A Synopsis of the Conversation with Rabbi Gbaba on the Topic: “In Times Such as These We Need Dual Citizenship Fast!” Posted on the “Alternative National Congress Chat Room” October 3, 2014 Note: This synopsis will be continued to provide a wide range of views submitted by Liberians from various walks of life regarding the pending Dual Citizenship Bill in Liberia. Participants whose views were not published in the summary below will be featured in subsequent episodes. Thank you for your understanding. Introduction First of all, let me begin by thanking all my participants that took part in the dual citizenship conversation I initiated this morning in the Chat Room of the Alternative National Congress and on the Liberians in Europe Forum on Face Book. Several of your expressions captivated my attention and you made some salient points that I strongly feel should be shared with all Liberians as we continue to debate the issue of dual citizenship for Liberians naturalized in foreign countries but that want to retain their ties to their native land where their navel strings were mostly buried. In this particular instance, there is always a very close cultural and natural bond between the individual and the soil on which he or she was born. The two are inseparable—and it is like the relationship between a mother and her child. So, in addressing your queries I took the mother-child relationship into deep consideration and I am asking you who are not in favor of dual citizenship to put yourselves in the shoes of those who are so fond of their native land that they consider themselves inseparable from Liberia. What a blessing it is for Liberia: that her children who were dispersed far and near around the globe mainly due to the civil war, do still feel closely attached to SWEET MAMA LIBERIA! Besides, I strongly urge that those who wish to participate in these sensitive national conversations should bear in mind that Liberia is not the personal property of one set of people. Instead, Liberia belongs to all Liberians (those born within Liberia as well as those and their heirs born in different countries around the world). For this reason no one group of Liberians (whether for or against the dual citizenship campaign in Liberia) has the exclusive right to exclude their fellow brothers and sisters from claiming their inalienable rights in a democratic society such as ours and especially in times like these when war traumatized Liberians across the globe and in Liberia are endeavoring to put their shattered lives together after a senseless war that killed over a quarter million of our beloved relatives, friends, and fellow compatriots. Nevertheless, while it is customary that those engaged in heated debates or conversations may sometimes have heated argument I strongly advise that we remain civil in our approach to dialogue, and that we should bounce ideas off one another and to keep the debate at favorable room temperature so that we may eventually disagree to agree. Remember engaging one another during a conversation, especially when the conversation falls within the public domain, it means we have to gauge ourselves very carefully with regards to how we address other participants whose views may differ from our own. This is necessary in order not to infringe upon the inalienable rights of others; for, where one person’s rights and privileges begin, another person’s rights and privileges end. Finally, due to the length of statements made by participants, I might have to publish this synopsis in a series to accommodate as many diverse statements as possible. So, please bear with me; and, if you do not see any of your direct quotes in this summary it means your statement (s) was/were meshed with the statements of other participants whose ideas and expressions were similar to yours. Reason for the Summary The reason why I decided to summarize your expressions and your thoughts is because your inputs are very important in terms of providing diverse angles to the dual citizenship debate. Based on your several responses there were some who favored dual citizenship and there were those who detest the very thought of the topic regarding dual citizenship being discussed because they vividly expressed that they have had very bad and disappointing experiences with those who illegally claim to be ‘dual citizens’ in Liberia but that are not legally competent to claim such a status in Liberia at this time. The main reason is because dual citizenship is illegal in Liberia. There are no laws in the Constitution of Liberia that officially approve dual citizenship as a privilege or right for any Liberian to claim citizenship outside of his Liberian citizenship. Therefore those who fall in this category have committed perjury against the state and they must be prosecuted for impersonating as Liberian citizens when they are not in a deliberate attempt to defraud Liberia and enjoy the rights and privileges only entitled to bona fide Liberian citizens under the laws of Liberia. Comments during the Conversation on Dual Citizenship Are Randomly Picked So, based on the above premises, I have selected some comments made by participants during the conversation in order to highlight the concerns of the speakers regarding the passing of a dual citizenship bill in Liberia. I begin with one of my vocal speakers who opposed the concept of passing the dual citizenship bill in Liberia (here the term ‘vocal’ is seen in a positive sense). After each major statement by a speaker, I provide my response either in order to buttress or disagree with the speaker’s views. Therefore, I crave your indulgence for not being able to record every speaker’s comments because most of the comments were either similar but said differently; or that they were different and thus stood out among the comments as being very unique and necessary to drive our conversation to a mutually desired and successful ending. Curtis Dabieh: “Whats about this dual citizenship that is sooooo touching? There are just some things that need no discussion. Are you referring to individuals of non-Liberian origin or what?” Why Dual Citizenship Controversy Is So Touching Rabbi Gbaba: What makes the dual citizenship controversy so touching is that first of all let me make it clear to you that it is no shame to be attached to your native land and it is also not a shame to stand up for what you believe in. Maybe in a socialist or communist society it may be considered a shame to advocate for dual citizenship in any given communist or fascist country; but in Liberia we have the constitutional rights and privileges to amend the constitution of Liberia; alter our governance structure to meet the daily basic needs of the majority. In addition, please be informed that Liberia as a nation state it does not belong to any group of Liberians but it equally belongs to all Liberians. It belongs to you and me and not you alone. As a result you have no exclusive right (s) to stop any man or woman of Liberian blood from playing an active role in the decision making process that affects his or her life and livelihood. The Reason Why I Advocate the Dual Citizenship Bill in the National Legislature of Liberia Also, when I speak of “dual citizenship” I am referring strictly to Liberians that fall under the following categories: (1) Liberians born of both Liberian parents in Liberia and that maintain their natural citizenship; (2) those born in Liberia of a Liberian parent and a foreign parent but who officially declares his Liberian citizenship at the age of eighteen; and (3) those of foreign origin who naturalized and became citizens of Liberia through the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and that obtained a certificate of naturalization as a proof of their citizenship. Liberians Must Accommodate and Love One Another Unconditionally! It is in the interest of these individual Liberians mentioned above that I advocate for the dual citizenship bill in Liberia because many of such persons were rooted out of their peaceful country by Liberian warlords and they had to start life all over in other countries around the world as refugees. Sometimes in order to survive most of these individuals had to naturalize as citizens of host countries in order to earn an honest livelihood to support their families abroad and at home. In this light most Liberians that fall in this category have been the bread winners and the key sources of financial and material supports for Liberians that were stranded in Liberia during the Liberian civil war, and even up to today’s date. All Powers and Authority are Vested in the People and not in the Hands of Oligarchs! Therefore, to out-rightly refuse to listen to the appeal of such generous, peace-loving, family oriented and patriotic Liberians is a travesty of justice and this is in conformity with the inhumane and unacceptable treatment Liberian warlords you support mete out against the impoverished and oppressed citizens of Liberia that are dying from the Ebola disease, as well as Liberians stranded all over the world due to the negligence of the Liberian government to care for its citizens at home and abroad. Further, your out-right refusal to allow reason to prevail in view of the plight of almost two million Liberian citizens that fled Liberia during the civil crisis also exhibits a deep sense of ingratitude on your part and the part of those who claim that the issue of dual citizenship should not be discussed at all as if Liberia is not a democratic society where the people are governed by majority rule and where all powers and authority are vested in the people. Furthermore, the people have the right to amend their constitution in order to meet their needs in these times of lawlessness and rampant corruption, so while you may be entitled to your opinions so too are others entitled to theirs. Therefore, this matter will be democratically put to rest through the ballot box and a national referendum because you who oppose the dual citizenship bill are not more Liberians than those who advocate for a dual citizenship law in Liberia. Curtis Dabieh: “Just take a very good look at the present composition of the Liberian Government. The ministers are all Liberian, though mostly with American citizenship. So what more do you want? Most of those who are advocating for dual citizenship are wanting to work in government. In the first place, do you need to work in government in order to serve your people? or is it to have the unlimited access in the Liberian People money and steal like the ones we have here?” Rabbi Gbaba: As a Liberian citizen you have the right to protest (if you can prove beyond all reasonable doubt), to single out those who presently work in the Liberian government that claim to be “Liberian citizens” but that are citizens of the United States and other nations of the world. You have a right to charge them for perjury or falsification of their nationality because they swore under oath as government officials to speak the truth to the best of their knowledge and to defend the Constitution of Liberia and to maintain the confidence of the Liberian people in the execution of their sacred duties at all times. Therefore any act to the contrary is punishable in a competent court of jurisdiction. So, sir, if you know that such individuals exist in the present government then why have you been so silent and why have you not taken legal steps to bring these perpetrators to justice? Also, why blame those who truthfully inform you they naturalized as citizens of their host nations but that would like to give back to Liberia in a dual capacity? Should such law abiding Liberians be unjustly punished for the criminal behaviors of other Liberians who have deceived the trust of the Liberian people? No way, brother! There is no room for jungle justice in present day Liberia and there is no room for Maoism but only democracy will prevail in Liberia through the ballot box. So after all the arguments, we will reduce our thoughts and convictions to the voting process and may the winner be declared victorious and may peace prevail thereafter in Liberia! Amen! Curtis Dabieh: “Has any Liberian Professional with different citizenship offered to serve or render assistant to his or her country besides working in the Liberian Government been refused? This whole dual citizenship argument is all about working in government. Im beginning to wander, is it to serve like noble Liberians or to steal like the rest are already doing? To SERVE or To STEAL??????????? Rabbi Gbaba: Your question that if any Liberian professional with different citizenship offered to serve or render assistance to Liberia besides working in the Liberian government. Your response is: Yes, hundreds if not thousands of Liberians with different citizenship returned to Liberia to establish businesses and your “Go Back Chop” government officials asked them for bribes or else no deal! This corrupt behavior by Liberian gatekeepers drove away potential investors, multibillion dollars business ventures and now has Liberia sunk deep down into the corruption pit where its oil blocks are been sold for little of nothing and the proceeds pocketed by those whom you supported initially but that you now hate because they dumped you by the way side. Curtis Dabieh: “Most of those who are advocating for dual citizenship are wanting to work in government. In the first place, do you need to work in government in order to serve your people? or is it to have the unlimited access in the Liberian People money and steal like the ones we have here?” Rabbi Gbaba: Curtis, I agree that not everyone should work in government in order to be able to help develop Liberia. You can be a private citizen and still contribute meaningfully toward the development of Liberia as a consultant, as a professional Liberian with certain skills that the nation direly needs in order to progress forward. In addition, Liberians who naturalized as citizens of other nations that have the economic strength to make a difference by investing their monies in various businesses in Liberia and thereby creating job opportunities for Liberians should be given the moral and financial support by the home government to help them get started. Hence, such individuals can do so without opting to work in government. Accordingly, there must as well be strict laws prohibiting Liberian government officials from impeding the progress of such progressive Liberians with different nationalities from developing their native land. They should be warmly welcomed because it is said that many hands make light work and no one individual has a monopoly of knowledge or professional expertise to build an entire nation on his or her own. Rather, the more the merrier for it is through collective and not solely through individual efforts that we are likely to succeed. But the main problem regarding this particular circumstance has been that most Liberians with foreign citizenships that come to invest in Liberia are immediately turned off by your “Go Back and Chop” government officials. Here is some conscientious natural born Liberian who naturalized as a citizen in another country that wants to develop his native land but every time he makes an attempt to put his feet in the front door Liberian big shots discourage them because Liberian gatekeepers want to know what is in there for them or no deal! Do you have something to say about that, Mr. Dabieh? How many natural born Liberians and their business partners have been turned away as a result of this corrupt culture? Uncountable numbers of people have been affected by this negative culture in Liberia. That is why the recruitment process for civil servants must be straighter so that qualified and honest individuals are chosen or elected to serve the Liberian people. Unfortunately this is not the case in Liberia. Liberia is presently surviving on the “uncapables that are available” because the “capables are not available.” The other issue you raised that I want to address is your question as to whether advocates of the dual citizenship bill are doing so because they want to steal or serve because according to your statement those who claim to have dual citizenship status in Liberia have disappointed you and betrayed the trust of the Liberian public. Therefore, you are not open for discussion when it comes to the discussion of the dual citizenship bill. Maybe you might be interest when we go to the polls to vote ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ against or in favor of passing the dual citizenship bill into law during a referendum and subsequently amend the constitution of Liberia. In this way those will dual citizenship will have the law as a guideline under which to serve and any violation of the law will then be punishable based on the gravity of the offense. But as things stand, here you are arguing vehemently against dual citizenship but dual citizenship is taking place right in front of your naked eyes. What an irony, Mr. Dabieh! Yes, you are right such economic and political criminals have disappointed Liberians immensely but why do you allow this to continue to happen? Isn’t the power of the state vested in the people and that the people in a democracy can order the resignation of the President, Vice President and demand that those in public positions that betray the confidence of the Liberian people can be immediately dismissed or the President may lose her job if the people so decide? Yes, you can and if you protest and the world observes and understands your civic action, international sanctions can be imposed on such a corrupt government and president. Curtis Dabieh: “This guy speaks of begging like he has NEVER been assisted in his whole life by any one. If your family members/friends are beggars, all Liberian are not. Start teaching them to stand on their own. Or maybe, you like many Liberians enjoys people coming to you for hand out. It probably makes you feel that you are in control and every other person is a subordinate. Your wanting to continuously being the BIG BOSS is what got you with all of the Beggars. ENPOWER others and you will be free. Not necessary through government work. Any of you brought a company and we turn you back? To SERVE or To STEAL?” Rabbi Gbaba: Again, my friend, you assumed I am accusing all Liberians to be beggars but that was not my intent. My aim was to demonstrate that those in power continue to make life difficult for the people they lead but they are unable to provide the daily basic needs of the Liberian people. And, the main reason for their lack of productivity is because funds that Liberian politicians and civil servants are entrusted to use for the common good of society are embezzled by those in power and the aftermaths are economic, social, political degradation and lack of progress or development in Liberia. Also, the idea of social, economic, and political empowerment is very important but this cannot only be done on an individual level. Empowerment of citizens requires a larger national scale. Again, Liberians should hold the government accountable for not providing the necessary incentives the people of Liberia need in order to be motivated to do things for themselves. For instance, if farmers want to grow coffee and the Agriculture Ministry provides Liberian farmers with seeds you will find that many Liberian farmers may grow more coffee because they initially received some sort of incentive from the government to propel them to move forward with their development plans. Believe you me such a little help can go a long way in motiving people to be self-employed and self-sufficient. Yes, I can attempt to ‘empower’ my close friends or relatives by giving them seed money to start up their own business but if the overall atmosphere in the country is unfavorable then it will be waste of time to provide seed money when the Liberian government does not support Liberian business men and women as they do the Lebanese, Indians, and Chinese, or other foreign nationals.
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 03:23:34 +0000
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