The way I see Liberia

When the instruments of knowledge join the rank and file of the tutored and engaged in acts that are common to and associated with that of the tutored, then it is my honest opinion that there has not been any lesson learnt from our recent past; consequently, history will slap us in the face as a people and I pray that God bless us all.

When I read the reason why the University of Liberia Faculty engaged in a strike action, which in a way parallels the bogus reason given by the coup leaders for the reason why they toppled the Tolbert government and took over the seat of power, it leaves me with one conclusion, that in all likelihood, the thought of another major uprising in Liberia is not farfetched.

I deduced my conclusion of this notion because of the news release that was issued by the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) on June 15, 2007 in Monrovia calling for a strike until the Government of Liberia met their demands and also due to this quote that was attributed to the ULFA President, Mr. Clifford J. Young. "We have exhausted every effort to solve these problems but to no avail and so, we believe that this is the only means we can use as a tactical move to draw the government's attention to our plight." Mr. Young said their action was predicated upon the President of the Republic of Liberia who is also the visitor to the University’s failure to honor her obligation.

Mr. Young noted that too long the government had neglected the university, as resources have not been infused into it. He concluded by saying that, "If no money, there will be no negotiation with the government because as you can see, the faculty appeared dejected and frustrated and are hungry while faculty staff members are dying monthly due to poor services at the University."

Are we, as a people, can honestly tell each other and ourselves that violence or acts of violence are the only way out when there is an impasse or dissatisfaction or disagreement amongst any grouping in Liberia? I hope, if we all believe that the long sought peace that we presently enjoy, which is still in its infancy I may add and is very much fragile, then why are these volatile actions sprouting all over the place? We hear fracas between security forces, UN forces, civil servants including government officials, religious groups and conflicts between employees and employers, school administrations and students, school administrations and faculty and the list goes on and on.

From where I sit, I had envisioned every citizen would do everything in his power to avoid signs that smell conflict; however, if such conflict was unavoidable, then one must follow the legal or civil course of action by using the court system for redress. On a broader scale, groups must avoid disturbing the peace and engaging in any volatile action that may lead to the destruction of properties and the lost of lives. We should all remember that there are laws that govern us all, individually, collectively and nationally and we all must respect and obey the laws; anything short of that, we will be held accountable and suffer the consequences.

As a product of Lux in Tenebris (Light in the darkness), it brings tears to my eyes to read of the country's highest institution of learning, the University of Liberia being struck with another academic impediment following an immediate indefinite suspension of classes until the faculty/student strike is brought under control. The university is an open society and does protect academic freedom, human rights, justice and democracy and when acts of shame are perpetrated from such unique society, then the people are doomed.