May 18 Ellen Johnson Surleaf Speaks

African politics is one of my interests, I've been involved in it. Tonight the president of Liberia speaks, Ellen Johnson Surleaf. On the West Coast of Africa, the last 25 years of Liberian history has a deep circle of hell, much darker than Conrad could ever imagine. Warlord Charles Taylor, who escaped from prison in the US where he was detained for fraud, led a civil war in the 80's and 90's, ultimately becoming president. He specialized in creating armies of drug fueled child soldiers in Liberia and later Sierra Leone. He had no ideology other than personal enrichment driven by exploiting the tropical hardwoods, minerals and diamonds there. As a result, he is awaiting trial for crimes against humanity in the World Court. After Taylor left the country, Surleaf was elected the first woman head of state in Africa. Her vision for healing the country should be fascinating. Perhaps some clues may be found in these interviews. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 7PM sold out www.worldoregon.org