By Austin S. Fallah – A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil: fallahas@yahoo.com
President Boakai: When we were running for the presidency, we said, “People asked us, what are you going to do as president that you couldn’t do as vice president?”And I said,’ You want to see a racecar? Put it on a race track, not in the garage,” and they say, “oooooh.” Today, the racecar is on the race track.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai: “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, Build Liberia.”
This has been President Boakai’s governing slogan since his 2023 presidential campaign and throughout his presidency, emphasizing patriotism, national ownership, and collective responsibility.
“No one person can build Liberia alone. We must all work together.”
President Boakai has repeatedly emphasized in numerous public addresses that Liberia’s development depends on collective patriotism, unity, and national participation.
Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue: ” What the eyes can see in the day, what the ears can hear in the day, if the mouth continues to talk it, there will be no peace in the world.”
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”
Frequently used by former President Sirleaf to encourage Liberians to pursue national transformation.
“The future of Liberia lies in the hands of Liberians.”
Repeated throughout her Independence Day and inaugural speeches, stressing national responsibility rather than dependence on outsiders.
“We must reconcile with ourselves and unite as one people.”
From her reconciliation messages following Liberia’s civil conflict.
Former President George Weah:”The power belongs to the people.”
From his inaugural address on January 22, 2018.
“Together, we can build a better Liberia.”
Frequently repeated throughout his presidency in speeches promoting national unity.
Former President William R. Tolbert Jr.:
“The total involvement for higher heights.”
President Tolbert’s national development philosophy encourages every Liberian to participate in nation-building.
“From Mat to Mattress.”
His development slogan promotes improved living standards for all Liberians.
Former President Samuel Kanyon Doe:
“In the cause of the people, the struggle continues.”
Frequently used during his administration to emphasize service to ordinary Liberians.
Former President Charles G. Taylor”
A widely cited statement from Taylor’s inaugural period was:
“He who wants peace prepares for peace.”
This reflected his public commitment at the beginning of his presidency, although subsequent events contradicted that aspiration.
Former Interim President Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer
“Democracy requires participation by informed citizens.”
Dr. Sawyer consistently argued that patriotism requires civic engagement, accountability, and responsible citizenship.
Former Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh:
“Good governance begins with the people.”
Dr. Tipoteh has consistently maintained that “patriotism means placing the national interest above personal gain.”
Liberian public expressions of patriotism: “Liberia is our only home.”
“Together, we are stronger.”
“Peace begins with each Liberian.”
“Let us build Liberia for future generations.”
“Country First: The Vital Role of Patriotism and Nationalism in Liberia’s Progress.”
Patriotism and nationalism are often seen through varied lenses, with opinions diverging on whether these sentiments foster social unity and progress or breed division and nationalism.
However, in the context of Liberia, the absence or lack of robust patriotism and nationalism is undeniably hampering the nation’s growth and development.
The country’s recent struggles with drug trafficking and its accompanying legal and political implications have brought this issue into sharp relief.
The urgent necessity of fostering loyalty and pride among Liberians cannot be overstated, especially when faced with the realities of corruption, drugs, and the overwhelming influence of criminal elements on the country’s youth and future leaders.
Recent circumstances surrounding a drug bust worth over USD $19 million serve as a glaring example of the challenges Liberia faces.
The potential for this scandal to further erode public confidence is significant.
Without legal action against those implicated, the perception that the government is either complicit or indifferent will deepen among its citizens, particularly the downtrodden and struggling.
The people of Liberia are yearning for leaders (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary) who embody a sense of patriotic duty, rather than an agenda aligned with self-interest or seeking to protect the interests of elusive criminal networks.
The reality that cannot be ignored is that drug lords have increasingly become synonymous with power in Liberia.
The dark prospect of turning Liberia into a haven for such figures is not just a threat to national security; it fundamentally undermines the very ideals of patriotism and nationalism that can catalyze progress.
If the nation’s leaders cannot act decisively against drug trafficking, if justice remains elusive, how can the younger generation be inspired to rise above the trials they face?
How can they confidently stake their claim in a world that will often look upon their homeland as a laughingstock, rather than a nation of potential and opportunity?
Patriotism is more than a call to love one’s country; it is a dedicated commitment to building a better future. Nationalism, when channeled positively, becomes a powerful motivator for unity and action.
Yet, with powerful, invisible forces working to derail progress, the government of Liberia finds itself at a pivotal juncture.
Young people must be empowered to envisage a path devoid of drugs and criminality, leading them to become competitive players on the international stage, not as victims of circumstance or prey to the allure of illicit activities.
The message from the people to their leaders, as echoed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is clear: Let no stone remain unturned in the pursuit of justice.
The politicians, especially from the Unity Party, must remember the lessons of history, where failures to act decisively not only create chaos but also leave a scar of disillusionment on the nation’s heart.
The repercussions of inaction ripple through society, eroding the trust and camaraderie essential to a nation’s progress.
Moreover, patriotism should serve as a foundation for education and social responsibility.
When young people recognize their inherent value as citizens worthy of respect and empowerment, it cultivates a generation willing to forge a path characterized by honor and hard work.
This is particularly significant in light of the increasing challenges posed by external influences aiming to exploit weaknesses.
Educating the youth, young people on the dangers of drug use and trafficking is crucial; these discussions must be proactive and inspirational rather than purely informative.
This aligns closely with fostering a sense of ownership and pride in one’s nation as an antidote to despair and fertile ground for ambition to flourish.
The cries for justice and accountability resonate widely among a populace weary of being sidelined in favor of illicit dealings and political intrigue.
It is not just about the individuals caught in the crosshairs of criminal activity but about the very future of Liberia itself.
If drug lords are allowed to operate with impunity, what message does that send to the youth, young people who aspire to become successful leaders or professionals in their respective fields?
The message is devastatingly clear: the ideals of hard work and integrity are outdone by those steeped in vice and corruption.
Liberia’s success won’t be a matter of mere chance; it requires collective effort and unyielding resolve.
The burden of achieving this lies heavily on the shoulders of the government and political leaders.
Structures must be put in place that go beyond mere rhetoric and delve into substantive policies that demonstrate a commitment to rooting out corruption effectively.
There must be a pervasive sense of justice in every community that reassures citizens that their sacrifices and determination will not be in vain.
Liberia’s citizens, particularly its youth, are at a pivotal juncture where their resilience has the potential to secure a brighter future, but this can only happen if they feel uplifted rather than besieged.
National pride must drive the population to reject the tide of drug culture that threatens the moral fabric of society.
The reformation of values is paramount; youth initiatives should emphasize health, innovation, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, quality education, and community involvement as avenues to success.
Unity Party, its collaborating parties, and all political entities hold a profound responsibility to guide Liberians through these turbulent times.
As they strive for renewal, they must embrace policies that restore patriots’ faith in a unified Liberia, a nation that prioritizes the welfare of its citizenry over corrupt practices.
This is an opportunity for transformative change, where actions speak louder than words, revealing a commitment to tackle corruption head-on and eliminate the pervasive presence of drug cartels.
The way forward is carved from the collective commitment of all citizens, particularly leadership, infused with a renewed sense of patriotism and nationalism.
The evidence is clear: embracing these values can actively reverse the trends of despair and disillusionment that seem all too common today.
Liberia should serve as a beacon of hope and perseverance, allowing it to break free from the shadows of its past.
The imperative is clear: Liberia must prioritize the greater good and work resolutely toward empowering its youth, young through education, justice, and solidarity.
The current drug crisis demands immediate and resolute actions from the government and community leaders.
It is a challenge rooted deeply in the necessity for a patriotic vision, one that elevates Liberia beyond the narrative of corruption and despair.
Only through unity, action, and an unwavering love for the nation can Liberia reclaim its position as a land of hope and opportunity for all its citizens and humanity.
The future is in the hands of the determined, and it is time for Liberia to rise for itself, upholding the ideals of a nation that believes in justice and freedom for everyone, especially its youth.
With a united front, Liberia can emerge stronger, standing tall in the international arena, not just as another nation, but as an emblem of courage, resilience, and patriotism.