President Ellen Johnson_Sirleaf is 70!

The discontent brewing in Liberia is reaching high pitch. President Sirleaf is determined to bring relief and much needed development to that country, but in her midst are people who honestly see things differently. Even though I am discouraged with the pace of good things happening for the masses of the people, I had to wish the President God's speed as she celebrated her 70th birthday.


The President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, just celebrated her 70th birthday. Congratulations, President Sirleaf. You made it. Psalm 90:10: The days of our years are three scores years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four scores years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away. I wonder whether after 27 years of rule and at age 70, I wonder whether the thought ever occurred to President Tubman that the country needed new leadership and that it was time for him to leave that Executive Mansion in one piece.

After 1000 days as President of Liberia, your assessment is that a lot of the deliverables did not come through as expected. The first 500 days were tough. You had to bring into government people you thought you could trust to help you take this thing off the ground. Many of those you brought in are close to you. You expected them to give you advice when necessary; but most of all, you wanted these close friends to see in their minds' eyes a new Liberia, a developed Liberia, an educated Liberia. To your utter amazement, most of your close friends do not see what you see. Your vision for Liberia and its people is far different from their vision and mindset.

Dr Dunn talked about the plant in the pot that was brought from America many, many years ago. That plant, according to the story, never left the pot.The soil and the new environment, the story goes, wasn't rich enough, from the perspective of those who brought the plant. So, the pot was made larger with more American soil so that the tree grew and produced siblings from the roots and seeds that fell into the pot. Those siblings, never transplanted, continue to have enormous influence on the government, most times choking to death the efforts of visionaries and those who care for the welfare of the people and the country.

As I read Psalm 90:10 I felt happy for you, knowing that you had reached a milestone in your journey. Yet, I began to wonder what could you be thinking or planning for the country as you take the next step into the next decade of your journey. I wonder what are the president's plans with regard to changing the mindset of those who continue to stifle progress, encourage corruption, and who prefer to continue living as potted plants in this vast area of land given to us my our forefathers.

Like you said, Three years (1000 days) is a long time for an on-the-job training. Three years is just too long a time for people to steal from government. Anyone who has not been able to deliver after three years should not be given another chance. No company, no matter how battered, will allow its managers to under perform for three year and still have these managers roaming around the plant, bluffing and carrying on. Because of the war the three-month probationary period was extended to 18 months! Wasn't that enough time to for these educated people to demonstrate some type of ability to manage a specific project? The Liberian people have not heard any complaints from these managers or ministers. However, John Morlu did not take long to give his verdict about the unabated corruption in the government. The reception to that verdict was negative throughout the land. Some people even promised to get rid of the poor boy.

The next three years should see bold new steps by you, Madam President, to transform the lives of the people of Liberia. The next three years should see the infusion of a new generation of Liberians participating in the governance of their country. It is indeed time for the old guards to make way for a more energetic and patriotic group of Liberians, ready to move their country forward into the 21st century. Liberians are tired of living in squalor and degradation.

After 161 years, Liberians from all 15 counties want to see and live the difference under an Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf government. They, for the first time in their lives, want to be proud of their country and be able to boast to their neighbors about it. That will be the best legacy that you, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, can leave for your people as you celebrate your 73rd birthday in 2011.

Again, Happy Birthday, Madam President.