In a message dated 11/14/99 6:17:19 AM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< What "liberalised authoritarianism"? To what extent has it translated into
the greater good for Gambian society? It means little or nothing as long as
this modicum of liberalism is the handiwork of institutional framework, not
necessarily the free-will offering of an unreformed, unchecked leadership.
All good governments are grounded in the sacredness of accountability and
transparency to its citizenry. And the primary function of any government is
to protect the liberties and freedoms of its citizens. But where a
government is more powerful than its citizens, refuses to be accountable and
transparent, refuses to reform itself, the presence of any liberalism,
however scanty, remains only a facade, not a reality enshrined in the
collective conscience of the leaders and the led. That is the sad reality
about The Gambia.
Ebrima says that Gambians voted for Jammeh simply for the fear that his
defeat would have caused "turmoil." That is preposterous to me. But if
that's indeed the reason for voting Jammeh into power, then woe betide us.
In my opinion, Jammeh was voted president not because his defeat would have
triggered unrest, but out of mass gullibility and ignorance, a political
culture that Jawara bequeathed to Jammeh. And which, Jammeh - perhaps
irremediably, but certainly willingly - shoved deeper down the arteries of
our nation's political psyche, much to his advantage. The tragedy
continues...
Coach, no hard feelings, man. Just trying to speak my mind. Thanks for the
article. At least, it is generating a healthy debate.
Cherno Baba Jallow
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
*******************************
Cherno Baba, l couldn't agree more. This is the point l was trying to put
across, but could not do it as eloquently as you have done here. l also
echoe that this is no attack on Ebrima, but merely the truth as evidenced by
all that has transpired since the coup and ensuing so-called civilian
rule.
Jabou Joh
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