Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Scott A Morgan Farmville,Virginia — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:55:16 GMT

To hear this description of a Captial of a US Ally is unsettling. But the Visit by the President could open the eyes of those who want to do something but do not know where to start.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Richard Edwards, Lakewood, Colorado — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:19:17 GMT

After reading this article about Liberia, and in the context of the recent upheavals and/or massive corruption in Kenya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rawanda, and others, I can't help but wonder where you can see any real long term hope for improvement. Aids and Malaria epidemics, along with brutal wars, are blowing away whole generations. It seems the whole continent consists of one failed state after another. Much of our foreign aid to nations in Africa gets stolen by corrupt officials. Why don't you tell these unpleasant truths in your blog?

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

John, Sacramento, CA — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:49:48 GMT

Liberia is a country that we should put at the highest on our priority list for aid and support. If we are trying to support democracies around the world, where better to focus than a country with a connection to the U.S. Imagine what they could do with the same level of support that the U.S. puts into countries like Israel and Egypt.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Rumunda Holder, Boston, Ma. — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:11:50 GMT

I'm very optamistic about the positive changes Liberia is experiancing. My family roots are embedded in this country. My Uncle fled Liberia (Burleigh Holder) in 1980 at the start of the coup in 1980 with Samuel Doe. I believe I'm in a position where I could be of some assistance in helping the people of this country live a better quality of life. Can you Please contact me.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Thomas A Boyd, Tempe, AZ — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:32:51 GMT

With the appropriate amount of US assistance, Liberia could become an exemplar for the entire region. For both geopolitical and humanitarian reasons, our government should implement a long-term recovery plan for this struggling nation. We are, after all, genetically and spiritually linked.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Bryan M. — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:51:34 GMT

To say that a U.S. president can drive through Monrovia without being shot at is more than you can say in most African countries. So i would say they are making amazing progress especially after that bloody civil war.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:13:16 GMT

The biggest problem with any of these countries that have "tribal factions" is the jealous in-fighting that will stop any advances the leaders in those countries strive for.
The number of factions determine the percentage of hope. Either they go all out with dictators, or they need to grow up and work out their differences by the ballot and then abide by the results until they can make a legal change. Liberia has (had?) a constitution based on the USA's. When Samual Doe and the others formed a coup, we should have gone in there and restored the constitution for the people and kept a presence there. After all, Liberia was bought and paid for by the USA and should be a protectorate.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Layi Oladapo — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:04:06 GMT

The very first thing that strikes Americans and Europeans once they hear about the epidemics of an African nation is to find ways of donating money to them. I myself I'm an African, a Nigerian. And I sort of detest these sort of reasoning. As anyone thought of the fact that financial aids (Charities) cannot resolve the issues there. This has been the case for all these years, and it has not truly benefitted anyone but the so called heartless, and greedy so called leaders. Can we try encouraging American and European businesses to start trading with this continent, just like China is starting to do rather than feeding them all the time. Trade with them & teach them how to feed themselves.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Peter Fredric Schmidt, Ripon, WI — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:15:44 GMT

The US's special relationship with Liberia makes it incumbent upon Americans to stand by Liberia any which way we can. Why is there not more tangible evidence of our caring for that country after five years of peace?

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

K. Opong — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:36:33 GMT

It is the likes of Richard Edwards that hardly see anything positive coming out of Africa. It is a continent of 51 countries and he sees all of them, one after the other, failing because of his perception of corruption, disease, and brutal wars? I can only say one thing for him. He is a victim of a one-sided perception of Africa fuelled by the "objectivity" of the Western media.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Samuel Tanwin Gwesinie — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:42:30 GMT

I believe the passion of President Bush for Liberia will leave on. President Bush please continue to push for peace in Liberia.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Rae Eby-Carl, Witter Springs, CA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:14:13 GMT

A donation of one million textbooks and desks for 10,000 school children is a wonderful promise from President Bush, but first those schools need roofs and functional plumbing. Infrastructure assistance is necessary if the books and desks are to be a sustainable improvement. How will we provide this assistance? If we are going to strengthen democracy as the President promises, let's start with the children's needs.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Jean Tonico — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:56:53 GMT

Growing up in Haiti under the dictatorship of the Duvaliers,I can fully understand the destruction of Liberia. Sadly, it was a human tragedy resulting in the loss of many innocent lives, but it was a man-made tragedy. My greatest aspiration for the children being born in Liberia today, is that they will have the chance to experience a better future where they will not just survive, but thrive. It will take time. But with massive investment in education, compassionate leadership and a zero tolerance for corruption from government officials, change is attainable. I fled Haiti 28 years ago on a boat at the age of 18, because I didn't see any change in the making. Given the ongoing chaos in the country,I would have made the same decision again if the choice presents itself. I send my love to the young people of Liberia. If you are reading this blog, here is my message to you. Weak minds destroy. Strong minds build. Build your minds, so you can rebuild your country.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Edwin Kruah, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:05:13 GMT

I am deeply touched by Kevin Corke’s narrative about Liberia, especially his closing sentence which states: “I truly hope to one day return and compare the Liberia I saw today with the Liberia I hope will come.” This statement is not only empathetic but expresses the pathetic condition of a nation in need of revival. As a Liberian who witnessed first hand and knows the degree of devastation caused by the civil war, Mr. Corke’s statement above is a summation of the enormous challenge the country faces on the road to a new future. This is why Liberians at home and abroad are grateful to the Bush Administration and the International Community for their role in bringing peace and stability to the country. However, the U.S. and the International Community will be best remembered for not only bringing stability, but also helping to fulfill the hope of Mr. Corke and all Liberians for a New Liberia they hope will come.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Severo — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:49:34 GMT

I agree with John !

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

jorge — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:38:36 GMT

Whenever George Bush shows up in some war-torn nation pledging support, it means he isn't going to lift a finger to help you.

If you run a program or bureau in the govt and he shows up to praise all the good work your group does, it means he's going to slash your funding.

If Bush starts calling you publicly by an affectionate sounding nickname (e.g. "Brownie"), it means you're going to take the blame for some monumental policy screw-up and will be unceremoniously drummed out of an active role in the govt.

This has been standard operating procedure for the Bush administration since day one.

As soon as I heard Bush was going to Africa, I thought, "Well, I guess we're going to let Africa slide. Too bad there's no oil under it or we'd be there in an instant bringing them democracy.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Heather, Richmond, VA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:22:52 GMT

Liberia is an amazing place! I spent almost 8 months there and it changed my life. Like the author I would love to go back some day and compare what I saw back in 2005-06 with what lies ahead. To see such tenacity and boldness in their quest for change is breath-taking. As for "where can you see long term hope", just look at the people. I remember Her Excellency's Inauguration Day; the joy and excitement of the people is something I will never forget. Press on Liberia, may your hope faileth not!!!

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

ELIE KHOURY, EL PASO, AND TEXAS — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:30:27 GMT

LIBERIS IS AMAZING COUNTRY. I AM LIBERIAN-LEBANESE AND I RAISED THERE HALF OF MY LIFE. I WISH TO GO BACK TO MY HOMETOWN AND SHOW IT TO MY DAUGHTER TO SEE WHO I AM AND LIBERIA MADE ME WHO I AM. THANK YOU LIBERIA FOR WHO I AM. AND I LOVE LIBERIA AND I MISS LIBERIA. TO YOU ALL OVER THE WORLD YOU SHOULD HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THERE AND I GUARRANTEE YOU WILL HAVE BEST EXPERIENCE THERE. LOVE YOU ALL PEOPLE IN LIBERIA.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Mark Ferguson — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:15:14 GMT

This is a great article. Do you think that they are seeing results because their leader is well educated?

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Treynana, Los Angeles CA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:58:55 GMT

We must really give thanks for Mrs. Sirleaf: a dedicated leader, an honest leader and a woman with a true heart of caring for her nation and her people. Iron Lady describes her correctly because she works so hard. I have great admiration for her and believe she can do it with the resources and help.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Byron Dail — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:03:55 GMT

Jorge, no oil in Africa? Do you even know where Africa is located? I guess Saudi Arabia, Irak,Iran, Algeria, Angola, Quait, Libya and Nigeria are somehow not in your Africa. Do you object to the Irak war? It seems that there is oil there and for better or worse, we are trying to bring democracy to that benighted country.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Margaret Holtam, Siloam, North Carolina — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:48:45 GMT

Unlike the author who visited a country destroyed by war, I am an American who was born in Liberia and who had the honor to live there until I was almost 10. The thought of seeing such a beautiful, peaceful country that has now been ravaged is absolutely heart-breaking. The thought of the beach where I swam daily, or the frangipani trees in the school yard, or the coconuts that fell on our rooves during rainstorms, or the tailor shops in downtown Monrovia producing beautiful embroidered works of wearable art makes me cry. I sincerely hope that Mrs. Johnson Sirleaf (with the help of whoever!) can restore the country that I remember. Then, I will go back!

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Zebra Team, Leesville, LA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:25:58 GMT

I spent two years in Sudan, one in the south, and one in Darfur and traveled thru much of Africa. I would be happy if we never gave another dollar of our taxpayers hard earned money to a people and countries that are not capable of taking care of them selves nor will they take the initiative. We do nothing but develope countries that depend on our welfare and then turn arround and spit in our face.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Jack Kolkmeyer, Santa Fe, NM — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:50:24 GMT

As a former Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia from 1969-72, I can only say that I feel honored to have been there during that time. Then, it was one of the most beautiful and hospitable place I have ever lived.
What has transpired in Liberia is a tragedy but I hope one day to be able to return...and to take my children so they have an opportunity during their lifetime to experience one of West Africa's unique places with special American ties.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Melanie, Wellesley, MA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:53:43 GMT

I was born in Monrovia, and left in 1970; I have fond
memories of my friends from school and wonder if any of their families survived the tragedy of civil war. I long to go back and walk on the beaches I walked hand-in-hand with my mother; I wonder if our house is still standing..according to Google Earth it is, which
is amazing to me. I wish Liberia the strength and courage to: continue to re-build, the tenacity to continue to resolve its tribal issues, and a committment to peace that eclipses hatred.

Starting on a long road to recovery in Liberia

Don, New York, NY — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:34:11 GMT

My parents and their families were saved by American GIs when North Korea invaded South Korea. My mother was literary carried by an American soldier when she was fleeing from the North Korean soldiers. Now, younger generations of South Korea who have not experienced the Korean War believed that South Korea's wealth was a result of the South Koreans' hard work. And they think it is fashionable to criticize America, like many Europeans who do not remember the Mashall Plans. They even call North Koreans, who were sending tanks and soldiers to kill South Koreans, long lost brother. These Korean college students believe that Americans are the reason for the hostility in Korean Peninsular. However, they do not realize that their political advancement and economical success--10th largest in the world--were not possible without the US. Wake up South Koreans! North Koreans are still developing their military to attack South Korean, not the United States. They are not even capable of attacking the American continent. Many people from my parents' generation from South Korea sacrificed so much to rebuild South Korea with the support from the US. They worked endless hours and tried to learn as much as they could from other nations during 60s and 70s. Unfortunately, because of the US's policies, the US is often criticized unnecessarily. Valid criticisms are needed for the US to understand its mistakes. Yet, many of the US's unselfish efforts are usually ignored and are less welcomed. Let's hope that Liberia can learn from South Korea to rebuild their glorious nation. If the Liberians are willing to sacrifice to rebuild their war-savaged nation, like the older generations of South Korea did, they will rebuild their nation, once the hope of many African slaves, to its prominence. Yet, I hope that they do not learn the current young South Koreans' arrogance of not understanding what America is for their parents' generation.

PS
I am not a republican right-wing pundit, interested in advertising the republican agendas