Mr. Dampha, You see, rather than just label people you don't know "dubious" or calling them names when they express views that may seem irrational or contrary to your own, it is better to ask where one stands. I have a lot of respect for Hamjatta, even though I don't know him and I really enjoy his writings. However, I believe his intepretation of the Kiang by-election is too simplistic. For the record, I would rather be be found dead than to ever associate myself with thugery, injustice or deception. That said and done, please allow me express some of my opinions about the by-elections. I have read in some of your contributions as well as those of others like Mr. Sanneh, Gassama, Jallow, Miss Joh etc., etc., in which all of you seem flabagasted by the outcome of the Kiang by-elections. While some are recommending a total re-think of the opposition strategy, some are wasting a lot of valuable time moaning about voter card buying. As much as this happened, perhaps extensively, are they more worried by the fact that some disenfranchised themselves for the measely sum of D25.00 or are they more worried by those who actually took time off to actually vote for the APRC, considering some of the reasons advanced by some that should have convinced not to? I believe it was Mr. Sanneh who, earlier, asked whether a UDP victory was a sure thing. I believe the reason be cautioned the UDP supporters about being over optimistic is because he knew something else that some of us may or may not have known. Someone else suggested that the minds of the people needs opening up to enable them see that this government does not deserve to be re-elected come the October and January elections respectively. These are all varied opinions based on an individual's own perspective. Let me give you a brief recollection I have about a voting card sale in which the guy confessed to have sold his card for D2,000.00. When asked why, his answer was "The D2,000.00 I was paid is more useful to me and my poor family than any of these good for nothing candidates who are only running to line up their own pockets." Unfortunately he did not disclose who he sold his card to or the party. Now, would you say this guy is irresponsible, unconcious or down right gaulible? As far as I am concerned, the answer is an EMPHATIC NO!!!!! Some of you have on many occasions highlighted the plight of the ordinary farmers especially the difficulty they have selling their produce. The APRC government is on record as saying that the buying of groundnuts is not the government's responsibility. They also on record as saying that the buying of groundnuts should be a private sector venture. It is alledged that the president, in conivance with certain individuals, is involved in the buying of nuts. In my opinion, what could have helped the opposition, knowing full well the terrible suffering of the farmers, was to either try their own effort to alleviate this problem or explain to them what they would have done if they were the government. Instead they are telling the farmers that all the government projects are a waste of money. Without telling them clearly what their alternative would have been, they instead be telling over and over again that the schools, clinics, roads, tractors are all a sham and these should influence them. Would that be bought by everybody? I hope not. These are some of my own views and I hope it has made certain things clearer. Bye 4Now, KB Jobe. ========================================================== "There is a time in the life of every problem when it is big enough to see, yet small enough to solve" (MIKE LEAVITT) =========================================================== _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------