Good
day. I find your article most intriguing.
As a Liberian, born in the United States
when my parents were here attending University
in the early 1950's, I find your interest
in facilitating the constitutional mandate
that removed Africans living in America
and elsewhere in the black diaspora be allowed,
upon demand, Liberian citizenship.
I
am no constitutional scholar. I hope and
believe that your objective is honorable
as well as honest. However, before bringing
into the fray, some international court
of mediation, have you asked the or considered
asking the Government of Liberia to look
into what you're asking for? Or at least,
ask them to set up an exploratory panel
of Liberians to look into the claim you're
making (based on your interpretation of
the Liberian Constitution)?
I
believe that the complement of the people
currently in Liberia and those arriving
from other shores could do a lot to bolster
the redevelopment of Liberia. However, this
could be a process that may have broad-based
impact on all aspects of Liberian life,
culture, society, history, etc. A hasty
decision based on what was written in the
early constitution could be very detrimental
to a frail country. The need for a careful
re-evaluation of the Liberian constitution
and the impact such a program could have
on the Liberian people and country must
be address before any such actions are instituted.
I am sure, if what you say about the constitution
is correct, and that our ancestors meant
it as a means of recruiting persons of color
to help in the development of a young African
republic. Did they however mean that this
should be a infinite invitation to people
of color without limitation? What if, hypothetically,
after much nation building, Liberia miraculously
turned into a Utopia of sorts that everyone
(of color and not) decided they wanted to
come become a part of? Could 43,000 square
miles accommodate everyone? These are some
of the things that come to mind when I think
of what you suggest.
I
believe this, which you are suggesting,
requires some serious consideration on the
part of the Liberian government and people.
I believe in the sprit of brotherhood, we
should not make this a topic that creates
animosity between those already in Liberia
and those wishing to come live, work and
help develop Liberia.
Your
point is well taken and appreciated. I hope
that our people, once settled after the
upcoming October elections, find the time
necessary to ponder what you suggest.
Yours
very truly,
Julius
L. Weeks
202.879.3419 Direct Dial
202.879.3939 Main
202.626.1700 Fax jlweeks@jonesday.com