I am Mr.Quamellen M. George,a sociology major at the Cuttington University.The statement by Minister Woods is not surprising.I want to let the minister know that the increased armed robbery is dued to the strains those who are involved are faced with.He is backing the Liberian government.According to sociology, when ever the living conditions of the people deteriorate, it poses seroius theat to the nation involved.According to the Strain Theory,when the social order for proper behavior that calls for the achievement of success become difficult for some elements of society, the have nots, the high school dropouts,or the most vulnerable ones stand to withdraw from society in self defense.By this, they start to commit crimes as a means for survival.Most importantly, the downsizing and rightsizing also brought serious social problems to the nation.There was no institution to absorb those down sized at the time.So, Minister Woods is in a defensive position for the Liberian Government.However, I do not support the acts of criminal gangs;I want a more scientific approach to the matter, instead of political assertions.

Hi All

From the argument made that unemployment is the chief factor of arm robbery in the country. I disagreed with that, because we as Liberian need to put the entire factor to context yes its part of the problem but not the key factor. Because, president Taylor legalise looting, as means of survivor as commanded of the rebel fighter. I believed one need to put the entire factor to context, before amalgamation, to some kind of conclusion.

I believed this government need a very good public relation officer, (PRO) to show case, the real issues inherited by them, and try to inform the Liberian people how they have solved some the inherent problem, because, Liberian are ignore ring to most of thing happening now and before in Liberia, so government need to invest in creating awareness among Liberians to show case the difference has been made, since they take over from Taylor.

The legacy of Taylor reckless behaviours in Liberia will live long, till government create suitable awareness on issues it brought.

Liberia is lovely nation, but long legacy of misinformation has created unnecessary hate among his people, and all of this need to change, and change for good. To do this need policies to tackle the century problems base on corruptions, injustices, mismanagement, and exclusion of main strain of the population. This history of the nation needs to change to good. Thanks.

Samuka Dolley.

Bravo Minister Woods. People who are very naive will always give credence and or excuse for individuals who continue to commit heinous crimes against the people. What a menance this is. The best person in life is the one who uses his mind,hands and infact his total being positively to improve himself, the community and the world at large. Liberians will have to abandon the pseudo-politicing and get to work to development themselves and the country as a whole. Enough is enough, the saviour -Ellen Sirleaf with her able body of staff- is in control. Who else do you want? Another one from space? No she is the one we elected and we have criminals. Leave her to tranform the country into that she long since preached about and majority of us embraced and elected her for. Finally, Minister Woods, harsh crime must be handled with harsh rule. Liberia needs a military tribunal to try every arm robbery speedily.

I agree with the second individual comment. It is extremely difficult to reside in a country were criminals are given the chance to harass people. Those that do not have jobs, are all of them harassing people at night at home and in the streets? NO. Then find something to do, look at the rice issue the world is having today. Unemploy able body men, get together with a plan, proposal for help and join hands in rebuilding our reach soil that we have.Or some program that will enable them even without skills to have something to engage themselves into. But they have to be willing to reach out for help. How do you think other countries citizens in need do it? We have to have that will power to believe in ourselves, then we will be help.Sitting and stealing from people will not take them no where. The laws need to be harsh on these crazy folks , and show them criminals are treated in a certain way globally. Its not a joke to have to live in fear and by the way always in fear of some fool.

I beg to differ with Mr. George regarding his comment on the spate of armed robberies in Liberia. If all the unemployed people ( 75% + ) in Liberia were to resort to armed robbery, the result will be even worse than what we hsve been through in the past. We should not in any way condone any act of terrorism and blame it on unemployment. we should stop blaming goverment for all the unemployment in the country which dates back to the 1980's. What we should rather be concentrating on is how to create an enabling enviroment for our law enforcement agencies to tackle this menance in our society. Goverment should enact tough laws as a detterence so peaceful and hardworking Liberians and foreign residents in our country can live in peace.