Mr. Ebou Jallow,
I posted my comment before I read your latest posting.
I think you do a serious balanced comment and suggestion on the serious
situation. Before I eventually comment it, I will take more time to reread.
This is just to say that my posting crossed yours.
From Asbjørn Nordam

on 29/07/00 20:30, Ebou Jallow at [log in to unmask] wrote:

> It is a common knowledge that the situation in the Gambia is not a usual
> political problem, therefore extraordinary measures are required to resolve
> extraordinary challenges.  There are two apparent fallacies inherent in our
> ongoing struggle to effect change in the Gambia.  There are those who
> believe in the reification of change through a coup d'etat, and another
> group that believes in a democratic process through constitutional means.  I
> strongly believe that neither suffices our situation at this moment.  A coup
> d'etat is a very effective tactical means in changing a political leadership
> in the short run, but in the long run, it proves to be a bad strategic
> approach for serious political reforms.  Coups lead to instability,
> inefficiencies and other serious lapses in governance besides pervasive
> violence and loss of innocent lives.  On the other hand, the democratic
> process is a viable and solid means of reform ONLY if the political climate
> is conducive.  It is commendable only if the constitutional framework is the
> implicit wishes of the people, and NOT an extension of statecraft of a
> Dictatorship.  Tyranny will never rhyme with a democratic process.
> Therefore I will again assert that those hoping to change the leadership
> through the ballot box are applying an inherently good strategy to the WRONG
> political climate with all the odds against them.

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