Dear Mr.Editor,

 There is a very healthy debate ensuing at this time amongst the contributors to the Gambian online media. To add to the debate, I ask the question..is it relevant that some Gambian's are not as gifted as some others, in the use of the English language. For what connects  the debate is that all use the English language to express feelings, opinions and emotions. With the occasional smattering of Worlof or dialect that we English do not always recognize or understand. What I can say with confidence is that an ever increasing number of non Gambians are tuned into your words and the expression of your God given right to express how you feel. Therefore what you say and how you express yourself becomes important from the perspective of being Global ambassadors for The Gambia and Africa as a whole. The other aspect that raises its head daily, is the standard of Gambian journalists and the Editors of the respective online newspapers. For within the debate comes the occasional rift between Editors and  those who carry the debate with obtuse opinions. Is this good? and does it reinforce the thrust for an open and uncensored media. either within or without The Gambia.

 My own opinion is that free speech is not a competition or a means to outdo the other in terms of using large and rarely used words spoken gratuitously by those with educational advantage. Provided the words used convey the message that the writer wishes to express without causing unnecessary offence.

I also believe that when Gambian Journalists or Editors use their position to attack their prey to assassinate the character of their target, without evidence or just cause defeats the process of fair play and impartiality. The offender loses the thrust of the argument by default. For the attention is then drawn from the attacked to the accuser. This should never be the position of any news media.

To view the most read articles online, confirms my opinion that sensationalism and tales of corruption attract the main audience. So when attacking the Gambian online media for this type of written "news"..the reader must also accept some responsibility for its encouragement. Hence you will always find that information articles of public events or the News aspect highlights a policy change or matters of public interest....you will find that these get limited attention from the audience.

Turning to President Jammeh's contributions when he makes public speeches. You have to view these with some trepidation. One important aspect of government is that we all look to our leaders for guidance and wisdom and some discipline. For the relationship with the public is important. Taking the recent events into context, to read through President Jammeh's words fill me with mixed emotions. The gratuitous use of colorful language which is laced with the spilling of Gambian blood and opinions that he does not have to kill anyone for those he would have reason to kill are already in prison. That those who are missing are lost at sea on route to Europe, gives the impression that The Gambian Government absolves itself from all and any responsibility for the safety and welfare of all The Gambia's citizens, or any other foreign citizens within its sovereign territory.

Therefore, one has to conclude that there is an absence of "concerned" role models to which to raise the bar higher in public speaking  and "responsibility" which extends across the online media and to the very highest office in The Gambia.

 What frustrates me is that The Gambia does have role models of high integrity within The Gambia that do seek to raise that bar higher. People like Sam Sarr, Halifa Sallah, Pap Saine and OJ and Darboe. I would even go further than this to mention Fatou Jaw Manneh and Mai Fatty on this side and experienced politicians like Neneh Mc Dowel Gaye, Samba Faal, and Musa Balla Gaye.

 The longer I observe The Gambia, I do get the feeling that somehow..The Gambia is projecting too many negative vibrations to The World at large. It is as though the intelligent and the experienced and those with higher education have been placed on the expendable list when Jammeh took The Gambia by force. Is this surprising? How in the scheme of things does July 22nd 1994  warrant such a celebration...when April 10th and 11th 2000 is not recorded with any dignity or solemn remembrance...by a grieving people.

 The major triumph of the emergence of The Gambian online media..is that is does record, promote and record so many matters that can never be forgotten or buried in abandoned history. The Online Media in this respect alone will always have my support and I am certain..that of The International community. It serves as a concerned and open conscience for the nation. Something that is manifest when one views  the alter ego of The Daily Observer.

I believe that if The Observer was truly a Democratic forum for diverse opinion....the online media would struggle to gain in popularity. Indeed The Observer should be renamed the "Daily Tribute" for to me it serves no other purpose.

When considering the Western Democracies and their history and most importantly their traditions in honour of those who gave their lives for us. It is difficult at which point the Western viewer who are reading your words..can gain entry into this debate. I know several who contact me to ask why I stand by Gambian's and how I could possibly survive this long upon these pages..without being ridiculed and attacked surreptitiously. Especially as I very often give support to The Jammeh government.

  My answer is always the same. What we are witnessing is a people facing so many disadvantages, that we in The West have overcome through many generations, of those who marched for the rights we enjoy today. This liberation of the spirit also released the commonwealth of the people through personal incentive. {Read Adam Smith}

 Once African's can realize the strength that comes from leaving behind the differences that destroy us and focus on the common strengths that  unite us. The enduring situation that exists in post colonial Africa....will only serve those amongst you, who's ambition is exploitation..for  the benefit of the few over the rights of the majority. This will change..it is just a question of time. Thankyou Mr.Editor.

                                                                                                     I remain Michael..U.K.