Mr. Jaiteh,

We really don't have a quarrel here. I concur entirely with the sentiments
you've expressed in this five-years old article; especially the lines:
"... Since Gambians within cannot voice out their discontent under
intimidation and harassment, the role is
naturally ours. Many would see that as playing politics. However, if we do
not inform the world what is going on in that country or our disagreement
with the military boys then the world will see it as something we like. That
will certainly be disastrous to the Gambia."
This is exactly my point!

Clearly, your contribution to the debate is more than we get from the
majority. I'm sorry if you got a contrary impression from my earlier
opinion. But if we are to be honest here, there's not much in the archives
under your name for the time I've been on. And for someone of your calibre,
you could do better in my humble opinion.

But if you don't take anything from what I've said, take this much: for
justice to prevail in our nation, we have to forcefully and CONSISTENTLY
speak out against injustice regardless of who the victim is. This
sporadic/intermittent chipping in that many Gambians do just won't do it. I
stand by that opinion. If ALL of us educated Gambians were to "cluck, cluck"
every time the "pen owner" comes to take  a chicken, our "cluck, clucking"
will build up to a crescendo that will send the "pen owner" running for
cover. If you doubt that, ask anybody who has ever handled domestic animals
why it's easier to play with a sheep than a goat. Yaya Jammeh continues to
do his evil things because MOST ( especially educated) Gambians tell
themselves that "they don't want to get involved," or that "they don't want
to argue" etc, etc. With that attitude, nothing will change for the better.
On the other hand, people who always raise a ruckus when violated don't make
good prey. Call them goats.

Lye,

You've really broken my heart, 'cause I thought you and I both care for the
truth. I find the quotations you attach to your messages very thoughtful and
inspiring. MLK's lines about not keeping silent about "things that matter,"
is my favorite. And if you would do a quick perusal of the archives going
back a year, you'll realize that I'm on firm ground regarding my contention.
But for the fact that Mr. Jaiteh is your in-law, you feel I should apologize
to him for pointing out what is essentially our problem as Gambians: not
getting involved unless an issue affects us personally. A quick review of
Gambian reality in the past year will help drive home my point. But in any
case, if you had pointed out a factual problem with my opinion, I'll see the
need to apologize. Otherwise, you've totally lost me on the "prudence" and
"Matarr Njie" bit. Are you saying it's not prudent of me to say that people
like Jaiteh need to be more active in exposing the evil going on? Or that I
have something in common with Matarr Njie? You've got to help me here!

I'm sorry that the gentleman is your in-law, but if it is any consolation, I
don't hesitate to tell my own father what I believe to be the truth. It's
not grand-standing. It's the simple truth. No hard feelings Lye, 'cause I
know exactly who you are; just as I know your older brother Ebou. The last I
heard, he lives in Iowa. Say hi!

Sigga,
The semantics aside, I'd like to believe that I've reached at least one
Gambian. So, if for nothing else, I consider my opinion a success. It is the
wise Chinua Achebe who said in "Things Fall Apart" that "when you mention
dry bones, old women become uneasy." So, if what I said made you feel a
little guilty, and realize that what's happening to Lalo Jaiteh now could
happen to Sigga Jagne's brother -and that prompts you to begin adding your
voice regularly to the crusade against what's going on, I'm cool with that.
I fail to see the point in your moralizing. I'm not saying you should do
like some of us do. But I think it's a terrible waste to have people like
yourself who can clearly communicate your thoughts remain "silent about
things that matter." A little Soffie Ceesay, Ndey Jobarteh, or Ousainou
Mbenga (Gambians who don't hesitate to stick their necks out for ANY other
Gambian who is victimized,) is all I'm appealing for. I hope I haven't DEKLU
(listened to) you with my Hull (in anger.) The last I checked, Yaya Jammeh's
pendulum is swinging. Only god knows who's
father/mother/brother/sister/wife/husband will be the next victim. I wish I
had better news for you.
Good evening.

Saul.

>
>I therefore suggest that we do not leave the protest to Jawara and his
>

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