Demba Glad that you will not fight. Neither will I! I hope we have a team to challenge anyone promoting conflict - if s/he is like us, then s/he is not the right person to call others to such act. I'm participated in the struggle as I see fit. Going to others and/or others coming to me……not sure who is the judge the way it should go. But I will do it they way I see fit. I formed an organization which is within my rights. Any problem with that……what can i say. I will leave that those who may have such a problem. You’re right I did not go to places you mentioned but I have also gone elsewhere you or others failed to show. Who is the judge which of those venues is the right one to be? What I have done other than writing philosophical/academic papers………..hmm! I will be embarrassed to state in such a public forum my personal input to Gambia’s political struggle that started well before I departed Gambia. I have done so behind close doors and I will keep it that way, otherwise……… I did not leave Gambia hoping A to Z. I left Gambia knowing with the right opportunities I will make a decent living and improve my life. You bet I did! It wasn’t hope it was a deliberate acts of purpose. Unfortunately besides the 1st paragraph none of these was part of my posting you responded. Usually important issues get buried and the rest is noise that helps not our common cause. Regards. Burama On Feb 25, 2014, at 1:46 PM, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Burama, > > You asked a direct question "What will Demba do" I answered your question and said I have not and will not ask anybody to do it for me... What is hypocritical about that? I try to reasonably explain that I am not fighting this fight expecting it to end tomorrow... I am not fighting Jammeh as a person... I am fighting a system and a mentality that brought about Jammeh and his oppression of the Gambian people...You don't believe in hope and yet you left your motherland hopping to make a better future for yourself and your family! > > "Invoking God/nature, philosophical postures and some believe systems will not get this work done. Nature doesn’t work that at way at least in my life time". > > No one is invoking God/Nature in this discussion... You did not hear me say Alla beteyataleh and sit back... What you heard me say is that I don't have control over what happens tomorrow... and therefore I can only stick to my plans and what I believe and continue to fight in manner that I believe makes a difference ... the rest is out of my control... > > Burama, the reason I made reference to the civil rights movement is to highlight that this fight is beyond Yahya Jammeh for me... that am not only fighting because of Jammeh... I'm fighting a system that I believe must change... and it doesn't matter who is there... If you are fighting to remove one person then you can easily find yourself in another system headed by another person nurturing the same mentality of us against everyone else... > > On the issue of practical solutions Burama actions speak louder than words... in fact I wonder if you look in the mirror as you are one of those who is "constantly issuing philosophical papers with academic tendencies and without practical solutions" how do you call for mobilization of the people for a "national action plan" and yet you are not willing to join any founded group or meet at any venue without you either organizing the venue or founding the organization? .. Who founded a lone organization and call it a national movement? Actions speak louder than words Burama, Were you in Raleigh, were you in London or Sweden or in Atlanta or DC... what organization or political party are you a part of that has a semblance of a national representation? We need to look in the mirror... There is nothing wrong in being critical of the struggle or what people are doing... but when we do... we need to remind ourselves of what we are doing to make it better... To sit here and say "I don't see how Yahya will go" that we need a national action plan is exactly what you are criticizing others of... Let you and I put together our brains and make sure that "National Action Plan" materialize.... by not waiting to be invited but to inject ourselves into the national debate practically and personally...Let's not only see the negative but the positive actions people are doing as Rome was not build in a day... > > I shall rest my case and look forward to seeing you in real action to change a system in our country... > > Demba > > > > > On Tue, Feb 25, 2014 at 3:05 AM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Demba > > You’re like me - we will not fight. Therefore sitting is US and hoping the unexpected is a bit of a stretch. Therefore hoping the death of Yahya is an outlet is a fantasy. Therefore asking others what one chooses not to do is the highest hypocrisy. > > My argument is neither about you as a person nor about anyone in the struggle. I personalize my question (what will Demba do?) to you only to drive my point home. I want everything you probably wanted for Gambia. So consider me as a member of this struggle yet I have seen problems with our goals, our approaches and our actions that we tend to avoid. That avoidance and/or denial will not help us. > > I will be anywhere Gambia want to meet to reason with one another. I believe that a political solution that we dictate and control is possible should we do the right work. I don’t believe in HOPE!! I don’t believe in some NATURE will fix it for us! I don’t believe in GLOWING OVER Yahya dying early from some mysterious illness will be our outlet! I don’t believe from US Civil Right Struggle to today’s political upheavals elsewhere are catalysts to Gambians raising up. > > The people of The Gambia (that’s you, me and everyone else) has to come together to craft a pragmatic, realistic and practical political solution that anyone of us can be readily deplore by our peers anywhere and anytime without being overly expose to risk. This is a dialogue am ready to participate. Whether I participate in person or not is not all that important so long is a national agenda. > > Invoking God/nature, philosophical postures and some believe systems will not get this work done. Nature doesn’t work that at way at least in my life time. > > Regards > > Burama > > > > On Feb 25, 2014, at 1:50 AM, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > >> Burama, >> >> Those who believe in justice fights to see justice happen, they advocate for justice and they put every effort into it and fight for what they believe... My mental framework, plan and pledge for the rest of my life is to fight any leader who has the oppressive mentality of Yahya Jammeh in anyway I can from near or afar. Man proposes God disposes... When you embark on a journey that you believe only Allah knows how much you will achieve and when. If I can fight and save or make a difference in one person's life I take pleasure in that... I do not claim to have the means or the power to remove Jammeh from power, neither do anyone individual among us that I know.. >> >> What we can pledge as human brings and as Gambians is to advocate for what is right and stand up against what is unjust regardless of who is there... If I were on the ground today I would be fighting the same fight I am fighting now regardless of the consequences... So personally whether Yahya goes tomorrow or stays for another decade my conviction and moral stand against injustice will not be shaken... >> >> Regardless of which leader comes to power I pledge to fight for what is right... Would I succeed, Would I fail, would I make a difference, it doesn't matter to me.. what matters is I do my part every single day to make my family, our country, our communities we live a better place that is what I have control over and that is what I dedicate my life to. What I will do tomorrow if change happens in Gambia or bring change in Gambia will not be any different from what I believe and doing today... I shall stand up, speak up and fight for what I believe... I will never call on anyone to demonstrate or pick up arms or go home to fight Jammeh... I do my part and it is everyone's responsibility to do their part...I question our moral obligation to each other and to our country... I hope that gives you an insight as to how I approach the fight for liberty and dignity in Gambia and anywhere else! When I speak to friends about this struggle some thing I take it too seriously..And I honestly do! For me is a life and dead situation.. Those who were matching for civil rights and political freedom in the United States and around the world believed in something, stood up for something and fought for something that they believe one day will make a difference whether the short or the long term..whether it happens in their life time or not... that is our moral duty and my mentality... There is no turning back for me immediate results or not! >> >> Good night >> >> Demba >> >> >> On Mon, Feb 24, 2014 at 6:23 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >> Demba >> >> How will Yahya go and who will take him down? What will Demba do? >> >> Am not against Yahya going! Am a 100% member of this struggle regardless to my reservation of some positions. Yet I don’t by empty hope and rhetorics. >> >> I also have serious concerns over people hoping for things they will not even come close to it.For instance hoping Tunisia, Egypt, Venezuela and/or Ukraine type revolt will happen in Gambia but that person sitting in UK/USA or some afar. >> >> I stated clearly in my writing that I will not fight except in self-defense. Hence I neither expect any Gambian to fight nor would I demand or hope they will. Instead I strongly believe we can craft a political program that will institute democracy but more importantly dictated by the will of citizens. Call me a skeptic…..if my views sound so! >> >> These are uncomfortable truths but important to challenge one and another in this struggle if we hope to get a practical political solution. >> >> I do not intend to challenge your hopes and/or what you know that I don’t………but I see no effect of such hopes on Yahya's reign as I write. >> >> Yet if the hope of he dying and/or dethroning Yahya comes to be tonight, I don’t think is a solution but I will take it and prepare for the next phase of the struggle. >> >> Regards. >> >> Burama >> >> >> On Feb 24, 2014, at 8:44 PM, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >> >>> Well, Burama with all respect it appears you are the one slicing and dicing statements out there. It appears you are the one who is referencing those who are saying "Jammeh is the only problem" that "Jammeh will die soon" Burama these are not substantive arguments they are Red meat for the enemy... Most people who understand what it takes for battle such a strong will not peddle such sentiments... These are some of the things that reduces our struggle into sound bites. I would definitely people who have some level of policy understanding, national and international politics should be able to look beyond the sentiments.... >>> >>> My only optimism in change for Gambia is inherited in my personality as an optimist and one that strongly believes that Yahya will go exactly the way he came to power - when we least expect it... the man is squeezed within his own circles and the more dictators think they have firm grip on power the more they are actually losing control... You can call me an overly optimistic person but I know Jammeh has over lived his mandate... >>> >>> Hope you and I will have more time to discuss this... >>> >>> regards >>> >>> Demba >>> >>> >>> On Mon, Feb 24, 2014 at 5:15 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >>> Demba >>> >>> Thanks again! >>> >>> What will be your personal act in a revolt in Gambia? I hope you are ready to go and lead/direct the frontline than hoping some other Gambian will do that. That was the point am making. >>> >>> I don't know what will happen even the next minute but am not sitting on empty hope. Equally am not counting on any Fambian doing what I couldn't ordinarily do. It appears I have picked the easier side and hoping others will pick up the harder/deadly side of the struggle. I understand clearly these are uncomfortable truth but must be said if a practical solution has to be achieve. >>> >>> That's doesn't mean I do not recognize the efforts and wants of others. However there is little concrete action beyond the fogs of rhetoric that will earn us the desired goals. >>> >>> I have recently seen some counting on the death of Yahya from a supposed illness. They're more optimistic than me to say the least. >>> >>> I appreciate your overly optimism. Maybe you know something that I don't. Slicing and dicing each word or sentences of mind wouldn't help the cause. Focus on the subject of my argument. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Burama >>> >>> >>> On Monday, February 24, 2014, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >>> Hah Burama, you just said "I will be in USA waiting for the replica or Ukraine or Egypt type revolve in Gambia" and then you concluded "Let's do it!" I will again say Never say Never.... in fact by insinuating that it is not doable you tend to discourage those who think it is indeed doable.. There is a Chinese proverb that says “Those that say it can't be done should get out of the way of those doing it” just food for thought... I would also add sometimes we need to expect the unexpected! >>> >>> Gambia! change will come when we least expect it.... >>> >>> Demba >>> >>> >>> On Sun, Feb 23, 2014 at 4:30 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >>> Mr. Darbo >>> >>> I will be in USA waiting for the replica or Ukraine or Egypt type revolve in Gambia. >>> >>> Let's do it. Am sure many will believe am not for Yahya. So if we can take him down am all for it. >>> >>> Notwithstanding I have practical issues with solutions I wouldn't readily participate buy hope others to do for supposed common good. >>> >>> Let's do it! In as much as I have my reservations I belong to the struggle. >>> >>> Burama >>> >>> >>> On Sunday, February 23, 2014, Lamin Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >>> Burama >>> >>> In this day and age, I don't recognise any fundamental differences between Gambia and other societies regarding the political issues of freedom and dignity. In other words, there is nothing unique to the Ukranian political conflict that is not replicable in The Gambia. The world is a very connected community and Gambians are very versed in events occurring in other parts of the world. >>> >>> Pretensions notwithstanding, we are also very aware of the lack of freedom and dignity in Gambia. Just last week, the Professor "retired" his national women mobiliser and deputy "with immediate effect". In the past, those same women would look at that kind of scenario happening to others and dismissing it as inconsequential. Today it is them, and no matter how disillusioned by the development, they would pledge absolute loyalty to their tormentor. Can there be any truth in this type of reaction to such a seismic event in their personal lives? >>> >>> If I am to analyse our situation, I'd say the Professor will never listen to your position because he may think you are lulling him to sleep by giving him false comfort. Why do you think the Professor's is relentless in showcasing and perfecting his terror machine? He knows Ukraine is a possibility in The Gambia and there is no way his government can survive that kind of situation. As long as he is able, he will take no chances! >>> >>> I agree with your thoughts on the referee and elections, but I suggest to you that elections, arguably insignificant in themselves, are a potent formula to usher in change in our country provided our political leaders are amenable to doing a deal on a rock solid united front. A significantly fragmented effort will never do it. >>> -- >>> "Be the change you want to see in the World" >>> ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ 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] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> "Be the change you want to see in the World" >>> ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ 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] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ >> >> >> >> >> -- >> "Be the change you want to see in the World" >> ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ 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] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ > > > > > -- > "Be the change you want to see in the World" > ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ 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] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤