If one were to pour water into a glass until it reaches the middle and asked what do you see, there are two possible perspectives. Some may see the glass as “half full”, while others may see it as “half empty.” Obviously both perspectives are different and philosophically, both perspectives are true. However, there is a common analysis usually given to both perspectives. Some have stated that the “half empty” perspective is pessimistic, because of its emphasis on the emptiness of the glass, whereas the “half full” view is optimistic in that it focuses on the fullness of the glass.

This analogy can also be related to post war Liberia. Having gone through years of civil strife and with life slowly returning to normalcy, different views seem to be emerging among contemporary writers of the Liberian experience. As I have interacted and talked with many Liberians, two perspectives seem to be emerging from our interactions. Some Liberians see the new Liberia as a glass “half empty” while others see it as “half full”. The former view is for the most part critical of events unfolding in Liberia. The emphasis is placed on things that are not going right. According to this view, nothing positive seems to be happening in Liberia. It is mostly a gloom and doom situation. The emphasis is mostly on the negative events unfolding in Liberia. The latter view on the other hand recognizes the challenges facing Liberia and is optimistic of events unfolding in Liberia. This view foresees a Liberia full of potential that will be a major force to reckon with in Africa. This view is not oblivious to the issues facing Liberia. It recognizes the difficult situations facing Liberians such as high unemployment, security, corruption, etc. But instead of dwelling on the negative, the “half full” view sees the immense potential Liberia has. It is also important to realize that the proponents of both views have reasons as to why they see Liberia differently.

As an observer of the “new Liberia” I have for the most part seen Liberia as “half full” though there were times when I found myself in the “half empty” corner. Few days ago, I came across an article in Time magazine. This article was really an eye opener for me and gave me the encouragement to see Liberia as “half full”. A country full of potential despite the challenges and difficulties it is faced with.

In the January 21st 2008 issue of the magazine, an analysis was done on the continent of Africa. Actually the authors of the article were reporting on the events in Kenya and on pages 44 and 45 decided to give a microscopic perspective of Africa. The continent was evaluated in five categories: economy, government effectiveness, political stability, control of corruption, and rule of law. Ten countries were ranked in each category. Liberia appeared in all of the categories and some interesting facts were gathered.

In the category of economics, Liberia had a GDP per person of $900.00. She was ahead of the D.R. Congo and $300.00 and $600.00 less that Kenya and Nigeria respectively. It is fascinating that a country like Liberia just recovering from civil war can be just a few hundred dollars behind those regarded on the continent as economic powerhouses. There is hope.

In the other four categories, the percentages were given based on a global evaluation. In the area of government effectiveness, the scale ranged from less to more on a continuum. Liberia had a 6.6% government effectiveness rate. What this means is that only 6% of countries worldwide have less effective government than Liberia. Again considering where we came from, we can see the glass “half full.” In the area of political stability, Liberia pulled in a 12.5% politically stable rate meaning only less than 12% of countries in the world are less politically stable than Liberia. It is interesting to note that in this category, and according to this ranking, Liberia is more politically stable than Nigeria. Nigeria had a 3.8% politically stable rate. Who would have thought that Liberia was more stable than Nigeria considering just a few years ago our citizens were battling it out in the streets and we needed Nigerian peacekeepers to help us. In the area of controlling corruption, Liberia fared very well. She was ranked at 20.4% meaning that control of corruption in Liberia is better than in 20% of countries in the world. Another fascinating fact emerged. In this category, Liberia was better than Nigeria at 5.8%, Kenya at 16%, and Angola at 8.7%. I need not say more. The light is beginning to shine and show us that all is not bad in Liberia, as some would have us see.

In the final category, rule of law, Liberia was ranked at 11%. She performed well over Nigeria and Angola. In the world, only 89% of countries have respect for the rule of law than Liberia. This is an achievement considering a few years ago in Liberia when the law of the jungle reigned.

What then does all this say about Liberia? What’s the point? It is important for us as Liberians and admirers of Liberia to realize that “Rome was not built in a day’s time.” All of us have expectations for things to move fast in Liberia. Despite our unhappiness with the high unemployment rate, cronyism being practiced in certain quarters, the inability of the government to adequately tackle corruption, armed robbers terrorizing our people, and certain officials being paid ridiculous fees for sitting on boards, etc., we need to realize that the glass is not “half empty”, but “half full.” Liberia has immense potential to grow and become an economic powerhouse in Africa. Considering our emergence from years of civil war that literally decimated the country and took us back dozens of years, Liberia is doing well. There is nothing wrong with being critical about events back home. Let us continue to engage the government and speak out, but we need to equally realize that a lot has been accomplished in just a few years.

It is interesting that the caption of the analysis in Time was optimistic. It was titled: Mixed Picture. Amid widespread poverty and corruption, a few bright spots. It is interesting that the authors can realize that Liberia is a bright spot when some of us do not see it. Indeed Liberia is a bright spot on a continent struggling to find its place in the community of civilized nations. Do we have problems? Yes. Can we become brighter? Sure. This will take the collective efforts of us all as we constructively engage our fellow Liberians and government. Indeed the glass in Liberia is not “half empty”, but “half full”. With the efforts of all well meaning Liberians, the glass would one day be completely full.

Blessings be upon us and may the Almighty help us along this journey.

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About the author: Rev. Wilfred Manyango lives in Mesquite, TX, a suburb of Dallas where he serves as a minister and community college administrator. He can be reached at wilfredmanyango@hotmail.com

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