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A Second Thought on Felmausa:
Power struggle within the Federation of Liberian Mandingo in the U.S.A
(FELMAUSA) By: Sekou Kenneh-Opinion Leader MN September 09,2009  This
issue has been talked about by many in so many ways in our community.So I deem it necessary to take a second look at the mother Organization, (FELMAUSA). As curious as I was to get to the button of the "so-called power struggle," I was astonished to learn that there are some elements in the Organization (FELMAUSA) with a hidden agenda, and they are masquerading to be die-hard Felmausaians or community activists. It is almost an open secret that such people are only trying to manipulate everyone else in order to use the Organization as a preparation ground for their so-called "POLITICAL RESUME". Sadly, we know and hold some of these brothers in high esteem, but we had no idea that their only interest was to add up to their existing chorological resumes without any achievement. These elements reluctantly talk about issues affecting our community because of what they call "this is too sensitive and I don't want to damage my political future." What political future do you envision when you are lacking the honesty and self esteem to protect or govern your own community? What have you done for your community? Or when will you speak out in defense, or against the ills of community? Better yet, what are your track records and who are your references? I believe only our people (the MANDINGO COMMUNITY) will be able to help you answer these questions if only, you are honest, efficient and productive as a community Leader. Ladies and gentlemen, we need to transform our academic superiority or supremacy contest with efficiency, productivity and community empowerment. I find it very mind baffling to know that the Mandingo community has more educated people today than anytime in our history. Yet, we are more divided and less capable today than anytime as well. We must prove our education by promoting constructive dialogue and unity within our community at all time. Let us learn to produce and not to destroy. More importantly, we must be conscientious community builders, and not RESUME builders. Remember that resumes get build as we continue to make positive and meaningful contributions in our community. Although, I don't believe in the slogan that "practice makes perfect ".But I do believe that perfect practice makes perfect." These RESUME builders think that shying away from the so-called "sensitive issues" affecting our community is a good practice that will build a perfect political foundation for them. I think engaging in the so-called 'sensitive issues" of one's community is a better or perfect way to build one's RESUME. What we need to realize is that, our inefficiency and failure to protect or help our community is an automatic failure for our political future. Logically, to be a successful politician you must have at least 80 to 99% if not 100% support of your base. Our community is our base. Therefore, it is imperative for us to be able to adequately illustrate an acceptable attitude with some impressive leadership qualities as community leaders. Remember the diversity of our country, Liberia. It comprises of sixteen (16) ethnic groups with different backgrounds or culture. If we are unable to positively co-exist as one ethnic group, how possible is it for us to handle a key leadership position of a country where we will have to deal with fifteen (15) other ethnic groups? In my view, the success of our political future depends on how we play politics among ourselves. We will have a viable and sustainable political future only if we prioritized the political future of our community over our selfish interest. RECOMMENDATIONS: First, we need some provisional amendments of the Felmausa Constitution. (1) I suggest that the Presidency be reduced to Chairmanship. I think that will minimize the ambiguity of people who want to be called "Mr. President". (2) The minimum education requirement to be qualified for any key position must be a high school graduate, which will enable every member to have their moment to offer their expertise to the community. Our degree holders haven't done much of a difference, because some of them continue to put their political interests over our community interests. (3) All chapter presidents with the minimum qualification (High School Diploma) must be qualified to run for the Chairmanship of FELMAUSA. (4) And finally, the Board of directors must be dissolved and all presidents and vice presidents of the chapters must be members and chairpersons of the various committees to run the affairs of the Organization(FEMAUSA). The general idea for the Board of directors was for all chapters to be represented in the decision making process of FELMAUSA, but that has not been the case. Sekou Kenneh Opinion Leader MN "God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please -you can never have both". RALPH WALDO EMERSON. Contact the writer at kennehsekou@yahoo.com or 612-207-8017 |
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