Dave,
Thanks for your opinion, but this is a mere appeal for help. If Halifa and
Co get in trouble and request help, I'll be more than happy to do what I
can. I've stated very clearly why the Independent -a business paper, needs
support. If you cannot afford to give any, that's fine. But, please don't
turn this into another cat fight. These journalists are being unfairly
persecuted. The last thing they or I need, is a distraction from their
plight. The role they're playing (of course together with others,) is
obvious. But, you're perfectly entitled to your opinion as someone always
making noise about "sacrifice." Allow me mine.
Just for the record: I've not put any newspaper down. I've said consistently
and OPENLY that I have a problem with Halifa's behavior since the coup.
There's a world of difference between that view, and the spin you're putting
on it. Please try to understand what someone has written before jumping at
them.
And finally, what hidden agenda do you see here? When Halifa and co were
arrested and charged by the AFPRC junta in '94, I was one of the first
Gambians to sign the petition, (and urge many others to follow suit,)
demanding their release. There were many noise makers who were afraid to do
that. Don't ask me why. But, I would have gladly given the little I had if
it ever came to that. So, why don't YOU set aside YOUR prejudice, and look
at the real issue here, instead of engaging in this type of cynicism.
Saul.
>From: Dave Manneh <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Pres. Jammeh V. The Independent Newspaper
>Date: Thu, 30 Dec 1999 15:45:55 +0000
>
>Mr Khan,
> A honourable gesture to say the least on your part, but if The
>Independent
>is a
>profit making organisation (which am with the notion they are), then am
>afraid
>I won't be parting with my meagre university grant for their sake, even
>though
>am
>one of the people "always making noise about "sacrifice" back home.
>
>If on the other hand they are a non-profit making 'means & tools' for the
>masses,
>then I will not hesitate to join you in sending them a penny, a pound or
>whatever
>I can afford.
>
>They might exemplify "sacrifice" back home, but so is PDOIS and a
>countless
>other papers/organisations.
>"These very gallant fighters: Babagalleh Jallow, Yorro Jallow, Mr. Daffeh,
>Mr. J. Wally, and the country's best reporter (my opinion) Demba Jawo"
>They are as gallant fighters as any of the journalists back in The Gambia.
>In my
>
>personal opinion they do not get any more gallant than Halifa and his
>outfit at
>PDOIS.
>Remember Halifa is one of the few journalist/sociologist who laid down the
>foundation for bringing the governments to task, at great personal risks!
>
>From my observations( I must emphasize here, this is just my humble
>personal
>opinion),
>you tend to put down one paper/organisation and all that they've done and
>continue
>to do/stand for, yet heap praise on another. This, some may conclude is
>prejudicial and
>hypocritical. I apologize in in advance, if my observations are unfounded
>from
>your
>own point of view.
>
>Your epithets like "In my judgement, they're the most independent, and
>upfront
>newspaper in the Gambia today. They make no apologies when it comes to
>telling it like it is" has made me think twice about this posting of your'
>s is
>there a
>hidden agenda here, Mr Khan?
>
>Treat everyone/every party with equal respect, be even handed, Mr Khan!!
>
>Do not take this as a personal attack, this is just my humble observation.
>
>Sure, "they deserve our support" just as any other paper, they all do
>honourable
>
>jobs back home!!
>
>All the best
>Mr Manneh
>
>
>
>
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