After everything has been said, it is still obvious that Halifa, has been pivotal in the political transformation in the Gambia, then and now. The issues that have been raised, are genuine concerns that Halifa should find the time to reflect upon. The expectations were high, the circumstances different, yet the reality remains the same. How this reality was viewed and impacted upon, is the basis of the contention that surrounded this debate. Infact, what has transpired here is not new; reality as a social phenomenon, has both an objective basis and a subjective basis. People tend to look at it differently, the objective being the goal, and the subjective being how to achieve the goal.The contentions in this debate, more or less, borders around the subjective basis of this reality. How differently Halifa Sallah impacted the post Jawara era from the Jawara era. Or conversely, how indifferently Halifa Sallah impacted the Jammeh era from the Jawara era. What made the difference so obvious, is the fact that Halifa is not an ordinary person; he is not an ordinary person, precisely, because more than any other politician in Gambian history, he has influenced, shaped and cultivated a political orientation for a generation of youths, as well as being a formidable force in the vanguard of our political evolution. This is the burden he has to carry. People's expectations of him, especially after the coup was very high, thus the questions that have been raised about his role during this period. Halifa, should therefore understand, if this constituency feels that their expectations have not been fulfilled; he should not antagonize them, but rather should try and reach out to them. Accept the criticisms that are vaild in good faith, resolve to create a more understandable dialogue, and forge a consensus around the issues that would bring meaningful changes in the political process. My humble opinion on this matter. Rene ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------