To the delight of ever dancing Liberians, he said he would reintroduce the US Dollar as legal tender, but printed a batch of useless notes breeding hyperinflation. He said he would give every child a computer, but the schools are without paid, qualified teachers, without water, lights or benches. He said he was the insurance for peace, but he has offered continued insecurity. He promised reconciliation, and opted for revenge, butchering opponents or driving the lucky ones out of the country. Instead of the prosperity, poverty is stamped.
Corruption is rife, more cancerous than at any time in Liberian history.
His involvement in Sierra Leone may be fattening his bank account, but the repercussions on the country, now isolated, are hurting. The list of failures and inadequacies is infinite. Although Taylor's fears indicate how vulnerable and worried he is at the polls, those bent on seeking public office in 2003 would do well to put integrity before desire by depriving Taylor all-vital players to play his futile game. The truth is that under the prevailing circumstances, jumping into a race with Mr. Taylor would be feeding with the much-needed oxygen of legitimacy that he needs. He needs players to play a game that he must win.