Responding to "Ethnic-Krahn Hater" 25 April 04 I am writing this in response to what an Isaac B. Rue wrote  (Ethnic Krahn Hater) concerning the use of the _expression "ethnic-Krahn". True, in all forms of journalism we should avoid misleading our readers and inciting others to hatred. In this case, however, I see no such thing; it is the sad fact Isaac, the very very sad fact. I do believe that you as a Liberian, and very sentimental as you are, do know of the atrocities that were committed by these various rebel groups. It pains us to know that, not Krahn nor Gio, but LIBERIANS were the ones slaughtering their fellow Liberians. When Taylor first came to Liberia with his rebel group, we all knew he had used the animosity the people of Nimba had against Doe and those from his county. The tribes that were mostly victims of killings by his group were the Krahn and the Mandingo. We all knew at the time Taylor's forces were dominated by that ethnic group. Now tell me, would it have been wrong for you to make that known to the world, that Taylor was using the Gio in his pursuit for power? That's what he did, and we all did say so one time or another; did that make us in any way a 'Gio hate monger'? It has been proven that the MODEL rebel group is dominated by those of the Krahn ehtnic group. I have very good friends that belong to that ethnic group. They do know that I do not begrudge them for what others did. It is only foolish to take your anger up on others when they are not the reason for which individuals do wrong. Is it Tom (Kamara)  to blame for those of the Krahn ethnic group taking up arms to kill others? Just to bring to your attention, there was an article appearing on BBC online June 10 of 2003 which mentioned the LURD group as being "dominated by members of the Mandingo ethnic group, who also formed most of the Ulimo-K faction"  and MODEL fighters being "mostly ethnic Krahns - again a flashback to the earlier civil war and the Ulimo-J faction."  What would you say of that? Were they wrong in there assertion? Were they, to quote you, "Krahn hate mongers"? One thing I gathered from your e-mail to Tom is your own mental attitude toward what happened and what is still happening in Liberia. I do understand your frustration over the name calling, but in this case it is not so; Tom is presenting a fact, a fact that we all know oh so well. You are definitely a peace loving Liberian. If the fact that members of the Krahn ethnic group is mentioned as being dominantly a part of a certain rebel group shamed you, then be shamed over the atrocities these ones have committed, as we all are, and not over the idea that they are Krahn; when it comes down to it all, they are all Liberians and that reflects on us all -- even the Tom himself. So what is the essence of your strong words on a fellow Liberian who is making you and the world aware of what is happening in Liberia? Isn't it time that we focus on things that brings out the good in us? Think about this Isaac, I know you would. Trokon T.