In a message dated 1/28/01 10:40:51 AM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Anyway, below is the Petition letter I have put together, so let the "elders" on the Gambia-L decide whether we should go ahead with this. If there is a consensus, then let George Sarr put it up, with his usual computer wizardry ! Ebrima Ceesay >> ********************************** Ebrima, You are right, a consensus from the people is the American way, and a petition signed by those concerned is a good method to do it, so let us make sure we put our signatures on there people. However, I want to suggest that we send the petition not only to Johnny Ford, but to the organization that is putting together this event. We should get the email address of the organization and mailing address and send them the petition as well ( and I can mail it to them if i have the address). One good way to avoid sending a barrage of emails ( if people are opposed to this) can be to compile the signatures and then send one email with all signatures on if this is possible. I will let George Sarr tell us if this is possible. On the other hand, I know that American politicians are entirely used ot receiving thousands of emails from their consttuents expressing their opinion, and believe me they are used to this. Infact, all of them now have in place a service that will receive and respond to these emails, as well as compile it for them as it is a tool that tells them how their constituents feel about certain issues , and how they make sure their votes represent the opinions of their constituents. Any ploitician who ignores this is committing political suicide because email has become an easy medium for the people here to put in their two cents as opposed to writing a letter. Also, this way, representative Ford will not be innundated with emails nor will he have to be the one to explain it to the other members of his organization, and it will be something the entire body (at least the portion that is here in the U.S) will have to address this issue as a whole. Just a suggestion. Jabou Joh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------