UNITY: A Civil Culture of Winner & Loser – Political Ramifications

I’ve played great ball in my time on the highest level in Liberia. I also played in other African countries and America, Interestingly, I feel not often fascinated with European ballgames as my colleagues do when they go from video-club-to-video club alarming and blowing out their tonsils.

In soccer or should I say football, not necessarily by the double shovels and the samba like dances of one of my icons who is no more on the European scene, Ronaldhino; with his constant smiles as he taps the ball with his underfoot to fascinate even his arch rivals or the celebratory dances and other spectacular displays of players. This is not to suggest that those things don't really move me anymore. No! Indeed they do! Because I did them too. But I did them better! Besides, some things intrigue me mostly. That’s the manner in which the winning team and loser behave after the match. They shake hands, pat each other on the backs, or exchange sweaty jerseys. Both teams are good teams but one got to win or one has already won. It is this virtue of the game I admire most. Just patting the back of the winner or the one that did not win and say: "good game or thanks for the win." That’s what we call “Good sportsmanship!”

I wish Maryland politics would evolve like the ballgame. The party that did not win will graciously say: "you've won, thank you" and the victor will be humble enough to acknowledge the effort and strength of the opponent and say: " you are such a good competitor, thank you." I’m sure, we’ll be a lot better off. Our children will learn good characters and exhibit good statesmanship even if they are not good athletes.

Our leaders must learn from the sports we enjoy watching and exhibit the virtue of sportsmanship. Leaders or wannabe leaders should learn this as we go into politics of nationbuilding. Learning to cultivate such virtues for the sake of ourselves and others is the right thing to do.

Since the last Special Senatorial Election of December, 2014, winners and non-winners alike have distanced themselves from each other for reasons best known to each. I think this is wrong!

Chambers and Gble-Bo in court; Morias and Chambers in an impasse; Biney hanky-pankys; and Blalu, missing in action. Devoid of egotistic pageantry, can they all work together and help us beat all odds and save succeeding generations from the scourge of war?!

You tell me!1

 I am T. Gbuo-Mle Bedell; a volunteer worker, social justice advocate, speaking and working on the ground in Liberia and a victim of police brutality.