Our dear Senators, We, a group of concerned citizens of the Republic of Liberia, having heard and read that you guys are thinking about or planning to establish what you call a “Senate Football Club” whose funding you want included in the National Budget, write to advise you to refrain from looking for ways that will cause you to waste public money, our money.
There is too much suffering in this country. School fees are high, and there are no signs that they will be reduced anytime soon. The prices of basic goods and services are unbearable for us the people. The prices of petroleum products such as gas, kerosene and fuel oil are up. The price of a bag of rice is killing us. What we are now paying for a half bag of some of the sub-standard rice on the market is what we used to pay for a full bag of the best of rice the market could offer just a few years ago. Can’t you feel?
Besides, infrastructure is nowhere. Even simple and short streets and roads around here are deplorable, with pot holes all over them. Millions of us the citizens sleep in continuous darkness. The government is unable to provide electricity for its people, and the prices of generators are things the citizens cannot even afford. Can’t you see? Can’t you feel?
In spite of all these problems, here you are talking about establishing a football team because, in your wisdom, it will help to foster unity? You see why many say you lack strategic priorities and citizen-oriented ideas? Is a Senate Football Team part of the answers to the numerous problems we face?
If it is about fostering unity in the counties, can’t the County League achieve that goal? Can’t the various community leagues and games played almost every month – in some cases, every week – serve that purpose? Are you just keen on finding ways to waste our money?
Soon, members of the House of Representative will start talking about forming their own football club, too. Then the Judiciary will follow, talking about establishing the Judiciary Football Club. Then the Executive Branch will also come in because it is not on the lawmakers or the judges that should have football clubs. But we cannot even rule out the possibility of all government ministries and agencies talking about forming their own football teams in addition to the Executive Football Club.
Look, the news about your wanting to form your own football team that should be funded by the people’s money annoys us, really. You want to fleece us? We are already paying you thousands of United States dollars every month, besides the gas slips and other allowances you get from us the people. Now, you want to establish a football team that we the people should sponsor, too? Why can’t you contribute to the funding by taking a few hundred of dollars from your huge salaries every month?
It is even more annoying when we consider the fact that our national team, the Lone star, lacks the necessary resources to help it occupy its rightful place in the football arena. You are interested in talking about funding a football team that will bear your name, instead of funding the Lone Star. What’s going on?
To conclude this letter, dear lawmakers, we, the group of citizens mentioned above, wish to tell you that this other “people-oriented idea” should not be pushed further, for we will resist it vehemently. As it is said, a hint to the wise is quite sufficient.
