Astrid, This is a very interesting perspective on The Gambian story. I hope to live to see the day when such a scenario becomes possible in The Gambia. That day ought to be a jubilee in our nation, because we would have come full circle. However, as painful as it is to admit, we as Gambians don't care enough about each other to risk our lives (for each other.) To the average Gambian, it's "no problem" unless trouble hits home! But, as long as it's someone else's relative, it's not worth sticking one's neck out for. I'll give you an example. Just a few weeks ago, a so-called "nice/decent" and "educated" Gambian had the nerve to call me and give me "advice" about Gambian politics. This fool told me among other things, that I need to stop criticizing this criminal govt because "they haven't done anything to you (me.") That I need to "concentrate on finding land back home, and developing it for investment purposes." And that "what happens there happens everywhere... etc, ect." Normally, I would interrupt such crap, and roast the person, but I let this fool finish his piece, and I calmly asked him if it would be ok for me to keep quiet when this govt arrests, and beat the crap out of HIS mom? Or torture HIS father? Or shoot down HIS brother? Or rape HIS sister? There was absolute silence at his end, because he wasn't expecting that line of questioning. Needless to say, our conversation had a sudden heart attack. He started apologizing. I said: "for what are you apologizing? I'm not offended at all by your 'advice.' I just want to make sure I understand what you're saying." I repeated my questions again. I didn't get any answers. Typical Gambian attitude! How can any nation that produces such "educated" people progress? Fifteen little kids get mowed down by this criminal regime, but "they haven't done anything to me" because no blood relative of mine was killed! Can you imagine that type of mentality? And as sad as it is, this person is in the majority. It just makes me wanna cry. Now you can understand why some of us get really upset. But don't worry, the next time around, I'll come as a Dane. There's just too much heart-ache in being Gambian... Saul. ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------