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"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton "Great men are almost always bad men." - Lord Acton "Despotic power is always accompanied by corruption of morality." - Lord Acton "It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it, and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it." - A. M. Rosenthal "The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently." - Friedrich Nietzsche "When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other." - Eric Hoffer "Once you give a charlatan power over you, you rarely get it back." - Carl Sagan "The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst." - David Hume. "He who is given power may inevitably become an oppressor and exploiter of society." - Mikhail Bakunin "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will." - Frederick Douglass. "Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power." - James Madison "What I fear most is power with impunity." - Louis Freeh. "It is said that power corrupts, but actually, it's more true that absolute power attracts the corruptible." - Robert A. Heinlein By: Austin S Fallah - A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil: A Policy Analyst and A Political Therapist: fallahas@yahoo.com In the heart of 21st-century West Africa, Liberia stands as a testament to resilience and hope, but it is also a nation marred by a history of corruption and economic mismanagement. The young people and women of Liberia hold immense potential, yet their power is often undermined by the very individuals they support. Young people and women in Liberia must recognize the devastating consequences of supporting corrupt leaders, who often exploit the country's resources for their own benefit. These individuals, characterized by greed and a blatant disregard for the well-being of the Liberian people, have infiltrated positions of power and continue to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and despair. As custodians of the nation’s future, it is time for young Liberian people and women to stand up and demand accountability, pushing back against a system that perpetuates injustice for the benefit of a corrupt few, and bring to justice those who have become corrupt thorns(hard to died and hard to plug out of the system)in the lives of the Liberian people. The economic turmoil that Liberia has endured has its roots deeply embedded in a history marked by widespread corruption. This history has bred “criminal cartels” that thrive on the exploitation of national resources. Every Liberian is aware of how these individuals have amassed their fortunes through illicit means, siphoning money that belongs to the people. The funds they have pilfered, derived from hard-earned taxes, road maintenance fees, petroleum storage fees, logging and mining revenues, and other state resources, could have transformed Liberia into a thriving nation. Imagine the possibilities: improved education, access to clean water, stable electricity, better roads, hospitals equipped to serve the sick, and innovative initiatives that empower young people. Instead, the wealth generated from Liberia’s resources has filled the coffers of a select few, while the majority continue to struggle in poverty. This corruption is not merely a background noise; it is a blaring alarm that should awaken the young people and women of Liberia. They must understand that every time they support these corrupt individuals, they are not only neglecting their responsibility but also actively contributing to a system that diminishes their own potential and future. The focus should be on individuals who genuinely seek to uplift the nation, not on those who employ criminal means to secure their positions or manipulate young people into believing they are their saviors and true advocates for socio-economic justice for all Liberians. With a history of exploitation behind them, it is time for Liberians to break free from the cycle of complacency and complicity. Consider the cost of corruption. The so-called "vampires" of society have diverted resources from where they are desperately needed. While their children enjoy opportunities afforded by wealth and privilege, countless young Liberians fall victim to a lack of prospects, many of them forced into the grasp of economic despair, colloquially known as "zogos." These individuals, often lost and disillusioned, suffer the consequences of a system that pays no heed to their plight. If the young people of Liberia want to forge a brighter future, they must stop aligning with figures whose actions worsen the very conditions they protest against. Supporting such individuals only legitimizes their corruption and perpetuates the cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement. The responsibility of demanding accountability must extend to every corner of Liberian society. Young people and women must unite their voices to demand an end to corruption. This means positively, not through empty rhetoric or slogans that spew lies, pressuring the government to pursue and prosecute those engaged in corrupt practices, regardless of their location, including those in power. This call for action is not merely a plea; it is a demand for justice. Village by village, town by town, borough by borough, city by city, Liberians must create a chorus that can no longer be ignored. This demand extends beyond protests and rhetoric; it should translate into a movement characterized by positive civic engagement and advocacy. Young people can use social media to organize non-hooliganism campaigns and advocacy groups that highlight anti-corruption efforts. Simultaneously, women, who represent a crucial pillar of society, must lead uncorruptible, non-money-seeking, and unmanipulative grassroots movements, bringing their unique perspectives to the fight against corruption. By mobilizing their communities and raising awareness about the implications of supporting corrupt leaders, young people and women in Liberia can cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry. Liberia’s past has offered cautionary tales of leaders who have squandered the national wealth for personal gain. The civil wars that plagued the nation were fueled partly by these disparities. History should serve as a lesson, reminding the populace, especially women and young people, of the consequences of neglecting their responsibility in the democratic process. Individuals should cast their votes and support candidates based not on popularity or how much money a candidate has stolen, but upon integrity and a commitment to real change. This is paramount in fostering a culture of accountability where citizens hold their leaders to high standards of ethical behavior. Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Empowering the young people through education fosters critical thinking skills, enabling them to discern between genuine leadership and corrupt opportunism. Informed citizens can advocate for policies that benefit the larger population rather than just a select few. They can demand transparency in governance, calling for checks and balances that keep leaders accountable. It is here that women's participation in educational programs can have a ripple effect, as they invest not only in their futures but also in the futures of their families and communities. Supporting positive and respectful anti-corruption movements also involves leveraging the power of collaboration with international bodies dedicated to rooting out corruption globally. Liberians must demand that foreign aid and investment come with conditions focused on transparency and accountability. It is essential to partner with entities that share a vision of a corruption-free governance structure. Liberian young people and women must not only refuse to support individuals who perpetuate a cycle of economic instability(mismanagement, corruption, human rights abuse, etc)but also become active participants in reclaiming their future. Understanding that their support can either contribute to the ongoing struggle against corruption or elevate corrupt practices is vital. They must choose the former, recognizing their active role in shaping a nation where the misappropriation of resources is punishable and where equitable distribution of wealth leads to collective prosperity. It is time for the citizens of Liberia to come together, demand justice, and promote change, not through hooliganism/unruly behavior. The next generation deserves a country that offers opportunity and hope, a legacy worth fighting for. Change begins with the courage to act, and that courage must come from the heart of Liberia’s young people and women who are not supporters of corrupt individuals claiming to be saviors of the downtrodden. Together, let every Liberian write a new chapter of integrity and hope for Liberia.
