Re: Seeking paths to Ethiopian Diaspora Dialogue and Consultations (wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker) by Prof Al Mariam

I just did a quick search for how many times the word Pro-democracy appears in this article and the result was nine. The magic word, Pro-democracy, also appears to be the nucleus of this article.

I will try to comment on the paragraph which contains the word, pro-democracy, according to my word search numbered 1 to 9.

1. “At the beginning of the year, we pledged to help initiate and sustain an Ethiopian Diaspora dialogue and consultation process with the aim of building broad consensus for collective action. We expressed our hope that with the proper groundwork it is possible to clearly identifying a set of issues over which pro-democracy Diaspora Ethiopians could take a unified position and speak in one thundering voice. We boldly proclaimed the inspirational theme, “Ethiopian united can never be defeated!”

To me, it is an already tried strategy that has failed over and over again to get a unified position among Pro-democracy Ethiopian Diaspora. Ethiopian Diaspora, like everybody on this world view and see things differently. Here in Canada, there are Conservatives, Liberals, NDPs and to your surprise party Quebec with agenda of separating Quebec from the rest of Canada. All of them consider themselves as pro-democracy elements but differ in policy making that are vital to the country they want to lead.(I know I shouldn’t be the one lecturing you on this matter). Instead of trying to unify people, I think it is a better strategy to bring people closer by creating a workable atmosphere that could lead ideas to flow freely. People with different opinions should not be seen as enemy always, otherwise the wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker is doomed to fail from the start. Unless we clearly identify and understand this issue, there is no way we can move forward. This is the main stumbling block of our democracy.

2. “Our conception of civic dialogue and consultation (wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker) among pro-democracy Diaspora Ethiopians is based on four simple ideas.”
What are the criteria of selecting pro-democracy Diaspora Ethiopians from non pro-democracy Ethiopian Diaspora to begin with? I think our fundamental difference among Ethiopian Diaspora lies on this issue. Most of us consider ourselves as pro-democrats and label the other as an ENEMY.

3. “We believe most ordinary pro-democracy Diaspora Ethiopians have come to realize that they can play a direct role in helping to bring about major changes in Ethiopia.”

It would have been nice to see the word positive, inserted between direct and role. Since some of the Ethiopian Diaspora role have been negative toward Ethiopia so far. Among many, the decision to join, or not to join, parliament during the 2005 election was mainly made with the consultation of some hardliners in Washington dc with the then kinegit leader Engineer Hailu Shawel. The result as we remember is, damaging the infant democracy, seeing some great leaders being thrown into jail above all losing so many innocent lives…

4. “by working together with pro-democracy elements in Ethiopia to re-establish democratic rights and facilitate the free operation of the independent media and civic society institutions; by promoting free political competition and helping to ensure free and fair elections are held; and by exposing corruption and exploring legal mechanisms to bring to justice those who have violated international law. In the past, we believe, Diaspora Ethiopians have lacked the dialogic and consultative mechanisms to achieve these values through collective action. “

Good point. To review what was done in the past, could teach us not to repeat the same mistakes, again…

5. “Today, many in the pro-democracy sectors of the Ethiopian Diaspora have come to appreciate the futility of rancorous debate with each other, and have chosen the path of dialogue and consultation.”

This will be a dream come true, if the Ethiopian Diaspora, indeed chose the path of dialog rather than destruction… From the past experience we have a long way to go. Mind you, I am not a future teller…

6. “Polarized debates and personal attacks have rendered pro-democracy Diaspora Ethiopians weak, divided and ineffective; and we must grudgingly admit that we have made ourselves the laughing stock of dictators.”

“One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” and by the same token one man’s dictator is another man’s Pro-democrat. This definitely will take us to a wide and open interpretation before we even start the wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker. Some people definitely will take it as an insult and start boycotting the good wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker. It also encourages some ugly labeling of people as woyane or Dergist…We need to overcome the mentality that believes in if you don’t see and understand things the way I do...

7. “From our preliminary efforts to date, we have ascertained two basic facts which we would like to share with all Ethiopian pro-democracy elements. First, we have detected an overwhelming sense of “fierce urgency” to undertake broad dialogue and consultations now”

Wow… I have read an article by Washera that calls for a debate and an invitation for a dialog from Ben. Can’t wait for the dialog to start among two good pro-democracy Ethiopian Diasporas… I hope you are going to accept the invitation and prove yourself right that change should come from self first.

8. “We believe pro-democracy Diaspora Ethiopians want “win-win” solutions not for themselves or their special groups or parties, but for the glory of Ethiopia and progress of all Ethiopians. For instance, we are inspired to hear representatives of groups who have long perceived themselves as competitors and rivals resonating agreement on core issues that are vital to the motherland.”

I think there are a lot of pro-democracy Ethiopian Diasporas but chose a different path than yours. I hope they will listen to the invitation that you offer and start the dialog soon as well. It is good to see the invitation being accepted by the other side.

9. “How can we neutralize and marginalize those elements that will spare no efforts to drive multiple wedges among pro-democracy Diaspora elements and work furiously to ensure our dialogue and consultations process will fail?”

Although, it is good to be cautious, be optimistic about those groups that you think are going to see your idea fail. Listen to them, may be they have a good point to offer. Thru dialog and only dialog, you might be able to win their heart. Although by doing so, be open for any eventuality that might take you to the other camp as well. The other scenario could be for both parties to stay in their respective camp but work on building a bridge that could help in exchanging ideas freely eventually narrowing the gap. This to me is a win-win situation for all. Unless we make a soul search as to why so many wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker failed so far (like the two H.R XXXX , I forgot the numbers), I see no end in our misery. At the end of the day we need to talk to our opponents. Even the Americans, with all their power, are hinting toward talking to the Taliban. So why not consider talking to your own fellow
country man. Otherwise, what is the use of having a dialog with the likes of you? It is like trying to clap in one hand. Change is possible if you talk to the other side.
I am forwarding this article to both of you and in no way I consider myself as a politician who can pen down my reasoning by quoting those intellectual wordings that I read from your articles rather, as an individual who thinks dialog is the best way to bring us closer. This will help us play a positive role in building democracy and fighting poverty which I believe is our quest.

Although I want to give the wu-yi-yit and me me-ka-ker the benefit of the doubt, it sounds bemare yetekeba not even bemar yetelewese (Honey painted not even honey mixed) unless professor Alemayhu explain himself the criteria of being considered as pro-democracy Ethiopian Diaspora is. I am afraid my own interpretation leads me to those who oppose the current government fiercely vs. those who think it is possible to work with the current government.

Abeba T.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT CLINTON

ETHIO-AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS ALLIANCE

(EACAA)

12108 Benjamin Street, Beltsville, MD 20705

Telephone No.:(301) 256-8152,


Voice of the Patriots Somali Ethiopian Prof Assn
Ethiopian American Forum Union of Tigrean in N. A.

FDRE Discussion Forum EPRDF Support Group, Inc.

SEECDA Amhara Dev Assn, Inc NA

Somali Ethiopia Peace & Dev Agency Prof Assn For Network & Dev
Ethio-Somali Inc. Tigrai Women’s Assn

Oromo Econ & Cultural Dev Assn Oromo Consensus Forum

Harari’s Econ & Dev. Org Somali Ethiopian Community

Ethiopian Civility Form Gambela Development Assn

All Ethiopian Nationalities Cultural Resource Ctr Gambela Com Assn in Minnesota
Gambela Ethiopian Community


February 20, 2009.

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
55 West 125th Street
New York, N.Y. 10027

Dear Mr. President,

We recently came across a letter addressed to you about a donation made to your Foundation by Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi. The authors of the letter, supposedly a lawyer group called Ethiopian Americans for Justice, seem to want to pass justice at random.

It is no secret that the Sheik has been involved in many business ventures and humanitarian activities in Ethiopia for decades. Among his various humanitarian activities in Ethiopia we would like to mention the recently inaugurated world class Children's Heart Center, which was the result of years of dreaming and hard work by a dedicated Ethiopian physician and the boundless generosity of the Sheik.

At the time of the donation, we all applauded the generosity of this great individual who has done a lot more to our own people in Ethiopia. We are also aware of the huge resources that the Clinton Foundation has put toward fighting HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. We would like to believe that your visit to that country was not only an affirmation of the good that your Foundation was doing, but was also an opportunity for you to see first hand, the efforts of the Ethiopian government to bring peace, prosperity and democratic rule to its citizens. In a way, we felt that the Sheik's donation is indirectly helping our own people. That was part of the reason for our applause at that time.

What was puzzling about the letter addressed to you by these’’ justice’’ seekers was how blinded they are to the benefits of such a donation, but also how presumptive they are that your foundation would accept donations without scrutinizing its origin and its potential for conflict of interest. They were quick to pass judgment on the workings of your Foundation and blame the Ethiopian government.

What is even more appalling is how fragmented their evidences are that were used to incriminate Sheik Mohammed Al-Amoudi. One such evidence, We quote (sic) " Mr. Al-Amoudi’s name has been mentioned in connection with the 9/11 tragedies." We are not aware of the "mentioning", but are they telling us that the American government ignored such an allegation or would they rather make a guilty verdict by an allegation?

This group would like us to believe that the donation made to the Clinton Foundation came directly from the Ethiopian government, actually directly from the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. They go on to allude that the Ethiopian government is so rich that it is buying US influence for the "continuation of the Bush administration’s policy of unquestioning US support for their controversial rule." While they are at it, it would be prudent to tell us the names of the US administration officials bought by such largesse.

At times, they seem to be pointing fingers at your foundation when they try to find fault by alleging that the Sheik, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gates Foundation are among the five donors to your foundation. When Mrs. Clinton passed the congressional hearings with flying colors before taking charge of the Department of State, we all believed that any conflict of interest issues with the Clinton Foundation were cleared once and for all. We also believed that with a 40 billion budget and over 50,000 employees, she is working hard to create a more democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.

The entire letter would have been dismissed as preposterous and contemptible if it were not for the identity of the individuals hiding behind "Ethiopian Americans for Justice" name. These few individuals continue to demonize the Ethiopian government and attempt to fracture the support of the international community for the emerging democracy and developmental endeavours in Ethiopia.

Mr. President,

We are more than aware of the work your Foundation is doing in Ethiopia. You have seen it first hand. You have built the largest pediatric HIV/AIDS clinic in the country, which has quickly become a Center for Excellence for treating children. That is not all. With a staff of over a 100, the Foundation has a gamut of projects which concentrates on HIV/AIDS, health systems, drug and medical equipment procurements, and more recently the establishment of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI). To allege that this work and those dedicated employees of the Foundation are "closely intertwined with government operations" is nothing short of a slap on the face of the Foundation.

We will not tolerate such fringe elements besmearing generous friends of our country and people. Neither should you. Your presidency was a historic moment in American history. We have no doubt that the work of your Foundation will continue with the same energy and good will that it has shown all these years. We plead with you to repudiate such atrocious allegations and continue your support for our people.

Sincerely,



__________________________

Negussie Birratu

Chairman Executive Council





cc: Honorable Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Department of State

Honorable Ambassador Donald Yamamoto, US Embassy in Ethiopia

HOW THE GUARDIAN CHEATS AFRICA: MARTIN KETTLE ANALYSES GORDON BROWN’S SPEECH TO THE US CONGRESS ON 3/4/09.

March 5, 2009

WASHERA_2



I know Gordon Brown makes good speeches and it was no different when he addressed the US congress on Thursday. Martin Kettle of the Guardian tried to give it his own spin, most of which I had no problem with. All politicians do try to appease their audience in one form or other.



The speech covered the strong ties between America and Britain/Europe, in the process bestowing accolades on President Barack Obama and paying tribute to an old guard, Senator Edward Kennedy, with an honorary knighthood from the Queen.



Gordon Brown covered the Iran-Iraq issue, his belief for a viable Palestinian state and most importantly concentrated on what he called “new priorities for our new times.” He talked about the lesson he learned from his minister father:



“ ..That wealth must help more than the wealthy, good fortune must serve more than the fortunate and riches must enrich not just some of us, but all of us.”



With this, he delves into the politically important part of his speech, that the US political leaders have to exercise global responsibility, not just look after their own voters. He goes on to explain how economic crisis does not stop at the water’s edge, but ripples across the world, hence the need for global solutions for the crisis.



His plea for US leadership to achieve tougher new targets on climate change and investing on environmental technology to end the dictatorship of oil got a standing ovation. He was also appealing for President Obama to give global leadership at the London G20 Summit next month. He believed trade to be the engine of prosperity and educating our children throughout the world as a major priority.



I was following Mr. Martin Kettle’s analyses until I came to the speech Mr. Brown makes regarding Africa, which starts off by saying, “And let us not forget the poorest.”



Except, Mr. Martin Kettle, the distinguished commentator, the mighty mouth piece of the Guardian, decides to remove the entire speech and replace it with a half-sentence created only to precede the next sentence in Mr. Brown’s eloquent speech. I kid you not! He added (sic) “As we strive to spread the values of peace, political liberty, and the hope of better lives across the world, perhaps...” and here he marries it with the actual speech, “the greatest gift our generation could give to the future, …” and continues without missing a beat. Did he receive a different version of the speech or is he at liberty to treat Africa just like his old colonial days? I was flabbergasted at his audacity to leave out the entire speech made by Mr. Brown on Africa. I am forced to bring that part of the speech, left out by Mr. Kettle, in its entirety and will leave the judgment to the reader.



“In the Rwandan Museum of genocide, there is a memorial to the countless children who were among those murdered in the massacres in Rwanda.



And there is a portrait of a child, David. The words beneath him are brief yet they weigh on me heavily.



It says name David, age 10, favourite sport football, enjoyed making people laugh, dream to become a doctor, cause of death tortured to death, last words - the UN will come for us.



But we never did. That David believed the best of us, that he was wrong is to our eternal discredit.



We tend to think of a day of judgment as a moment to come. But our faith tells us, as a writer says, that judgment is more than that.



It is a summary court in perpetual session and when I visit those bare, rundown yet teeming classrooms across Africa, they are full of children, like our children, desperate to learn.



But because we have been unable as a world to keep our promises to help, more and more children are being lured to expensively funded madrassas teaching innocent children to hate us.



So for our security and our children’s' security and their children’s' future, (and here the above paragraph comes to a conclusion) the greatest gift our generation could give to the future, the gift of America and Britain to the world could be, for every child in every country of the world, the chance millions do not have today; the chance to go to school.”



I thought the British Prime Minister made an impassioned speech to ask the world leaders to think globally in their deliberations. We applaud him for that and we will continue our struggle to become equal partners in educating all people to retool and reskill to invest and invent our way out of the downturn. We refuse to be deleted or excluded by the likes of the Guardian’s Martin Kettle.