THISWEEK

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Congress for Democratic Chaos (CDC)

By: ralph geeplay

This week, there were laughter in the streets of Monrovia and the international community especially amongst Diaspora Liberians that Winston Tubman and his Congress for Democratic Chaos (CDC) literally went to Sirleaf with hat in hand begging for government jobs. Excuse the sarcasm please, but how not the Chaos Party since all of their actions and statements depicts pandemonium and disorder. There is something about this party that is very very troubling and deeply wrong even for the cursory observer. What’s interesting at this point of the game is the absurdity of Winston Tubman! It should be cleared by now that 
 he will not be the standard bearer of the CDC  Come 2017, He is too old.  

He should have bowed out long ago and left the CDC to push its own agenda! Tubman has behaved erratically since becoming the standard bearer of the CDC (not that he have a record to stand on) going against every norm and virtue of international diplomacy, his professed forte, showing that the chameleon has not changed spots. Remembered he has been with the grand old True Whig Party (TWP), the National Democratic Party (NDPL), all ruling parties and the Liberian National Union (LINU), and now the CDC.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Tubman Solidified The Imperial Presidency!



By: ralph geeplay

This week, Liberia celebrated November 29, the birthday of Liberia’s 18th president, William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman. Tubman is a polarizing Liberian politician on all fronts. To call him the father of modern Liberia as he is popularly referred to by historians [mostly those of none Liberian origin] is by no means a mistake. The policies and the politics of his era still have a domino effect and his shadow still looms large. No doubt, Tubman contributed largely to the economic and political development of Liberia

In truth, and in retrospect though, he seem halfhearted at leadership, because his autocratic and dictatorial methods speak for themselves. Given his position and times, say analysts, he easily could have left a great legacy, and recognized probably as the greatest president of the nation. But, he was helped: The Liberian constitution gives the chief executive sweeping powers, but even with that said, those who harbor dictatorial tendencies will always circumvent the laws to suite their caprices, and Shad Tubman did just that, during the 27 unbroken years he led Africa's first republic.

 

What influenced Tubman, and why was he so determined to dominate the political landscape of Liberia as president, is a question those who are interested in his presidency must probe. Shad, the second son in his family was the most successful of his siblings. He attended primary school in Harper, before going to the Methodist Cape Palmas Secondary Seminary and Harper County High.  Tubman according to records participated in several military operations from 1910 and 1917, rising from a private to become an officer. Most of his earlier influences can be traced to Robert Tubman, his father, who was also a former speaker of the Liberian Congress, a military man and a straight disciplinarian, and also a probable reason for Tubman rise to fame. 

Saturday, November 26, 2011

The Marriage: Ellen Sirleaf & Amos Sawyer

By: ralph geeplay

This week, Professor Amos Sawyer was in Manila, the Philippines to collect the prestigious Gusi Peace Prize. When you consider that the prize received 1,490 nominations annually, from which 10 to 15 recipients are called, you have a sense of appreciation that it is a laudable honor. This year, the erudite former interim president shared the stage with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Congratulations Madame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf!


By ralph geeplay


This week the Liberian National Elections Commission [NEC] certified that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the presidential run off election in which the other party, the Congress for Democratic Change, or CDC boycotted the polls. 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

...And Then The Police Show Up

By: ralph geeplay

This week, the Liberian National Police and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) collided in Monrovia. There was a sign post on the wall all along that it would happen; it was just a matter of time. It was not an isolated occurrence, say observers. Somehow, there is this thinking within the camp of the CDC that it was the government in waiting, or that at all cost they should be the ones leading the country, and anything short of electoral victory wouldn’t be acceptable. It was unfortunate especially so, that lives were lost and serious bodily injuries took place. An investigation into the shooting must commence and action taken against those liable for the deaths, but observers believe, if the Liberian police and security forces cannot confront and take on the population, when violence and the law is being broken, while UNMIL is still in the country, wait and see what happens when they leave. UNMIL, is the United Nations Mission in Liberia.

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geeplay