CAUGHT MY EYE: Louis on the Papers, Week ending August 28th 2007

Gambianow – Two stories about Africans being killed trying to flee the continent for greener pastures in Europe. I’m glad the newspapers are writing about it and I hope our governments do more about this unnecessary loss of life. Rather than arrest those who get caught and deported I would focus on civic education to let your young men and women know the hardships and dangers involved in these trips. More importantly, more effort needs to be made in providing economic opportunities for our young and able-bodied. I’m sure most of them would gladly stay if they had something to do back home.

The Gambia Journal – Uh ooh, here we go again!!! HIV, Asthma, Hypertension and now Cancer??? I thought most doctors specialize in one area of medicine but I guess Dr. Jammeh is a general practitioner. While I have no evidence to accept Dr Jammeh’s healing powers, I have none to reject them either. I’m sure all mankind would greatly benefit if the cures work but equally great would be the damage if they don’t. I hope the president and his advisors understand this.

To the two newspapers above: As usual, thanks for informing us and representing us well.

And now to the rest – Brace yourselves people

Freedom Newspaper – reported on “Eboe Town Residents in Dire Need of Help as Flood devastates community”. Thanks for a good article. Good, malice-free reporting which only serves to inform. I hope Gambians in a position to help will do so. I’m sure the people involved will appreciate whatever you give no matter how small.

Also published the writings of journalist PK Jarju giving ways to get rid of the current government. Among PK’s methods was a military intervention by the national army. I am relieved to hear that PK’s email was bombarded with emails condemning his idea of a military intervention. He says its from APRC supporters but I say its from supporters of Gambia who value human life, peace and development. As the editors of Freedom Newspaper already touched on, any military intervention is unwelcome in our country so whoever is even remotely thinking about it needs to take a chill pill. Take a look at our neighbors like Liberia and you’ll see that we’d rather live the way we do right now than take our country back to the 19^th century. I recommend Sorious Samora’s “CRY FREETOWN” to you PK and all others who think military intervention is solution to anything. In addition, as one writer already mentioned, if PK was willing to talk the talk he should have been ready to walk the walk. While in Gambia, PK could have written something or joined the army and led this “intervention” if he had the courage he’s now trying to show. Instead, he fled and began talking in the safety of his room. Don’t try to lead people to what you wouldn’t do brother.

While I commend Freedom Newspaper for their disclaimer stating that they do not support any military action, I must say that if any, these are the kinds of articles you need to censor (instead of Louis Friend’s ratings). Any public speech or writing inciting violence is irresponsible and illegal in most societies and should not be tolerated even if it is from a “friend of the Gambia” like PK.

Senegambia News – Briefly had a headline about a “despicable former daily observer editor”. Who or exactly why they call the person despicable, I have no idea. They said the person studied at Forah Bay College but did not name names. The only reason it caught my eye is that they pulled the article a few hours later and I’m sure their readers are just as curious as I am as to why they pulled it down.

Also highlighted a thousand dollar donation from a Gambian. The Gambian spirit of “giving” is reaffirmed. I know what they do with the donation is none of my business but I’ll still go ahead and suggest that college tuition will not be such a bad investment.

The Gambia Echo – Published Mr. Omar Saidy-Khan’s reaction to my ratings entitled THE FOURTH ESTATE. I have since issued a response to Mr. Saidy-Khan called “ADVERSE CONDITIONS???”on this blog and have not heard back from him. To the Gambia Echo I ask, “why would you publish a reaction to an article you refused to publish in the first place?”

Also published a story on “Jammeh violating Sir Dawda’s Amnesty” http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/714/Default.aspx This, if true, is indeed a worrisome subject that interests Gambians everywhere. Even more worrisome would be the act of taking 5 miles of land from villagers anywhere in the country. The problem I have with this report is that the Echo did not claim to have investigated the story. In a typical manner for them to jump on anything negative about the government, they seemed to have rushed to publication. I’m not saying they did not investigate it. Just that they did not tell me they did. Instead of just taking the word of the “Jawara family member”, I would like to see them at least try to interview a chief, alkalo, someone at local government or even one of their sources in Gambia like the famous “Officer X”.

The echo also sought at the end of the above article, to respond to their “critics” including this writer. I would have responded to them in a full piece but I’ll exercise restraint for two reasons.

1. The fact that they tried to hide their response in an article totally unrelated to what I spoke about shows their cowardice. I’m sorry but it’s the only reason I can think of that would warrant them hiding their reaction behind a completely unrelated article. They can’t argue that it wasn’t worth a heading of its own because the reaction was almost as long as the main story itself. My aim is not to “rattle the resolve” of our journalists and I hope refraining from giving a full reaction will help stabilize their resolve.
2. The second reason for my restraint is that I wouldn’t know where to begin responding to the echo. In the immortal words of the caveman on the Geico commercials…”WHAAAT???” Bro, you sound just like Miss Teen South Carolina when she was asked why a lot of Americans can't locate the USA on a map. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALIARHHLII) I am an educated man but will someone please go to the Gambia Echo website and translate that passage to me? What on earth was that? I sought the help of a friend, a PhD holder who taught English at University level and she was as confused as I was. That passage made NO sense at all. It made me realize what Mr. Saidy-Khan said when he spoke about “my intellectual prowess”. Brothers please, I DO NOT HAVE ANY INTELLECTUAL PROWESS so please stop trying to match what does not exist. I now wish I never quoted Carlyle and Burke because like my identity, it seems to take attention away from the real ISSUES I’m trying to discuss. Just because I quoted Carlyle doesn’t mean you have to do the same and if you decide to do so, the quote needs to MAKE SENSE and be at least SOMEWHAT RELATED to what you’re writing about. You don’t just go quoting for the sake of it.

To the Echo, yours is not to compete with nonentities like me. You don’t need to quote Carlyle to prove you’re also “students of Literature, History and Political Science”. Yours is to inform the Gambian people and this needs to be done in the simplest of languages so even the youngest and least educated reader can understand what your message is. You’re right, I was wrong for starting the rumor that you write good English. You’ve proven that beyond any reasonable doubt and I sincerely apologize. Please get back to informing Gambians and quit whatever it was that you were trying to do with that “thing”. Use of big words, jargons and irrelevant quotes is impressive but only to the uneducated who think the only reason they don’t understand it is because of their lack of education when the reality is that it doesn’t make sense to even the most educated.

As I said, I’m not interested in editing your papers. However, if the editors of the echo decide to argue that their “thing” makes sense then I’ll be left with no option but to prove what I’m saying. I will, as an example, explain to their readers how the use of the word “Dickensical”(in the above article about Jammeh and Sir Dawda) is inappropriate and inaccurate in more than one way in the context it was used. Till I hear a rat squeak, I rest my keyboard.

Again, feel free to send your comments on this and all stories for publication.

WHO AM I? Louis friend revealed

All frequent readers of online Gambian news websites know that the buzz over the past few weeks has about Louis Friend drawing attention from all angles. My objective was definitely to draw attention but apparently, our journalists got it all wrong and deflected the attention to MY IDENTITY and away from the real issues I wanted to highlight. I must admit that my identity was never intended to be this huge secret. It still isn't. I have therefore decided that it would probably be best if put the issue of my identity to rest. I hope this will get everyone, especially the journalists, to focus on the important issues I'm raising. I'm working on the article and it will be published here and sent to all online publications when it is finished.

Thanks to everyone for their reactions, comments and emails. Negative or positive, the point is that you're making yourself heard.
Louis Friend.

“ADVERSE CONDITIONS?” Louis responds to Omar Saidy-Khan

It seems like our blog is doing very well in its first week of existence. I’ve already received a lot of comments and emails in reaction to the articles. Support or criticism, all reactions are very encouraging because I feel the blog is serving its purpose of provoking thoughts and discussions.
In this post, I seek to address some of the issues raised by Mr. Omar Saidy-Khan in his evaluation of my articles entitled "Maintain Dignity Even In Adverse Conditions"- (Opinion) on the Gambia Echo http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/712/Default.aspx . Mr Khan’s concerns are quoted and in italics followed by my clarifications. I thank Mr. Saidy-Khan for taking time to not only read my postings but to care enough to react to them. I’m sure there are many others who had the same or similar concerns and I hope this posting helps you as well.

“…enemies of the Gambian people”
Funny how all of a sudden I’m an enemy of Gambian people just because I criticize, with reason, a few websites. I’d like to hear an explanation of why Gainako (who I criticized as well) published the article or why no one on The Gambia Journal or Gambianow called me an enemy.

“ They are aspiring pseudo intellectuals who try to impress you with their intellectual prowess.”
Me? Intellectual Prowess? Wow!!! Thanks for the compliment but I honestly don’t think I have any intellectual prowess. You on the other hand have proven you’re not a pseudo intellectual. Your big words have done the trick to convince me that you’re an actual intellectual and I really am impressed.

“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?”
Yes it IS the height of audacity. Despite not being a journalist or a politician I have the audacity to rate online publications in MY OPINION.

“I cannot fathom what his objective is”
The reason you cannot fathom my objective is because it is so simple. Too simple for you to comprehend. My objective is to show that one does NOT need a gun like the government, a newspaper like the journalists or the title “journalist” to have an opinion or to rate an online paper. In addition, thanks to the advancement of the communications industry, you no longer need to rely on some censoring news medium to be heard.

“Who cares anyway what grade he assess these papers”
Apparently, YOU care and I thank you for caring. I don’t think you would waste precious time away from “stepping forward and doing something about the conditions of your family” to address me and my writings. Assuming YOU didn’t care though, that would also be totally cool by me. You can see on my blog that one of the options I provided as answers to how readers view about my ratings is “who cares?” There’s also the option of “absolute nonsense”. This is the type of display of tolerance to freedom of opinions that I addressed in my other article on the blog. I know not everyone cares and not everyone agrees but I’m willing and able to hear it and live with it. If you and some of our online papers you’re defending tried that, maybe we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

“To cap it all, he offers his MEAGER contribution as if we have nothing better to be concerned about.”
I don’t know about you but I personally have nothing better to do. This is IT for me. Sit at home all day and blog away.

“I do not know any such journalist and hope never to read one line of their writing ever”
Well, if you’re reading this then …”oops, I did it again”

“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.”
Well I’m sure you are proud. However, that does not mean that I should be too and if I’m not satisfied I’ll say it. And if you’re not satisfied with me having an opinion or expressing it, then you’re entitled to say it too and the cycle goes on.

“I can say that you should be accused of having a chip on your shoulder.”
Of course you can say that. It’s your opinion to which you are entitled and you won’t hear me crying about it.

“The audacity of your enterprise to publish an individual opinion as a credible rating”
Correction Sir, I don’t remember ever presenting my ratings as a “credible rating”. It is no more than MY opinion. You and everyone else have your opinion and you can choose share it with anyone who cares.

“I however think it too premature to launch attacks at them at this age of their lives.”
When, Sir, would be a “mature” time to launch “attacks” at them? In the words of DA FUGITIVZ “banghaas bor giss cha bamu nekeh ganchah laign koi jubanti, dor harr mu dijjah”. At 60 years of age, I’m sure you’re familiar with the translation that “one straightens out a tree when it’s a twig, you don’t wait for it to grow strong”. As a Gambian consumer of online news, I CHOOSE NOT TO SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY. “Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well”.

“Yaya Jammeh is all and only source of power”
On this I respectfully disagree and if it wasn’t for your seniority at 60 I’d call you myopic. The media holds a whole lot of power. More power than most of them realize or can handle. This is the reason for my demand for all of us to hold them accountable and make sure they’re doing the jobs they chose right.

“It is a common tactic, albeit a dishonorable one, to accuse folks of infractions that oneself is guilty of as a distraction.”

“Efforts to rattle Jambang’s resolve”
Firstly, how fragile is Jambang’s resolve to be rattled by little old me? Maybe he’s in the wrong business if his resolve is so weak. Besides, wouldn’t that be similar to the “dishonorable tactic” you mentioned above for journalists like Jambang to accuse the government of low tolerance to free speech if they themselves can’t handle it?

“…it is ironic that you found the “History of Basse” boring”
Honestly, I don’t see the irony Sir. I did say it was an important opinion but I think you’re having the problem that I HAVE AN OPINION and it doesn’t have to be the same as YOURS. History just doesn’t do it for me, whether it’s about Basse or Utopia. I’d rather kick back with an ice tea watching Tom and Jerry Cartoons.

“Please give a short family history to enlighten us. The claim that you are using pseudo name is very convincing I might add.”
Sir, I just don’t see the importance of whether my name is James or Omar. Whether I’m using a pseudo name is not nearly as important as the issues I’m discussing. Like your boy Jambang, you’re focusing on the less important. Tell me that The Point is not self-censoring and back it up, tell me that the Gambia Echo does not have a grudge and back it up or even tell me that Matthew K. has a better picture. Tell me that Jambang is not being a baby or that Observer is not a government tool. Those issues, Sir, are more relevant topics than my personal family background.

“Again, I am very encouraged that Mr. Friend is embarking on an online publication. It is terrific that we have more info nonetheless.”
Again, I’m glad you’re encouraged. I am equally encouraged and honored to have been worth your time.

To end, I ask, “what adverse conditions?” You cannot seriously be calling my comments “adverse conditions” for journalists. Ebrima Chief Manneh knows about adverse conditions. Baba Galleh Jallow, George Christensen, Sud FM, Baboucarr Gaye, Omar Barrow, DA Jawo, Fatou Jaw Manneh, those guys know about adverse conditions. For most of our online guys, this is not even their full time job. They clock in and out at other places and do their “journalism” in their spare time. They have no government breathing down their necks. They’re free to write and publish whatever they want and yet they cannot tolerate “a simple lash of the whip to keep them going” from a nonentity like me???

Louis Friend

“YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!” Louis on Media Censorship

The term “dictator” is frequently thrown around by the media. It is mostly used to refer to oppressive leaders holding political office. Gambian newspapers are no exception. More often than not, we hear almost all of our online news sources complaining about the oppressive nature of the Jammeh government. We often read about how unfriendly the APRC regime is to journalists and how intolerant they are to freedom of speech and expression.

While some or all these allegations may be true, I pose the question “Are our newspapers in any position to criticize anyone for being a dictator?”

My observations and experience with Gambian Online Newspapers leads me to conclude that they’re not. Freedom Newspaper, the Gambia Echo, Senegambia News. It is funny how all three of them were quick to publish when I wrote something positive about them. Some wrote emails talking about how “different” they are and how much they encourage freedom of expression and would publish anything even if it is a criticism of their own paper. Even funnier…was how quickly they ignored me when my comments were “not so pleasant” about them. Don’t get me wrong, they WILL publish untrue, unfounded or unsupported allegations that they can easily refute. Most of my writings though comprise the “bitter pill of truth” supported by articles from their own websites. Therefore, my “friends” choose the easy way out…ignore me and refuse to publish. I don’t see how this is different to the governments’ censorship they make their living criticizing. In fact, I now find it almost comical whenever I see them crying about the government’s intolerance to free speech. I’m not saying don’t criticize the government’s wrong, just be more tolerant and fair when someone else holds you accountable. You can’t be more hypocrite than to complain of censorship when you’re so dictatorial that you cannot publish a single article that says something negative about you.

To their credit, the only online newspaper to publish fair “criticism” of their paper is Gainako.com. In the copy of my article, THE FOURTH ESTATE: Louis Friend Reviews sent to them I gave them a low rating of 3/10 and some pretty harsh criticism of their website. Anyone paying close attention to the same article on this bloghttp://louisfriendreviews.blogspot.com/2007/08/fourth-estate-louis-friend-reviews.html will notice that the rating there is a 4.5/10. The 3/10 sent to Gainako was test (yeah, I know it’s petty) to see if they would publish being rated as low as Senegambia News. Needless to say, Gainako earned my utmost respect for being BIG and TRUE to freedom of speech.

The media has the responsibility to evaluate the government, to scrutinize what they do and to inform people of every detail worth knowing about. It’s what you call accountability and it is meant to keep the government on their toes knowing that someone is watching. A good government accepts this role of the media and treats them as partners in development. It listens to criticism and encourages healthy political discussions to bring out the best in itself and everyone else.

In the same vein, the public is what holds the media accountable. A good media listens to its readers. It not only allows but also encourages and listens to diverse opinions and discussions which it in turn uses to improve knowing someone is watching.

Yes we all know that dictatorship is wrong. Now we need to figure out that it is not only called dictatorship when the government does it. The media censoring readers’ fair and honest opinions IS a form of dictatorship and is equally unjust. All people have a right to freedom of speech. We all have a right to air our views as long as they are true and don’t promote hate or crimes against any individual or groups. We all have a right to be heard without fear of persecution, punishment or censorship as long as our words are legal and true. This is what journalism is all about and any true journalist will promote and support it even if the views expressed are not to their liking.

To recap, I’m not saying you should stop throwing stones because you live in glass houses. I’m just suggesting that you try moving into brick houses if you’re going to continue throwing more stones.

I leave you with a simple question that came out of a discussion I had with a wise man. “If you become a dictator and display this my way or no way attitude when all you have is a simple website, how will you behave if someone entrusted you with a whole country with an army, a police force and other resources???”

Please answer this question for yourself bearing Shakespeare in mind…”And this above all, to thine own self be true…”

PS: Feel free to criticize my writings right here on my own blog and tell the world if I censor you.

THE FOURTH ESTATE: Louis Friend Reviews

The term “fourth estate” is frequently attributed to the nineteenth century historian Thomas Carlyle, though he himself seems to have attributed it to Edmund Burke:

“Burke said there were Three Estates in Parliament; but, in the Reporters' Gallery yonder, there sat a Fourth Estate more important than they all. It is not a figure of speech, or a witty saying; it is a literal fact, .... Printing, which comes necessarily out of Writing, I say often, is equivalent to Democracy: invent Writing, Democracy is inevitable. ..... Whoever can speak, speaking now to the whole nation, becomes a power, a branch of government, with inalienable weight in law-making, in all acts of authority. It matters not what rank he has, what revenues or garnitures: the requisite thing is that he have a tongue which others will listen to; this and nothing more is requisite.” Carlyle (1905) pp.349-350

The above quote underlines just how powerful and relevant the role of the media is. An estate with such a responsibility not only needs to comprise of educated and smart individuals but also very ethical, moral and professional people who realize and take their responsibility seriously. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, this has not always been the case in The Gambia where a lot of our “journalists” just pick up a pen because they have nothing else to do. Many get away with it for the simple reason that no one checks the media to make sure they are doing their job properly. Who is to hold the media responsible you ask? THE PEOPLE. Readers like you and I.

For my first article, I have decided to give my own ratings of our online Gambian News websites.

Gambian Now – 9.6/10

A great ambassador for Gambian journalism. This is where you find the most new stories. It is frequently updated and stories are not only relevant but also adequately covered. The editorial shows very good writing skills and style and appears very objective in their coverage of stories. Simply the best source of Gambian News and there is little room for improvement.

DESERVES: A pat on the back.

NEEDS: I’m sure your readers wouldn’t mind knowing who you are.

The Gambia Journal – 9.5/10

Almost everything about this site is head and shoulders above the rest. Great writing, current and frequently updated news on “important” issues, reasonable objectivity and well-thought out articles. The website also contains some useful links to very important resources and documents including the Gambian Constitution, The UN Charter, The AU Charter and the Geneva Convention. A look at their Editorial Staff explains what sets them apart. Not only are they educated, they’re also smart and very well-respected.

Definitely a website all Gambians can be proud of and testimony to other aspiring journalists that the time and resources spent getting an education will be well worth it.

DESERVES: A pat on the back.

NEEDS: More news stories would be appreciated.

The Point – 6/10

The best online paper currently operating on the ground in The Gambia. 5-day week news stories on what is going on in the country including the courts and sports. My only criticism is that they seem to be self-censoring to avoid rippling some waves with the current government. However, given their specific situation and experience in recent years, I’m sure most Gambians will understand their fear and cautiousness.

DESERVES: A pat on the back for having the courage to carry on after what happened.

NEEDS: To ask the question of whether the self-censoring is really showing respect to the memory of their late Editor Deyda Hydara.

Gainako – 8/10 OR 4.5/10

Yeah, I know you’re already wondering how come the two ratings. The problem is, I have a problem categorizing Gainako myself. The format is similar to that of a news site and it is commonly categorized as such but the content seems similar to that of a blog or a forum for people to air their views.

As a NEWS website, I have to give them a rating of 4.5/10 because I don’t see much news.

As a blog or forum for people to express themselves, they deserve a 9/10 for the simple reason that I have not read on any rival website or individual about Gainako censoring anyone. They display objectivity and give ear to every opinion. Gainako also has the unique feature of publishing some very important topics of discussion (some of which I personally find a bit boring) such as The History of Basse.

Points were also taken off for sometimes not having “new material” for days. Also points off for occasional problems with placing pictures over text or vice versa.

DESERVES: A freedom of expression award for being objective and open to diverging views.

NEEDS: 1.To define their website as either a newspaper (and start giving some actual news) or as a blog (and get a blog format).

2. A graphic designer to ensure that pictures are put in the right places.

The Gambia Echo – 4/10

The best thing about this website is that they constantly touch on some of the most probing political questions regarding the current government. Interviews with people like BB Dabo and other notable figures are definitely thumbs up. The editors also show a good grasp of the English language and stories are well-thought before being published. Why such a low rating then you might ask.

Well, mainly because of the lack of objectivity. A quick glance at their pattern of writing and intonation show clear bias and bitterness towards the Gambia government. The editors seem to have been wronged by the regime and are out to get revenge. In addition, it seems to me that to compete with their rival freedom newspaper for popularity, the echo is increasingly being dragged into controversial stories including personal attacks on individuals.

DESERVES: A pat on the back for seeking to answer questions Gambians are dying to have answered.

NEEDS: 1. Some HONEY to even out some of their bitterness OR just some counseling/ therapy to get over your pain.

2. A proper shirt with buttons and a cameraman for Matthew K to have a better picture on his articles.
3. To ease up on the use of big words.

Daily Observer – 3.5

Very far from what the Observer of Kenneth Best and the one Baba Galleh Jallow worked for. It is a good read to keep up on what topics going on but that’s about all you can rely on Observer for. “Topics” is highlighted because you can’t even rely on the full stories under the topics. The current day Observer makes Fox News look like a democrat network.

The quality of writing is also far from satisfactory. Not least because it lacks depth of thought.

NEEDS: A name change. Try something along the lines of “July 22^nd Observer” or perhaps “APRC News”.

Senegambia News – 3/10

The new kids on the block should be commended for doing a very good job of trying to be the first to report some important news stories the latest of which is the arrests at Total Success.

On the not so positive side, the editors’ command of English and writing leaves much to be desired.

The paper also seems to be walking with a chip on its shoulder leaving it to focus too much on “others”. First were their attacks on Freedom Newspaper, then on readers whose opinions differ from that of the “paper” and now on Gainako for publishing reader’s views. To make matters worse, this paper seems more interested in the individuals rather than addressing the issues being discussed. It seems like everyone is an “enemy” trying to bring them down and this distracts the editors from the important task of trying to improve their newly-founded paper to reach higher heights.

DESERVES: A pat on the back for breaking away from their mentors, Freedom Newspaper.

NEEDS: 1. A pacifier and a baby bottle to quit whining like a big baby every time someone says something sounding negative.

Freedom Newspaper – S/10 … “S” for SHAME

I will cease from giving them a numerical rating. Where do I begin? Appalling grammar, bitterness, biased, unprofessional, uneducated ...the list goes on and on and on.

DESERVES: A certificate of illiteracy and ignorance.

NEEDS: To just close down.