Fire In The Executive Mansion: We’re Not Going Mad, Are We?!

(Thomas Bedell, July 27, 2006)

It was just yesterday when I heard that the Executive Mansion, home of the President of the Republic, was on fire. I was in a celebration mood; not for the fire, but because Liberia was observing her 159th Independence Day Celebration. And there was too much drinking and eating going on. And so, I really didn’t pay much attention to the fire news.

One of the other reasons why I didn’t pay much attention is that Liberians are good at exaggerating news. So, I thought, they were exaggerating! Plus, I thought, if it were actually true, my thinking was, probably a piece of rug caught on fire from a cigarette. And so, I closed my mind on any possibility of a serious fire.

 As usual, I got on the phone to wish others "HAPPY JULY 26!"

Then something strange happened: some of those I called were excited that fire engulfed the Mansion. Some of them wished President Sirleaf would have gotten burned. Others thought it was God’s way of letting her know, He disapproves of her presidency. Such negative views kept vibrating in my poor ears to a point where I thought ENOUGH was ENOUGH! I didn’t want to hear such anti-Liberia sentiments. So, I dropped the phone and took a seat to contemplate!

I appealed to myself to ignore all the negative views. And encouraged myself to think that this wasn’t true. I wanted to think it was a dream. But something kept telling me that this is real life and we have to face the reality: There are some people who are positive and there are others who are negative! But then the situation seemed to be getting worse. That’s when I tuned into the Ulibsaafroum; I mean the University of Liberia Alumni Association LISTSERV where some of us express our opinions no matter how strong and weak they are.

On that LISTSERV, a certain young man sent in an e-note just in time when I plucked into the system. He embraced the news with joy that the Mansion was on fire. He implied that it was okay for President Sirleaf. Because, according to him, this is exactly what President Sirleaf always wanted -  to “level” the Mansion. In his opinion, President Sirleaf got her wish – the Mansion was burning and it would be leveled soon.

Right there and then, I knew this wasn’t a dream and I could not pretend anymore that it wasn’t happening! Suddenly, my heart splattered into pieces. My heart broke because I was looking at our future from what people were saying and thinking! These people do not have good minds for our country! And I just couldn’t believe that we have some Liberians who are vicious that much.

 I couldn’t escape it anymore!

I was deeply concerned. I had to face the proverbial bull in the eye! So, I visited my favorite online Liberian news organ - FrontPageAfrica.com. When I got there, I was spellbound! I saw the front of the Mansion ablaze! And then my entire demeanor drastically underwent serious change.

A 21st century state-of-the-art architectural work was now burning while some Liberians who are owners of this real estate, were jubilating, as if it had nothing to do with their very being.

Is it that some Liberians have gone so mad so much so they would celebrate the burning of their Executive Mansion?

Are we that mad so much so that we wish evil on our nation and our President?

Is it that because some Liberians have not invested anything in the country so much so they really don’t care whether or not the nation burns?

What actually is occurring in the minds of those who jubilate because the Mansion is on fire? Are they the same ones who are responsible for the break down of our country during the war? If so, what manner of people are they, so that they celebrate when one of their compatriots or national endowment falls?

Do we not know that without our country we are nothing but illegal aliens gallivanting the corridors of other people’s country? What evidence is there that those who were celebrating for the burning of the Mansion will undergo any change in respect to their views about their country and its people?

Whatever the answers will be to these salient questions, we need to check ourselves. Otherwise, we are going to wreck ourselves and wreck the nation that our Fore parents sacrificed to build, so we can have a place that we can call home!

I know I have my own pitfalls, misgivings and biases, but never will I celebrate or wish death and evil upon my worst enemy. I did not support President Sirleaf during the elections, but upon her election as President of the Republic, the people made their wishes known when they spoke! And when a people speak, God speaks! For the voice of the people is the voice of God! So I give President Sirleaf my unconditional patriotic support, no matter how much I may disagree with some of her policies, she is my President! And on my honor, I promise to do my best to help my country and my people!

I encourage all Liberians to do the same. Because, if we hate one another and destroy our country, let us make no mistake about it; we will be destroying ourselves and our children’s future! So, let’s join hands together at this moment of trial and tribulation to work in unity and make a difference on our country!

 HAPPY, HAPPY, JULY 26!