Jabou:
Well said! The debates and sometimes insults we engaged in provided the
basis/fodder for the current initiatives on and by the L. I pray the
debates continue. All members of the Bantaba and especially you, must
be commended for the leadership you provide and the incisive comments
you bring to the issues. Geso is an excellent Organization that must be
supported by all of us. In the "summary of proposals and strategies",
Geso among others, is identified as a founder Organization in our
community. The summary I posted earlier, is truly a reflection of
community effort as evidenced by the contributions from you, Ndey
Jobarteh, Saiks Samateh, Katim Touray, Alpha Robinson, Musa Jeng,
Veronic Njie, William Njie, Ebrima Ceesay, Bakary Sonko, Ylva Herlund,
Cherno Jallow, Bamba Laye, Saul Khan, Ousman Bojang, Habib Ghanim,
Malanding Jaiteh and many others too numerous to name. Matarr Njie also
wrote me privately, accusing me of trying to "restore Jawara" and for
not being sincere, even if my posting sounded sincere. While we can not
change the past, we can shape the present and influence the future. We
can all make a difference and are making a difference. Thanks, and may
God strengthen us all. And for those of you in the U.S. HAPPY
THANKSGIVING(TURKEY) DAY!
Cheers!
Abdoulaye
Jabou Joh wrote:
>
> G-L community,
>
> l could not help but notice that many, not all, who wrote to commend the
> initiative by Dr Abdoulaye Saine to find common ground towards positive
> contributions to the betterment of our country, also interjected some
> criticism of what they term " the rhetoric on the L", and how tired of it
> they were, or how they ignored it etc, etc. With all due respect, l have to
> point out that it is this so called "rhetoric" that inspired the very
> discussion towards healing that they are praising. l totally agree that mere
> rhetoric is fruitless, and the discussions that have taken place here over
> the last several months is much more than just so-called rhetoric.For this
> reason, l will not be among those who view these discussions that have ensued
> on this list regarding the state of our nation as just mere rhetoric.Rather,
> information, both positive and negative regarding the things that are
> shaping our nation were provided and discussed, and opinions given. This is
> healthy debate that has translated into an awareness of the problems we face
> as a nation, whether inflicted by individuals or the present administration
> in place at home. Due to this very exchange so blindly termed "rhetoric",
> those amongst us with a keen eye for analysis, as well as what l call " a
> natural knack for diplomacy" came forward to offer an analysis of the views
> expressed and the problems identified, as well as to suggest strategies for
> gaining a common ground, and for moving our nation forward. One of the
> individuals, and the first to be identified under the category of providing
> an analysis of the discussions and views expressed on the L, and offering a
> strategy for possible solutions, is Dr Abdoulaye Saine. l want to point out
> to those who tend to label everything as "rhetoric" and give an impression of
> being above this rhetoric, that this new movement towards building a bridge
> towards change, and which all have embraced and praised, is a result of the
> analysis of the views and information provided by the so-called "rhetoric"
> speakers by Dr Saine's keen eye. Any downplay, dismissal or lack of
> recognition of that fact lends an air of dishonesty to the voice of those who
> express it.
> Therefore, l remind all my fellow Gambians, that in order for us to move
> forward as a nation, we must not only try to focus on actions rather than
> mere words, but we must also be honest in recognizing the truth, and giving
> credit wherever that credit is due.Anything short of this will tend to be
> seen as a sort of self agrandizement, and will consequently lesson or
> undermine the credibility of the contributor no matter how impressive.
> To continue on the issue of engaging in actions rather than mere words, and
> giving credit where it is due, GESO is an organization that was born from
> discussions on this L regarding the state of our educational institutions at
> home. From discussion, we moved forward to identify possible solutions and to
> invite those who wanted to put their money where their mouth is, to join the
> organization, and to start by sending in their monthly dues.Many people have
> come forward, including chapters in Norway, Denmark, U.K, The Gambia, and
> here in North America. This past month, we sponsored our first four high
> school students. We have posted the GESO document to this list several times,
> so that at least the majority of the members of this list have seen it, and
> are familiar with the organization's goals, among which are the sending of
> computers and other educational aids to The Gambia, and serving as a resource
> for our schools back home. Here is what l think is a worthy organization that
> can provide an avenue for going beyond mere criticism to action.
> However, as many notices as we have sent out on the L regarding GESO, and as
> mauch commentary as we have witnessed that pertains to action rather than
> words, very few people have joined this organization to put their money, time
> and energy to make a difference. Therefore, l am throwing out a challenge to
> those who are ready to move beyond rhetoric, to please join GESO, so we can
> do something, right here, right now, while we are working on setting the
> agenda for even greater achievements for our country.
>
> Meanwhile, let us keep in mind that it is criticism and discussion that
> inspired us towards the formation of this organization, and it is continued
> discussion and yes, criticism that has to continue in any society and nation,
> to make sure that the machinery of government tends to the business of the
> people. In short, for effective meeting of ideas, building of bridges, and
> the harnessing of individual contributions that result in good governance to
> benefit all, l hope we never come to a point where constructive criticism and
> the expression of our opinions are not just dismissed as mere "rhetoric" Let
> us make efforts to move forward by organization , action but by all means
> honesty as well.
>
> Jabou Joh
>
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