Liberia gets no media coverage

The first ever woman to be elected to lead an African nation spoke before a joint meeting of the United States Congress on Wednesday, March 15, 2006. Her name is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I'll bet you never heard of her and I'll bet you don't know much about Liberia. After all, why should you? The media hasn't spoken a word about this tremendous story.

Let me ask you, did you know that:

• Liberia means "Land of the Free"?
• Liberia was founded by freed slaves from the United States in 1820?
• Liberia's capital, Monrovia, was named after U.S. president James Monroe?
• Liberia's government and constitution were fashioned on that of the United States?
• Liberia's flag has a striking resemblance to our flag?
• Liberia was largely peaceful until 1980 when civil war almost destroyed it until 2003?

A lot of people ask the question, "If we're in Iraq because a tyrant was killing his own people, why don't we invade every country that needs help?" or something to that effect. President Bush and his foreign policies are not only directed at Iraq, they are directed toward every country in the world. He is making a huge difference across the globe and Liberia is just one small example of that. But did you know that?

Here is a portion of President Sirleaf's speech to Congress on Wednesday. If you would like to read the entire speech, go to http://allafrica.com/stories/200603150786.html. She said:

"The national motto of Liberia - founded, as you know, by freed American slaves - is "The Love of Liberty Brought us here." We became the first independent Republic in Africa. Our capital, Monrovia, is named for your president James Monroe. Our flag is a star in a blue field and red and white stripes - its one star makes us the lone star state in Africa. Our constitution and our laws were based upon yours. The U.S. dollar was long our legal tender and still is used alongside the Liberian dollar today.
But our ties greatly exceed the historical connection. I stand before you today, as the first woman elected to lead an African nation, thanks to the grace of Almighty God; thanks to the courage of the Liberian people, who chose their future over fear; thanks to the people of west Africa and of Africa generally, who continued to give hope to my people. Thanks also to President Bush whose strong resolve and public condemnation and appropriate action forced a tyrant into exile and thanks to you - the members of this august body - who spurred the international effort that brought blessed peace to our nation.
It was the leadership of the 108th Congress, more than two years ago, that paved the way for a United Nations force that secured our peace and guaranteed free and fair elections. It was your 445 million dollar addition to a supplemental appropriation that attracted additional commitments from international donors. With those funds, we have laid the foundation for a durable peace, not only in Liberia, but in the whole West African sub-region. Special appreciation goes to this 109th Congress for the effort, in recent weeks, to meet Liberia's development needs.
Honorable ladies and gentlemen of this Congress, I want to thank you. The Liberian people have sent me here to thank you - thank you for your vision. Our triumph over evil is also your triumph."

Ladies and gentlemen, this country would still be in the middle of a civil war that has claimed over 250,000 lives in a country with a population of only 3 million people if the United States of America and President Bush had decided to do nothing about it. She concluded her speech with this:

"The people of Liberia know that government cannot save the country - only their own strength, their determination, their creativity, resilience and their faith can do that. But they have the right to expect the essentials that only a government can provide.
They have the right to a government that is honest and that respects the sanctity of human life. They need and they deserve an economic environment in which their efforts can succeed. They need infrastructure and they need security. Above all, they need peace.
That is the task of my administration. To meet that challenge, to do what is right, I ask for the continuing support of this Congress and the American people.
Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen, my appeal comes with the recognition of all that you have already done. In addition to the financial assistance to disarm our fighters, to feed and house our displaced, the artful diplomacy of the United States was central to ending our long conflict. We thank you with all our hearts."

The United States of America is the most blessed and prosperous country that this planet has ever seen. It is our duty as children of God to love our neighbor and give to those in need. How much money do you really think an African country of 3 million people needs to get back on their feet?

I know many of you do not like sending our troops into harms way just to help people from other countries like Liberia, Afghanistan and Iraq. But I bet the citizens of Liberia, Afghanistan and Iraq have a different opinion. Thank you President Bush for doing what is right regardless what our media says and won't say about you.