Kalilu, I have said before that, it is premature to start discussing the security of ex-president jawara in the country. The question to be answered is whether he will be allowed to return. And I have no qualms about his abilities and capabilities at all. The problem I have with him and many others is, the delusion that he and only he can look after our welfare. I also find it very difficult to understand why our so-called "younger" veterans of Gambian politics in the opposition still believe that without him they are finished. Are they not capable of handling the APRC based on their record? You may oppose this government to any extent you wish, but do not assume that others who support them have guns pointed to their heads. Some of us support them particularly for the path they have carved for the country in terms of putting in place the necessary tools for national development and our emancipation. For us to develop, we need peace, stability, justice, good health and a big investment in our human resources. All these cannot happen while people are hungry, sick and ignorant. The amount of political awareness among Gambians is now very high and is still increasing. This is very healthy, as it will equip us better to deal with many of the issues that have divided Africans for so long and forcing them to resort to wars. We can do without that. Even though I support this government, I am not blind to some of their excesses. However, the way to curb these is not through constant bickering and the incitement of people's passions. I believe that is very dangerous. You, yourself, acknowledged that the voice of reason and compassion can win over the hearts and by extension the minds of people. I couldn't have agreed with you more on that. What I find unacceptable is the stark contrast you seem to be painting between the Jawara and Jammeh camps. If your believe in the ability of the former president to restore sanity to our society is based on such a contrast, then it is reasonable to assume that you are of the opinion that the present oppsoition lacks those qualities and are therefore not any different from the Jammeh camp. In other words you seem to be telling us that the present opposition seriously lack the compasiion and love, qualities that are glaringly obvious in former president Jawara. In that case they are no different from the ruling party and are therefore no alternative to them. Have a good day, Gassa. >From: kalilu camara <[log in to unmask]> >Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list ><[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Re: Jawara Founding Father of Gambian Independence >Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001 06:19:17 +0000 > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------