That politicians would divide the public should not be news to anyone. That is what they do. What is surprising? How Liberians allow ourselves to be divided and played by office seekers, day after day, year in and year out.
The crisis in Liberia defies easy explanations and scapegoating. It has lasted too long and is now too deep. For once, we need to take our eyes off the players to focus on the rules of the game. As the saying goes, “Small minds discuss people, mediocre minds discuss events, great minds discuss ideas.”
Without three changes in our psyches and spirit, there will be no national progress: First, empathy for each other, regardless of class or ethnicity. That is patriotism at its core – above and beyond saluting the flag, singing the national anthem or cheering the national football team. Second, self-confidence rooted in a real “knowledge of self” and pride in the accomplishments of one’s ancestors. And last but not least, unity.
Those goals may seem farfetched because they are abstract. But they can easily be achieved, if we are willing to learn from others.