Now imagine a society where politicians believe that politics should operate beyond the reach of law. In such an environment, power becomes the law. Influence, not justice, decides outcomes. Might makes right, and principles are traded for convenience.
PHOTO: The Author
By Peter Quaqua
In life, we are often presented with two choices: a small discomfort now or a much larger consequence later. Wisdom lies in recognizing which discomforts are truly avoidable—and having the courage to face them before they snowball into something worse. That’s the essence of avoiding the avoidable. As we say in Liberia, “small shame is better than big shame.”
Consider the leaky faucet you ignored because calling a plumber seemed too expensive. Or the uncomfortable conversation about health issues you sidestepped. Or the little lie you told to save face. In the moment, each action feels like a way to escape trouble. But left unattended, they often become the source of greater shame, deeper conflict, or irreversible damage.
The Politics of Shame
In politics, we frequently witness a reluctance to confront minor ethical failings—transgressions that, if addressed early, could avert full-blown crises. Too often, those with power and influence take the path of brushing aside norms and evading accountability because they are in control.
For instance, when lawmakers forget that they are not above the law but stewards of it, they set dangerous precedents. Ignoring minority voices, bypassing due process, and pushing through self-serving legislation aren’t just political choices—they are failures of integrity. Shame avoided temporarily becomes shame magnified in the long run.
Separation of Powers
Some argue that the prolonged turmoil in the House of Representatives is purely political and, therefore, outside the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. If that were truly the case, why did the majority even submit to the court—for the sake of argument?
Yes, the legislature is inherently political, but politics and law are not mutually exclusive. Even student government has rules. In a democracy, the separation of powers and the interplay between law and politics often create complex situations that test the resilience of institutions. But we must distinguish between issues that are purely political and those with clear legal implications.
While it doesn’t matter, I should say that I am not a lawyer, but my common sense tells me that the current controversy in the House involves a potential breach of the Constitution. That’s why the Supreme Court’s intervention was warranted in the first place. Suppose a Speaker or Senate President were elected through fraudulent means or in violation of the rules—wouldn’t judicial scrutiny be justified?
It’s understandable that some legal professionals are cautious about judicial overreach. The line between political and legal matters is not always clearly defined. Yet, that’s no excuse to dismiss clear constitutional breaches as “political matters.”
Checks and Balances
The debate has largely focused on the principle of separation of powers. But the Constitution also emphasizes checks and balances. This doctrine lies at the heart of any democratic system, designed to prevent any single branch of government from accumulating unchecked power and to ensure mutual accountability.
We were taught the functions of the three branches of the Liberian government in school. Those provisions in the Constitution haven’t changed. Many of you reading this article would know that:
- The Legislature passes laws; the Executive can veto them. The Legislature can, in turn, override the veto with a qualified majority.
- The Executive administers the law, but the Legislature controls the budget and holds the power to impeach.
- The Judiciary interprets the law and has the authority to nullify any legislation or executive order that contradicts the Constitution. Judges are appointed by the Executive and confirmed by the Legislature.
These checks are not just theoretical—they are practical tools of accountability.
Beyond the Law?
Now imagine a society where politicians believe that politics should operate beyond the reach of law. In such an environment, power becomes the law. Influence, not justice, decides outcomes. Might makes right, and principles are traded for convenience.
In such a system, accountability vanishes. Rights become favors, dispensed at the whims of those in charge. We would be living in a fragile order where wrongs are never fully addressed, and law exists only in name, without implementation.
Just look around. Consider the unresolved violent incidents we’ve witnessed in recent times – from the fire at the Capitol to the clash between the army and the police in the street. Are investigations still ongoing? Add to that the growing number of violent disruptions across the country. Thanks to the police for managing some of them—though at times with a heavy hand.
The Awkward Truth
Whether on an individual or societal level, avoiding the avoidable requires courage. It demands that we face uncomfortable truths, speak out against injustice and hold even our leaders accountable. Yes, it’s easier in the short term to pretend everything is fine. But real strength lies in choosing the path of integrity, even when it’s inconvenient.
In the end, the real question isn’t whether shame will come—it’s whether we choose the small shame today or face an unbearable reckoning tomorrow.