In a message dated 7/13/2000 11:54:12 AM US Mountain Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << For a while now, I have stayed in the background reading numerous exchanges between various members of the Gambia-L on issues ranging from identity theft, to monetary theft, to accusing people of only caring when their relatives are touched by Yahya. While it is true that some of these issues are very relevant and do need our BRIEF attention, there is such a thing as TOP PRIORITY. And I do believe that the majority of you would agree with me that for us at present that should be, THE RESTORING OF OUR BELOVED COUNTRY, the beautiful and sunny Gambia which was once full of smiling faces , thus nicknamed "The Smiling Coast", TO DEMOCRATIC RULE WITH VERY LIMITTED NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS. >> Siga: On your above quote, while in some case they do not deserve to get attacked mercilessly, they have given us much insight into the corrupt inner workings of the regime. Their interaction with us provides us with ammunition to address certain issues. And, consequently, we can write about these issues. To add, my personal opinion is that the damage that has been done to our country during the 4 year rule is irreversible. Years from now, the rule of this regime plus the human rights violations that have been carried out will be looked back upon as an indelible stain on the history of The Gambia. I pray to God that more dame is not done, though I am quite pessimistic about this. Nevertheless, I do agree with the general gist of your piece. That's all for now. Have to get back to my AOL Canada project! :) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------