Please! Don’t derail our dream

Letter to Dr. Taye and his friends from a Concerned Ethiopian

By Netsanet Yimetal

Why do you do this to us? Better yet, why do you do this to yourselves? Yes, I am talking to those of you who are standing in the way of democracy. The prospect for better Ethiopia has never been better. This is a historic time when multiple events are converging at the same time: The freedom of the strongest non-violent opposition group in the history of the country; the unanimous support to HR 2003 by the House of Representatives, hence the American People; the unworthy war against our neighbor Somalia, the brutal war against our own people, the Ogadenis and the tension with Eritrea. I truly believe we have come to this point of our history for a reason. And that reason is an awesome change.

A change that frees our people from tyranny!

A change that gives individuals in our country equal footing to compete with each other!

A change that provides our nation the platform to shine globally!

A change that gives our Educated the choice to stay and serve!

A change that opens the door for possibilities whatever the possibilities maybe!

But! But, you are standing in the way. I have a simple question for you. Do you realize that you are standing in the way though? Do you realize that you are like a goal keeper who is trying to block the ball of democracy? I don’t think you do realize the extent of the damage you are doing. I don’t believe you realize it because if you did you wouldn’t stand in the way. Not against your own people anyways, would you? I know I am right because you were a proud EDU or IHAPA who legitimately fought for the cause of your people.

That was then! This is now! Now, time has changed in Ethiopia. Ethiopians are not interested to live and relive their past. Ethiopians are ready and eager to move forward.

They are excited at the prospect of seeing their nation submerge under freedom. They also found honest and energetic leaders who are ready to lead by example. Just look at the excitement of the Ethiopians around the U.S. The excitement in Washington D.C, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles. Come hell or high water, I will experience this excitement as well when these leaders arrive at my home town, Atlanta, GA this coming Friday.

So, here is my humble message to you. Our people are tired; Tired of in-fighting. We are ready to follow leaders who are Ethiopians! Who stand for all Ethiopians. The time has passed for ethnic based leaders of any type including Amaras, Oromos, Tigreans or Gurages. The time is ripe for leaders who stand for human rights.

Human rights for Oromos!
Human rights for Tigreans!
Human rights for Anuaks!
Human rights for Gurages!
Human rights for Amaharas!
Human rights for Ogadenis!
Human rights for Afars!
Human rights for Ethiopians!

We would like you to join us and support our leaders as they are preparing to continue the fight for the freedom of Ethiopians. As you clearly know, it is tough enough fighting a government with abysmal human rights record.

Won’t you then join us support the legitimate leaders of the opposition, Wzt. Bertukan and her delegation as they get ready to finalize their U.S tour and leave for their nation, Ethiopia?