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abdou joof
6 Posts |
 Posted - 24 May 2006 : 13:14:53
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OPINION
The Gambian THEORY of RELATIVITY - - or - - The 6 Realities of Being Gambian
By Abdou Joof
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May 22, 2006
We as a people do not think or speak independently because of the following ties -- all our values are relative --for us abstract values-- like truth, justice, free speech, democracy-- exist only within these ties.
1. POLITICS OF FAMILY -- because we are of the same family relationships, you can do no wrong and everything is for us -- thief? Not if we are stealing for the family -- liar? Never! Not from within our family -- corrupt? we drive big Pajero and build big houses and get beautiful wives to make family proud -- making family proud is everything in our culture -- you speak truth and my uncle don't? No, no - whatever my uncle says is the truth, unless you are my senior uncle -- government job -- my sister in the village must get it -- she finished junior secondary grade 9 -- government loan -- my brother the groundnut farmer can invest one million -- invest in the family I mean -- will he pay back? -- Not if our family remain with government or with the president which is the same thing.
Mayor Conteh's visit to the President to avoid paying for his sins in May 2006 was explained like this manner on our Gambian web forum:
If Conteh ignores the feelings and desires of his family (to beg the President for forgiveness) then Conteh is selfish because he would have been thinking of only himself -- if Conteh has organized his supporters and family to visit Statehouse for his possible re-instatement then Conteh is selfish -- if on the other hand Conteh's friends and family went to him and begged him to make peace with the Gov't so that Conteh would shower them with favours later then the family and friends are selfish -- if Conteh went on his own accord based on the pleas of his family and friends for his safety then none is selfish - but are all human beings not selfish?
2. POLITICS OF TRIBALISM -- because we are of the same tribal linkage or speak the same language, you can do no wrong.
3. POLITICS OF FRIENDSHIP-- because we are friends, you can do no wrong -- because my brother is a friend to you, you can do no wrong -- because we went to school and played soccer together, you can do no wrong -- because we drink ataya together you can do no wrong.
4. POLITICS OF BOYism -- because you gave me food and a job you can do no wrong -- because you made me mayor of Kanifing for ten years I cannot act independently of you boss -- if you made me secretary of state I am your boy -- if you appoint me justice of the Supreme Court, I am your boy -- if you appoint me speaker of National Assembly, I am your boy -- if you appoint me Army Commander, I am your boy -- if I displease you I am dead.
5. POLITICS OF REGIONALISM -- because we come from the same area, you can do no wrong. Because we went to school together, you can do no wrong -- because my brother or sister went to the same school with you, you can do no wrong.
6. POLITICS OF RELIGION -- because we are of the same faith, you can do no wrong.
These 6-realities of the Gambian condition influence the decisions of foreigners and foreign governments, whether they are interested in investing in our country - - or like the UN/EU are thinking of promoting good governance. We are what we are and they must accept that. Even those of us who are Jammeh's enemies understand what he means -- and agree with him -- when he says WE ARE ALL GAMBIANS - - even Ousainou Darboe and Sir Dawda Jawara understand this very well.
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2006 : 13:22:06
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| This is food for thought. |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2006 : 15:20:09
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Can I have a glass of (magic) water, please? This food is really hot!  |
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2006 : 17:01:57
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| Kanilai water Serenata ? Cure for everything |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2006 : 21:56:15
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| You "guys" are just funny! |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2006 : 23:46:13
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| Thanks Abodou Joof for slicing the national cake into six pieces for us to share equitably, food for thoughts for everybody and applicable in any circumstances. |
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