For so long in the Liberian society, and the African society in general, we have allowed the immoral and unethical behavior of our parents, elders and leaders to go unchallenged, that their Despicable attitudes and behaviors have become the norm. 

Respectfully, I disagree with those who see the premise, words and statements I make as inappropriate. 

As a matter of fact our fathers, and sometimes, mothers have had children all over the place even when they are married, and we sit back and say nothing. We have also seen where our parents, and elders give excuses after excuses for their wayward children’s actions and lives. We, the relatives and friends, sit idly by and say NOTHING! 

In fact, quite recently, as was the case with Charles Taylor, African Leaders protected and defended him and his actions and that was Okay! Disgraceful! This is the norm in Liberia and Africa. Questioning your parents, elders and leaders, even in the most constructive, provocative and  pronounced manner is termed as inappropriate. Well, these are languages our elders, parents and leaders need to hear in no uncertain term. It is neither disrespectful nor inappropriate. To those who deemed the language as such, I would like to say, I wear mine as a badge of honor!

Pres. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Mr. Willis Knuckles

When our parents, elders and leaders fail to act promptly, appropriately and fail to not “sugar-coat” bad behavior, no matter how close their ‘friend’ is to them, then, we as the relatives need to vehemently and unequivocally tell them the truth about their failed actions.  

As in the case with President Sirleaf, her delayed reaction was Disgraceful and Despicable! If I had access to the emailed picture of Willis Knuckles, I strongly believed that she had knowledge of the picture. No matter where on earth she was at the time, the President should have commented on the situation. Willis Knuckles served her in a very strategic and important position. The evidence of the picture floating in the public domain compromised his personal integrity and moreover, that of the position he held. 

Failure to act promptly and ask for Knuckles’ resignation, immediately and then to use the word ‘Regret” after such prolonged period, was insulting and belittling to the Liberian populace. That is why the words ‘Disgraceful and Despicable’ were used. In the United Stated of America, no matter what controversies the President faces and with whom he is with, or where he is, the media do not hesitate to question him about such issues, nor does he not comment when asked.  

Is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf above all Liberians that she can not comment and take action? Well, then this is Liberia, where Disgraceful and Despicable have become the norm and is even excused by our well Learned. 

Is it wrong to question my elder, parent or leader when they do wrong, give excuses for individual with bad behavior; fail to act promptly and decisively? Is it wrong to protect the image of my parent, elder or head of state by speaking in blunt appropriate language? 

Well then, if the contrary is true and such language is inappropriate, I am guilty of Banality, Lack of Depth of One’s Own Learning and/or my Mother’s Wit.