Buharry,

Because the reasonable man spends his time adapting himself to the world,
and the unreasonable man spends his time adapting the world to himself, it
is therefore believed that progress depends on the unreasonable man.

You could not have put this any better.  It is postings like this we must
all look forward to.

Keep on with your objectivity, because it is what people are interested in,
and not the unncessary name calling.


Best Regards,

Lekbi






                    MOMODOU BUHARRY
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                    Sent by: The Gambia           Subject:     Re: To Those Who Profess Freedom
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                    02/14/02 11:44 AM
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Hi!

    I think it is misleading to say that all those who do not share an
uncompromising attitude towards the government are doing so because of
opportunism. I for one do not agree with an "everything or else" stance and
my stance is not based on any form of opportunism but rather on my
understanding of issues pertaining to our country. I recognise and accept
the presidency of Yaya Jammeh because in my opinion, the people have voted
for him for the next five years. I base this decision not on any
opportunism but on the following.

1. We have argued for democracy and empowerment of the people and when they
have voted, I accept their decision.

2. It is futile to argue about whether the process that led to Yaya
Jammeh's election is fair or not after the fact. Our leaders back home
chose to partake in elections that according to reports had some flaws.
They had every opportunity even at the eleventh hour to refuse to partake
in the elections to protest the irregularities but they didn't. They
participated and lost. To argue the legitimacy of the presidency of Yaya
Jammeh is a non-issue for me because we can argue until the sky turns red
but that would not change the facts on the ground.

3. I do not support a change of government brought about by violent means
because it tends to create a continuous cycle. I believe in a change of
government brought about through democratic means. The option open to the
opposition in my opinion is to study their mistakes in the past elections,
create strategies and mechanisms to fight another election in five years.

4. Given the fact that Yaya Jammeh is probably going to be there for the
next five years unless something drastic happens, I believe that different
approaches need to be used to ensure the best for our people. These can
range from the uncompromising to the compromising but it would be
counterproductive to have a single line and it would be nice if some can
choose a position that is not on a collision course without being labelled
opportunists.



The above are some of the reasons why I accept the presidency of Yaya
Jammeh. I chose my stance (which is not an everything or else one) on this
issue and other issues which affect our country and upon which I shall
dilate should the need arise, based on pragmatism and not opportunism. It
is therefore wrong and misleading to brand ALL who call for dialogue as
opportunists. Thanks.

Buharry.

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