Reactions to my response

Someone posted my response on their blog and got the following 2 responses:

1-
Thank you for posting "the other side" of the issue. It was a breath of fresh air. I for one, after many years of living in West Africa, grow weary of being criticized for having a nice meal out, typically by a reporter who is only here for two weeks. I applaud the Sister's of Charity for their vow of poverty--but let's face it, most of us are not quite in their league. For those that leave behind the comforts of home to serve those who need it most -- and on a long term basis--is it really a crime to have some sushi in an air conditioned restaurant every now and then? If it is, then I think I need to go home...

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2-
As a foreigner who has lived, worked in Liberia for several years (from the war days on), I would say that the situation is very complex, although the writer of the original story did bring out some truths. He did NOT use any statistics in his claims, which may have backed some of his opinions or observations, and was biased in some ways. I find that SOME of today's journalists are not responsible in their writing - they fly in for a few days into a country they have never lived in and write something they feel is about a topic only they have opened....if you get what I mean. (even some that are living there write nonsense....)

Salaries for NGO workers vary greatly from very slim (even volunteer) to decent by western standards. The work can also be very gruelling and hours above and beyond what most people would want to work. It is the salaries for UN staff that are huge (beyond even what I expected), but the UN and some NGOs also pay very good salaries to Liberian staff at management levels. Many NGOs are mostly staffed by Liberians and there are local NGOs also only staffed by Liberians. I think he would also have to look into the yearly fees for all foreigners to live and work in Monrovia - which a VISITING journalist would not pay. Although NGO workers do not pay a work permit fee, all other foreigners are suppose to and everyone pays resident permit, if they are following the rules. ( A visa to enter the country is also high compared to other countries and must be paid each time you enter unless you get a re-entry permit which is also paid yearly and was 150 These fees are high, US dollars and yearly. A good question would be to
find out how much the government is receiving from these fees. Also, what of the amazing amount of Chinese citizens working in the country. Since many of them also do labor jobs, are they not taking jobs from Liberians? There was a time when they were selling cool-aid on the street - this is a job for locals only - no? Are they paying those fees also?

I would also look at the exploitation of Liberians by their own Liberians bosses. This is rampant. Some very wealthy Liberians are known for not even paying their workers or owe workers money for years on end. Some of those very people owe me money for work I performed but I have written it off! This topic is so complex and complicated and the NGO worker also brought up points the writer did not point out because today's journalists are not what they use to be. I have read many articles by western journalists about Liberia that are the same...no real substance and full of their own views, as if they are writing for their own blog.
Living in Liberia is not easy at all and I speak as someone who has not lived as a rich expat ever. I did eat at the first sushi bar once as a treat from a friend and I was excited and happy it existed, even if I could not afford to eat there. That hotel too has a long reputation of having the best restaurants in town and I am talking before Taylor, during Taylor, and after Taylor. The family that owns the hotel are very progressive. I think there are so much more important issues to talk about in Liberia and also stories that are not being written to encourage those positive things that are happening in Liberia and are not part of any expat community. Personally, many of my Liberian friends, educated and not, would be so grateful if I could help them get a job working for a foreigner or foreign organization, mainly because the pay is much better and they are paid on time. This is a reality in Liberia.....one of the many realities.
We could also talk of the huge influx of other Africans into Monrovia - they have swelled the city. Some jobs and businesses that were only done by Liberians before the UN came in are now almost exclusively done or owned by other Africans. The borders are very fluid. These are my observations over the years and the observations of the Liberians I work and LIVE with - but I am not writing a journalistic piece for a major paper - if I was......I would try to back up my observations by facts/stats and quotes from different sectors of society of Liberia - not just one or two people. My 2 cents!