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December 6, 2003

President Roberta Patricia Rashid And The ULAA Of Today!

Theoretically, The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) is not a political organization, but truth be told, it is politically, ideologically and ethnically charged. Its administrative power plant is fueled by Liberian national politics. Until recently when few Liberian tribes antagonize each other both in the Union and Liberia, opposition was bent against settler-authority. Ninety-five per cent of its activities are geared towards politics in Liberia. It serves as a mirror through which Liberia can be viewed from the distance. And so its issues reflect the Liberian national question. As such, its direction changes pending the shift of the Liberian political windmill. Evidently, this situation blurs its vision significantly. It de-powers its leadership in the building of a 21st century organization - physical offices, reliable contacts and sound programs for its membership in the Americas, which makes it incapable of generating substantive revenue in the heart of Capitalism where millions of dollars abound.

Besides Madam Rashid, all ULAA past presidents are politically inclined and flamboyant. They've exercised political ambitions and sought political opportunities in Liberia using ULAA as a steppingstone.

The coming into power of Madam Rashid is by no means an accident. The resignation of the president in October 2003 justifies the shifting of the political windmill in Liberia and ULAA's propensity to shift along with it. The former President was offered a job; he accepted it and changed his zip code instantly. Automatically, his vice president, Her Excellency Madam Roberta Patricia Rashid became the new president to end his constitutional term of office in August 2004 at which time she may seek her own term.

Having worked with Madam Rashid on the ULAA Relief Fund/Drive I agree she is nonpolitical and religiously balanced with a passion for community service. She is a humanist, realist and a pragmatist. Her philosophy transcends politics. As vice president, she organized, maintained and steered the ULAA Relief Fund with the help of others to assist and facilitate the process of humanitarian help for the downtrodden and war weary people of Liberia. The Program delivered immediate relief items to the people for the first time. It dramatically changed the traditional view in Liberia of ULAA as being just another political opportunistic organization. Because the relief reached the people in a timely and organized fashion, it was received and appreciated overwhelmingly by the people.

Rashid's leadership helped change the negative image of ULAA in Liberia in those terms.

In the execution of her duty, Madam Rashid de-emphasizes ethnicity, political and religious affiliation. Whether one is a member of a warring faction or not, affiliates with a political groupings or not or a foreign national residing within the borders of Liberia, The Relief Drive delivered food indiscriminately. Though the project was on a small scale, it sent home the message that Liberians in ULAA have transformed their view of contribution to the situation at home through social programs rather than lip-service political activism. Indicatively, President Rashid intends to increase the volume of relief to the people and integrate this approach within ULAA 21st century Vision.

All things being considered, President Rashid has many difficult tasks to accomplish. One of the tasks is to interact with personalities and extreme views that bound her on every side.

Morris Koffa her trusted vice president bounds her on her right. He is an astute environmental activist.  "Mr. Environment" or the "Environmental Veep" as some call him has an undying love and concern for the environment of Liberia. He has a flexible personality. He advocates respect for the presidency as an institution and consistency in the strict policies of developing The Union. He's convinced as his boss, President Rashid, that The Union needs to be depoliticized to transform its dull reality.

The versatile chairman of the board of directors also bounds President Rashid on the left. Anthony V. Kesselly is a trained, seasoned and experienced political "activist" and a "constitutionalist." He has a strong personality. He strongly advocates constitutional consistency with a constructionist view. Chairman Kesselly heads a board of directors some of which are ideologues and ethnic extremists. Blessed with the opportunity and vision, he is challenged to gradually transform the Board into a more efficient instrument of broad based leadership on acceptance and tolerance to comfortably unite it with the national administration of Roberta Rashid's. This may be difficult, but Chairman Kesselly is equal to the task.

In essence, President Rashid's challenging situation demands weaving her nonpolitical, nonpartisan and humanistic views into intricate texture to be indelibly printed on the emblem of The Union to foretell its future. With the help of Veep Koffa and Chairman Kesselly, she can beat the odds and save ULAA from the scourge of ethnic and political prejudice. For the different kinds of views and personalities are like threads and each can be woven into intricate texture to represent the pillar on which ULAA can comfortably rest.

This will come with responsible attitude and personal resolve!

In the event President Rashid does not seek her own constitutional term of office in August 2004, the next president shall find ULAA more attractive then when she arrived. Personally, I wish Madam Rashid, Veep Koffa and Chairman Kesselly a good working relations and success in their endeavors.

The Union will live long and God will bless the work of President Roberta Patricia Rashid. He will strengthen her personal resolve to lead in these times of crisis and uncertainty!

Go Girl!

By: Thomas G. Bedell/Presidential Candidate, ULAA (99)