LIBERIA: U.S. STEPCHILD
6 July 2003 XXVI

Khamsin Molossia News

Well, Liberia hovers on the edge of U.S. consciousness lately, a consciousness numbed by the usual mindless drivel of the American media, and almost wholly unaware that there even is a Liberia, let alone the history that exists between the two nations.

In the early 1820s, hundreds of freed U.S. slaves were sent to coastal Africa by anti-slavery societies. When, in 1847, they founded the continent's oldest republic, they gave it a constitution and a flag modeled after the country they had come from. Liberia is full of symbols that commemorate its historic links to the U.S. The capital Monrovia was named after US President James Monroe. Another major city honors President James Buchanan. In spite of the ties between the U.S. and Liberia, the U.S. has tried for years to ignore and forget its ties to Liberia. Founded on the principles that founded the United States, freedom and liberty, Liberia has consistently been treated as a "bastard step-child" by Washington. Even when it did pay lip-service to Liberia, as during the Cold War when an Air Force Base was established there, it was only for convenience, and not out of any sense of commitment. The Cold War is gone, as is Washington's attention. And the average American doesn't even know Liberia exists.

Now, America is coming under increasing pressure to turn its attention again to Liberia, particularly from the U.K., which has suggested the U.S. lead a military mission to the country. Once again, it is time for America to look to its stepchild country. The U.S. has a responsibility to step in and assume a greater role in Liberia. Liberia was created in America's image, and America needs to return there to ensure that freedom and liberty reign again.


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