Mr Njie wrote: >I personally hold the belief that regardless of which regime is running the >affairs of the country, Independence Day should be celebrated. "Independence" with more dependence should be designated as a day for nation-wide reflection as to the journey travelled so far and what the prospects hold for the future of the Gambia, rather than celebrating a mickey-mouse independence in which the role of external exploiters have been assumed by one of our own. 18 February of every year should be characterised by open and media debates, symposia and discussions about the socio-economic and political state of the country with a view getting the views of the common people on governance and development issues. The bureaucrats, their political masters and their machinery of suporters greatly look forward to the day because it affords them the opportunity to divert more of taxpayers resources to their own selfish ends. It is a massive expenditure opportunity for them and they even have a miscellaneous budget solely allocated for the occasion. No wonder, the great majority of Africans are suffering from malnuitrition, while those holding public trust are getting obese from living as parasites on our societies. While those who own the money continue to struggle for their next meal, those entrusted to manage our resources wallow in A-class food, champagne, speeches and deceit. What is there for the masses to celebrate? I say NOTHING. By hook or crook, the yoke of oppression must be shattered! Reflection day not celebration day! Beran and co. BMK _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> 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] <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>