Lamin,

I am a bit dissappointed by your reaction to Ngorr's piece. I believe he is giving credit to one Gambian who, in Ngorr's eyes, deserved commendation. Is there any Gambian whom you, from experience, wish to commend?

I don't think it fair to blame Chongan for the machinations of state and statehood as an instrument of government. I did note that you view him as accessory to the crimes of President Jawara and the PPP. How about trying the culprits "Jawara and the PPP" instead of all Gambians presumed guilty by association without evidence or a hint thereof. Try chongan for the crimes you know he committed or for crimes whose commission he could have prevented but failed to do so.

Frankly I was perturbed by your reaction. It gave me the feeling that Chongan was not worthy of commendation by anyone. Has Chongan killed or aided and abetted in the killing of anyone? Has he overtly or covertly participated in denying any one's civil liberties? I am not telling you off Lamin but I wanted to understand the reason for your disdain. Was it Ngorr or was it really Chongan, and why? When I read Ngorr's note, I understood it to be an expression of joy or thanks from one Gambian to another who has not killed, nor maimed, nor knowingly contributed to the torture or denial of innocent Gambians' civil liberties. There must be something I'm not aware of? I don't think an expression of joy or thanks by one citizen for another can be balanced. Of course it would be different if you had written to reprimand Chongan for the things you thought he did or didn't do and ask for an apology. Not disqualify Ngorr's expression of joy or thanks for Chongan. I urge you to reconsider your reaction or maybe help us better understand your meaning without blaming Chongan for states and their machinations. Are you alright?? You shocked me.. well a little. 

Have a nice weekend. I just think you have amplified the problem to a point where the solution is beyond your reach or anyone else's.