Alpha,

I'm surprise you seem to have contempt for African intellectuals in the West
producing tons of "academic" junk. Some of this "junk" actually is very
productive material. Try reading some of this "junk," it might wisen you up!
Besides, many of these emigrant intellectuals left Africa not b/c they want
to, but b/c they have to. Take the Gambia for instance. Korro Ceesay is as
sharp as anyone, and he also could have stayed in Australia or gone to any
Western country and gain meaningful employment. Instead, he believed in the
puff that is put out by the powers that be, and look where he is.

But on a daily basis, how can any self-respecting "intellectual" continue to
degrade him/herself by following orders from people whose only claim to
being the "boss" is the barrel of the gun. Any criticism , however
well-intended is seen as a "threat." That remains the order of the day in
the Gambia, and indeed in many African countries. So, what does a man of
letters do? Shut up and follow stupid orders just to keep his job? Suggest
better ways of doing things, and be fired for being a "threat?" Criticize,
and be fired or murdered w/o consequences? The so-called leaders keep
telling everyone to sacrifice/improvise while they're wallowing in the good
life ...globe trotting and all.  So what is unpatriotic about decent
"intellectuals" leaving such countries to give their families a shot at
decent living? Please tell me this, Alpha!

I've made clear in my exchanges w/ Mr Sallah that I'm not trying to take
anything away from him. But, unlike you, I see Halifa as being far from
perfect. He has defended a constitution that leaves a lot to be desired. He
has given a version of the Korro Ceesay affair that is at the very least
-laughable. And he continues to exonerate some of Yaya Jammeh's excesses by
making irrelevant comparisons w/ the PPP regime. Are these mere allegations?
That's what I'm waiting for Halifa to tell me until you showed up. If you
follow Halifa's politics like I do, you'll know these things. What is rude
about I or any Gambian for that matter raising these issues? But more
importantly, what is patriotic about Halifa engaging in any of these if
they're true? Why would you assume that I, or the other people raising these
issues are only trying to sully the image of this man? Maybe Mr Sallah has
the best of intentions for the Gambia, but just remember this line from some
wise man I cannot name: "THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS!" As
I Gambian, it don't think it's too much to ask that Halifa clarify his
stance on all these issues.

I'm not a politician, but I've always been political. Halifa has been both
for a long time. He has challenged everyone to scrutinize him as a potential
National leader. I intend to do just that! If he cannot answer the issues
raised on this forum, that would say more about him than it would about any
of us doing the questioning. And those questions will keep coming whether
YOU or anybody else likes it or not.

So Alpha, CHILL! Instead of engaging in this petty personal vendetta, why
don't you let Halifa answer the questions first. This is not your personal
forum. It's supposed to be about the Gambia, so let's keep it that way.
Because you're used to people kissing up to you doesn't mean that everyone
will do that. I'd rather be run over by a car! I have no apologies for
raising any of the issues I've asked Mr Sallah. I believe all these to be
relevant to understanding the Gambia's body politic. I have given Mr Sallah
credit for what he has tried to do in the Gambia, but I'll be damn if you
think I'll back off b/c people like yourself don't like what I'm asking.

In your piece, you keep using the plural "we."  Who are these "we" you're
speaking for. Gambians? I'm Gambian, and you don't speak for me! So, speak
for yourself -Alpha! It is such pretences -which is nothing but plain
HYPOCRISY that has destroyed us as a people! If you don't find anything
wrong w/ Halifa's behavior since '94, that's your prerogative, but don't
tell me I don't have the right to ask these questions.

But, for lack of time, let me summarize my stance: I'll continue to
contribute my quota to all issues relating to the Gambia. I will not shy
away from asking ANYONE questions that affect the Gambia, whether on this
forum, or somewhere else. If you have a problem with that, create your
private forum where you pay tribute to people you like. Because as long as
I'm on this forum, I'll continue to write at the behest of my conscience.
And I DON"T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THINKS OF ME. When I die,
I'll answer to a bigger judge. That judge's opinion is more important to me
than swallowing BULLSHIT b/c it comes from Alpha Robinson or anybody else.
So Alpha, you're entitled to your opinion, but don't detract Mr Sallah from
the issues raised. Your entire piece is nothing but a cheap shot!

HAVE A GOOD DAY!!!

Saul.



>From: alpha <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Attn. Saul Saidykhan
>Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 08:20:08 +0100
>
>Brother Sallah,
>
>After reading this mail of yours, I had to pause for a while and think.
>I think I can feel the dilemma you are in. I must say that I personally
>did not know that you were offered a ministerial post for a second time,
>and I thought I am to some extent informed. likewise I had to discover
>during your trial that PDOIS had challenged the P.P.P. Government before
>an international court on election irregularities and won, without
>making much noise about it or using it for political propaganda. These
>are examples of your way of dealing with the urgent task; do what needs
>to be done in the interest of the country without drumming on your chest
>or trumpeting your greatness.
>
>Honest human beings who know you will never doubt your integrity,
>sincerity, straightforwardness and the great sacrifices you have made
>your way of life. Sometimes, I feel that this world is not a place for
>people who are honest and just. The dilemma you seem to be faced with
>now is whether to continue doing the work of the people without blowing
>your trumpet loud or to clear the way once and for all, thereby
>inevitably trampling on certain people.
>
>Halifa, whatever you decide, be rest assured that there are many
>Gambians and non-Gambians who treasure your role in our history. Today,
>tomorrow and the day after, there will be Gambians who will do
>everything necessary to straighten the records. No one can throw sand
>into our eyes any longer. No one can turn us against you. My personal
>opinion at this very moment is to clear the way ONCE AND FOREVER in a
>document which will be kept for anyone who comes up later with baseless
>accusations to access, and ONLY after reading such a document come back
>to challenge your stand before and after the coup. That way, you can
>focus on the more important work of the people.
>
>Let me conclude by saying that I know you will not be comfortable with
>this kind of writing; I know you do not like to be praised, but allow me
>once to state before this Forum that I count myself among those Gambians
>you have always inspired to this very day. I had to get this out of my
>chest. To be honest, I was preparing a more detailed piece to deal with
>the rudeness, lack of respect and absolute lack of objectivity with
>which some members on this Forum continue to try to castigate you. How
>many of them are raising a finger to contribute to the enlightenment of
>our ordinary people? How many of them are ready to drink brown water
>from wells in the countryside to be in touch with our people? How many
>of them are ready to put their lives on the hook to defend our
>sovereignty and human rights, as you did in Jawara's time and after the
>coup, when the iron was really hot?
>
>Somehow, some people seem to think that by writing on Gambia-L the
>Gambia can be changed overnight. Those who bother to look beyond their
>noses will certainly know that the future of our country is primarily
>determined by what is happening on the ground. And anyone who is honest
>to accept simple truth knows that you could have easily found green
>pasture in the big cities of industrialized nations like most of us. For
>who in this Forum doubts your intellectual capacity? Maybe you would
>have been treated differently if you had pursued academic interests
>alone and become Professor, Dr. Halifa Sallah, riding black, shining
>Mercedes Benzes, wearing silk neckties and talking through the nose with
>arrogance, producing tons of academic "junk" which bears little
>relevance to our deplorable situation.
>
>May you be strengthened to continue doing the work of the people with
>perfection and vigilance. Let me make it clear that everything written
>here is my personal opinion. I satute you!
>
>Alpha Robinson
>
>
> >
> > Saul,
> >
> > Your last piece is quite interesting. Apparently, the article you wanted
> > FOROYAA to publish is one discouraging Jammeh from standing whilst
>promoting
> > the candidature of Sidia Jatta and Sheiif Dibba and taking over of the
> > country by PDOIS or NCP. Don't you think that we would have been
>classified
> > as opportunists by publishing such an article? In fact, that is what
>Charles
> > Taylor accused the MOJA elements in Liberia of. He went into the armed
> > struggle while some intellectual elements who were opposed to Doe were
> > sitting back waiting for him to succeed and then come and lead. Once he
> > succeeded, he decided to retain the booty. Don't you think that we would
> > have been accused of allowing Jammeh to do the dirty job only to reap
>the
> > benefits by taking over power after him? I sincerely believe that such
>an
> > article would have given the impression that PDOIS relied on the army to
>get
> > rid of Jawara so as to be able to come to power. I am glad that you have
> > transmitted what you wanted us to publish, and I can tell you that as
>far as
> > our editorial board is concerned such a letter would not have qualified
>to
> > be published because it would have meant some form of self promotion in
>a
> > media that was trying to be non-partisan at the time just to ensure that
>the
> > transition process reached its logical conclusion.
> >
> > Nothwithstanding, what I still cannot understand is the language you
> > directed against me. I was not a part of Jawara's government. I had been
> > offered a ministerial post when the AFPRC came to power, but rejected
>the
> > offer. When the elections I was again offered a ministerial post for a
> > second time and I rejected the offer.
> >
> > What have I gained to warrant anybody accusing me of masterminding
>anything?
> > I cannot be blamed for the excesses of Jawara and the PPP nor for the
> > excesses of Jammeh and the APRC. I simply cannot understand where the
> > hostile reaction is coming from, especially when you claim that you know
>me
> > personally.
> >
> > I am still reflecting on your last piece. I have to resolve my mind on
>the
> > approach I have to take. I intended to be extremely provocative but I am
> > wondering whether that is necessary after reading your last piece.
>Somehow I
> > feel that I have to clear the air once and for all by stepping on toes,
>of
> > course, which I dread. I do not think that we should live in the past,
>but
> > everywhere I turn to it seems to come back to hit me in the face. May be
>I
> > should disregard offending anyone and proceed to face it squarely. I
>will
> > decide by tomorrow morning on how I am to approach your contentions.
> > Whatever I decide to do should not be taken as personal.
> >
> > Have a good day.
> >
> > Halifa Sallah.
> >
> >
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> >
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> > Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
> >
> >
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