Saul,

l did not realize that you had decided that my being in America all these
years has disqualified me as a Gambian who is concerned about the welfare of
Gambia and Gambians, as well as to voice my support for politicians who in my
estimation have proven their competence and  integrity to be future leaders
who can make a positive difference  for our country, and also  to beg to
differ with your views  on this present issue. The  years l have spent in
America  seem to be a recurring theme  in your responses to any comments l
make, and yet, you have not boarded a plane back home yet, although l guess
you seem to think yourself more entitled to make remarks on Gambian politics
than myself.Is it  your conclusion then that l cannot possibley know what the
political issues facing our nation are, and what constitutes  positive change
in our country? That is bizare to say the least.l never realized when you
started sending me "instant messages"  whenever l was online, and asking me
questions regarding how long l had been in this country, and about other
aspects of my life, that you were saving it to use as ammunition towards me.
l rather thought that you were just another nice Gambian young man wanting to
chat  with me.

 l or anyone else do not need to explain the questions you are throwing at
Halifa,since it is obvious that Halifa  himself is doing a superb job of
that.Actually, as someone already mentioned, this has served as a golden
opportunity for me and others to gain an even better insight into what Halifa
and PDOIS stand for, and has strengthened my conviction that they are part
and parcel of everything that can move our country forward. But l can
understand your view on this since it is also obvious that no explanation is
going to suffice.

The personal attack allegation l made is well founded, and the way that you
and Cherne Baba pounce on anyone who so much as utters any remark that is
even remotely favourable towards Halifa  goes to reinforce this every time.It
is becoming quite apparent  that even though you say your motives are  to
critically assess  public  figures, you had already made up your minds and
any explanation given will not change  this, and this has already been
pointed out.While you are entitled to your pre-conceived  opinion, what
baffles me is  why you are hell-bent on making sure that no one utters any
opinion that is favourable to Halifa's position on these issues. Each time a
comment is made on this forum that is in line with your views on this issue,
not a word is said by either of you, but  even the hint of a differing
opinion sends you into a frenzy,   complete with rude  personal remarks
directed at the author, even as you try to make us believe that we are
dealing with unbiased and principled  people who are motivated only by what
is good for our country and people, and who are not into personal attacks or
agendas.As l said, as this debate continues,  it is undoubtedly giving all of
us a glimpse into much  more than only Mr Sallah's character.   The recurring
theme  of "shut up" and "don't confuse the debate" is  resonating on the
L.Could it be that you want to keep only  the same trend of thought emanating
from you on everyone else's  mind regarding this issue, in the hope that the
rest of us will somehow come to share  your opinions if none other is
expressed?. No chance of that my friends. What a strange reaction  for
someone with such lofty ideals.

Jabou Joh


Cherno,

 Thanks for this piece. I was going to give this woman a thorough dressing
 down, but she's not even worth it. Having been in America all these years,
 it's mind-boggling that she's questioning people's rights to critically
 assess public figures. Despite all this smokescreen she's putting out, she
 (like Alpha or Basiru Ndow,) is yet to explain any of the questions being
 thrown at Halifa. If they can do that, we'll all be better off. I'm waiting
 for Halifa to say something about the personal attack allegation bit she has
 thrown out at me.

 But, I appreciate your very succint synopsis of our position. Let them keep
 trying to confuse the debate.

 Saul.
  >>

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