Joe, thanks once more. Nothing is wrong with questioning with the way things are going on back home especially with the opposition. This what will only contribute in enchancing democracy. I encourage STGDP to explore or means at getting the opposition to engage. Try identifying a mediator/s to talk them on a round table. I for one want to see this whole talk of opposition unity be concluded latest end of this year. After that, we can address parties or any alliance or alliances that may emerge by thier names when talking about issues relating to the opposition. Never should any false hope of any unity be carried into an election without concrete agreements. I commend you for your noble stand. Nyang --- On Thu, 4/22/10, Joe Sambou <[log in to unmask]> wrote: From: Joe Sambou <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Foroyaa Editorial: The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora To: [log in to unmask] Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 2:30 AM Nyang, thanks for your response and I equally noted your participation in matters common to Gambians. Nyang, the good thing is we are not talking about pre-historic events but stuff that happened and is happening as I write in the Gambia within the last 15 years. Who or what party has restrained Yaya? I wish that I can dream that but the reality is Yaya is murdering folks right under our eyes and not a muscle is twitching. They cannot because their grassroots are not equipped for such and Yaya knows that. That is a fact that none can dispute. Tyrants are forced to flee all over this world and the people did not have an army. We cannot dance around what Gambians are experiencing. Mobutu was also the commander in Chief, so did Amin and a host of other murderers, but were ran out. So, let me ask this question, the fact that Yaya is the Commander in Chief, do you suppose that we roll over and play dead from here on? If not that, should we resign to hoping that an invisible hand takes him away or we continue to suffer silently, because he will kill anything that stood when the people rise up. Nyang, you know very well that many are very frustrated with the pace of the opposition more than I am, however, they just chose to walk away and tend to other things in their life. It is ok to disagree and that is very healthy. What is not going to fly is when ever those on the outside comment on the opposition they see it a bashing. Are we here to just listen to them? What is wrong with disagreeing with the way things are handled on the ground? To the contrary, most Gambians are not reading Joe, but they are witnessing Yaya plucking any he wishes to and not a darn thing is happening. Seeing is believing and that is what is weakening the minds of Gambians, and not what Joe says that more than likely they will not read. If Yaya can pluck Femi, OJ, Halifa, Ousainou, etc., and nothing happens, what does that do to the average Joe at the corner watching? That is why even if Yaya spits folks clap in jubilation. What is wrong with reassessing the way the opposition parties relate to Yaya? The cornerstone of what STGDP stated was the unwillingness of the opposition leaders to even sit and discuss where they disagree, however, did you see that in the the punching bag volley from Foroyaa? Nyang, one must speak their mind and also allow others to do the same. I could have done like the majority of our people and mind my own business, but that is not Joe. One can disagree with what I say but none can make me shut my mind. I appreciate your clarity. Joe Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:37:31 +0000 From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Foroyaa Editorial: The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora To: [log in to unmask] Joe, i definately appreciate your boldness and fortitude in saying things as you see them. However, i disagree with you regarding method and tactic. To also say that Yaya cannot be restrained by any single party in the Gambia is only helps to further demystify him and further weaken the minds of those wanting change. Of course Jammeh can be restrained and has been restrained before what is however clear is that as matters stand presently he is the commander in cheif of the armed forces and all other security institutions are answerable to him - the president. On the whole i appreciate your frankness. Lets the continue the discourse and we hopefully shall find a wayout of this mess. Nyang --- On Wed, 4/21/10, Joe Sambou <[log in to unmask]> wrote: From: Joe Sambou <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Foroyaa Editorial: The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora To: [log in to unmask] Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 2:25 PM Bailo, sorry, I prematurely hit the send button. The opposition parties know they cannot stop Jammeh's abuse, individually. They also know that individually they shall be marginalized to infinity. So, what is the problem? It is not only necessary to come together, but the timing is very important. We have seen this set up before, so let us backtrack to 2001. Each one of them kept telling Gambians that they have the numbers when they knew that was just speculation. What happened the day after the elections? Is that not part of the reason why we are still here complaining about Yaya. One thing we need to get clear on, none is doing any a favor by being a politician. Thus, one can't hide behind a defense of if one is critical, then one should come and form their own this and that. You want to hold that view, then you have failed as a leader, for any body can say that. The reality is after fifteen years with Yaya and using the same strategies to addresss Yaya's excesses, why would they want folks to continue to listen to the same? If we do, then they can repeat the same for the next thirty years and they will get the same result and we will still have Yaya to reign over Gambians. None is denying anyone's contributions, however, as stakeholders, Gambians are going to criticize where criticism is due. If the party leaders wish to view that as being used as a punching bag, then that is unfortunate. That means they really do not understand the level of frustration that Gambians have had with their strategies and turf battles which does nothing but empower Yaya. It is also surprising that the for some reason, diasporans are viewed as not knowing what obtains on the ground. In this day and age, how can one even entertain that thought? If we are the biggest donor to that country, does that reflect being out of touch? Diasporans are talking to Gambians everyday and are visiting that country often, thus, why would any suggest that if you are not physically in a country, then you are ignorant about what is going on, on the ground. Gambians have their votes, and if they requesting for any group to do this and that and they believe they know better, then politics of the belly will continue in that country and that is a sign that folks have given up. Analyses of why the opposition lost, the day after the elections does zilch for the suffering. It is in the spirit of having to not go through such analysis for the fourth time that we are trying to hedge against. We are speaking because we care. Regarding the quotes from Foroyaa, I do not know of any that is speaking that is not also trying to support the parties, financially. Those that are pro UDP are giving to the UDP. The same with PDOIS, NRP, PPP, and even Henry. It is this piecemeal giving and receiving the reason why some of the parties are not interested in coming together. A case in point, while STGDP and other groups were trying to raise funds for NADD, some of the parties were receiving funds from their supporters that was not put in NADD's coffers. As to the second quote, the issue is not whether Foroyaa is saying all these things, of course they are saying the below and much more. However, who is the listening or reading audience? If they have been saying all these things all this while and folks kept voting for Yaya and Yaya kept doing worse with nothing to stop him, don't you think it is time for one to reevaluate and for once to see value in other observations? It is unacceptable for one to suggest that just because Joe is not physically in the Gambia, therefore Joe does not know what is going on, or attempt to dismiss what ever I have to say. Disaporans are Gambians like any other and reserve the right to speak on matters common to all of us. I saw your conclusion, do you think the people you are addressing don't know they need to do that? If they are not doing that, why do you think is their reason? If their reason does not end in a united or is not remotely bringing about a united front against Yaya, how has that serve Gambians? Joe Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:56:46 +0000 From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Foroyaa Editorial: The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora To: [log in to unmask] Bailo, thanks for your response. The opposition parties and their leaders must recognize that Gambians in the diaspora are stakeholders just like them. If they want to have thin skin, then they should not want to lead any. Is it a fact that the leaders have been dragging their feet to even meet? Yes, it is a fact that none can deny. Is a it a fact that their is bad blood between some of them? Yes, it is a fact that none can deny. Have Gambians both at home and abroad been asking them to form a unit to fight for the liberation of Gambians? Yes, that is a fact. Do Gambians have the time and energy to waste on another missed opportunity for the opposition to do what the people they want to lead are asking of them? No we do not. If the opposition parties continue to ignore the demands of the people, then guess what, they shall be ignored in return Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:16:04 +0000 From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Foroyaa Editorial: The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora To: [log in to unmask] Foroyaa states: "Foroyaa would like to come to the defence of such parties by emphasizing with all the emphasis it can command that those who criticize such parties but are unwilling to contribute a dime to their well being are sheer hypocrites." Constructive criticism or citicism in good faith of the strategy/manifesto of any party to me is as important as giving a political party money or funds. However I do not subscribe to attempts by a few towards belittling the efforts or doubting the commitment of any politician on the frontline of Gambian politics. I do not think that resorting to such tactics is fair or of any potential good for the opposition. Resorting to such methods would only generate needless bickering and animousity within the opposition instead of directing efforts and resources towards developing genuine unity base on mutual respect between opposition factions. The illegal incaceration of Femi Peters is a personal sacrifice that Femi was personally prepared for and as a key member of the UDP, it is also the price that his party is paying towards the freedom of Gambians. The legalistic approach of the UDP is therefore the best approach towards freeing him fom jail. Anyone who thinks otherwise should try to implement what they think is the only effective response. The following statement by Foroyaa is also a testimony of the immense contribution of PDOIS to the quest for sanity in the governance of the Gambia. It is applaudable. Any body who reads Foroyaa daily cannot fail to see that the Government is being engaged in all areas. Detentions without trial are being exposed, Seccos (ground nut buying centres) were monitored during the trade season which yielded positive results by engaging the marketing agencies, rural infrastructure and services are being monitored, the economy is being analysed and all civil, social, economic, political and cultural factors impeding development are being exposed and combated. The same goes to the positive contribitions the leaders of other parties especially Omar A Jallow and Lawyer Mai Fatty. They are all playing their parts as expected of them. We salute you all. In conclusion, I suggest that all opposition parties to respectively select a negotiator on their behalf for the task of achieving agreement for a united stance against the APRC in 2011. Best wishes to all! Bailo --- On Wed, 21/4/10, Modou Nyang <[log in to unmask]> wrote: From: Modou Nyang <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Foroyaa Editorial: The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora To: [log in to unmask] Date: Wednesday, 21 April, 2010, 11:40 The Gambian Opposition-The Punching Bag of The Gambian Diaspora The Leaders of the APRC must wear a smile every day as they read many on line and local papers on the state of the opposition in the Gambia. Some claim that they are toothless bulldogs. Others claim that they are preparing for failure in 2011. Some argue that the opposition is not worth following until they engage the Government. Foroyaa therefore consider it in the public interest to do a review of the situation of the opposition in the Gambia. First and foremost, we have realized that a political party is as powerful as its number of members and supporters or its capacity to control state power. Our evaluation of nominations of Presidential Candidates reveals that none of the political parties ever had up to 20000 persons endorsing their nomination papers. This simply means that no political party in the Gambia has up to 20000 members. In fact, discussion with some informed executive members of parties confirm that many members of parties expect something from the leaders instead of paying membership fees. Hence, many political parties depend on patrons instead of membership dues to sustain their activities. Many of those in the Diaspora who make contribution see it as helping individuals in parties to achieve position of National leadership instead of fulfilling a National duty. Many opposition parties are therefore unable to build a base among the people. Foroyaa would like to come to the defence of such parties by emphasizing with all the emphasis it can command that those who criticize such parties but are unwilling to contribute a dime to their well being are sheer hypocrites. They have transformed the opposition parties into punching bags as a means of covering up their own political impotency and apathy. We therefore recommend that those who do not select to support a political party or form one if they are dissatisfied with all have no right to criticize those who are making effort to make sure that the Nation is govern according to the will of the people or offer themselves as alternatives. Those who are not making any effort to be on the ground to defend the interest of the people but are just criticising citizens who have the same obligation as they do are responsible for the current predicament of the Gambia. They are in fact the problem of the Gambia. They frustrate the little or big efforts others are making and thus sow the seed of political apathy. Political parties may have few members but could have many supporters. In short, more people turn out to vote for a candidate than the number of the members of his or her party. Foroyaa does not have to quote the results of elections since the 2006 Presidential elections to confirm that political apathy is not only affecting the opposition but also the APRC. Hence, many people are not coming out to vote for the parties. The challenge is for existing parties to develop new ways to win the hearts and minds of the people or new parties which could do so to emerge. The task of Gambians who are not helping political parties to find new ways or create parties to replace them is to appreciate the efforts of those who are at least putting their energies and monies where their hearts are. This is no time for opposition bashing. These are times to find solutions to shortcomings. Governments are not only engaged by political parties. They are engaged by the whole citizenry who are all stake holders. How many Gambians in the Diaspora attend programmes organised by political parties? Very few. However, they turn up by the hundreds to attend social programmes. It is best to use such social programmes to get them to discuss the future of their country. There is no doubt that the Government is being engaged at all corners. Any body who reads Foroyaa daily cannot fail to see that the Government is being engaged in all areas. Detentions without trial are being exposed, Seccos (ground nut buying centres) were monitored during the trade season which yielded positive results by engaging the marketing agencies, rural infrastructure and services are being monitored, the economy is being analysed and all civil, social, economic, political and cultural factors impeding development are being exposed and combated. What is missing in the Diaspora, are objective patriots who are willing to direct their energies and resources to strengthen parties of their choice or help to set up one. Opposition bashing will not lead us anywhere other than the road to political apathy. Only those who do not want a better Gambia would engage in such a trivial affair. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. 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