I suggest you initiate a discussion around this issue.

Surely we will always have a leader - that's not the point. In fact is indispensable- no wonder we are still milling around.

However where we stand today - -asking all to rally behind either Burama, Yahya, Ousainou, Halifa, Henry, etc. to first put them in office a the problem. That may not likely work well for all and the prove is in our own history. Ask Edward Singhateh today. On the other hand is easy to say I/we will coordinate but what is there to coordinate in the first place.

For me there is no indifference to make Gambia a functioning democratic republic - you mentioned the elements earlier on. Who would say no those? Why then didn't we call upon those? Equally many will go for election reform agenda than an agenda promoting a candidacy of a person.


We are talking the same - except I want us to rearrange the puzzle so all the pieces can be at the right place. ( its a jumbled up puzzle- we arrange it fits and we don't a heap of mess)

I proposed a Natuonal Face - I don't see much need for geographic organizations besides supporting role to the national. But the national cannot be about electing someone at this point - it will not work. Not because I wouldn't want such outcome than what obtains. The current environment is not design to let that happen - so why are we fighting over it.

Please initiate a national discussion

Burama

On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Throughout history leadership has always been critical... A system cannot be created without someone, some people leading it, equally true, leaders cannot be effective without that system of checks and balances... We shouldn't be afraid to lead or be willing to be led... System/leadership is like the chicken and the egg... which one comes first... ???

Demba

On Sun, Oct 26, 2014 at 3:04 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I agree with all you said about what is needed. I have the feeling many would agree too.

Our problem - instead of directly go after those, we want to politically to elevate someone to do that for us. In theory that works but in practice hardly. Regardless of whether that will work or not the needed mobilization/organization is not likely going to happen we are all in it for someone or self. 

Creating a level playing field - a democratic republic. You already gave some/all what it means. This is common to us all!

The more important part of your submission - how do we ensure the creation of that level playing field.

My thought of forest counter fire comes handy. Few foresters and their laborers can't contain such huge fire - but can limit loses by ending it at some place with a counter fire.

That's to say we're coming from weakness so can't directly confront Yahya. We have to have/develop some leverage for him to agree reform agenda. To do so we need to come together around an agenda. That agenda will dictate who is qualify enough to represent us. Surely the order in which we put all the pieces together may not follow as I stated but at some point those ingredients are needed for it to work.

Am sure my views are not new to you!

Burama

On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Organize to get our citizens actively engage in the political, social and economic discourse for our country. The goal to me is once many people are actively engaged the people will be able to pave a path. I am for putting political pressure to force the regime to institute political reform. Enfranchise the Gambian diaspora, decriminalize free speech, allow active political activities without much restriction, institute term limits... Your question is How Do We do this? That will be the central agenda... citizens will explore the best way forward... we -the citizens - will create the platform free of political patronage or affiliation... the goal is to create some degree of level playing field..

What do you suggest? We have many people ready and willing.... 

Demba

On Sun, Oct 26, 2014 at 2:17 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I like your optimist. I also like the efforts to organize.

The problem though still remain what are we organizing for. I also think 'that what question' makes organizing elude us over the last 20 years. By and large we all clinched on to an interest and each assumes that interest is the best route to the ultimate goal. That's a possibility but not guaranteed- and if African/Gambian politics is any measure that's not a likely outcome.

Am for direct organization against that ultimate goal while every interest group can remain you use the new found level playing field to your advantage freely and fairly.

Am always ready - if for nothing but self. Am packed to go back home but couldn't for fear of my life. So I've skin in the game beyond simply being a citizen.

Hope to play my part and continue to share my views as I see it.

Burama 

On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Yeap Burama. All the signs are there we just need to organize and organize. Let's get the ball rolling. I think a lot of Gambians have come to terms that we need change and if we don't bring that change through our actions, change will be imposed on us again. Changing a government of any kind which has grip on power is a difficult task... So again, I encourage you to take a lead, let's not wait for someone to lead us, let's call for discussions and actions... currently there is citizens again rallying around a common purpose - mobilizing resources and fight at a position of strength. We need the resources and the organization to get something done... Are you up to a challenge to start organizing now? It is going to take several attempts to get the right forces to take off but as long as we don't stop we can make way... I look forward to joining like minded folks to organize and organize...

Demba

On Sun, Oct 26, 2014 at 1:29 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
That's  exactly part of that technique - those fighting forest  fires know wind direction and intensity.

Burama


On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Interesting way to counter fire but wise to check where the wind is blowing before starting the back fire. 

Says an old forester



-------- Original message --------
From: Burama Jammeh
Date:26/10/2014 12:40 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [G_L] What Should We Do?

Would you be surprised if/when Yahya decreed marriage/divorce and their terms? Would that be a trigger for you?

What would you do then, if anything? 

When I worked at Forestry - we used back firing as a technique to counter an advancing wildfire. Just a thought - how can we counter Yahya

Burama 

On Saturday, October 25, 2014, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Yahya overthrew our government - we didn't stop and some even rejoice over it! Probably they never like Yahya but their hate for Jawara was overriding. The same such traits are in our midst with our so called struggle.

Yahya illegality humiliated our people in the streets of Banjul and his kangaroo courts!

Yahya unlawfully fired/hired our people from their earned government jobs!

Some killed, other disappeared mysteriously and some in exile - no one is brought to justice over any or most of these events and our national security budget is larger than agriculture and health combined. For who's security all our meager tax dalasis are paying?

Yahya has put public and private real estate to his name all across the country? Great leaders are measured for how much they improve the quality of livelihood of their people. If Yahya thinks Gambians buying ram, sugar and bread from one of his many outlets and/or turn the lands I his so called farms is development - we are probably taken aback pre-colonial era.

Recently Yahya ordered his arms men to stopped Muslims from praying at their chosen dates, time and places. By accepting such or fold behind our house doors - I question national commitment to faith. Although am probably the least moral Gambian but how about the teaching of Islam. I thought that should have been his last day in office if in fact he still hold alive. Oh my/our Gambia.

What is left before we take our land? Waiting for so called triggers? Who're we that we can't seem to see the real problem? Each of us owe it to our people to take that nation forward - what have you done? Isn't it a shame with all the quality behind the names of people that come to mind in a second? Why are we so divided over the only thing that define us as a citizen of a nation? Why insisting over matters that are naturally divisive world over?

Fellows lets come up with ideas/solutions of the REAL ISSUE! 

We will never agree on the presidency of anyone person, no matter how idealistic we justify such a first step.

However, regardless of who is in power, we as citizens have legitimate claims to make of our republic - with the right organization and mobilization we can push any government behind the laws of our people.

A democratic republic regardless Yahya or Burama is the president or anyone else for that matter.

Although not our intent but our current strategies, if works, will result to removal of one dictate to be replace by another, even if that new guy/gal is Burama Jammeh. Our problem is one individual but a systemic problem.

Let's make our legitimate claim and never avoid it because is hard.

Burama



On Friday, October 24, 2014, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Are you counting on next elections to remove Yahya?

Are you hoping that Yahya will evaporate in thin-air?

Are you hoping that venting frustration about him will bring him to sanity to give up his grip over state?

Are you hoping/wishing somebody will remove Yahya for us? Who's s/he?

Even if all or any of these happen- what's the best likely outcome? Those that outcome meet your goal? In fact what's your/our goal?

Please tell us one thing we could do that will lead us to what you thing is the goal. 

Burama
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