Comrades: My recent endorsement of NCP's acceptance of an olive branch from the APRC is by no means a surrender of my principles. My acceptance is based on reality and understanding that we have more at stake than meets the eye. We in NCP are interested in national development, and if called by the government to duty, we will accept will the full understanding that there are more inconsistencies that we will proudly appeal the APRC to correct. The opposition in our belief has a vital role to play in the development of our country. I will not be a prisoner of thoughts in engaging the APRC/NCP. My acceptance of putting The Gambia first is conditional. I know this is a dangerous and calculated risk, but I am willing to give President Jammeh the benefit of the doubt. I am, however, concerned with the following things: 1. The continued imprisionment of Dumo, Lalo Jaiteh, and and company. 2. The continuous firing of Gambians in the civil service sector. 3. The detention of journalist Mr. MBye and continuous arrest of Gambians by the NIA and many other issues. I know clearly that some in the opposition will say then why are you endorsing this risky coalition? My approach is centralized political thought with a kinder and gentler approach. For development to take place, Gambians must have the freedom to express themselves. The legal system has to be fair and consistent. Laws that regulate human behavior determine how individuals interact and relate to the laws of the land. The Gambia's legal system needs to be based on code or civil laws and also nonleglistic orientations. These kinds of systems encourage experimentation and permition of exercise judgment. The executive branch should have no control on judicial interpretations. The level of economic and political developments affects every Gambian. For a viable and sustainable development to take place, the new APRC and NCP coalition must be willing to accept individual thought and tolerance. This I believe, is inclusive of the opposition. In this short narration, I am disclosing that I am willing to take a risk for a change in the operating style of leadership in The Gambia. Being part of the APRC/NCP coalition is by no means a surrender of my principles. While I endorse this marriage, I want to make it abundantly clear that I will use my independent judgment objectively in appealing for tolerance. This approach is a kinder and gentler political risk. Naphiyo, Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh Greensboro, NC/Kombo East Constituency -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>