Dear Comrades: Please be rest assured that we are fighting the same battle. It is fruitful that we emerge in deferring views as to how we intend to solve the problems of our country. I welcome criticisms and actually must admit that they are beneficial in my political development. I hope the same sentiment goes for you too. By position on tribalism as a crime is rooted in my belief that we are one Gambia and tribalism has no place in politics. I vividly remember when I used to be called a Serere kid because of my mother's linkage. It was tormenting as a child, but as I grew older I was always eager to go fishing with my Serere nephews in Perang Berending. As I look back, I remember village folks living together, intermarrying and relying on each other for support. I wonder, why then does one have to advocate tribal sentiments? The Gambia can only be The Gambia of yesterday if we are willing to work with each other for the interest of our country. My position in passing a law that makes tribalism a crime must be evaluated in its entirety. No Gambian should be discriminated based on tribe, political affiliation, religious indoctrination or educational status. We must make laws that ban tribalism in our society. This is the only way forward in eradicating an evil sin. If Mr. Manneh felt that I accused him of tribalism, may I extend my sincere apologies to him. My position is that he should not have enumerated Gambians by tribe in different polling stations of Niani Constituency. I am of the opinion that the UDP should have engaged us on the L to clarify inconsistencies of events on the Touray issue. We are getting news from third parties, and the saddest thing above all is that Kebba Jobe came up with this news. Do we first have to hear negative news coming out of the enemy camp? The UDP has a moral obligation in informing the public. I also want to let you know that I am not defending Hon. Touray. My position is that the UDP leadership acted improperly in expelling him. This is the worst time that we can engage in disarray. Another concern is that the indemnity law passed by the legislature will be null and void if the opposition wins the presidential election. Why jeopardize the growth of the opposition? Who was first approached on Touray's expulsion strategy? Was it initiated by the UDP leadership? I hope when we meet on Memorial Day festivities, we can clarify some issues. My position as a moderate and a willingness to restrain from calculated risk may be opposed by some. I am convinced that with differing views we will be able to educate each other. Naphiyo, Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------