http://www.observer.gm/africa/article/2007/10/5/the-cyber-terrorists
The Daily Observer accuses the online newspapers and writers of cyber terrorism. Now there have has been enough reaction to this story so it would be redundant for me to go over the whole article. I’ll just address two points raised by The Observer editorial
1. Observer claims “some of our compatriots in the diaspora, who have set up online newspapers, geared towards spreading hateful, malicious and negative propaganda against individuals and the state.”
On this, I couldn’t agree more. It is a fact that some of the articles on our online newsites are nothing more than shameful, hateful and malicious. Read last week’s article on Freedomnewspaper about a former Gambian soldier who allegedly now sells perfume in the
2. Observer also claims that “the
Ok, I know it’s the new Daily Observer but I still have to ask… DEMOCRATIC STATE and RULE OF LAW??? ”Are we talking about the same
Now, this story has generated a lot of interest and reaction especially from our online journalists. The links below show that almost every online publication has reacted at least once to this story. This huge reaction, coupled with the fact that the editorial could have been written at any other time got me asking the questioning “why now”? I once heard a stand up comedian call Janet Jackson the best sister a man could have. His reasoning was that when all media attention was focused on Brother Michael Jackson for child sex abuse, Janet decided to deflect the media attention away by flashing a boob during a Super Bowl half time show on National TV and later apologizing, calling it a “wardrobe malfunction”. Ridiculous as it may sound, media attention WAS deflected from Michael’s sex scandal to Janet’s wardrobe malfunction even if it was for just a brief moment. Could the Observer’s editorial have chosen the time when The Sale of GAMTEL, The Dalasi Mystery, The Singhateh’s Saga and the International Courts issues are all “hot” topics being discussed daily by Gambians everywhere? Well if it was, then I’ll say it has achieved some success because almost every publication has dedicated a lot of time and energy on that “cyber terrorists” editorial.
I would advice our online publications to stay focused and not lose sight of the more important issues. What the Observer Editorial calls you can be simply ignored or given very little attention. Those other issues however, need as much coverage as they can get. After all, this IS the new Daily Observer we’re talking about. Lower your expectations for Observer if you have any.
http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1365.shtml
Again, a mature, well-written article responding to the Observer’s accusation of Cyber Terrorism. This article, in two parts, does an in depth analysis of the current state of affairs regarding the internet, the media and the government.
“…you DR DRUNKARD TAAL…” - ” Not surprisingly, Freedomnewspaper's Hammadi Maasinah resorts to name calling and personal insults on Observer’s Dr. Saja Taal.
“... a drunkard butt licker…”- Freedom’s Cassandra also resorts to name calling. I would comment more on this story but unfortunately, I don’t understand the language of the article. Yes, I may not be that smart but try explaining the following quote and see how much smarter than me you are. I kid you not, this IS a direct quote …."Infact Jammeh have repeatedly made everybody known that he is being voted in by devils and so to speak devil, because Gambians are Peace Loving and voted him in to avoid trouble as reminiscent by the big Arms that follows him during campaigns.”
http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/803/Default.aspx
The Gambia Echo’s Matthew K. Jallow reacts to the Observer’s Cyber Terrorist editorial.
All Gambian’s Sarjo Banyang and Ebrima Ceesay react to Observer’s Editorial.
Ok, excuse my sense of humor but I found this story wickedly funny. I know how serious this issue is for Gambia but it just reminds me of when a kid gets beat up at the playground, he goes home and calls his older brother only for the big brother to get beat up too!!!
On a serious note though, the story reports on Amnesty International officials being arrested while on a mission to investigate the disappearance of Kaniba Kanyi and Rambo Jatta since last year. Gambians everywhere are buying ski masks to try and hide the embarrassment caused by our government's behavior.
http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/813/Dictator-Jammeh-Bows-Down-To-Pressure.aspx - This article is a follow up to the above one and brings a small sigh of relief to Gambians everywhere to learn that the arrested Amnesty International Officials had been released (on bail). Ski masks are still in short supply.
http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2377.htm
The Point reports on a shortage of foreign exchange in the country. President Jammeh places blame and threatens businessmen who are “hoarding” foreign currency with the hopes that the dalasi will depreciate in the near future. Well, EUREKA!!! Or, as the little preppy American kids say, “duhhhh”. It’s simple macro economics, when people don’t know what’s going on because no one is explaining it, they SPECULATE. There needs to be constant, honest and open communication between the central bank, the finance ministry and the chamber of commerce, filtering down to the masses especially when “miracles” are taking place. (Well, sorry but I have no other adjective for how the dalasi so suddenly appreciated against all other major foreign currencies in the last two months). I would recommend for our officials at the central bank, finance and other government offices go read up on the Asian Financial Crisis of the mid to late 90s. If they have any doubts, it will clarify the effects speculation can have on any economy, no matter how strong. Here’s a simple equation for government regarding the economy…NO INFORMATION = SPECULATION = POTENTIAL DISASTER
http://senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1936
Beware of Anonymous Blogs
I conclude with this piece from Senegambia News warning readers to beware of anonymous blogs. Hmmm, I wonder which “anonymous blog” they’re referring to!!!
Anyway, I thank them for the warning but I’d much rather pay attention to the content of a blog than the anonymity of the writer. I want to get as much information as possible, be it from anonymous blogs, angry journalists or vengeful editors. It gives me different opinions and I can choose what’s worth my time. How’s that as food for thought?
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