Where is The “All Liberian Conference in the Americas or of North America”?

In life there comes a time when we all retrospect. And that is for us to see behind us what we’ve left in order to know what exactly lies ahead of us to plan a sensible future.

 

That time is now!

 

What prompts this retrospection is when I read a letter addressed to President Sirleaf. The letter was addressed to her in 2012. I saw it on the website of The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). The letter was sent over-and-over-and-over on The University of Liberia Alumni Association’s listserve, ulibsaaforum@yahoogroups.com. The continued reposting of the letter captured my attention. Why did they have to repost this one letter over-and-over-and-over again and again? Whatever the reason was, I am here to draw lessons from the past to cast it on the present so as to know where we are heading as a people. That particular letter I make specific reference to, denounced Gaye Sleh as President of The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas by another Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas.

 

After reading the letter, I started to look back what had happened to ULAA twenty-three years ago.

 

I’ll start with my experience of the “All Liberian Conference” convened in Atlanta, Georgia and events thereafter.

 

Here is the story:

 

I was elected President of Cleveland and its Environs; LACE for short. Around that same time, one of the oldest Liberian community organizations in the Americas, The Federation of Liberian Associations in Ohio, commonly referred to as “FOLAO,” suffered a five-year administrative paralysis. At the age of more than two decades, FOLAO, as an organization, failed it members and community. As a result, the community and most members unplugged their support from it. FOLAO began to wobble in despair. As President of the Liberian Community of Cleveland and Cleveland being a founding member of FOLAO and the home of FOLAO, I thought I help to resuscitate it. Because by staying away from the organization by its membership and community wasn’t the right way to go. And so I embarked upon revamping FOLAO and the Ohio Community. This process took me throughout Ohio, from Cleveland to Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron and other parts. In the end, I succeeded. FOLAO was resuscitated.

 

But a strange thing happened worth commenting on:

 

I was accused by some Liberians in Cleveland. They said in the revamping process of FOLAO (which took me throughout the State) that I had abandoned LACE and the Cleveland community. They accused me of paying attention to external matters at the expense of internal matters. My attention on FOLAO had reduced my concentration on LACE. And so they put forth my immediate removal from office. In as much as their claims were clear and understood, the approach to remove me was unconstitutional. As a result, it created an up-and-down activity plunging LACE into chaos and a prolong standstill.

 

The City Corporation of Cleveland received complaints against me from those few Liberians. Hon. White was Mayor at the time. He invited me for a hearing. I attended. In the end of the Hearing, I won. The Constitution was on my side. Another complaint was filed to few Churches in the community. I met with the Bishops and priests. A hearing was conducted. Again, the Constitution delivered me. My case was good and strong. But the hauling-and-pulling took a year-and-the-half of my office time. According to the Constitution, my term of office was for one year. By this time, FOLAO that I revamped was slowly recovering. It had its election and Mr. Francis Nimene, a founding member, was elected the new leader.

 

During this period, ULAA too was looking forward to General Elections. I previously invited ULAA to help in resolving the crisis. But I learned a new thing. I think ULAA did too: ULAA could not help us because it did not have any visible presence and impact in Ohio over the years prior to the problem in Cleveland. As such, nobody wanted to listen to her. Soon FOLAO completed its election. A committee was set up to help resolve the Cleveland crisis. The chair of that committee was Dr. Marcus Dahn. After looking into the matter, the committee encouraged us to reconcile and compromise for the common good of the community and the Organization. But notwithstanding, the constitution withstood the test of time on my side. As such, my claims were supported and defended.

 

All in all, having made my case and convinced the Church, the Mayor of Cleveland, my antagonists and other level-minded people, I was now willing to let go the leadership. I gave in. My antagonists also gave in. New election was set. The Constitution that guided me all along was now to be revised and amended. Because new things were learned that the Framers did not envisioned. When the time came for a new election, all those who wanted me out of office had their names put forward for leadership by the community. But interestingly, all of them declined to take any office. My name was put forward. I accepted. In the end, I won the election. I became the first elected President of LACE to serve under the new revised and amended Constitution. Under the new Constitution, I became the first President to lead the Organization for two years instead of the previous one-year constitutional term of office. All of a sudden a new hullabaloo developed. With support from progressives, the hullabaloo died down and we all moved on.

 

We moved back on to strengthening FOLAO. This time, ULAA joined us. It was now determined to become visible in Ohio and other parts of the Midwest. Hon. Gus Major, chairman of the board of directors of ULAA began to frequent Ohio. Thus, he was the contact man. He was working out the modalities to get FOLAO membership added to FOLAO.

Soon, chaos gripped ULAA. And to me, this was becoming an epidemic.

There were some Liberians who felt ULAA had outlived its significance. And so they wanted to replace it with another organization that would do better. While it was true ULAA, like FOLAO, needed overhauling, the methodology of approach of those who wanted to replace ULAA with another organization was wrong. At least, that was and still remains my personal opinion.

In our effort to strengthen FOLAO, series of mini conferences were scheduled throughout Ohio. The sole purpose of those mini conferences was to get FOLAO reconnected with Liberians throughout Ohio and at the same time identify and embark upon meaningful projects. Essentially, we wanted to catch up for FOLAO’s five years paralysis.

 

Along these lines, those who wanted to replace ULAA tried to use our (FOLAO) mini conferences to campaign and forge their objectives. I worked them. But little did I know their sole intent until the conference in Dayton, Ohio. In Dayton, all hell began to break loose. Our conference had a different agenda than what we previously decided. When I inquired, all the “dogs of war” were sic on me. But I stood my ground. I was not prepared and ready to support any effort by anyone to oust ULAA. Right there and then, I became public enemy number one for those whose intent was to oust ULAA. Chairman Major traveled to Dayton for the conference. But it wasn’t a good atmosphere for him. ULAA was under attack. Besides me, he and ULAA had no friend in the meeting. After all was set and done, an All Liberian Conference was set for Atlanta, Georgia. Evidently, the All Liberian Conference slated for Atlanta was preplanned based on how events were unfolding. But I did not have a clue until after the meeting in Dayton. The stakes were high then. ULAA’s existence was surely threatened. Something had to be done to save ULAA. I was ready; so was chairman Major and few others. Atlanta, Georgia would be the place where all this would unfold. At least, that was the plan of the apparent breakaway group.

 

In Atlanta, I formed an integral part of the FOLAO delegation to the conference. My voice was as strong as it could be, except that I was the only who supported the continued existence of ULAA. Everybody else on the delegation supported the death and replacement of ULAA by another organization. As a result, I was a lone wolf.

 

I am not writing this to make myself look good and make others look bad. But this is the truth. What people fail to understand is that history always comes back to revisit our lives. And that’s exactly what I am doing here.

 

First in Dayton the “Die was casts” for another organization to replace ULAA. In Dayton, I disagreed on grounds that there is no evidence that a new organization to replace ULAA would do any better than ULAA. But I was alone. So the case in the contrary was made.

Few weeks after the Dayton Conference we were went to Atlanta, Georgia. As things were unfolding, Atlanta was the “ideal” place to unravel the case against ULAA so as to replace it. Prominent Liberians, some of the older generation and well-learned individuals converged in Atlanta. The City was jam packed. This time I wasn’t alone. Gus Major, chairman of the board of directors of ULAA was there and very vocal in his defense of ULAA. After a two-day conference (at one point we were being kicked out of the University auditorium) some kind of decision was reached half hazardly: The All Liberian Conference in the Americas was born. And this organization would replace ULAA. I was disappointed. But there was nothing I could do. We were being kicked out of the conference hall for overusing our allotted time. More so, the noise was too much.

 

We walked out of the conference only hearing the rumors that The “All Liberian Conference in the Americas” was born as a new organization to replace ULAA. Dr. George Klay Kieh became its first founding leader. All the other folks that traveled with me from Ohio had their share of the leadership pie. I returned to Cleveland with one thing in mind: no one was able to bend my convictions; my love and commitment to ULAA.

 

It didn’t stop there; there were series of other conferences that carried name, “All Liberian Conference “that were convened in the US.

 

Notice, there’s a big difference between the organization that was/is called “The All Liberian Conference in the Americas” and the name of the annual Liberian conference referred to as The “All Liberian Conference.”

 

I think the founders of the “All Liberian Conference in the Americas” used this nomenclature to buy the support of Liberians and to do a quick sale of the organization as a marketing strategy. It was a good strategy, except that it was not properly done. Having said so, from 1990 to 2013 is exactly 23 years. I know for sure ULAA is still alive. Even though I am hearing there are two different groups with the same name: ULAA. But that’s not the issue under consideration. What concerns me most is knowing the whereabouts of “The All Liberian Conference in the Americas” not whether or not ULAA is divided currently.

 

All in all, I am asking my fellow Liberians and friends, where is The All Liberian Conference in the Americas?

 

Just wondering!

 

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia.

 

Former ULAA Leaders: Seven (7) Years Later, Where are They in Liberia?

A lot of us came to Liberia to help in the Reconstruction effort. A 14-year generalized anarchy of violence destroyed human resource and infrastructure in the country. Like other countries from internal strife, many of its sons and daughters returned to help. Amongst the few of us that returned to Liberia, some are mainly former leaders of The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas ( ULAA). I do not place myself in the category of former leaders of ULAA. I am the brain behind ULAA’s visible presence in the state of Ohio in the late 90s and former presidential candidate. Yet I still don’t think I fit in that crowd of former leaders. Because these guys have sacrificed for ULAA more than I have. I have to give them their credits and props. No one could have done what they did for ULAA!

Having said all that, they got in Liberia few years prior to my arrival - Messrs. Rannie Jackson (former chairman of the board of directors of ULAA),Gus Major (former chairman of the board of directors of ULAA), Mohammad Kromah (former president of ULAA) and Dr. Joseph Korto (former president of ULAA).

From what I hear, there are other former leaders of ULAA who came to Liberia before and after the team I named above. But because I came in contact with the names above on a personal level in the US, I thought I look for them specifically and find out what they have been involved in for the past seven or more years in Liberia.

I find no solace in prejudice and misinformation. Prejudice and misinformation is not my trademark in my authorship. So when I write, I write the truth and write what I know for sure. And so in this presentation, I will tell it as I see it and as I know it.

In so doing, I want to recapture the past events of ULAA in the US when these young men served as leaders. And link them with their present service in Liberia. As ULAA former leaders, I know they’ve learned a lot in their past respective posts. As a result, I know they have much to offer their beloved country today. And I think they are, in fact, doing so in their own unique ways. I know they are some of the best ULAA ever groomed. Their passion for service to their people and country is incomparable. And so I have the right to look for them and trace their work in Liberia.

Though I have not had the opportunity to visibly see some of them since my arrival besides Messrs. Jackson and Korto, it makes no big difference.

So allow me to discuss my meetings with them and the lack thereof.

JOSEPH KORTO I first met with Dr. Korto in Liberia 2009 in his office as Minister of Education. I was on my way to Maryland to bury my adopted mother. We discussed extensively. It wasn’t difficult for me to see him in his office. But it was torturous to get to get there. No elevator. The steps are more than a hundred pieces up and down. You have to go one step at a time. I had no problem besides climbing the stairs to see him. We talked on ULAA and Liberia. I met him a second time. This time, he invited me to his private residence. We sat under his Palaver Hut and caught up with the same issues. I really wanted to know what exactly he was doing for ULAA and Liberia. He didn’t say it to me. But I suspected he was tied up in a political web. You know how you have your own way of doing things, right? But you have to do it another person’s way, right? Why? Because that person is your boss! You are serving at his will and pleasure. Well, that’s what I captured from our talk. The third time I met him was when he deposited reaves on graves during Decoration Day. Immediately, I traveled to Maryland and remained there for three-and-the-half years. We lost contact then. I was traveling from village to village with no cell coverage. So I couldn’t call him, he couldn’t call me. Then one day I heard he was relieved of his post as Minister of Education. Three-and-the-half years later, I returned to Monrovia. I placed a call to his cell phone. And he answered. He still keeps the same phone digits. I knew then he was still in the country. I’ve been in Monrovia since that we last spoke and we haven’t done so again for a while now. My guess is, he’s doing well and making strides in his own right. His effort seek the Presidency of the Liberian state did not work out. I mean, he vied for it, but did not win. That’s remarkable!

RANNIE JACKSON Currently, he is Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs. He’s the one with whom I have had lengthy discussions on the phone and with whom I’ve had the most face-to-face discussions. When I came to the country newly, I never saw Rannie until someone ran into a problem on Cuttington University Campus. He was able to intervene. And I appreciated his intervention very much. Our communication was still on the phone at that time. Then soon he became superintendent of Bong County. Our communication never stopped. It continued. In fact, when I traveled to Bong Mines (Lower Bong County) to help sponsor the Nancy Doe School, I got in touch with him. And he expressed his happiness that I would do such a service to his county. He informed me of the problem at the school - too many people were laying claim to the ownership of the school. So it was difficult who to work with. The Government also had some control over the school. But all in all, I provided my one-year sponsorship to the board of directors. I did it for one complete year because I had promised to help the school through a good friend of mine. More so, I did not want to get caught in the ownership confusion.

Having worked as a teen age volunteer in the 80s in Bong Mines, I wanted to show my appreciation from the lessons I learned serving the people of Bong Mines.

As superintendent Rannie got too busy. So I lost touch with him. To work as a superintendent in Liberia is double trouble. Rannie had his troubles to deal with. And I had mine. And so I went my way. But deep inside me I knew one day we would cross paths again. And we did for sure. Politics in his superintendency was heavy. It was all over the radio. I kept hearing his name. And so I got concerned. I called his cell digits. And we talked. What he was explaining to me kept ringing a proverbial bell to me. I was going through the same thing, even though I am not a superintendent or a Government employee. For some unknown reason (s), many home based Liberians are bitter against Diasporic Liberians. They damage the reputation of these Liberians at will, especially the ones who are meticulous in their work ethics. Few guys were stuck in Rannie’s throat for no apparent reason other than envy. It’s not my opinion. Because in-depth investigation proved this right!

Then the next I come to know, I heard Rannie was running for the office of Senator for Bong County. I thought to myself, “This man has guts and strong determination.” And I am right. He’s one of those who don’t run away to fight another day.

In the political process, smear tactics raised its ugly head once more. This time, it was party politics. Internal wrangling in the Party. But after all was said and done, Rannie didn’t make it to the Senate. But President Sirleaf seeing his fighting spirit, appointed him as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. I was in Maryland when I heard of his appointment. Then “bang!” police brutality hit me. I was airlifted to Monrovia for medical treatment at J. F. K. Memorial Hospital. While here in Monrovia seeking justice against the police, I will run into Rannie.

Now, I am a prolific writer and a social justice advocate. I chase important issues. As for ULAA, I chased these guys to know what’s obtaining in their public lives. On Wednesday, December 1, 2012, I paid Rannie a surprise visit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He was already in a very important meeting. I waited for a long time and decided to leave. But I wanted him to know I was there. So I sent him a brief note explaining the purpose of my visit. Then something inside me told me not to leave. I waited for an additional ten minutes. Within that period, the people in his office began to leave. The meeting was over. Then suddenly, I heard someone majestically stepping towards my direction. It was Rannie. He passed by me for a minute as if he didn’t see me. And then he made a 360-turn and hugged me. Then he said, “Bedell Speaks!” Well, you know what that means. I am the author of the Bedell Speaks & Works Internet Blog. I saw smile stretching on his face. So I was too. He invited me in his office. We greeted each other. And I took off with my purpose of being there – I wanted to know what exactly has he been doing and how does it impact ULAA. We didn’t have that much time to talk a lot. I was just popping in and he too was busy. He looked me in the eye and began telling me his experiences since he arrived in Liberia. Again, he was telling me things I am familiar with in the country. Luckily for him, a newspaper was dropped in his office. In that paper was his story. He had been vindicated. His former deputy, when he was Superintendent of Bong, had falsely accused him. Investigation was done by the Traditional leaders. The lady lied on Rannie. From what I saw in his (Rannie) eyes, it was a deep relief. He had long waited to exhale. And he did right before me. It was one whose time had. The smear campaign against him was over. The bad news had gone far and near to his disrepute. In God’s own way and speed, five days before Xmas, he was set free from the umbilical cord of lies and treachery. I don’t know what he did on Xmas day. If I were he, I would alarm in my closet for total mental relief.

THAT’S THE RANNIE JACKSON STORY!!!

GUS MAJOR just like Mohammad Kromah, I have never interfaced with this young man since I entered the country. But I had conversations with him numerous times on the phone. In fact, he traveled to Harper with the President. He was too busy and I was caught up into advocacy trying to bring the shipwreck victims to the President for redress, I did not see him. Next thing I come to know, he was in Grand Gedeh on his back to the next stop of the President. I first met Gus in Ohio when I revamped The Federation of Liberian Associations in Ohio, FOLAO in short. FOLAO had suffered paralysis for over five years. As an advocate from time immemorial, I did all I could to revamp this historic and most important organization. Within that period, some Liberians in Cleveland were trying to unseat me undemocratically. I put a fight. They put up a fight. We fought for two solid years. We went from the Cleveland City Mayor’s office to Church’s edifice and no understanding could be reached. I called ULAA in; in fact, this is how ULAA got reconnected with Ohio of several years of distance. Gus Major was the one in office as chairman of the board of directors of ULAA. He visited Cleveland at my invitation. All in all, the case was resolved. Now that we had developed a stronger relationship with ULAA. The next ULAA Annual National Conference was to be hosted by FOLAO. Few mini conferences were organized to set the pace.

Right in there, The All Liberian Conference emerged to replace ULAA.

Some folks were using our grounds in Ohio to grow another Liberian organization to replace ULAA. As President of The Liberian Association of Cleveland and its Environs, (LACE in short), and chair of the Revamping Committee of FOLAO, I vehemently refused to allow this to happen. In fact, I condemned such activity from birth to abortion.

Our first mini conference was in in Dayton, Ohio. Chairman Major was expected to be there. Clandestinely, those who were trying to unseat ULAA, refused to pick up Major from the aero port. So he was locked up there for a while. When I was contacted, I made the arrangement for him and he got to town. But he got in town late. The mini conference had too far in deliberations. Most of the attendees present at the time were in favor of The All Liberian Conference. They all were bent against me. It was by design. I felt alienated. Because I did not expect all this. Secret program and agenda was prepared. I was nowhere on the program. Because I wasn’t supporting their intent. I fought for ULAA during the meeting until Gus got in the conference room. He joined me and unleashed. All of those spewing anti ULAA sentiments curbed their utterances. In the end, ULAA took the day. But that was not all to that. Another conference was set for Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, there’s where the most damage was done – the All Liberian Conference was born to replace ULAA. I maintained my position – I was against it, like I still do. Gus and I had developed such a working relationship since then. And so, if I say, I know Gus, that’s exactly what I mean. But in Liberia, I have never glanced at him. But I know he’s here. He was assigned at the General Services Agency (GSA). But I understand he has been transferred. Whatever the truth may be, I know for sure Gus is still in Liberia. Because on December 19, 2012, Hon. Rannie Jackson, deputy minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs told me so.

MOHAMMAD KROMAH I was in the US when he came to Liberia. I have been here in Liberia for five years without travelling outside. But I haven’t interfaced with the brother. I don’t know whether or not he’s still in Liberia. But Rannie tells me Mohammad is still here. I will do all I can to find him. He’s a great man!

I first met Mohammad in Washington D. C. in the Lafayette Park near the White House. Dr. Korto was then President of ULAA and I was President of Cleveland Liberian Association. I flew from Cleveland to Washington D. C. to demonstrate for the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Liberians under the US Immigration Laws. It would allow Liberians to reside in the US temporarily due the period of war and instability in Liberia. More so, we wanted the US government to extend the period of TPS. The number of Liberians that showed up that day was 75. ULAAA previously informed the US government ten thousand were expected to show up. The few of us marched on the sidewalk to Janet Reno’s office (then US Attorney General) and the Capitol. We presented papers. After all was done, we had to get some food to eat. But the food that was prepared for us had not reached us. And we were hungry. While standing in the street, Mohammad and his wife got there. When they opened the door of their minivan, there was so much to eat. That was the first time I met Mohammad and his wife. We were rightfully fed, especially me. Fried fish and cassava, plantain and gravy. That’s all you needed to show me. And that’s was good living for me. Those who eat rice and I don’t, let all that with me. And I did myself justice. I remember that. Because I was starving. A good way to remember a friend. Thanks to Mohammad and his wife. History will absolve them.

In essence, ULAA presence is still in Liberia. All of those mentioned above including others I heard about in the grapevine will be contacted just to know what exactly they are doing on the ground in Liberia. At least, so people can know their good service to our country and ULAA still continues.

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and writing on the ground in Liberia.

Former ULAA Leaders: Seven (7) Years Later, Where are They in Liberia?

A lot of us came to Liberia to help in the Reconstruction effort. A 14-year generalized anarchy of violence destroyed human resource and infrastructure in the country. Like other countries from internal strife, many of its sons and daughters returned to help. Amongst the few of us that returned to Liberia, some are mainly former leaders of The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas ( ULAA). I do not place myself in the category of former leaders of ULAA. I am the brain behind ULAA’s visible presence in the state of Ohio in the late 90s and former presidential candidate. Yet I still don’t think I fit in that crowd of former leaders. Because these guys have sacrificed for ULAA more than I have. I have to give them their credits and props. No one could have done what they did for ULAA!

Having said all that, they got in Liberia few years prior to my arrival - Messrs. Rannie Jackson (former chairman of the board of directors of ULAA),Gus Major (former chairman of the board of directors of ULAA), Mohammad Kromah (former president of ULAA) and Dr. Joseph Korto (former president of ULAA).

From what I hear, there are other former leaders of ULAA who came to Liberia before and after the team I named above. But because I came in contact with the names above on a personal level in the US, I thought I look for them specifically and find out what they have been involved in for the past seven or more years in Liberia.

I find no solace in prejudice and misinformation. Prejudice and misinformation is not my trademark in my authorship. So when I write, I write the truth and write what I know for sure. And so in this presentation, I will tell it as I see it and as I know it.

In so doing, I want to recapture the past events of ULAA in the US when these young men served as leaders. And link them with their present service in Liberia. As ULAA former leaders, I know they’ve learned a lot in their past respective posts. As a result, I know they have much to offer their beloved country today. And I think they are, in fact, doing so in their own unique ways. I know they are some of the best ULAA ever groomed. Their passion for service to their people and country is incomparable. And so I have the right to look for them and trace their work in Liberia.

Though I have not had the opportunity to visibly see some of them since my arrival besides Messrs. Jackson and Korto, it makes no big difference.

So allow me to discuss my meetings with them and the lack thereof.

JOSEPH KORTO I first met with Dr. Korto in Liberia 2009 in his office as Minister of Education. I was on my way to Maryland to bury my adopted mother. We discussed extensively. It wasn’t difficult for me to see him in his office. But it was torturous to get to get there. No elevator. The steps are more than a hundred pieces up and down. You have to go one step at a time. I had no problem besides climbing the stairs to see him. We talked on ULAA and Liberia. I met him a second time. This time, he invited me to his private residence. We sat under his Palaver Hut and caught up with the same issues. I really wanted to know what exactly he was doing for ULAA and Liberia. He didn’t say it to me. But I suspected he was tied up in a political web. You know how you have your own way of doing things, right? But you have to do it another person’s way, right? Why? Because that person is your boss! You are serving at his will and pleasure. Well, that’s what I captured from our talk. The third time I met him was when he deposited reaves on graves during Decoration Day. Immediately, I traveled to Maryland and remained there for three-and-the-half years. We lost contact then. I was traveling from village to village with no cell coverage. So I couldn’t call him, he couldn’t call me. Then one day I heard he was relieved of his post as Minister of Education. Three-and-the-half years later, I returned to Monrovia. I placed a call to his cell phone. And he answered. He still keeps the same phone digits. I knew then he was still in the country. I’ve been in Monrovia since that we last spoke and we haven’t done so again for a while now. My guess is, he’s doing well and making strides in his own right. His effort seek the Presidency of the Liberian state did not work out. I mean, he vied for it, but did not win. That’s remarkable!

RANNIE JACKSON Currently, he is Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs. He’s the one with whom I have had lengthy discussions on the phone and with whom I’ve had the most face-to-face discussions. When I came to the country newly, I never saw Rannie until someone ran into a problem on Cuttington University Campus. He was able to intervene. And I appreciated his intervention very much. Our communication was still on the phone at that time. Then soon he became superintendent of Bong County. Our communication never stopped. It continued. In fact, when I traveled to Bong Mines (Lower Bong County) to help sponsor the Nancy Doe School, I got in touch with him. And he expressed his happiness that I would do such a service to his county. He informed me of the problem at the school - too many people were laying claim to the ownership of the school. So it was difficult who to work with. The Government also had some control over the school. But all in all, I provided my one-year sponsorship to the board of directors. I did it for one complete year because I had promised to help the school through a good friend of mine. More so, I did not want to get caught in the ownership confusion.

Having worked as a teen age volunteer in the 80s in Bong Mines, I wanted to show my appreciation from the lessons I learned serving the people of Bong Mines.

As superintendent Rannie got too busy. So I lost touch with him. To work as a superintendent in Liberia is double trouble. Rannie had his troubles to deal with. And I had mine. And so I went my way. But deep inside me I knew one day we would cross paths again. And we did for sure. Politics in his superintendency was heavy. It was all over the radio. I kept hearing his name. And so I got concerned. I called his cell digits. And we talked. What he was explaining to me kept ringing a proverbial bell to me. I was going through the same thing, even though I am not a superintendent or a Government employee. For some unknown reason (s), many home based Liberians are bitter against Diasporic Liberians. They damage the reputation of these Liberians at will, especially the ones who are meticulous in their work ethics. Few guys were stuck in Rannie’s throat for no apparent reason other than envy. It’s not my opinion. Because in-depth investigation proved this right!

Then the next I come to know, I heard Rannie was running for the office of Senator for Bong County. I thought to myself, “This man has guts and strong determination.” And I am right. He’s one of those who don’t run away to fight another day.

In the political process, smear tactics raised its ugly head once more. This time, it was party politics. Internal wrangling in the Party. But after all was said and done, Rannie didn’t make it to the Senate. But President Sirleaf seeing his fighting spirit, appointed him as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. I was in Maryland when I heard of his appointment. Then “bang!” police brutality hit me. I was airlifted to Monrovia for medical treatment at J. F. K. Memorial Hospital. While here in Monrovia seeking justice against the police, I will run into Rannie.

Now, I am a prolific writer and a social justice advocate. I chase important issues. As for ULAA, I chased these guys to know what’s obtaining in their public lives. On Wednesday, December 1, 2012, I paid Rannie a surprise visit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He was already in a very important meeting. I waited for a long time and decided to leave. But I wanted him to know I was there. So I sent him a brief note explaining the purpose of my visit. Then something inside me told me not to leave. I waited for an additional ten minutes. Within that period, the people in his office began to leave. The meeting was over. Then suddenly, I heard someone majestically stepping towards my direction. It was Rannie. He passed by me for a minute as if he didn’t see me. And then he made a 360-turn and hugged me. Then he said, “Bedell Speaks!” Well, you know what that means. I am the author of the Bedell Speaks & Works Internet Blog. I saw smile stretching on his face. So I was too. He invited me in his office. We greeted each other. And I took off with my purpose of being there – I wanted to know what exactly has he been doing and how does it impact ULAA. We didn’t have that much time to talk a lot. I was just popping in and he too was busy. He looked me in the eye and began telling me his experiences since he arrived in Liberia. Again, he was telling me things I am familiar with in the country. Luckily for him, a newspaper was dropped in his office. In that paper was his story. He had been vindicated. His former deputy, when he was Superintendent of Bong, had falsely accused him. Investigation was done by the Traditional leaders. The lady lied on Rannie. From what I saw in his (Rannie) eyes, it was a deep relief. He had long waited to exhale. And he did right before me. It was one whose time had. The smear campaign against him was over. The bad news had gone far and near to his disrepute. In God’s own way and speed, five days before Xmas, he was set free from the umbilical cord of lies and treachery. I don’t know what he did on Xmas day. If I were he, I would alarm in my closet for total mental relief.

THAT’S THE RANNIE JACKSON STORY!!!

GUS MAJOR just like Mohammad Kromah, I have never interfaced with this young man since I entered the country. But I had conversations with him numerous times on the phone. In fact, he traveled to Harper with the President. He was too busy and I was caught up into advocacy trying to bring the shipwreck victims to the President for redress, I did not see him. Next thing I come to know, he was in Grand Gedeh on his back to the next stop of the President. I first met Gus in Ohio when I revamped The Federation of Liberian Associations in Ohio, FOLAO in short. FOLAO had suffered paralysis for over five years. As an advocate from time immemorial, I did all I could to revamp this historic and most important organization. Within that period, some Liberians in Cleveland were trying to unseat me undemocratically. I put a fight. They put up a fight. We fought for two solid years. We went from the Cleveland City Mayor’s office to Church’s edifice and no understanding could be reached. I called ULAA in; in fact, this is how ULAA got reconnected with Ohio of several years of distance. Gus Major was the one in office as chairman of the board of directors of ULAA. He visited Cleveland at my invitation. All in all, the case was resolved. Now that we had developed a stronger relationship with ULAA. The next ULAA Annual National Conference was to be hosted by FOLAO. Few mini conferences were organized to set the pace.

Right in there, The All Liberian Conference emerged to replace ULAA.

Some folks were using our grounds in Ohio to grow another Liberian organization to replace ULAA. As President of The Liberian Association of Cleveland and its Environs, (LACE in short), and chair of the Revamping Committee of FOLAO, I vehemently refused to allow this to happen. In fact, I condemned such activity from birth to abortion.

Our first mini conference was in in Dayton, Ohio. Chairman Major was expected to be there. Clandestinely, those who were trying to unseat ULAA, refused to pick up Major from the aero port. So he was locked up there for a while. When I was contacted, I made the arrangement for him and he got to town. But he got in town late. The mini conference had too far in deliberations. Most of the attendees present at the time were in favor of The All Liberian Conference. They all were bent against me. It was by design. I felt alienated. Because I did not expect all this. Secret program and agenda was prepared. I was nowhere on the program. Because I wasn’t supporting their intent. I fought for ULAA during the meeting until Gus got in the conference room. He joined me and unleashed. All of those spewing anti ULAA sentiments curbed their utterances. In the end, ULAA took the day. But that was not all to that. Another conference was set for Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, there’s where the most damage was done – the All Liberian Conference was born to replace ULAA. I maintained my position – I was against it, like I still do. Gus and I had developed such a working relationship since then. And so, if I say, I know Gus, that’s exactly what I mean. But in Liberia, I have never glanced at him. But I know he’s here. He was assigned at the General Services Agency (GSA). But I understand he has been transferred. Whatever the truth may be, I know for sure Gus is still in Liberia. Because on December 19, 2012, Hon. Rannie Jackson, deputy minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs told me so.

MOHAMMAD KROMAH I was in the US when he came to Liberia. I have been here in Liberia for five years without travelling outside. But I haven’t interfaced with the brother. I don’t know whether or not he’s still in Liberia. But Rannie tells me Mohammad is still here. I will do all I can to find him. He’s a great man!

I first met Mohammad in Washington D. C. in the Lafayette Park near the White House. Dr. Korto was then President of ULAA and I was President of Cleveland Liberian Association. I flew from Cleveland to Washington D. C. to demonstrate for the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Liberians under the US Immigration Laws. It would allow Liberians to reside in the US temporarily due the period of war and instability in Liberia. More so, we wanted the US government to extend the period of TPS. The number of Liberians that showed up that day was 75. ULAAA previously informed the US government ten thousand were expected to show up. The few of us marched on the sidewalk to Janet Reno’s office (then US Attorney General) and the Capitol. We presented papers. After all was done, we had to get some food to eat. But the food that was prepared for us had not reached us. And we were hungry. While standing in the street, Mohammad and his wife got there. When they opened the door of their minivan, there was so much to eat. That was the first time I met Mohammad and his wife. We were rightfully fed, especially me. Fried fish and cassava, plantain and gravy. That’s all you needed to show me. And that’s was good living for me. Those who eat rice and I don’t, let all that with me. And I did myself justice. I remember that. Because I was starving. A good way to remember a friend. Thanks to Mohammad and his wife. History will absolve them.

In essence, ULAA presence is still in Liberia. All of those mentioned above including others I heard about in the grapevine will be contacted just to know what exactly they are doing on the ground in Liberia. At least, so people can know their good service to our country and ULAA still continues.

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and writing on the ground in Liberia.

I Am Not Anti Police, I am Anti Police Brutality

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In Hitler Germany, the Nazi Police State was to ensure that everybody in Germany did as they were told - or paid the price.

 

 

What “price”? You can figure that out from the story!

 

The Nazi Police were controlled by Heinrich Himmler and his feared secret police - the Gestapo. Our police are controlled by Christopher Massaquoi and his feared secret police The “Emergency” Response Unit. ERU in short. In Germany, the Gestapo did as it pleased. In Liberia, the ERU does what it pleases including extrajudicial killings without judicial review.

 

In Nazi Germany, children’s loyalty could be developed with a policy of indoctrination via education and the Hitler Youth movement. Time and planning spent in these areas would bring a suitable reward for Hitler.

 

As was in Hitler Germany, in Liberia, the police see certain individuals as constant “thorn” in the flesh of Authorities unless they are dealt with. For us as social justice advocates, the police have developed a policy of intimidation. Fear is a by-word for those of us who speak out on issues affecting our common people who cannot speak for themselves. Any wrong comment overheard by ERU has very serious consequences.

 

In today’s Liberia like in the most recent past, the police, ERU specifically, are allowed to arrest people on suspicion that they are about to do wrong. This gives the police huge powers. Local police units draw up a list of people in their locality who might be suspected of being "Enemies of the State". This list goes to the ERU. So the ERU has the power to do as it likes. Its leader – Christopher Massaquoi - is one of the most feared men in today’s Liberia. His immediate chief is Cllr. Christiana Tah. Both of them run their respective branches with ruthless efficiency.

 

I know this because in Harper City, Maryland County where I temporarily work, The Liberia National Police threatened to arrest me for planning a peaceful mass protest demonstration meant to draw the attention of the National government on several shipwrecks that took innocent lives of men, women and children. Also, the then superintendent (Governor of the State) Gblebo Brown and some Legislators gave the police a green light to shoot me if I made any attempt to speak out against the Status Quo. The former Minister of Internal Affairs, Harrison Karweaah, informed the Executive Mansion that I am against the Status Quo. By so doing, he placed my life in serious danger. What he failed to comprehend is that I have not been against any government of Liberia as I am not against any human person. I am only against vices.

 

At one point, there was information within the police circle for me to be whisked off the street. I remember the head of The Central Investigation Division, CID in short, met me in the street and informed me that he and the police needed to see me at the Headquarters. I told him to give me chance to get home and drop off my groceries. As soon as I did, I promised him I would report to the police Headquarters. I guess he wanted to do this secretly. So if he insisted I go with him that very moment, crowd would gather. And this would be national news. So he allowed me to go home. At home I picked up my tooth brush, shower slippers, cover cloth and a mat and reported to the Headquarters. Prior to that, I placed a cell phone call to The Catholic Justice & Peace Commission coordinator (Thomas Marwolo) and informed him of what was obtaining. Upon my arrival at the Headquarters, the police was shocked. Because I had with me my overnight bag. The then head of the CID, Amos Darpo, who is now head of the local police force, invited me to his office for questioning. I had no idea what this man was asking me. And so I plead the FIFTH. I couldn’t answer any of those questions he was posing to me aggressively for fear I would incriminate myself. I asked to speak with my lawyer. Suddenly, he set me free. But I was placed in their book as one of those to “watch” for. That means I am placed in the category of “Enemy of the State.”

 

The news circulated that I was taken to the police Headquarters. Suddenly, the police Headquarters was full with women, men and youth to ascertain the information. By then, I was released.

 

From inside scoop, the police brutality against me on the sweltering afternoon of June 29, 2012 in Pleebo City was premeditated. How can I not believe this inside scoop if the inside informant was once inside the top brass of the very police when all these crazy police things happened to me? I don’t believe in the Conspiracy Theory. But what choice have I? This is Liberia. And strange things happen here.

 

In Liberia, they say God made three people: 1) the White man, 2) the Black man, and 3) the Liberian man. And there are three ways of doing things: 1) The right way, 2) The wrong way, and 3) The Liberian way. Put all these loose ends together and tell me if police brutality against me was not premeditated as per the inside scoop

 

Extrajudicial killings of two young men, merciless flogging of innocent and armless citizens and robbing of their goods and the daylight rapes of young girls by the ERU in Harper and Pleebo are cases that received no judicial review.

 

Why?

 

Police brutality must stop! And right now!

 

THIS IS MY WORD!

 

 

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia.    

I Am Not Anti Police, I am Anti Police Brutality

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In Hitler Germany, the Nazi Police State was to ensure that everybody in Germany did as they were told - or paid the price.

 

 

What “price”? You can figure that out from the story!

 

The Nazi Police were controlled by Heinrich Himmler and his feared secret police - the Gestapo. Our police are controlled by Christopher Massaquoi and his feared secret police The “Emergency” Response Unit. ERU in short. In Germany, the Gestapo did as it pleased. In Liberia, the ERU does what it pleases including extrajudicial killings without judicial review.

 

In Nazi Germany, children’s loyalty could be developed with a policy of indoctrination via education and the Hitler Youth movement. Time and planning spent in these areas would bring a suitable reward for Hitler.

 

As was in Hitler Germany, in Liberia, the police see certain individuals as constant “thorn” in the flesh of Authorities unless they are dealt with. For us as social justice advocates, the police have developed a policy of intimidation. Fear is a by-word for those of us who speak out on issues affecting our common people who cannot speak for themselves. Any wrong comment overheard by ERU has very serious consequences.

 

In today’s Liberia like in the most recent past, the police, ERU specifically, are allowed to arrest people on suspicion that they are about to do wrong. This gives the police huge powers. Local police units draw up a list of people in their locality who might be suspected of being "Enemies of the State". This list goes to the ERU. So the ERU has the power to do as it likes. Its leader – Christopher Massaquoi - is one of the most feared men in today’s Liberia. His immediate chief is Cllr. Christiana Tah. Both of them run their respective branches with ruthless efficiency.

 

I know this because in Harper City, Maryland County where I temporarily work, The Liberia National Police threatened to arrest me for planning a peaceful mass protest demonstration meant to draw the attention of the National government on several shipwrecks that took innocent lives of men, women and children. Also, the then superintendent (Governor of the State) Gblebo Brown and some Legislators gave the police a green light to shoot me if I made any attempt to speak out against the Status Quo. The former Minister of Internal Affairs, Harrison Karweaah, informed the Executive Mansion that I am against the Status Quo. By so doing, he placed my life in serious danger. What he failed to comprehend is that I have not been against any government of Liberia as I am not against any human person. I am only against vices.

 

At one point, there was information within the police circle for me to be whisked off the street. I remember the head of The Central Investigation Division, CID in short, met me in the street and informed me that he and the police needed to see me at the Headquarters. I told him to give me chance to get home and drop off my groceries. As soon as I did, I promised him I would report to the police Headquarters. I guess he wanted to do this secretly. So if he insisted I go with him that very moment, crowd would gather. And this would be national news. So he allowed me to go home. At home I picked up my tooth brush, shower slippers, cover cloth and a mat and reported to the Headquarters. Prior to that, I placed a cell phone call to The Catholic Justice & Peace Commission coordinator (Thomas Marwolo) and informed him of what was obtaining. Upon my arrival at the Headquarters, the police was shocked. Because I had with me my overnight bag. The then head of the CID, Amos Darpo, who is now head of the local police force, invited me to his office for questioning. I had no idea what this man was asking me. And so I plead the FIFTH. I couldn’t answer any of those questions he was posing to me aggressively for fear I would incriminate myself. I asked to speak with my lawyer. Suddenly, he set me free. But I was placed in their book as one of those to “watch” for. That means I am placed in the category of “Enemy of the State.”

 

The news circulated that I was taken to the police Headquarters. Suddenly, the police Headquarters was full with women, men and youth to ascertain the information. By then, I was released.

 

From inside scoop, the police brutality against me on the sweltering afternoon of June 29, 2012 in Pleebo City was premeditated. How can I not believe this inside scoop if the inside informant was once inside the top brass of the very police when all these crazy police things happened to me? I don’t believe in the Conspiracy Theory. But what choice have I? This is Liberia. And strange things happen here.

 

In Liberia, they say God made three people: 1) the White man, 2) the Black man, and 3) the Liberian man. And there are three ways of doing things: 1) The right way, 2) The wrong way, and 3) The Liberian way. Put all these loose ends together and tell me if police brutality against me was not premeditated as per the inside scoop

 

Extrajudicial killings of two young men, merciless flogging of innocent and armless citizens and robbing of their goods and the daylight rapes of young girls by the ERU in Harper and Pleebo are cases that received no judicial review.

 

Why?

 

Police brutality must stop! And right now!

 

THIS IS MY WORD!

 

 

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia.