By Omar Saidy-Khan, Louisville Kentucky

Once again I want to urge fellow Gambians to keep their eyes on the ball. Petty feuds and phantom personalities have joined the fray on behalf of enemies of the Gambian people. They are aspiring pseudo intellectuals who try to impress you with their intellectual prowess. They quote the common Western luminaries like Burke and Carlyle in order to buttress their false claims; at the same time that they make these claims even though they are claiming to be no expert .We must watch their subterfuge as they parade for honesty, decency, and fairness they have no desire to be fair at all.

  Is it not the height of audacity for some one who acknowledges that he is not a journalist (the peer group), neither a politician, to rate in such a ridiculous manner the online publications? I cannot fathom what his objective is and who cares anyway what grade he assess these papers. To cap it all, he offers his MEAGER contribution as if we have nothing better to be concerned about. This is sheer audacity and clownery at its awful utmost. What do you think you are doing, but having a lot of time on your hand and decided to pick a foolish fight and nothing else to do? I do not know any such journalist and hope never to read one line of their writing ever.

 The greatest contributors are stepping forward and doing something about the conditions their families are in and entrepreneurial efforts including writing and starting newspapers, which also endeavor to effect change. I am glad that Mr. Friend has decided to jump in. I would urge you to direct your great energy and vast talent to worthier cause than to be an ombudsman or polls star. These courageous young men ought to be commended for what contributions they are making. I am very proud of both their efforts and the content of their articles. I have shared information from them and had information disseminated through them with numerous friends. I can say that you should be accused of having a chip on your shoulder.

The audacity of your enterprise to publish an individual opinion as a credible rating exercise is no humility at all.

   The need for improvement is an ever-present reality and any publication worth it’s salt knows and will strive for it. I however think it too premature to launch attacks at them at this age of their lives. . They are still infants, compared to more established info organs, feeling their steps. If one considers their number, we must be encouraged. The content is outstandingly informative. The pervasive claim among many that online press is totally anti-APRC is a red herring and so disingenuous, for all the ground press is silenced, out right intimidated to cover only safe topics. The Jambangs and the Sankarehs and the Mbyes are providing invaluable service to us and I stand shoulder to shoulder with them at all costs. Yaya Jammeh is all and only source of power and his rule is as illegal as is destructive.

  It is a common tactic, albeit a dishonorable one, to accuse folks of infractions that oneself is guilty of as a distraction. For me it is a grievous inadequacy. For Mr. Friend or Dutch or English to call Jambang pompous (chip on his shoooouuulderr) is one of those subterfuges to clandestinely undermine the great strides Jambang is making- his articles are abundant evidence of that. Efforts to rattle his resolve will be met with force and vigor of all noble Gambians everywhere. We will support him and all online press against all odds and no effort will be spared. The silly squabbles that Mr. Fiend is engaging in is infantile and needs to cease for the sake of our dear and beloved country.

 Now to address specific areas of your complaint; it is ironic that you found the “History of Basse” boring. Firstly, many a night as a young boy, I would be huddled with my brothers and sisters and other young to hear our history, and the narratives of the young men sounded alike in most aspects. So I feel justified to question your nationality, for the energy and volume of information is captivating. It made me proud of them and wish that the pursuits are never let dormant. The discourse was one of invigorating intellectual exercises I have heard young Gambians engaged in.

  If you are a Gambian, your name is not typical. I am sixty and have never met a Gambian by the name Friend. Please give a short family history to enlighten us. The claim that you are using pseudo name is very convincing I might add.

   Again, I am very encouraged that Mr. Friend is embarking on an online publication. It is terrific that we have more info nonetheless. I must conclude by congratulating the Organizing Association in the Mid-West. They deserve every commendation accorded and a special Kudos to Gambians in Chicago for hosting the event.

   Finally, I encourage all online papers and contributors to shift through the chaffs and trifles and bring plant able fruit. We do not have time to waste for our task is onerous. Personal ad homonym attacks are not honorable debate and we have to maintain our dignity even in adverse periods. Countrymen we must win.

Omar S. Saidy-Khan

502-587-8673, ext.223

ElderServe, Inc.

411 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Louisville, KY  40202