|
Constitutionality of Minister Bropleh’s Statement
Jan 15, 2008
Varfley A. Dolleh
Introduction:
Historian will concord that, men have always resisted truth and demonize those who have stood for justice and equity, which has plunged nations in turmoil with the recent cogent statement of Information Minister receiving a negative feed backs from a cross section of the Christian Community which manifest this assertion. Suggesting the need of setting an exclusive date as a holiday for a specific religious entity is in no way a crime, but rather some thing in the right direction, especially, for a secular democracy.
Historical Context:
Unlike others, this small nation and beacon of hope to both the indigenous and the emancipated slaves was built on democratic principals as enshrines in it constitution. So when the official spokes person of the nation openly highlights one of the tenets of democracy, should have been a plus for him, instead of him being demonized. The Country is not a theocratic state like Saudi Arabia or Iran. We subscribe to religious liberalism. This is a worrying signal for some in the Christian community to rain insult and threats on the Minister.
Constitutionality of the Statement:
Although have differed with the Minister in some instances which is normal in any democracy, but unlike those, I am fully supportive of this suggestion for a holiday for the Moslem Community in line with “Article 14 of the Constitution of Liberia”. The Article says “Liberia is a Country with freedom of religion; apart, no religious denomination or sect shall have any exclusive privilege over the others, but rather all shall be treated alike”. This presupposes the secularity of Liberia. It must be understood that the Information Minister is in the right direction in selling the positive ideals of the Ellen Government. Let him be allowed to construct the sellable images of the Unity Party Government.
No Room for Religious Dogmatism:
Let us send the caveat, that there will and shall be no room for religious dogmatism in the new political dispensation of the Country. Apart, there is no fanaticism in any way being breed in the Country, nor will we allow detractors to portray semblance of religious hatred at the moment. We will maintain religious magnanimity in the new Liberia at the displeasure of the enemies.
Saluting the President:
We salute President Sirleaf for her “Religious Diplomacy” since ushered as President. We take special note of her visit to the Mechlin Street Mosques along with Minister Losenne Donzo, her distribution of rice to the various mosques during the month of Ramadan, and her recent of gesture in embarking an intercessory prayer during the gone Independence celebration from the New Port Street Mosques. We wait the moment when a date will be set aside as Holliday for the Moslems in line with the Constitution of Liberia.
To the Moslem Community:
We should be able to embrace this call with an open arm in uniting and selecting a date for onward presentation to the Ellen Leadership for legalization as a National Holliday. We thank you for your supports and patients in the wake of tribulations over the years.
Thanks,
Varfley1@yahoo.com or (215)-666-2506
|
