Here here
MOMODOU BUHARRY GASSAMA <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Hi!
The constellation of events during the past twenty fours on Gambia-l have truly been dramatic to say the least. The removal of Mboge, Manneh and Yus, Karamba and Kabir's voluntary signing off in protest and the protests by other Lers plus the threat of creating another list have definitely thrown Gambia-l into a state of crisis. Tempers are high and judgments and decisions made at this point might not be the best. I am therefore appealing to all concerned to take a deep breath, flex some muscles, have a coke and a smile and cool down. Gambia-l is a very important medium to all of us and even though our concerns are expressed in different ways, our ultimate concern is for the betterment of our country. That being the case, I think we should consider the actions we take now carefully. The absence of Mboge, Dave Manneh, Kabir, Karamba and Yus plus those others considering creating another list will negatively impact Gambia-l. I therefore appeal to list management to reconsider the decision to delist Mboge, Yus and Manneh. I also appeal to Karamba and Kabir to re-subscribe. After the crisis is contained, we can then look at the issues involved and try to work out a compromise that will be in the best interest of all. The issues here basically revolve around freedom of speech and where that freedom ends and others' rights begin. All the antagonists in this case have valid concerns and compromise is the way to go. Some want an unregulated forum where people can use any language they please whilst others take offence when abusive words are used. Both are within their rights to want their views to hold sway but as the situation is right now, coming to a compromise is the best that can happen. As stated above, let all the delistings - both voluntary and involuntary be rescinded first. We can then come up with suggestions as to how to make this list a pleasant place for both groups. I have a couple of suggestions in this regard.
1.. Since there seems to be a conflict over words and phrases that are deemed offensive and which when used result in removal from the list, I think we should compile a list of derogatory terms and phrases and/or define situations which warrant removal such as insulting one's relatives. In other words, a code of conduct should be created. That way, what is allowed and not becomes very clear. This code of conduct should come from suggestions sent in by list members including management.
2.. A committee should be formed to receive grievances and requests for removal based on violation of the codes of conduct. This committee should be composed of an uneven number of people (so that there wouldn't be deadlocks) with management included and having a single vote. The committee should be voted in for a fixed period. When a list member or management feel that a subscriber has violated the code, he or she complains to the list management who forward the complaint to the committee for discussion and a decision. The committee after discussion takes a vote with a simple majority winning the day. They then forward the decision to the management. If a subscriber is found to have violated the code, he/she should be warned if it is the first violation. He/she should then be informed that if the violation is repeated, he/she will be removed from the list. If the violation reoccurs and the committee decides again that the subscriber has violated the codes, he/she is removed.
These are two suggestions I can think of now. Maybe other members have other ideas to move Gambia-l forward and make it a better place. In the meantime, I appeal to management to reconsider the decision to remove Mboge, Manneh and Yus and appeal to Karamba and Kabir to reconsider their decision to unsubscribe. Follow not your hearts. Please let us reason. Thanks and have a good evening.
Buharry.
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