Uncle Mass, I think you misunderstand me. I am eminently aware of your experience and familiarity with Gambian politics. You will undoubtedly agree with me that Gambian politics, like the politics of all other nations is evolutive and dynamic. Neanmoins, I am not even questioning your understanding of that dynamism.
Allow me to go to your notes proper in order that we may yield some convergence of thought.
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Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:16:34 +0000
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Haruna, I did not join Gambia L to beaf up with anyone on what any
fanatics do throwing missiles.] KBM.
Understood Mr. Mass. There are no missiles here at Ellen and each Eleanor has a missile defense system of his or her own. That is the beauty of Ellen. I do not argue gratuitously. I am extremely too busy for that.
[I love to exchange ideas and not the
otherway round.] KBM.
We at Ellen love to exchange ideas also. You are in good company.
[I know Gambia matters to you or any of your socalled
leutinants but mark you if I did not know the Gambia more than you true
but would you say you know the Gambia more than me?] KBM.
I do not claim to know Gambia more than anyone. Neither here on Ellen nor elsewhere outside of Ellen. That would be presumptuous of me. On the other hand, I would acknowledge that you probably know Gambia matters more than myself. However here we speak of a matter of Gambia opposition political parties and the need and desires of Gambians. That is where you seemed to have lost me.
[I belief your have
an answer to that your. So no need to further argue over such.] KBM.
I don't understand.
[What is incomprehensible about my notion that "
UDP would merge with any political party even on an equal footing?] KBM.
What was incomprehensible about this statement from you is the following:
UDP is on record that it is not seeking a MERGER with other opposition political parties.
PDOIS is on record that a MERGER of political parties is antithetical to its raison d'etre.
NRP has never advocated for a MERGER with any political party
ppp abhors a MERGER with any political party.
GMC has never advocated nor is interested in a MERGER with any political party.
And because you were speaking on the behalf of UDP, I could not understand when the party took that position and when that position was communicated to its potential MERGING parties. Or am I to understand that this statement from you constitutes that new position?????????? That is one of the things that confused me uncle Bamba. I was almost shocked that the UDP could have had this position and allowed us to go through the rigamarole of alliance-making for nought.
[If
they on the otherside still thinks we should debate important issues
with open media, I said no problem for as far as I am concern any
possible merger is better than being under the iron yoke of the monster.] KBM.
Uncle Bamba, I understand this to be your opinion and I have no problem with that. I also agree with you that a MERGER is far superior to remaining under the yoke of Yahya the monster. No argument there. You have just relieved part of my confoundment here. That is that it is not the UDP's position to form a MERGER with another political party. That is Uncle Mass' personal idea/opinion/suggestion.
[I
tell you my possition so that you know.] KBM.
I know now uncle Mass. When you first stated this, you had mentioned that the UDP will form the merger. That was why I was thoroughly confused.
[Oh am I no longer entitled to my
own opinion because I joined your L?] KBM.
In fact, at Ellen, we love folk who have and share their own opinions. It is when it is not clear whether folk are stating a particular party's position or their own opinions that we get a bit confused. By all means, please share your opinions with us. We will share our opinions with you also. That is the value of Ellen. I am glad you joined us and I want to do all I can to make your stay as pleasurable as possible.
[I would want to see a union of
oppositions but not like that of Nadd ok?] KBM.
NADD was a conversation of Alliance formation. It turned into a UNION of opposition parties for the limited term of 5 years, by fiat (registration) and that was why the by-elections had to occur. I understand now that uncle Bamba Mass desires a union of opposition parties in a different manner. Although I do not share your desire, I accept it as your desire. And I do not wish to argue its merits or demerits.
[For me Nadd was a complete
farce and built on muddy foundations thats why it never got grounds to
stand on.] KBM.
OK. In my opinion, the NADD conversations were genuine. They transmogrified into a circus of charlatanry and disingenuous design. Here we have a slightly different take on NADD. ANd that is ok.
[Your assertion that no one knows what Gambians need is
totally untrue.] KBM.
My assertion was that even if you think you know what 1.5 million Gambians need, it will be highly presumptuous of you to say so. A leader of the people or an aspiring leader does not claim to know what the people need. Even my doctor doesn't know what I need. You will agree with me that if you say Gambians need a MERGER of opposition political parties and those parties form a MERGER, there will still be Gambians who will vote for APRC because that is what they NEED. Consider that for a moment. There will be other Gambians who will abstain from voting because they NEED neither.
[But Come think of it if we don't know what Gambians need
then what is the essence of debate here Haruna or sheick of the?
tell
me professor] KBM.
I am not a professor yet uncle Mass. And don't be cheeky with me. I am Sheriff of Ellen. Duke of McCarthy Sq. Whether we know what Gambians need or not, we will still share ideas here on Ellen. I do not debate online. Never have, never will. Our desire and privilege to share ideas here on Ellen is mutually exclusive of our knowledge of what other NEEDS.
[I have been a very keen follower of the L since its
inseption but only chose to join now to share with you guys] KBM.
And we appreciate you company uncle Mass. I for one will benefit greatly by your esteem company here. All the more reason why you would not want us to go away with the wrong understanding of what you share with us.
[but mark you
if you or anyone thinks I don't know then who else does?] KBM.
The last time I heard "Mark you" was when sheriff Rango was giving a lecture in the saloon. No one really knows what 1.5 million Gambians need. I could hazard as to what they may desire but I couldn't tell you I know what even a thousand Gambians need. I don't even know what my mother needs. I know some of what she would like however.
[My knowledge
of the Gambian politics starts since the early 80s and since then I have
been a politician.] KBM.
I was eminently aware of that. And I respect you for your past and possible future service to our country uncle Mass. No honest Gambian should be in any doubt about that.
[if I don't know Gambian politics then no one knows
it better Haruna.] KBM.
Your demarche in Gambian politics is not in question sir. It is your avowed knowledge of what Gambians NEED that is questionable. And no one else knows that much less to know it BETTER than your good self.
[Am no kid and no one in the L can lecture me on issues
on Politics in the Gambia.] KBM.
My lecture fees are $300/hr for PDOISards and $100/hr for UDPeds. Free for NRPiers, pppers, and GMCees. Your fee is therefore discounted. If you place a deposit of $50, I will reserve a spot for you.
[If any group think they are running the
show with the way opposition decisions in the Gambia are divulged, then
that group has all along been day dreaming.] KBM.
I agree with you uncle Mass. The only group that wants to be a peeping tom is STGDP and Jengfann(Politburo).
[Sir thats my position and
I would never argue over it.] KBM.
I would encourage you to demonstrate to them that you wouldn't divulge opposition decisions to them.
[You too are entitled to your.] KBM.
Right.
[Thats the
beauties of my party UDP.] KBM.
That's also the beauty of Ellen. Of which I am Sheriff.
[we may differ in opinions and Ideas but when
we discuss all normally agrees with the majority and thats the same with
our Party Leader Alhagie Ousainou Darboe.] KBM.
Yes. It is expected that majority opinion carries the vote in democratic establishments. That is the bane of my life uncle Mass. I encourage you to visit with us at
www.thegdp.org when time permits you.