest of National government. This is what Dr. Korto told me.
His Ministry (MOE) championed the Event to keep the “tradition” alive. He said “our fallen heroes must be honored. They made valuable contributions and sacrifices to our country.” He laid emphasis on those who died in military service. When the Event concluded, Dr. Korto said it was successful in his opinion. Because the number of students he expected to turn out came enmass. He said “As the next generation of leaders, it was good they turned out.” He continued by saying, “The students had a civic lesson from my remark. And I am glad for that!" But he expressed some disappointment, though. The rest of the National government did not turn out. But he draws confident next year’s Celebration will be better. It seemed to me then that after all was concluded, looking at Dr. Korto's smiling face, he might have considered his job done as the Man responsible for Education in the country. That is to say, he educated the students and people of Liberia on the Event appropriately. But his wish was not granted. The Legislators did not turn out. "But that's okay!" he said. I asked if he were pleased with the Celebration. He gave a resounding “Yes!” And that closed that particular chapter of our discussion.
We moved on to another topic that Dr. Korto knows very well – ULAA & its Post Election Crisis
For those who don't know what ULAA is. It is The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas. It was founded by students more than thirty years ago. Many Presidents have come and left. Dr. Korto is one. He was a two-term President. So he has the leverage and authority to discuss problems facing the Institution. What then is the problem? This how the current problem has been laid out. ULAA recently had its Presidential election. Suddenly, two opposing leaderships emerged. Chaos erupted. Since then. Each of the leadership is claiming legitimacy to the throne. Essentially, ULAA is split! Such a split, in its current state, is hampering the progress of ULAA and Liberians in the US, especially those faced with immigration problems.
I asked Dr. Korto about all this unfolding chaos in ULAA. And this is what he told me.
He said he “regrets” what’s happening in ULAA today. He thinks ULAA has a bigger job than it can ever imagined. As such, it needs to be serious. It needs to pay special attention to the immigration problem facing over 10,000 fellow Liberians in the US. This split, according to Dr. Korto, touches him at the core of his heart. Because when he was President, his administration succeeded in discussions with the US government to grant Liberians Temporary Protective Status (TPS). And he is proud his successors took the matter to another level to obtain The Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) status. He said what this administration needs to do, instead of engaging in an in-house fight, is to forge the future of the Organization and Liberians at-large in the US. To get entangled in nonessentials makes him "sick." Dr. Korto brags his administration succeeded because of a good relationship it developed with the US government, ULAA Board, ULAA Chapters and Liberians in America. So he expects this current-day ULAA leadership to complete the task of his administration. Dr. Korto says Liberia cannot absorb the number of Liberians on DED. That is, if for our "carelessness," they were deported to Liberia.
He said, there are no jobs to absorb all of those Compatriots if they were deported. So “ULAA needs to put its house in order. When it puts its house in order, then it can address the needs and aspirations of its members and Liberians in the US.” He warns, if the two groups do not compromise and continue the business of ULAA, they will hamper and damage his and previous administration’s assiduous efforts towards legal status for Liberians on DED and democracy in Liberia.
Dr. Korto, a candidate in the 2005 Liberia Presidential election, former President of ULAA and current minister of education, said that there are several advantages for those Liberians to remain in the US for now. Among the many advantages, he stressed only one. And that is because time was against us in the Dicussion. Everybody was leaving the Pavilion. And he had to leave too. Hurriedly, he looked me in the eye and said "Remittances from Liberians in the US are very “significant” to the economy of Liberia. And so there is a need for ULAA leaders to unite and forge the Immigration Issue at hand." He couldn't elaborate any further. So I did my research. And this is what I discovered.
2005 United Nations figures suggested that remittance from African abroad were $17 billion United States dollars per annum. Virtually overtaking foreign direct investment flows which averaged $4 billion dollars in US foreign aid to all of Africa. Delightfully an irony becomes apparent: Africans are the best source of foreign currency for their respective countries. Instead of holding out begging bowls each year African governments should find ways of harnessing this source by allowing dual citizenship, facilitating overseas voting activity courting Africans abroad to invest at home and offering Diaspora tourism packages.
According to Charles Abugre in 2005 article in Pambazulla News, “some estimates suggest that Africa’s accumulated stock of capital transferred abroad between 1970 and 2000 amounted to over $280 Billion United States dollars.
The research goes further.
There is an increasing global attention on the Africans in the Diaspora as their influence not only in terms of skills but their financial impact is now being acknowledged as an alternative source of funding for ailing economies in Africa. Remittances flow from Africans in Diaspora is on the increase, sometimes accounting for almost 25% of GDP of some African Countries. It is estimated globally at $200 billion - far more than official development and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).
"Remittances to developing countries from overseas resident and non-resident workers are estimated to have increased by US $10 billion (8 percent) in 2004, reaching $126 billion," noted the report, this amount is very conservative as data on remittances is very hard to capture. [http://siteresources.worldbank.org/] For example, according to Western Union, Nigerians in the Diaspora remitted up to over USD$28b into Nigeria over the course of 8 years., averaging over $3 billion annually whilst Ghanaians living abroad sent back US$ 800 million to the country – more than Ghana earned from cocoa or gold. "
In its new report 'Global Development Finance 2005: Mobilizing Finance and Managing Vulnerability' the World Bank noted that "workers' remittances provide valuable financial resources to developing countries, particularly the poorest".
AfricaRecruit with a mandate to 'create an environment that will enable Diaspora Investment flows compliment traditional financial assistance to Africa' has been using the annual Africa Diaspora Investment Forum (ADIF) as a vehicle to drive forward this agenda.
This Africa Diaspora Investment Forum attracts participants from across the globe to lead discussions on business issues and developments as well as find ways in which the potentials of the African Diaspora can be further utilized for the positioning of Africa on a global stage.
The conference has an established a history of over 20 multi-industry corporate bodies including stock markets, real estate and numerous Small / Medium Enterprises. Attendance at the event has been rising steadily with over 2,000 investors from across Europe and North America as well a robust participation from Africa. As a direct results of an increasing number of Africans in the Diaspora have engaged in various investments in Africa estimated at over 1 billion US dollars. http://www.africadiaspora.com/2005/events/ag/index.php
Thursday, 26 March 2009
"The Gods Are Not To Blame": False Prophecies in Liberia
There are so many good things in life. One of them is being at home. Where you were born and reared. You can relate to things quite easily. That’s because you remember things the way they used to be. You may get confused sometimes when those things change. But you will always find yourself right in the scheme of it all.
I was born and reared in the far keyhole of Liberia. That’s Harper City, Maryland County. It sits in the belly of the southeastern region. Living there, one tends to feel left out in developments in the country. But that’s another story. I will leave that part alone for now. All in all, many things in the country hold common and true everywhere. No matter your geographical location. And that’s the basis of my story.
Last night was February 25, 2009. I was lying down in my bed. Usually I leave home 8am to work. I work free-of-charge as a volunteer in the country. I do this six days a week. I conclude work and return home at 9pm. I catch a bath. Grab something to eat. And then to bed I go. Usually people are still up lecturing. I know that. Because I hear them. They make a lot of noise. Still I dose off. But at midnight, I am up. I start taking phone calls. Because I am less busy at that time. Cell phones in Liberia are prepaid. So if you talk too long during the peak hours you spend more money. Many people want to talk to me. But they cannot in the day because I am busy. I too want to talk to them. but I cannot due to my busy schedule. When you work free-of-charge like me, you don't have money to spare to buy phone cards regularly. So I ask people to call me at night. That way we can talk much longer. Because Lone Star Cell Phone Company has a midnight free-talk program. Its customers can talk free to each other. And I am one of those. The free-call runs from 12:30 to 5am. And you can’t beat that. It helps a lot! So I use it all the time. That’s exactly what I was doing last night when strange things began to happen. It started at 2am. I called my sister. She too is a Lone Star customer. We were talking. Then she asked me if I heard the news. I told her “No!” And then she said her Garnersville area was noisy. I asked why? She said some prophet told the people that everyone in the country MUST fetch water before the next day. And if one did not comply, the water would turn into blood the next day. And that would bring “evil” upon everyone. So everyone around her area was busy fetching water late at night. She jokingly asked me if I had done mine. I laughed. She asked me why? I said it was funny. Why should I wake up late night and go looking for water around town? I told her I couldn’t figure that out. And she too couldn’t figure that out. In most part of Monrovia they sell water. And when the water joint is closed. That's what it is. It is closed. At 10pm everything in the City is closed. And that’s when the City becomes dangerous. Armed robbers go on the rampage. So going out at night to fetch water is a risk. She agreed with me. And we joked about it. Then a call came in for her on the other line. She bided me good night. And I did same. I dropped my line. Then “Bang!’ it all happened. Noise erupted in my neighborhood. People were outside talking loud. Then I noticed they were fetching water. One of them kept warning the rest of the people to fetch water or suffer disaster the next day. Buckets and rubber pitchers were rubbing against each other. And the warning continued. Others were banging at doors to wake people up. Soon the whole area was jam-packed. I could tell. Because the noise was increasing. No one was asleep anymore. Young girls (usually the ones that fetch water in the “Third world”) started toting water. I could hear them complaining. I was lying on my back trying to figure out what was going on. Then it clicked my mind. The first time I entered the country. One incident like this occurred. A “prophet” said everyone in the country HAD to cook and eat potatoes greens for three days consecutively. Otherwise, “evil” would befall everyone. And nobody wanted “evil” to befall them. So no one asked questions. Everyone went in the market and bought potatoes greens. Those who grew potatoes greens in their gardens began to cut them for consumption. Soon potatoes greens cleared the marketplace. At that time I was visiting Harper City – my Hometown. My aunt has been helping others with their kids. She reared them. She likes to cook. But she is old now. So she cannot go in the kitchen anymore. Having trained the kids, she let them do the cooking. But here they are. They were gripped by the “prophecy.” And so they kept telling me they had to comply. I could not convince them. So they cooked potatoes greens for three days. And we ate potatoes greens consecutively. I never felt bad about eating potatoes greens for three days. I enjoyed it. In fact I love potatoes greens. Having not eaten potatoes greens for quite a long time in the US, I was having a “ball” in Liberia. If they had increased the days, it would have been up to my taste. Cause I ate it with a passion. Then in my thinking I came back to the water “prophecy.” I saw myself now in Monrovia where I was in reality. I realized it was different. I thought the water “prophecy” was crazy! For why should I believe I should wake up from my bed at 2am to fetch water. And if I didn’t do so the next day, the water would turn into blood. The dumb stuff didn’t stop right there. It went further. The “prophet” said no one should fetch water from the regular well. It HAD to be pipe-borne water. Right there it struck me. Capitalism! During the potatoes greens “prophecy,” the price of greens was jacked up. And because of the high demand for potatoes greens, it finished from the market. Now today we have a new “prophecy.” And it is calling for ONLY pipe-borne water. And pipe-borne water in Monrovia is for sale. What could this be, I asked myself? The answer came out quickly. People had to buy the water. The army of poor is large. And when they engage the streets, profit will abound. They did. And pandemonium broke out. The poor didn’t want to pay. But the businesspeople demanded their money. Soon the demand for water was high. And it was getting to be daylight. If one did not get his water, blood would be the answer. So the businesspeople jacked up the price. Usually you buy 3-five gallon container of water for $15 (LD). Now one five-gallon was costing $30 (LD). So if you bought three of those same gallons that were sold at $5 (LD), you would be paying $90 (LD). It became good business for the businesspeople. But bad deal for the poor. The poor didn’t like it. But they had no choice. They entertained a belief in a certain prophecy. They didn’t want “evil” to befall them. So they had to paid the price. And they did. But all the hullabaloo raged on throughout the night. Then for some strange reason, another strange thing happened. Rain came down. I don’t mean it is strange for it to rain. We all agree it is supposed to rain. That’s nature! But here is the strange part. The noise ceased outside. Everyone ran indoor. You couldn’t hear a single sound outside. If you dropped a needle, certainly you would have heard the sound. That’s how quiet it was. It went mute in a second. And that’s when it clicked my mind. I heard from people when I first entered the country. They said Liberians are not afraid of guns and moving motorcars. A Liberian will hear a car honking for him to leave the road. He will disregard it. Guns will fire, he will not budge. Market women and men will stand in the middle of the street. The police will try to scare them off. They will not budge. But as soon as it starts to drizzle. And the rain is about to come down. In a twinkle of an eye, the whole area is clear. Everyone disappears. Last night affirmed that to me. As soon as I heard the rain drops on the zinc. All the noise ceased instantly. No sound was heard again. Everyone disappeared. I thought they would come back. But as long as the rain came down, no one came back out. At broad daylight they reassembled. The discussion started as to what happened the previous night. The blame game began. Others challenged the validity of the “prophecy’ even though they complied. They mocked each other for falling for another false prophecy. They all laughed and made fun. And then they departed. From all indications, Liberians can be easily swayed. They believe too many prophecies. I have seen it many times. It is my belief very soon they will be fooled to leave their country for unknown destination on account of a “prophecy” from God. And when they return, they will become aliens in their own country.
All these false prophecies that come in the name of God are not questioned by Liberians. In fact anyone who dares question them is considered an "unbeliever." All everyone does is to just comply. We all have been warned of false prophets. This is in the Holy Bible. And you can find that in the Holy Kuran too. So paying heed to them in the name of God, runs a risk for Liberians. They might someday flee their own country in the name of such prophecy. And whatever happens, the Gods will not blamed for what will happen in the end.
I am Thomas G. Bedell writing to you from the Ground in Liberia.
I was born and reared in the far keyhole of Liberia. That’s Harper City, Maryland County. It sits in the belly of the southeastern region. Living there, one tends to feel left out in developments in the country. But that’s another story. I will leave that part alone for now. All in all, many things in the country hold common and true everywhere. No matter your geographical location. And that’s the basis of my story.
Last night was February 25, 2009. I was lying down in my bed. Usually I leave home 8am to work. I work free-of-charge as a volunteer in the country. I do this six days a week. I conclude work and return home at 9pm. I catch a bath. Grab something to eat. And then to bed I go. Usually people are still up lecturing. I know that. Because I hear them. They make a lot of noise. Still I dose off. But at midnight, I am up. I start taking phone calls. Because I am less busy at that time. Cell phones in Liberia are prepaid. So if you talk too long during the peak hours you spend more money. Many people want to talk to me. But they cannot in the day because I am busy. I too want to talk to them. but I cannot due to my busy schedule. When you work free-of-charge like me, you don't have money to spare to buy phone cards regularly. So I ask people to call me at night. That way we can talk much longer. Because Lone Star Cell Phone Company has a midnight free-talk program. Its customers can talk free to each other. And I am one of those. The free-call runs from 12:30 to 5am. And you can’t beat that. It helps a lot! So I use it all the time. That’s exactly what I was doing last night when strange things began to happen. It started at 2am. I called my sister. She too is a Lone Star customer. We were talking. Then she asked me if I heard the news. I told her “No!” And then she said her Garnersville area was noisy. I asked why? She said some prophet told the people that everyone in the country MUST fetch water before the next day. And if one did not comply, the water would turn into blood the next day. And that would bring “evil” upon everyone. So everyone around her area was busy fetching water late at night. She jokingly asked me if I had done mine. I laughed. She asked me why? I said it was funny. Why should I wake up late night and go looking for water around town? I told her I couldn’t figure that out. And she too couldn’t figure that out. In most part of Monrovia they sell water. And when the water joint is closed. That's what it is. It is closed. At 10pm everything in the City is closed. And that’s when the City becomes dangerous. Armed robbers go on the rampage. So going out at night to fetch water is a risk. She agreed with me. And we joked about it. Then a call came in for her on the other line. She bided me good night. And I did same. I dropped my line. Then “Bang!’ it all happened. Noise erupted in my neighborhood. People were outside talking loud. Then I noticed they were fetching water. One of them kept warning the rest of the people to fetch water or suffer disaster the next day. Buckets and rubber pitchers were rubbing against each other. And the warning continued. Others were banging at doors to wake people up. Soon the whole area was jam-packed. I could tell. Because the noise was increasing. No one was asleep anymore. Young girls (usually the ones that fetch water in the “Third world”) started toting water. I could hear them complaining. I was lying on my back trying to figure out what was going on. Then it clicked my mind. The first time I entered the country. One incident like this occurred. A “prophet” said everyone in the country HAD to cook and eat potatoes greens for three days consecutively. Otherwise, “evil” would befall everyone. And nobody wanted “evil” to befall them. So no one asked questions. Everyone went in the market and bought potatoes greens. Those who grew potatoes greens in their gardens began to cut them for consumption. Soon potatoes greens cleared the marketplace. At that time I was visiting Harper City – my Hometown. My aunt has been helping others with their kids. She reared them. She likes to cook. But she is old now. So she cannot go in the kitchen anymore. Having trained the kids, she let them do the cooking. But here they are. They were gripped by the “prophecy.” And so they kept telling me they had to comply. I could not convince them. So they cooked potatoes greens for three days. And we ate potatoes greens consecutively. I never felt bad about eating potatoes greens for three days. I enjoyed it. In fact I love potatoes greens. Having not eaten potatoes greens for quite a long time in the US, I was having a “ball” in Liberia. If they had increased the days, it would have been up to my taste. Cause I ate it with a passion. Then in my thinking I came back to the water “prophecy.” I saw myself now in Monrovia where I was in reality. I realized it was different. I thought the water “prophecy” was crazy! For why should I believe I should wake up from my bed at 2am to fetch water. And if I didn’t do so the next day, the water would turn into blood. The dumb stuff didn’t stop right there. It went further. The “prophet” said no one should fetch water from the regular well. It HAD to be pipe-borne water. Right there it struck me. Capitalism! During the potatoes greens “prophecy,” the price of greens was jacked up. And because of the high demand for potatoes greens, it finished from the market. Now today we have a new “prophecy.” And it is calling for ONLY pipe-borne water. And pipe-borne water in Monrovia is for sale. What could this be, I asked myself? The answer came out quickly. People had to buy the water. The army of poor is large. And when they engage the streets, profit will abound. They did. And pandemonium broke out. The poor didn’t want to pay. But the businesspeople demanded their money. Soon the demand for water was high. And it was getting to be daylight. If one did not get his water, blood would be the answer. So the businesspeople jacked up the price. Usually you buy 3-five gallon container of water for $15 (LD). Now one five-gallon was costing $30 (LD). So if you bought three of those same gallons that were sold at $5 (LD), you would be paying $90 (LD). It became good business for the businesspeople. But bad deal for the poor. The poor didn’t like it. But they had no choice. They entertained a belief in a certain prophecy. They didn’t want “evil” to befall them. So they had to paid the price. And they did. But all the hullabaloo raged on throughout the night. Then for some strange reason, another strange thing happened. Rain came down. I don’t mean it is strange for it to rain. We all agree it is supposed to rain. That’s nature! But here is the strange part. The noise ceased outside. Everyone ran indoor. You couldn’t hear a single sound outside. If you dropped a needle, certainly you would have heard the sound. That’s how quiet it was. It went mute in a second. And that’s when it clicked my mind. I heard from people when I first entered the country. They said Liberians are not afraid of guns and moving motorcars. A Liberian will hear a car honking for him to leave the road. He will disregard it. Guns will fire, he will not budge. Market women and men will stand in the middle of the street. The police will try to scare them off. They will not budge. But as soon as it starts to drizzle. And the rain is about to come down. In a twinkle of an eye, the whole area is clear. Everyone disappears. Last night affirmed that to me. As soon as I heard the rain drops on the zinc. All the noise ceased instantly. No sound was heard again. Everyone disappeared. I thought they would come back. But as long as the rain came down, no one came back out. At broad daylight they reassembled. The discussion started as to what happened the previous night. The blame game began. Others challenged the validity of the “prophecy’ even though they complied. They mocked each other for falling for another false prophecy. They all laughed and made fun. And then they departed. From all indications, Liberians can be easily swayed. They believe too many prophecies. I have seen it many times. It is my belief very soon they will be fooled to leave their country for unknown destination on account of a “prophecy” from God. And when they return, they will become aliens in their own country.
All these false prophecies that come in the name of God are not questioned by Liberians. In fact anyone who dares question them is considered an "unbeliever." All everyone does is to just comply. We all have been warned of false prophets. This is in the Holy Bible. And you can find that in the Holy Kuran too. So paying heed to them in the name of God, runs a risk for Liberians. They might someday flee their own country in the name of such prophecy. And whatever happens, the Gods will not blamed for what will happen in the end.
I am Thomas G. Bedell writing to you from the Ground in Liberia.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
James Shannon: A Hero of our Time
His legal name is James Shannon. Affectionately known as “Boy-Ju”! I learned he was once an integral part of Mighty Barrolle Ball Club’s administration. That is in Liberia. During my short stay around him in Toledo, I realized he’s a die-heart “Roller” (Barrolle). James lives in Toledo, Ohio. At least, there’s where I left him when I moved out in 1990. He is one of the “Gurus” of Toledo. He’s been there for quite sometime. He was there when the legends of constructive soccer passed through. Boys like Klay Andrew. They were boys then. But now they are men now. Benedict “Mama-Musa” Wisseh, Blanca Bowman, Benrue Collins, Patrick Arthur, Solomon Siply, Forkay Nippy. And you name the rest. These giants are some of the best ballers to ever walk the face of Liberia. As ball giants when they departed Toledo, they left a big hole. Who would fill it, became the question? I had just come from Liberia. And I landed in Toledo. I didn’t have the slightest idea who all had gone through this City. And I didn't know what they left behind. By the time I found that out. The hole had just swallowed me up! And there’s where James Shannon came into my rescue.
James is a lover of the game. He was also a baller. He may not have played on the level on which some of us played in Liberia. But he had a spirit that kept the game alive in America. In the Toledo Liberian community, there were two ball clubs. Both were owned by Liberians. So the competition was high. There was always a fight for new arrivees. Both teams wanted me. Because I was good. But not as good as the legends that came through before me. Both teams had former Barrolle players and fans. And the last ball club I played ball for prior to departing Liberia, was Mighty Barrolle. So I had some degree of allegiance to the former stars of Barrolle. Each wanted me to play for his ball club. Other people talked to me to play for theirs. But James never talked to me. The League was still far away. So there was no need to hurry. There was plenty of time. We concentrated on indoor rehearsals. Becasue it was the Winter Season. We couldn't play outdoor. And there’s where the campaign began to be waged. My sibling (brother) with whom I was stopping was not a ball enthusiast. He never cared much for the game. So each time I wanted to go to rehearsals, he wouldn’t care. He had other “important” things to do. So I had to find a ride to take me to rehearsals. I called for rides all over. But only James showed up. The other guys reneged on their promises. Excuses. Excuses. And Excuses. That’s all they gave me. I couldn’t say much. Nor could I do much. I was new in town. I didn’t have my own ride. I didn’t have my own ball shoes. So I played in sneakers. And looked up to anyone who would give me a ride. Giving my style of play – very calculative – I could not function properly in sneakers. So I needed the right ball shoes. I needed a whole lot of things also. A regular ride to rehearsals. Was one. And another was a thirst-quencher during and after rehearsals. Since I had no job. And unemployed. I could not do any of those. My pocket power was nonexistent. But I hung in there. I managed with the sneakers. And I caught rides when available.
One day the phone rang. It was James. He spoke with my brother, first. Because my brother answered the phone. My brother passed the phone over to me. James asked me what I was doing. I told him “nothing!” He asked if he could pick me up. I said ask my brother. He did. He got permission. Because, you see, I was stopping with my brother. He was a brother I did not know very well in Liberia. I was too young when he traveled to America. So I had to develop a relationship with him. And the fact he didn’t like the ballgame. And that he was a very private man. I had to be very careful how I invited people to his house. Another thing is. I was taught by my parents to respect the one with whom you live. Especially so, when that person is responsible for your wellbeing. James knew this too. Because he’s been around for a while. He also knew my brother’s ways. Becasue they all lived in the City for a long time. And so he encouraged me to be respectful. That’s why each time he called for me, he spoke with my brother first. James had another thing that intrigued me. He was very particular and punctual! When he says in an hour. That’s exactly what he means. He told me in half-an-hour he would be at my place to pick me up. I got ready. In half-an-hour, he arrived. I hopped in his ride. He pulled off. On our way he told me what was on his mind. He was taking me to Footlocker. Footlocker in America sells sporting goods. I didn’t know all this at the time. I was a new “kid” on the block. We pulled up in the parking lot. He walked out on the driver side. I walked out on the passenger side. Into the mall we went. We entered Footlocker. Then he turned around to me and asked me to choose any pair of ball shoes I liked. Metaphorically speaking, I was knocked out of my shoes. I didn’t know what to do. Coming from Liberia one tends to be very honest. In this case, I speak for my generation and myself on the honesty question. I didn’t want to get something beyond his pocket-power. So I walked around the store for more than thirty minutes. Still I could not choose a pair. He realized I was confused. So he jumped in. He pointed to one pair. He asked me if it were good. He knocked me out again. The pair he pointed to was the most expensive one on the shelf. I saw it before. But I didn’t want to choose it. After all, I was not the one paying for it. He asked me if I wanted it. I stuttered. Soon I said, Okay, I’ll take it.” He told the guy to fit me in the pair. He did. It was my size. He paid for it. And we walked out.
Let me tell you a little more about James. He's a “bluff” boy. He keeps everything around him clean and arranged. His music is always the latest. If you ask me what kind of man he is in terms of music, I have to say he is an African cultural nationalist. He dresses “GQ.” His speech is perfect. He speaks the Queen's Language excellently. He loves to lecture. He lectured me until we got to a restaurant. Then he stopped. He asked me in the restaurant. He put up a meal for me. I knocked myself out again. Man! I was so full. Then we left. He dropped me off at my brother’s crib. I mean at my brother’s house. He reminded me of rehearsal the next day. I shook my head. He pulled off.
The next day I was at the rehearsal. And so was he. I got dressed. Everybody did. Soon everyone recognized how sharp I was. I was dressed like a World Cuper. From toe to head I was sharp. They did not need to wonder. They knew I wasn’t working. So I could not afford such expensive gears. They knew James bought them for me. And they were right! He always bought the best. And I was in the best! Right there and then, the message went home to everyone - James recruited me on his Ball Club. But they were wrong! James had not spoken with me on that yet. He always encouraged me to keep on practicing. To keep my skills sharped. Soon indoor rehearsals were over. We slipped outdoor. The weather had changed. It was warmer. And that’s the time I was waiting on. In Liberia we play outdoor. Not indoor. So I was happy to come into the sun. There where it all began.
One day James came on the practice ground. He had a clean and brand new outdoor ball shoes. He called me. And gave it to me. It was my size. I slipped them on. And my spirit was lifted. I knew now I had to prove my skills. No more excuses. James had made it easier for me. I warmed up. The whistle went off. And the rehearsal began. We completed it. I scored four beautiful goals. All from long distance. I shot from 30 yards. And it freaked everybody out. It was my specialty. And I knew it too. So I had fun. The outdoor league was a week away. Everybody expected me to make a decision. Who would I play for? I selected James’ Ball Club. The other guys went berserk. It created bad feelings. Both Clubs became bitter “enemies” in the same League. Soon they played against each other. And that was the worse of my balling days. The bitterness between both ball clubs became uglier. But I scored the winning goals. And we beat the other guys.
Anyway, the situation of two ball clubs fighting each other passed on.
Life continued. I still had not gotten a job. My brother moved to America when I was about five years old. He could not get me a job. He did his best. But it couldn’t work. One of the reasons for his failure was that he was too much a private person. He kept too much to himself. So he didn’t know too many people that could help. We were at home when the phone rang. This time I picked it up. It was James on the line. He asked to speak to my brother. That’s the kind of guy James is. He respected my brother. Every time he wanted me to go somewhere with him, he sought my brother’s permission. Even though I was in my mid twenties, he gave my brother the utmost respect. My brother passed the phone over to me. Then James told me to get ready in few minutes. And I did. He came over. I hopped in his ride. And down the street we went. We got at a mall. The mall was huge. He parked in the Lot. We walked in. And soon he was talking to this White dude. He called me over. He introduced me as a great baller. My head was so big I kept smiling. And then the White guy asked me if I wanted to start working that same day. I didn’t know what to say. Should I say yes? Or say no? If I said no. The dude could change his mind the next day. And if I said yes. I wasn’t ready to start that very moment. James helped me out. He told the dude I would start the next day. The dude asked me to report to work the next day at 7am. The next day indeed I was there. On the dot. I began work. I filled up the necessary papers. And became fully employed. I was a member of the working class.
My first paycheck came in. I invited James to breakfast. He came over. I asked him what he wanted to eat. He asked me the same question. I said, “I am asking the question.” And he said the same thing. I tried to overcome him. But he kept insisting. So I gave in. He bought the food. While eating I gave him my “I got a dream” speech. I thanked him. And expressed appreciation. Right there James said something to me that I have never forgotten. And what he said to me is the driving force behind this Post. Initially, it was not a big thing to me. It sounded like nothing to me. Few years later, it began to take shape. I could feel the weight. In fact, as I opine this Article, I have discovered that James gave me the heaviest and most critical responsibilities on earth. And I didn’t know it at the time.
This is what James said to me verbatim. “Thomas!” I said, “Yes!” He drew his chair closer to mine. And looked me straight in the eye and said. “You do not owe me anything. What I did by finding you a job is what somebody did for me. And that person told me not to pay him anything. The only pay the person required of me is for me to do the same thing for another person in need of help. And this is why I have done what I did for you. Remember, somebody helped me. That gives me the opportunity to help you. That person asked me to pass this on. By doing so, we all can help each other. Go on, Thomas! I have passed it on to you. And please, do not shy away from this responsibility. Help others! And when you have done so, then you will have paid me back.” After James told me this, I looked him in the eye and said to myself quietly. "Is this guy serious?" He didn’t hear me. “That’s all he wants from me? – to help someone else?” It was too simple a task for me. At least thats' what I thought. Until now! Little did I know how heavy it was. Soon I was in his shoes. I was trying to help someone like he did for me.
James Shannon changed everything for me. His appeal made the difference on me. It was like giving someone an assignment. And that assignment has continued to live with me. It changed my life entirely.
Today in Liberia I go from village-to-village, city-to-city, town-to-town, helping people. I feel like a Peace Corp. Each time I get in these areas, James Shannon’s appeal re-echoes in my head. Sometimes it appears to me he is somewhere nearby watching my every move. And each time someone I helped comes back and says, “Thank you, Thomas !” I feel I have done what James requests of me. Although it is an ongoing effort, James Shannon’s appeal has become one of the bedrocks of my current volunteer service to Liberia. Living in Liberia puzzles a lot of people. But James Shannon is not puzzled. He knows he planted a seed. And that seed has grown. Thanks to him. He is a shining example for all Liberians to follow.
Wherever James is, I say Hi-James! I wish you all the best. Your message to me is not lost! It goes on! Long life and prosperity! May your dream for people to help each other flourish and become a giant monument of hope for everyone. Glory to your name, "Boy-Ju!"
I am Thomas G. Bedell coming to you from on the “ground” in Liberia!
James is a lover of the game. He was also a baller. He may not have played on the level on which some of us played in Liberia. But he had a spirit that kept the game alive in America. In the Toledo Liberian community, there were two ball clubs. Both were owned by Liberians. So the competition was high. There was always a fight for new arrivees. Both teams wanted me. Because I was good. But not as good as the legends that came through before me. Both teams had former Barrolle players and fans. And the last ball club I played ball for prior to departing Liberia, was Mighty Barrolle. So I had some degree of allegiance to the former stars of Barrolle. Each wanted me to play for his ball club. Other people talked to me to play for theirs. But James never talked to me. The League was still far away. So there was no need to hurry. There was plenty of time. We concentrated on indoor rehearsals. Becasue it was the Winter Season. We couldn't play outdoor. And there’s where the campaign began to be waged. My sibling (brother) with whom I was stopping was not a ball enthusiast. He never cared much for the game. So each time I wanted to go to rehearsals, he wouldn’t care. He had other “important” things to do. So I had to find a ride to take me to rehearsals. I called for rides all over. But only James showed up. The other guys reneged on their promises. Excuses. Excuses. And Excuses. That’s all they gave me. I couldn’t say much. Nor could I do much. I was new in town. I didn’t have my own ride. I didn’t have my own ball shoes. So I played in sneakers. And looked up to anyone who would give me a ride. Giving my style of play – very calculative – I could not function properly in sneakers. So I needed the right ball shoes. I needed a whole lot of things also. A regular ride to rehearsals. Was one. And another was a thirst-quencher during and after rehearsals. Since I had no job. And unemployed. I could not do any of those. My pocket power was nonexistent. But I hung in there. I managed with the sneakers. And I caught rides when available.
One day the phone rang. It was James. He spoke with my brother, first. Because my brother answered the phone. My brother passed the phone over to me. James asked me what I was doing. I told him “nothing!” He asked if he could pick me up. I said ask my brother. He did. He got permission. Because, you see, I was stopping with my brother. He was a brother I did not know very well in Liberia. I was too young when he traveled to America. So I had to develop a relationship with him. And the fact he didn’t like the ballgame. And that he was a very private man. I had to be very careful how I invited people to his house. Another thing is. I was taught by my parents to respect the one with whom you live. Especially so, when that person is responsible for your wellbeing. James knew this too. Because he’s been around for a while. He also knew my brother’s ways. Becasue they all lived in the City for a long time. And so he encouraged me to be respectful. That’s why each time he called for me, he spoke with my brother first. James had another thing that intrigued me. He was very particular and punctual! When he says in an hour. That’s exactly what he means. He told me in half-an-hour he would be at my place to pick me up. I got ready. In half-an-hour, he arrived. I hopped in his ride. He pulled off. On our way he told me what was on his mind. He was taking me to Footlocker. Footlocker in America sells sporting goods. I didn’t know all this at the time. I was a new “kid” on the block. We pulled up in the parking lot. He walked out on the driver side. I walked out on the passenger side. Into the mall we went. We entered Footlocker. Then he turned around to me and asked me to choose any pair of ball shoes I liked. Metaphorically speaking, I was knocked out of my shoes. I didn’t know what to do. Coming from Liberia one tends to be very honest. In this case, I speak for my generation and myself on the honesty question. I didn’t want to get something beyond his pocket-power. So I walked around the store for more than thirty minutes. Still I could not choose a pair. He realized I was confused. So he jumped in. He pointed to one pair. He asked me if it were good. He knocked me out again. The pair he pointed to was the most expensive one on the shelf. I saw it before. But I didn’t want to choose it. After all, I was not the one paying for it. He asked me if I wanted it. I stuttered. Soon I said, Okay, I’ll take it.” He told the guy to fit me in the pair. He did. It was my size. He paid for it. And we walked out.
Let me tell you a little more about James. He's a “bluff” boy. He keeps everything around him clean and arranged. His music is always the latest. If you ask me what kind of man he is in terms of music, I have to say he is an African cultural nationalist. He dresses “GQ.” His speech is perfect. He speaks the Queen's Language excellently. He loves to lecture. He lectured me until we got to a restaurant. Then he stopped. He asked me in the restaurant. He put up a meal for me. I knocked myself out again. Man! I was so full. Then we left. He dropped me off at my brother’s crib. I mean at my brother’s house. He reminded me of rehearsal the next day. I shook my head. He pulled off.
The next day I was at the rehearsal. And so was he. I got dressed. Everybody did. Soon everyone recognized how sharp I was. I was dressed like a World Cuper. From toe to head I was sharp. They did not need to wonder. They knew I wasn’t working. So I could not afford such expensive gears. They knew James bought them for me. And they were right! He always bought the best. And I was in the best! Right there and then, the message went home to everyone - James recruited me on his Ball Club. But they were wrong! James had not spoken with me on that yet. He always encouraged me to keep on practicing. To keep my skills sharped. Soon indoor rehearsals were over. We slipped outdoor. The weather had changed. It was warmer. And that’s the time I was waiting on. In Liberia we play outdoor. Not indoor. So I was happy to come into the sun. There where it all began.
One day James came on the practice ground. He had a clean and brand new outdoor ball shoes. He called me. And gave it to me. It was my size. I slipped them on. And my spirit was lifted. I knew now I had to prove my skills. No more excuses. James had made it easier for me. I warmed up. The whistle went off. And the rehearsal began. We completed it. I scored four beautiful goals. All from long distance. I shot from 30 yards. And it freaked everybody out. It was my specialty. And I knew it too. So I had fun. The outdoor league was a week away. Everybody expected me to make a decision. Who would I play for? I selected James’ Ball Club. The other guys went berserk. It created bad feelings. Both Clubs became bitter “enemies” in the same League. Soon they played against each other. And that was the worse of my balling days. The bitterness between both ball clubs became uglier. But I scored the winning goals. And we beat the other guys.
Anyway, the situation of two ball clubs fighting each other passed on.
Life continued. I still had not gotten a job. My brother moved to America when I was about five years old. He could not get me a job. He did his best. But it couldn’t work. One of the reasons for his failure was that he was too much a private person. He kept too much to himself. So he didn’t know too many people that could help. We were at home when the phone rang. This time I picked it up. It was James on the line. He asked to speak to my brother. That’s the kind of guy James is. He respected my brother. Every time he wanted me to go somewhere with him, he sought my brother’s permission. Even though I was in my mid twenties, he gave my brother the utmost respect. My brother passed the phone over to me. Then James told me to get ready in few minutes. And I did. He came over. I hopped in his ride. And down the street we went. We got at a mall. The mall was huge. He parked in the Lot. We walked in. And soon he was talking to this White dude. He called me over. He introduced me as a great baller. My head was so big I kept smiling. And then the White guy asked me if I wanted to start working that same day. I didn’t know what to say. Should I say yes? Or say no? If I said no. The dude could change his mind the next day. And if I said yes. I wasn’t ready to start that very moment. James helped me out. He told the dude I would start the next day. The dude asked me to report to work the next day at 7am. The next day indeed I was there. On the dot. I began work. I filled up the necessary papers. And became fully employed. I was a member of the working class.
My first paycheck came in. I invited James to breakfast. He came over. I asked him what he wanted to eat. He asked me the same question. I said, “I am asking the question.” And he said the same thing. I tried to overcome him. But he kept insisting. So I gave in. He bought the food. While eating I gave him my “I got a dream” speech. I thanked him. And expressed appreciation. Right there James said something to me that I have never forgotten. And what he said to me is the driving force behind this Post. Initially, it was not a big thing to me. It sounded like nothing to me. Few years later, it began to take shape. I could feel the weight. In fact, as I opine this Article, I have discovered that James gave me the heaviest and most critical responsibilities on earth. And I didn’t know it at the time.
This is what James said to me verbatim. “Thomas!” I said, “Yes!” He drew his chair closer to mine. And looked me straight in the eye and said. “You do not owe me anything. What I did by finding you a job is what somebody did for me. And that person told me not to pay him anything. The only pay the person required of me is for me to do the same thing for another person in need of help. And this is why I have done what I did for you. Remember, somebody helped me. That gives me the opportunity to help you. That person asked me to pass this on. By doing so, we all can help each other. Go on, Thomas! I have passed it on to you. And please, do not shy away from this responsibility. Help others! And when you have done so, then you will have paid me back.” After James told me this, I looked him in the eye and said to myself quietly. "Is this guy serious?" He didn’t hear me. “That’s all he wants from me? – to help someone else?” It was too simple a task for me. At least thats' what I thought. Until now! Little did I know how heavy it was. Soon I was in his shoes. I was trying to help someone like he did for me.
James Shannon changed everything for me. His appeal made the difference on me. It was like giving someone an assignment. And that assignment has continued to live with me. It changed my life entirely.
Today in Liberia I go from village-to-village, city-to-city, town-to-town, helping people. I feel like a Peace Corp. Each time I get in these areas, James Shannon’s appeal re-echoes in my head. Sometimes it appears to me he is somewhere nearby watching my every move. And each time someone I helped comes back and says, “Thank you, Thomas !” I feel I have done what James requests of me. Although it is an ongoing effort, James Shannon’s appeal has become one of the bedrocks of my current volunteer service to Liberia. Living in Liberia puzzles a lot of people. But James Shannon is not puzzled. He knows he planted a seed. And that seed has grown. Thanks to him. He is a shining example for all Liberians to follow.
Wherever James is, I say Hi-James! I wish you all the best. Your message to me is not lost! It goes on! Long life and prosperity! May your dream for people to help each other flourish and become a giant monument of hope for everyone. Glory to your name, "Boy-Ju!"
I am Thomas G. Bedell coming to you from on the “ground” in Liberia!
Is Obama Really the "First" Black American President?
Is it me or we as Black people just don’t get it?: Obama is not the “First” Black American President! Why are we thinking so?
See, every time other people define who you are instead of yourself defining who you are, and you accept it without any critical analysis, you find yourself in contradiction with yourself. And any time other people write on things that involve your life and you don't take time out to ascertain the facts before you agree, you get yourself in a confused state of mind.
Willie Lynch, to whom lynching and the lynch law is attributed, once observed, "If you don’t want the Black man to know something, drop it in the book.” The assumption is, the Black man does not read. Here is the simplistic one: Place a hundred dollar Bill in a book and give it to a Black man, the Bill will remain in the book forever. Why? We are made to believe that the Black man won't open the book. Because he won't read it. Whether or not it is true becomes another story!
So from all I know personally, each time a White man says something we (Black people) accept it to be true. Because a White man says it is true. We do not counter-check. Even though this sort of tendency does not apply to all Black people, it happens to most Black people everywhere.
Here is one of those White man's tricks. Few of them continue to say that Obama is the "first" Black American President. Now everywhere I turn, that's what Black people keep saying. They say Obama is the “first” American Black President! Most times some of our highly educated people join the show and make the same claim. This sort of claim always turns off a well-informed person.
I used to handle this kind of miseducation and misinformation with a care-free-and- don’t-care attitude. Because at the time, I could not reach too many people in helping to reshape our thought process as a people and nation. But thanks to the Internet. I can write on my BEDELL SPEAKS & WORKS! Blog and make a significant contribution to issues of grave significance. I have the power now. And I'm wielding it so very well devoid of prejudice!
What forces me out on this issues is when lately I heard in a Star Radio Studio on the “I beg to differ” Talk Show in Monrovia. Some of the panelists kept saying Obama is the "first" Black US President. I wanted to kept quite. Because the issues calls for a long debate. But I could not hold back. I had to let it go! I openly told the entire listening audience that Obama is not the "first" Black man to become President of the US. When many heard this, it broke up the discussion in Liberia. I am invited almost everywhere to rip apart this false claim circulating that Obama is the "first" Black President of the US.
Every time the White man says something, we (Black people) believe it. The White man said the earth was flat. And we believed it. Soon he changed. And then he says it is round. Whether it is true or not, we believe it too. In most cases, the White man argument always sounds good to us! As a result, we buy into it and move on without any question!
Pluto - one time a Planet was “discovered” in 1930. But it is booted out of its position by the White man in August 2006. It was sitting up there minding its own business. Whatever it did to the White man, one morning we woke up from our beds and "Bang!" the White man evicted Pluto from the Solar System. Since then we are told Pluto is no more a Planet. Without asking questions, Black man has accepted and believed it.
The White man tells us Science is “Universal. Then he comes back and says there is African and Western “Science.” In essence, he splits the Universality claim. And this is to undermine what he calls African "Science" to an inferiority position. Right away he sends us the bias message. Without delay, Black people accept it. As a result, we ban Sassywood in Liberia! But notice, nuclear weapons and waste keep floating all over the world without any attempt to control it!
We come to the Titanic Ship. It was a big ship built by the White man to challenge certain natural laws. He said the Titanic was unsinkable. So he pumped in $7.5 million to build it. He hired 2000 men to work on it. When it was loaded, it weighed 46,328 tons. About almost a mile long in length. But nature being nature, the Ship sank. On board were 22, 768 passengers. Check this out: the same White man made a movie out of the wreck to exalt his work. In the Movie nothing is mentioned about any Black man on board. It talked about only White people. Without asking questions, the black man again agrees that there was no Black man on board. Soon, research proved us wrong. Mr. Joseph Phillipe Lemercier Laroche, his wife and two kids were on board. Laroche was a Haitian; A true Black man; 100% Black; No preservatives. This Black man traveled to France to study engineering. At completion he couldn't find a good-paying job. Discrimination forced him back to Haiti. And he and his entire family boarded the Titanic. When it wrecked on April 14, 1912 Joseph died. But his wife (white) and two kids (color) survived. They continued to Haiti. Later on they returned back to France. Don’t ask me why!
Let’s talk about Black American Presidents. Joel A. Rogers and Dr. Auset Bakhufu have both written books documenting that at least five former presidents of the United States had Black people among their ancestors. If one considers the fact that European men far outnumbered European women during the founding of this country, and that the rape and impregnation of an African female slave was not considered a crime, it is even more surprising that these two authors could not document Black ancestors among an ever larger number of former presidents. The Black president’s names include Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. The best case for Black ancestry is against Warren Harding, America’s 29th president from 1921 until 1923. Harding himself never denied his ancestry. When Republican leaders called on Harding to deny the "Negro" history, he said, "How should I know whether or not one of my ancestors might have jumped the fence." William Chancellor, a White professor of economics and politics at Wooster College in Ohio, wrote a book on the Harding family genealogy and identified Black ancestors among both parents of President Harding. Justice Department agents allegedly bought and destroyed all copies of this book. Chancellor also said that Harding's only academic credentials included education at Iberia College, which was founded in order to educate fugitive slaves.
Just imagine what happened in most recent time when Thomas Jefferson’s slave children were identified in the United States Thomas Jefferson and his slave children: In the 1860 census in the South, there were 500,000 mulatto or mixed race slaves and 350,000 slave owners. Thus, every slave owner had on average produced more than one slave child. The slave children of former President Thomas Jefferson, and their direct descendants, are among the most carefully studied families in the history of America because of their outstanding achievements up to and including Chairman of the Board of DuPont Chemical Corporation.
Thomas Jefferson was married to Martha Wayles, the daughter of John Wayles, for 10 years before she died in 1776. Upon the death of Martha Wayles and her father, Jefferson inherited 11,000 acres of land and 135 slaves. Sally Hemmings was one of the slaves inherited. She was also a daughter of John Wayles and an African slave, and thus his wife's half sister. Jefferson fell in love with this mulatto slave after she accompanied his daughter to France, where he was U.S. Ambassador in 1787. Their first son "Tom" was born in 1789. Sally Hemmings produced Beverly Hemmings in 1798, while Thomas Jefferson was Vice President, and three other children while Jefferson was President, including Harriet in 1801, Madison in 1805, and Eston in 1808.
Beverly and Harriet Hemmings were allowed to run away in 1822. Harriet married a White person and never acknowledged her parents. Beverly ended up in England where he also passed for White. His great-grandson, Edward Graham Jefferson, migrated back to the U.S. and became a naturalized American citizen. He subsequently became CEO of DuPont Chemical Corporation, retiring in 1986 and was a member of the Board at AT&T Corporation, Chemical Bank, and Seagram Corporation.
Every time a White man says something many of us as Blacks accept what the White man says without critically analyzing it. But when another Black man says the same thing or disagrees with the White man, we come falling on him like ton of bricks asking him to provide "proof." But mind you, we never ask the White man to provide "proof" for what he claims.
White man says Barrack Obama is the "first" Black President of the United States of America. And without asking questions, we agree! But based on the information aforementioned, he is the sixth. The difference between Obama and the rest is that Obama pronounced and widely acknowledged his Blackness. The rest did not! So don't believe that Obama is the "first" US President. There were more!
I am Thomas G. Bedell. I am writing to you from on the “Ground” in Liberia.
See, every time other people define who you are instead of yourself defining who you are, and you accept it without any critical analysis, you find yourself in contradiction with yourself. And any time other people write on things that involve your life and you don't take time out to ascertain the facts before you agree, you get yourself in a confused state of mind.
Willie Lynch, to whom lynching and the lynch law is attributed, once observed, "If you don’t want the Black man to know something, drop it in the book.” The assumption is, the Black man does not read. Here is the simplistic one: Place a hundred dollar Bill in a book and give it to a Black man, the Bill will remain in the book forever. Why? We are made to believe that the Black man won't open the book. Because he won't read it. Whether or not it is true becomes another story!
So from all I know personally, each time a White man says something we (Black people) accept it to be true. Because a White man says it is true. We do not counter-check. Even though this sort of tendency does not apply to all Black people, it happens to most Black people everywhere.
Here is one of those White man's tricks. Few of them continue to say that Obama is the "first" Black American President. Now everywhere I turn, that's what Black people keep saying. They say Obama is the “first” American Black President! Most times some of our highly educated people join the show and make the same claim. This sort of claim always turns off a well-informed person.
I used to handle this kind of miseducation and misinformation with a care-free-and- don’t-care attitude. Because at the time, I could not reach too many people in helping to reshape our thought process as a people and nation. But thanks to the Internet. I can write on my BEDELL SPEAKS & WORKS! Blog and make a significant contribution to issues of grave significance. I have the power now. And I'm wielding it so very well devoid of prejudice!
What forces me out on this issues is when lately I heard in a Star Radio Studio on the “I beg to differ” Talk Show in Monrovia. Some of the panelists kept saying Obama is the "first" Black US President. I wanted to kept quite. Because the issues calls for a long debate. But I could not hold back. I had to let it go! I openly told the entire listening audience that Obama is not the "first" Black man to become President of the US. When many heard this, it broke up the discussion in Liberia. I am invited almost everywhere to rip apart this false claim circulating that Obama is the "first" Black President of the US.
Every time the White man says something, we (Black people) believe it. The White man said the earth was flat. And we believed it. Soon he changed. And then he says it is round. Whether it is true or not, we believe it too. In most cases, the White man argument always sounds good to us! As a result, we buy into it and move on without any question!
Pluto - one time a Planet was “discovered” in 1930. But it is booted out of its position by the White man in August 2006. It was sitting up there minding its own business. Whatever it did to the White man, one morning we woke up from our beds and "Bang!" the White man evicted Pluto from the Solar System. Since then we are told Pluto is no more a Planet. Without asking questions, Black man has accepted and believed it.
The White man tells us Science is “Universal. Then he comes back and says there is African and Western “Science.” In essence, he splits the Universality claim. And this is to undermine what he calls African "Science" to an inferiority position. Right away he sends us the bias message. Without delay, Black people accept it. As a result, we ban Sassywood in Liberia! But notice, nuclear weapons and waste keep floating all over the world without any attempt to control it!
We come to the Titanic Ship. It was a big ship built by the White man to challenge certain natural laws. He said the Titanic was unsinkable. So he pumped in $7.5 million to build it. He hired 2000 men to work on it. When it was loaded, it weighed 46,328 tons. About almost a mile long in length. But nature being nature, the Ship sank. On board were 22, 768 passengers. Check this out: the same White man made a movie out of the wreck to exalt his work. In the Movie nothing is mentioned about any Black man on board. It talked about only White people. Without asking questions, the black man again agrees that there was no Black man on board. Soon, research proved us wrong. Mr. Joseph Phillipe Lemercier Laroche, his wife and two kids were on board. Laroche was a Haitian; A true Black man; 100% Black; No preservatives. This Black man traveled to France to study engineering. At completion he couldn't find a good-paying job. Discrimination forced him back to Haiti. And he and his entire family boarded the Titanic. When it wrecked on April 14, 1912 Joseph died. But his wife (white) and two kids (color) survived. They continued to Haiti. Later on they returned back to France. Don’t ask me why!
Let’s talk about Black American Presidents. Joel A. Rogers and Dr. Auset Bakhufu have both written books documenting that at least five former presidents of the United States had Black people among their ancestors. If one considers the fact that European men far outnumbered European women during the founding of this country, and that the rape and impregnation of an African female slave was not considered a crime, it is even more surprising that these two authors could not document Black ancestors among an ever larger number of former presidents. The Black president’s names include Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. The best case for Black ancestry is against Warren Harding, America’s 29th president from 1921 until 1923. Harding himself never denied his ancestry. When Republican leaders called on Harding to deny the "Negro" history, he said, "How should I know whether or not one of my ancestors might have jumped the fence." William Chancellor, a White professor of economics and politics at Wooster College in Ohio, wrote a book on the Harding family genealogy and identified Black ancestors among both parents of President Harding. Justice Department agents allegedly bought and destroyed all copies of this book. Chancellor also said that Harding's only academic credentials included education at Iberia College, which was founded in order to educate fugitive slaves.
Just imagine what happened in most recent time when Thomas Jefferson’s slave children were identified in the United States Thomas Jefferson and his slave children: In the 1860 census in the South, there were 500,000 mulatto or mixed race slaves and 350,000 slave owners. Thus, every slave owner had on average produced more than one slave child. The slave children of former President Thomas Jefferson, and their direct descendants, are among the most carefully studied families in the history of America because of their outstanding achievements up to and including Chairman of the Board of DuPont Chemical Corporation.
Thomas Jefferson was married to Martha Wayles, the daughter of John Wayles, for 10 years before she died in 1776. Upon the death of Martha Wayles and her father, Jefferson inherited 11,000 acres of land and 135 slaves. Sally Hemmings was one of the slaves inherited. She was also a daughter of John Wayles and an African slave, and thus his wife's half sister. Jefferson fell in love with this mulatto slave after she accompanied his daughter to France, where he was U.S. Ambassador in 1787. Their first son "Tom" was born in 1789. Sally Hemmings produced Beverly Hemmings in 1798, while Thomas Jefferson was Vice President, and three other children while Jefferson was President, including Harriet in 1801, Madison in 1805, and Eston in 1808.
Beverly and Harriet Hemmings were allowed to run away in 1822. Harriet married a White person and never acknowledged her parents. Beverly ended up in England where he also passed for White. His great-grandson, Edward Graham Jefferson, migrated back to the U.S. and became a naturalized American citizen. He subsequently became CEO of DuPont Chemical Corporation, retiring in 1986 and was a member of the Board at AT&T Corporation, Chemical Bank, and Seagram Corporation.
Every time a White man says something many of us as Blacks accept what the White man says without critically analyzing it. But when another Black man says the same thing or disagrees with the White man, we come falling on him like ton of bricks asking him to provide "proof." But mind you, we never ask the White man to provide "proof" for what he claims.
White man says Barrack Obama is the "first" Black President of the United States of America. And without asking questions, we agree! But based on the information aforementioned, he is the sixth. The difference between Obama and the rest is that Obama pronounced and widely acknowledged his Blackness. The rest did not! So don't believe that Obama is the "first" US President. There were more!
I am Thomas G. Bedell. I am writing to you from on the “Ground” in Liberia.
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