Hi!
    I would like to add my ten cents to this issue albeit a bit late due to
computer problems. First of all, I was quite moved by Momodou Mbye Jabang's
respectful, humble and understanding initial reaction to Katim's order. I
have never met Momodou Mbye but I must say that his actions on the list have
truly impressed me and I have the greatest respect for him.
    That aside, I was surprised that Katim made such a far-reaching decision
without the knowledge and consent of the other managers. This does not augur
well for democracy both on the L and in The Gambia. I hope that future
decisions that affect the way the list is run will be discussed first by all
the list managers and if possible by the general membership.
    I would like to commend Hamjatta for publicly apologising to Jabou and
offering the hand of friendship. It takes true maturity to accept one's
mistakes and something extra to be humble enough to apologise especially on
such a public platform. I hope Jabou truly accepts his apology.
    To Essa, I would like to confirm that Astrid is Gambian and lived before
moving to Pipeline not far from where I lived. She lived near Barrtess,
quite close to O.J.'s compound. Her name doesn't sound Gambian but she is as
Gambian as you and I. I would like to state here that I don't buy your
attempt to cover yourself from your mistake by referring people to some text
that defines who is a citizen or not. The Constitution of our country
defines pretty distinctly who is a citizen and who is not. It states in
chapter III, subsection 8 : "Every person born in The Gambia ... shall
become a citizen of The Gambia at the date of his or her birth if, at the
time of his or her birth, one or both of his or her parents is -
(a) is a citizen of The Gambia; or
(b) ordinarily resident in The Gambia ..."
Even those who are not born in The Gambia but whose parents are Gambian are
citizens. One can play with words or apply tons of theories but one cannot
deny the fact that Astrid is a Gambian like any of us.
    With regard to religious postings, I echo what has been said all along.
If one is not interested, one can delete the posting on sight. I have to
admit that I do not read most of the religious postings because a lot of
them are very long, but the right of those who benefit from it cannot be
denied by forbidding their existence on a list where religion plays such a
big part in the lives of its members. Every member I believe, Christian,
Muslim or otherwise, should have the right to post religious postings here.
That way, we can learn more about each other thereby reducing ignorance,
intolerance and other
-isms that hinder our development. I for one, would not object to postings
from other religions because they would help me understand my fellow beings
more. I am a Muslim but when I was going to college in America, I took
twelve hours of Christianity. I took The Old Testament, The New Testament,
The Life and Writings of Paul and Christianity and Other Religions. At home,
I have the Quran, the Bible, the Book of Mormon and other religious books. I
read them all to further my knowledge. I believe it is our duty as human
beings to try to learn about each other. Thanks.

Buharry.

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