by Eyassu Lebenu
The Why and What Questions
I must confess, before I decided to write the article I had a little conversation with myself about why I should deal with this complex and elusive subject matter when too many people have too many opinions and perceptions, factual or otherwise. I also questioned myself if I really am entitled and rightful person to engage with this task. After contemplating the question for sometime I came to agreement with myself that as an Ethiopian I have every right to engage myself in any endeavor that concerns the nation. In so doing, based on my personal, educational and career experiences I will put forward the little I know to right the wrong, correct the incorrect and uncover the covert to create concrete evidence that would be the basis for rational decision and action. This article is forwarded with that in mind and with no sense of authority but rather deepest humility for being able to share my insights and findings with my fellow citizens.
Some might find it improper to include the Eritrean leader in the matter of Ethiopian affairs since it is exclusively Ethiopians only. However, we have to realize that as much as internal dynamics and forces shape and direct the political reality in Ethiopia it is also relevant to understand the impact and role of other interest groups. Specially, a country that has been one part of the Ethiopian territory until as recently as two decades ago there are many issues that are still unsettled and unresolved. Besides, new ones has also been created following the independence of Eritrea. So, addressing issues that relates to Eritrea would be pertinent in understanding the Ethiopian reality and the future of the region at large. But, I would like to remind all that it is not the intention of this writer to give opinion or evaluation about the Eritrean leader and his domestic and international policies. I have neither the will nor the right to do so. My attempt is just looking the region holistically with an attempt to deal with the realities in Ethiopia.
This piece has no intention of lionizing one and demonizing others. What it attempts to address simply is the relations ship and dynamics between the three entities so as to examine issues of friendship; cooperation; enmity; betrayal; deception and naivety with the hope of shedding light on the basic destructive and constructive underpinning factors. Why I put TPLF and Ethiopians as separate entities on the subject is due to my understanding of their difference of opinion on many issues and policies, including the difference on matters as big as what Ethiopian interest really is. That is what made it so difficult for me to put them in one category or regard them as the same entity. As much as there are differences of opinion between TPLF and Isayas Afeworki, there is the same level of differences between TPLF and Ethiopians despite they are in one politically defined area called Ethiopia.
We are a rational being who should have the capabilities to decipher facts from fiction to make an informed decision based on reasoning and analysis. That is exactly why I took the liberty to address the subject that had in fact been inexplicable for me for a long time. As much as it is true that my point of view and explanations create positive reaction from some it is also expected to create some non-smiley faces in some quarters. No matter what the effect, however, the beauty of freedom of expression is all about saying what you believe is right and put it in the open for everybody to see and judge. This is a beautiful and healthy discourse that no human being should be restricted from exercising anywhere, including Ethiopia and Eritrea. And for me personally, being able to speak loud what I have inside with no fear of retribution from any authority means a lot. And truly, that is my American Dream nothing more can substitute. Specially, when you know people are jailed, tortured and abused for exercising this right you feel more convinced of its importance and that drives you to do more.
This article underscores one fundamental principle, not all that we see and hear is what it is until we make our own investigation and careful observation that would help us reach the truth by refuting politically motivated and patronizing information of others. Specially, in politics where politicians are mostly concerned about how to achieve their goal while being less concerned what means they use it is imperative to find our own truth rather than being treated as buffoons who take all make believes than the facts on the ground. All sorts of tactics are put in place by politicians just so they accomplish their personal or group agenda disregarding moral, societal and even legal boundaries. What this article meant to achieve is one thing, to address the subject matter in a different light in an attempt to uncover the facts and erase the delusions created by politicians. In doing so, I attempt to investigate the dead past and explain the paralyzed present so as to breath life on the future by recommending some ideas and direction for actions that would hopefully be used to redeem the nation and the region.
The Ethiopians delusion; identifying the source
For a person like me who did not pass the age of fourteen when TPLF became a government it is easy to be co-opted growing up with the lies and deceptions propagated through the two state controlled Medias, ETV and Ethiopian radio. On top of that, the entire time TPLF has been ruling the nation for the last twenty-three years it has also been effective in institutionalizing and well organizing the Communication Ministry. Under the propaganda Chief Bereket Simon the ministry has been tirelessly working like a beast deluding and deceiving Ethiopians in an attempt to protect TPLF’s interest while betraying that of the nation. Bereket’s repeated denial of Meles’s death; his denial of the election 2005 loss; his denial of the crossing of the Ethiopian troops in to Somalia; his adamant claim that Badme was awarded to Ethiopia in the Algiers peace agreement when the reality is otherwise are some of his many landmark accomplishments.
No comments:
Post a Comment