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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Apr 2008 : 22:53:59
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Janko
Thank was a good summary of the debate. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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shaka
996 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2008 : 23:24:36
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| "closet militants" but that in itself is harmless(Kondorong). True, only if you don't venture outdoors!!! Please stay indoors!!!! |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2008 : 23:29:39
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quote:
Originally posted by shaka
"closet militants" but that in itself is harmless(Kondorong). True, only if you don't venture outdoors!!! Please stay indoors!!!!
You are just too funny. You have made my day. I think Karamba should be locked in cyberspace. Too tough to be let out
"Who let the Dogs Out". Rememeber this song by a Rapper? |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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ebou4th
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 14:41:01
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Karamba's story about Mr Fofana (http://gainako.com/fejango/Issue~244-2008/) is another reason for keeping the online media a trustworthy source of information. If the Diaspora is constantly bombarded with false information in the long run no one will believe credible stories like Karamba’s. If the current trend continues no one will believe you when you tell your story about Mr. Fofana. You and I have to choose, elect and demand accurate information from the online media.
The case against Saddam was primarily based on evidence from the widely recorded1988 chemical attack. This chemical weapons attack on Halabja near the end of a bloody, eight-year war was widely reported. If the critics of the APRC are known for reporting false information then any evidence against the APRC can be easily challenged in court and thrown out. Reporting false information is counterproductive.
Now let us focus on why APRC keeps wining election after election, first of all the Opposition parties are divided, weak, and under funded. They have proven time and time again that they cannot fight the battle by themselves. Secondly the APRC regime has succeeded where the PPP regime failed. Contrary to what the online may want us to believe there is lot of development taking place in the Gambia. For example the road from Brikama to Banjul is paved there are traffic lights from Taboko to West Field. There are streetlights from Lamin to Westfield. The coastal which starts from the Airport to Senegambia Hotel is paved and there are street lights from the beginning to the end of the new road. The Transgambia project is well underway, the road from Barra to Farafenni is paved, and it takes under two hours to drive from Barra to Farafenni. There is very minimal disruption of electricity and there are electrical lines from Barra to Badibu. The APRC regime has succeeded in convincing the Gambian population that it can bring change and development unlike the former regime. No one in the Diaspora wants to talk about these developments; in fact it is a taboo to give APRC credit for what they are doing. Well I will say it, the Gambia is developing and it will keep developing with or without the Diaspora.
Although we cannot trade basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law for infrastructural developments, it is self evident that the The Gambian population has bought APRC argument by voting overwhelmingly for the APRC election after election. The Diaspora cannot expect Gambians to vote for a disfranchised, weak, under funded, and divided opposition when the APRC is delivering. APRC is enjoying tremendous support from a majority of Gambians because Gambians see the good that they are doing, the current regime’s critics cannot expect a change if there is no alternative to APRC. I am not a smart man but it makes perfect sense why Gambians are voting for APRC and unless and until there is a credible alternative to APRC this trend will continue. APRC has earned political capital and they have the right to spend it however they deem fit and no one can do a dam thing about it. The keyboard will and cannot reverse the tide in the Gambia, it has not worked the past thirteen years and it will not work in the future.
The keyboard is not the solution to the political situation in the Gambia; I am on the record for bemoaning the decline of democratic principles for it is my believe that this will eventually lead to a one party system in our beloved country. I know this is a unique challenge that demands attention from every progressive Gambian but they way and manner APRC critics are going about it will achieve very little results.
The quickest way to reverse the political tide in the Gambia is trough unity and forging a common voice. A progressive united Gambian Diaspora that is willing to take bigger steak in the political process can provide an alternative for Gambians. Today Gambians at home do not have an alternative to A.P.R.C. and if the over riding goal is to defeat APRC then the opposition camp is not using the right avenue of approach. The longer the opposition camp stays divided the longer APRC extends its grip and dominance and there is nothing anyone can do.
After APRC’s landslide victory in the last presidential elections Halifa Sallah said “The future of the Gambia rests in the hands of its conscious, respectable and dignified citizenry who can never be bought or intimidated but sees every human being on this earth as their equal. This Gambia is emerging. Sooner or later the people will indeed take charge to build a society of liberty and prosperity."
Who are these people and when will they show up to take charge? My guess is a group will show up a year before election and try to make something happen by then it will be too late. Now is the time to take action if the APRC critics are serious.
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“Revolutions are brought about by men, by men who think as men of action and act as men of thought.”
Kwame Nkrumah
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 19:40:15
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quote:
Originally posted by ebou4th
Karamba's story about Mr Fofana (http://gainako.com/fejango/Issue~244-2008/) is another reason for There is very minimal disruption of electricity and there are electrical lines from Barra to Badibu. The APRC regime has succeeded in convincing the Gambian population that it can bring change and development unlike the former regime. No one in the Diaspora wants to talk about these developments; in fact it is a taboo to give APRC credit for what they are doing. Well I will say it, the Gambia is developing and it will keep developing with or without the Diaspora.
What is the basis of this argument. There are die hard aprc supporters in the diaspora just like there are die hard opposition supporters in the Gambia.
I think the difference is those in the diaspora tend to be able to speak their minds freely unlike on the ground in the Gambia. I am not sure if the same would hold if independent news outlets are allowed and people can assemble without let or hinderance in the Gambia.
But also no one wants to talk about the problems whilst in the gambia either. Its has been a challenge for many, unless one is ready to face the consequencies.
I will bet D100,000.00 if you can conduct an interview on the street of the gambia about how their lives without a biase. No one will come forward.
Right here in Yoro bawol, all roads lead to one place. I think that being different should not be seen as being unpatriotic. Its true there are good things happening at home.
Recently, taxi drivers had to be warned to turn on their headlights at night especially at westfield junction because they thought it unnecessary given the bright street lights
It shows how far we came and these must be appreciated. Even when the street light was experimented at Fajara Shell station Junction, the police had to go on TV to explain what REd, Yellow and Green mean to avoid collision. I tell you what, cars rammed into each other quite often at this place that a police officer had to be station there in addition to the traffic light.
If i had access to Jammeh today, and hoping that he will listen i will have one advise for him. That is; create an atmosphere of tolerance for divergent views. He should understand that dissent is a core of democracy and not what Idi Amin said that ".. people must love their leaders.."
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“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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ebou4th
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 21:05:20
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this is what I said:
Karamba's story about Mr Fofana (http://gainako.com/fejango/Issue~244-2008/) is another reason for keeping the online media a trustworthy source of information. If the Diaspora is constantly bombarded with false information in the long run no one will believe credible stories like Karamba’s. If the current trend continues no one will believe you when you tell your story about Mr. Fofana. You and I have to choose, elect and demand accurate information from the online media.
You must have made a mistake. |
“Revolutions are brought about by men, by men who think as men of action and act as men of thought.”
Kwame Nkrumah
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kaanibaa
United Kingdom
1169 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 21:59:27
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| I agree that we have to have a credible media to depend on in the Diaspora, whilst that is okay on the Internet, we do not have any control over the abuse of our right to correct information or free press in the Gambia. The Government suppresses the press and this has caused so much hardship to the journalist affected and some had to run away ,others got hurt and even killed as in the case of Deyda Hydara. So my contribution here is that those who try to guide us here should also do their best to get the Gambian authorities to allow freedom of the press.Just telling us that we need to be accurate and truthful here whereas the government is brainwashing people back makes no sense. Some people have the believe that what ever is published is true and so we can add to this hogwash to get even not so.If the government can use misinformation to their advantage what stops others from dishing them the same medicine.Tit for tat butter for bread. I think we should allow those who publish their opinions on the Internet to do so freely and let those who want to analyze it's veracity or otherwise do so.I also believe no one can stop any one from doing just that in all outlets any way.This overture to make every one honestly report is an exercise in futility , we all have an agenda and shall pursue as best as we can.Can some one take the responsibility of making the Government credible, accept press freedom and freedom of expression etc. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 22:17:42
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Kaaniba
I like your statement that we all have an agenda. That is very true. Each one of us serves a political constituency with an endless number of consumers.
Personally i dont lke censorship of any form. Right and wrong is relative and political correctness is hot potato difficult to define.
So dissent in thoughts and views only helps us all grow. Because utimately, our civic duties require us to participate but also gurantees us the right to not participate. Either way, both are right.
In the United States, Citizens have gone as far as burning their national flag in protest to the actions and decisons of their political appointees. " Not in their names".
Human beings are political beings and such, should be allowed to freely be one. I wish i could post here the audio tape of the 1994 coup announcement on BBC (Focus on Africa). Listen to jammeh carefully. That speech had very wonderful ideas and i wish i could make him a copy if hasn't got one.
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“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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kaanibaa
United Kingdom
1169 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 22:42:34
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| It just reminds me of the cry' Koo lilly ko kosilamdeh'Whistle blowers are never popular in certain dominions but it is now one of the best methods of exposing wrong doing.Accuracy for some would not work we can embellish the reports adding some salt or pepper as we chose to get the effect as it seems we are by the said spurious reports.The building may look mighty but termites can bring it crumbling , a revolution could use any method at it's disposal to gets it's goal. I believe the reports that are now being criticized contributed to the creation of new legislation by parliament back home especially the official secrets Act.I therefore commend the writers/reporters at the same time invite those who possess information contrary to the said reporters information to also give us their version. We shall decide what to accept but not accept any one telling us what to accept as credible or otherwise. |
Edited by - kaanibaa on 23 Apr 2008 22:45:52 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 23:53:53
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Madiba
You take me years back.
Koo lilly ko..... You are right, when this phrase is said in the vaillage,its a warning for those to be quiet as someone who cant keep a secret is around or a secret is about to be let. Kids usually say this to get favours for not letting a secret out usually a mischief.
The person who did the wrong then negotiates and would ususllly put his hand over the mouth of the whislte blower.
I did it a few times to get ripe mangoes way up the tree or baobab. I used to be the youngest in our group so this worked well for my survival |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 00:30:23
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Kondorong and Kaaniba,
You have captured the big picture in all dimensions. What needs adding is that the public media in Gambia is dominated and used to convey politically biased information about APRC and their leader. It is so biasly controlled that all you see and hear goes to boost the image of just one person and how much of an angel he projects to be. People on the other side of the Atlantic have only their little computers and cyberspace. Why will they not be free to express their views? How much true and how much propaganda do we get from the news mills of Gambia?
Those who are seeking to suggest sensorship on the online media need to take the other step of telling the bias regime to share the facilities we all pay for. Has anyone confirmed haven done that? In this wider space, an oppressed people will find salvation of thoughts and that's the beauty of it all. This media option is a well grounded aparatus and will continue in good use. |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 24 Apr 2008 00:32:09 |
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Cherno B Jallow
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 03:06:25
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Kayjatta, I have been alerted to a host of remarks you made pertaining to the on-going debate on Gambian journalism on this forum. But first, allow me to say that usually it is not my policy, unless if it is absolutely necessary like in the case of the recent Basse history debate on Gainako, to respond to my readers’ comments. I do that for two reasons: One, it is to show courtesy for my reader; to give him/her the last word – always. And two, I do not respond because I always believe that not all readers think alike; some will agree with you and others will disagree. Readers will formulate their own respective conclusive opinions. But I always take comfort in the fact that I am able to start a debate, open new channels of communication, and widen the public discourse. In this way, we all stand to benefit, learn from one another.
And now this: You wrote the following on this forum: “It is unfortunate that CBJ’s condemnation of the Gambian journalists, especially those in the diaspora is provoked by the publication of his (putative) relative Sarjo Jallow’s marital problems.” (My emphasis) The word (putative) means “commonly put forth or accepted as true on inconclusive grounds.” So it is when something is assumed or presumed. You and others are presuming that Sarjo Jallow is my relative, hence my umbrage in that article. This is further from the truth. Unlike you, I have never met this guy and had never seen his photo until the recent publication. Sarjo is NOT my relative; we all come from the same neighborhood, regardless. He is much older and I don’t remember hearing anybody talk about his homecomings since he had always been away, first to Colorado in the US for college, his stint at the Action AID and then later to Sweden as an exile.
And you also wrote this: “The crux of the matter of his complaint is simply that Sarjo Jallow is (negatively reported) in the Freedom newspaper." (Emphasis mine) That is not true. I couldn’t care less how Sarjo or anybody else is portrayed in the press. That’s up to the editor in question to wrestle with the ethics of propriety and indecorum. And it is also up to the parties concerned to respond accordingly. If Sarjo is lambasted in an editorial or a news analysis for his intermittent services for the Gambian dictatorship, it will be a legitimate point; for anyone who works with this government has a conscience problem. You are complicit somehow, anyhow. As a matter of fact, you will be inclined to know that I had criticized Sarjo before when he was a minister in government. This was during the days I was a columnist for the now defunct Independent newspaper. I critiqued his stance during the April 10/11 student shootings as being far from honorable coming from a man said to be a high-caliber intellectual. He wasn’t happy. He complained to folks from Basse, news of which got to my parents back home.
The marital affairs of Sarjo Jallow and others aren’t worth the ink and attention; there are other more pressing national matters worthy of coverage. Perhaps you did learn something from the news coverage of his (divorce?) with his wife. I didn’t. The only thing I learned was his wife’s name and her plea for calm from her distressed relatives. You could tell she was distraught from all this undue publicity emanating from a supposed news article. In fact, Jainaba Bah was “victimized” twice: first, by a “departing” husband and second, by a news article rather expository of her marriage crisis. Her dirty linings were laid bare. I felt sad for her but I didn’t learn anything from that story, for it had no news value in it. By exposing Sarjo Jallow, the public official (you can debate his status as either a public individual being an ex-minister or a newly appointed ambassador or just a private person), his wife was the ultimate victim. I hate to delve into the moralities of this subject matter since journalism is not a crusader for moral uprightness. Journalism is the collecting, writing, editing and reporting of news. Additionally, a free press doesn’t protect anybody be it the leaders or the led, the rich or the poor, the powerful or the weak. Rather, a free press simply reports what is happening, by whom and where, put that news report into context and trusts that the ballot box does the rest.
Some people have been wondering why I have just thrown the gauntlet. Why now? It is just coincidence and more, I have just gotten fed up with the junk I am being fed on a regular basis. I had given my private advice and criticism again and again. My conscience is intact. I have been both critical and supportive of Gambian newspapers and not to talk about my own individual support for a score of Gambian journalists. It is there in the records. And yet I don’t see myself as the dean of Gambian journalism or somebody well versed in the complexities of journalism as to be its salvation in The Gambia. Like the rest, I am just opining, sharing my thoughts and ideas. We are all in this together.
But it is sad when some people try to imply ill-motives on your part. Some people have been wondering whether I am trying to appease the government or if I am looking for a job in The Gambia. I am being lumped among the lot who wrote long-winded write-ups to praise the government only to be employed somewhere. I am none of that. I operate within the orbit of conscience and independent-mindedness. I cannot be compartmentalized. I refuse to be inhibited by the mundane conformities of fraternities. I will take on the issues anytime and anywhere. I don’t care who it is. And I will NEVER write under a pen name.
Part of the tragedy of the Gambian politician situation is the increasing erosion of objectivity and independent thinking. We are dealing with a sickening political culture; zealotries and antagonisms on both sides of the political divide are coarsening the standards of public discourse, further widening the crevice between our lofty dreams and their actualization. This trend cannot continue like this, for in the long-run we are all dead. Lord Maynard Keynes.
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 07:15:42
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Thank you for your response, Mr. Jallow. This excerpt below from your response seem to sum up the problem that underlies your entire article. Apart from the emotional and the subjective aspect, you appears to hold the view that Sarjo Jallow (a public official)'s marital problem (leaving one spouse for another, I presume according to Freedom Newspaper) is not news worthy based on the simple reason that it is not news to you. May I take this opportunity to say once and for all that it was news to thousands of Gambians ...
The notion that one person can think that he has the right to tell others what they should and should not do, especially in a matter like this is very disturbing to be.
Jainaba Bah (the estaranged wife of S.Jallow)'s plea for calm following the outbreak of the news seems to affirm the validity of Freedom's report . The fact that Mrs. Jallow is distressed is not a valid argument in this case. I am sure her distress is caused by some one other than the Freedom Newspaper.
I sympathize with Mrs. Jallow, but not because her "dirty linens were laid bare" as you contend, but because she is(based on the report) betrayed by her husband, who was and is a Gambian public official.
Once again thanks for your time.
An excerpt from CBJ's article below:
"The marital affairs of Sarjo Jallow and others aren’t worth the ink and attention; there are other more pressing national matters worthy of coverage. Perhaps you did learn something from the news coverage of his (divorce?) with his wife. I didn’t. The only thing I learned was his wife’s name and her plea for calm from her distressed relatives. You could tell she was distraught from all this undue publicity emanating from a supposed news article. In fact, Jainaba Bah was “victimized” twice: first, by a “departing” husband and second, by a news article rather expository of her marriage crisis. Her dirty linings were laid bare. I felt sad for her but I didn’t learn anything from that story, for it had no news value in it. By exposing Sarjo Jallow, the public official (you can debate his status as either a public individual being an ex-minister or a newly appointed ambassador or just a private person), his wife was the ultimate victim. I hate to delve into the moralities of this subject matter since journalism is not a crusader for moral uprightness. Journalism is the collecting, writing, editing and reporting of news. Additionally, a free press doesn’t protect anybody be it the leaders or the led, the rich or the poor, the powerful or the weak. Rather, a free press simply reports what is happening, by whom and where, put that news report into context and trusts that the ballot box does the rest."
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Edited by - kayjatta on 24 Apr 2008 09:19:17 |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 09:58:47
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| cherno, welcome to the bantaba. i am happy you came here to clarify some few issues. yes, like every aguement, some aggree with your posture and some disaggree. but the debate on gambian news papers will continue. it may be healthy if you could contribute to news articles here and there. we will counter each other, not in a malicious way but in an atmosphere of freedom of speech that is greatly lacking back home. we try our best to enjoy each others company, for our nations sake. again thanks for joining us. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 10:05:15
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| I definitely agree with you Santafara. CBJ is an important voice, I have read his writings before in the Gambia. I have no doubt that his contributions here will benefit all of us. I join you in welcoming him. |
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