Pa Nderry,

I guess you should also accept criticism if you claim that we should promote
democracy. In a debate, where your opinion is expressed, then others do have
the right to express theirs, to agree or to disagree. It does not mean that
because Karamba or Joe or whoever agreed with you before SHOULD agree with
you always.
The definition of free reporting means reporting facts and not expressing
opinions. You have that right and you have said it. Reporting facts means
saying what is happening on the ground or what has happened. Where you start
judging those facts, then reporting has stopped and your opinion is being
expressed.
An editorial is NOT reporting but expressing an opinion on issues. A line
must be drawn between the two. If you report that OJ has been nominated and
Darboe has decided to confer with his party members before deciding, a right
he has, then you are reporting FACTS. But if you say:
"*His request to be given time by the coalition to liaise with his party, is
not only worrying but discouraging to say the least."*
Then you are NOT reporting but expressing YOUR opinion. This can be opposed
or accepted by anybody. That is a debate and a democratic discourse. You
continued to say :

*"We do not want to pass judgements now, since Darboe, is yet to make up his
mind on OJ'S nomination."*


*"Our political leaders should put the nation's interest at heart and do
away with the issue of "MANSA" dream. Our country is at cross roads and we
should not allow greed to undermine the growing demand for change."*
**
A reporter DOES NOT pass judgements. He/ She reports facts. This was in your
editorial and i repeat editorials are not reports but opinions. In reporting
facts, there is nothing like "We want this and we do not want that". We also
believe that you do not COMMENT on the facts. For exemple, if i were to
report an accident, which one is reporting facts between the two below?:

*An accident happened on the Senegambia highway. There are two dead and ten
wounded. Apparently the driver was drunk according to the police
investigation.*

*A careless drunken driver killed two people and wounded several others on
the Senegambia Highway. These drivers should be stopped at all cost or be
charged with heavy fines.*
**
It is evident the second is expressing opinions. Then when you write facts,
seperate them from your opinions which you are entitled to. But you should
not be offended when others counter your opinions because that is exactly
what freedom of speech is about in a democratic set up.

I guess you did not make the difference.

Do not be hurt by my analyses. I am only expressing my opinion here!

Your sister.




"As an independent Newspaper, we will not support the nomination of any
candidate, for ethical reasons, but we have all rights to comment on the
shortfalls of some of the candidates. We owe it to our readers to comment on
the shortfalls and achievements of Darboe, OJ, Halifa, Hamat and Waa. We
believe that such commentaries will help electorates to make informed
decisions on their political leaders."

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