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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Oct 2006 : 17:11:54
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Editorial
MR PRESIDENT, BASE YOUR ACTION ON PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
Mr. President, if you base your action on what people you have released are saying in the Internet you will never show mercy to detainees. This is your third term in office. You are also over 40 years. You have also served two years in a transitional arrangement. The fundamental lesson to learn is that what finds itself on paper is what is passed by word of mouth. Hence, papers are the best informers of people in position of authority. If political leaders think that information published in the media is dangerous let them try rumours. In governance there is a thin line between naivety and paranoia. None is a characteristic of maturity or good leadership. Good and mature leadership comes with the capacity to distinguish real threats to state security. The battle of words has never given rise to threat to state security. It is such battle that gave rise to the British Magna Carta, the South Africa Freedom Charter. When people are allowed to speak and freedom accorded the chance to reply, truth will never be suppressed by the word and the people will always be able to distinguish truth from false hood.
At this moment, the President has not assumed his third term. He is finishing his second term up to December. What is expected is the creation of a think tank that will guide the governance process in the country and move it towards stability. The government must learn to debate with critics instead of silencing them. The country should move towards civility with high-grade discourse as Malick Jones has been trying to introduce in his programme. Let the people express their grievances and let others respond to them. This is the way to create an open society where people will accept the mandates of governments and seek conciliation in their realization that they can criticize and change them as the majority wishes. A good example of the importance of objectivity and realism is the Daily Observer Editorial of Thursday where it reflects on the press crisis.
We also hope that the Daily Observer will also point out the deficits in liberty so that the press can reflect genuine concerns of the people. There is need for more critical media houses in the country. Government needs to encourage this. It should get used to such critical views to what people think. It should address their concerns. This is what it means to be a sensitive and responsive government. On the other hand, critics of the society must adhere to the principle of publishing the truth in good faith in the public interest. This is what The Gambia needs to make headway in creating an open society.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 86/2006, 6-8 October, 2006
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2006 : 02:10:27
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QUOTES AS EXTRACTED FROM ABOVE:
"A good example of the importance of objectivity and realism is the Daily Observer Editorial of Thursday where it reflects on the press crisis.
We also hope that the Daily Observer will also point out the deficits in liberty so that the press can reflect genuine concerns of the people. There is need for more critical media houses in the country. Government needs to encourage this. It should get used to such critical views to what people think. It should address their concerns. This is what it means to be a sensitive and responsive government. On the other hand, critics of the society must adhere to the principle of publishing the truth in good faith in the public interest. This is what The Gambia needs to make headway in creating an open society. "
MY OBSERVATIONS ON THREE IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE BY CRITICS:
- " importance of objectivity and realism
- On the other hand, critics of the society must adhere to the principle of publishing the truth in good faith in the public interest.
- This is what The Gambia needs to make headway in creating an open society. "
However there are many irresponsible journalism and articles coming out from other media and fora.
For example, don't know what are the implications and effects for this one from Gambia echo for its publishers if the aricle is appraised through the above criteria and standards; Gambia: The Gambia- a Police State? under http://allafrica.com/stories/200610090529.html
Opinions are welcome on where to draw a line between freedom of expression, obligations and responsibilities for an open society. Do we need such articles to create awareness or is it counterproductive to the detriment of society in the interests of peace and stability? Furthermore, are there any codes of conduct or ethics that can help an individual or for pressure groups manifestations of opinions by publishing adverse articles as this classic case in point?
Sometimes objectivity and balanced does not appear to work in politics. The best think is to review and take note of any constructive critisms and listen to sensible ideas and opinions, to make headway (for the way forward). I think COMMON SENSE and to realised and reconciled where THERE ARE CONFLICTS OF SENSIBILITIES and BEST JUDGEMENT IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIETY are very important to be considered.
God bless the Gambia!
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Edited by - kobo on 10 Oct 2006 02:28:07 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
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