By Donald Levine
Whatever else Barack Obama’s presidential campaign signifies, it represents a concerted effort to transcend partisan animosities for the sake of solving problems–both domestic problems like unemployment, housing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environment, and a foreign policy that made the nation less secure against terrorism. In addressing such issues, Senator Obama builds on a record of achieving consensus among normally divergent parties. In the primary contests, Ethiopian-, Eritrean-, and Somali-American citizens rallied in large numbers behind Obama’s candidacy. They find him a leader ready to address the nation’s pressing concerns and to restore a positive American presence in the global community. Without muting that enthusiasm, I want to suggest that something else which the senator represents can yield an even greater benefit for Ethiopia and the Horn. This point was broached by Teddy Fikre, in a piece on Obama in the most recent issue of The Ethiopian American: “The possibility of overcoming racial, ethnic, religious, and regional differences has implications in countries throughout the world.” His piece goes on to note that Obama’s approach encourages countries long stymied by historical grievances and unending conflicts to set aside their divisions and unite for the common good… Read more>>
6 thoughts on “What can Ethiopians learn from Obama? (Donald Levine)”
I hope under President Obama’s leadership people like Mr. Levine will mean less and his kind old politics will be history. For the new century, new way of thinking, and new ways of doing things. Out with the old and in with the new.
Obama for president in Ethiopia. Not that we don’t like Hillary clinton but will she give us the change that is crucial for the future of Ethiopia? If she keeps the old school ideology and way of politics I doubt. Obama is hope, and sign for the dark world created by US policy. Endorse obama the others will follow.
Within few months rather than years, few hours rather than several days, Senator Barack Obama, born of a black man from Kenya and of a white woman from America, has galvanized all races behind him, and all races are hoping he will bring harmony to a divided society in America as well as somewhere else in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Along the horizon of change he has been passionately declaring in most of his campaign appearances, people who earnestly listen to his convincing campaign speeches are also expecting from him a good leadership that brings to an end the conflicts that exist between the poor and the rich in America, and between ethnically, religiously, and politically divided countries in Africa.
The question some people who are not necessarily his supporters are asking is how could Obama bring a change, for example, to Africa, particularly to Ethiopia, a country whose government has purposely divided its people ethnically, economically, and politically with the support of the United States? Ethnically, the Meles’ government has divided the country into Amhara region, Oromo region, Tigray region, and into some other regions. Administrating Ethiopia in this way has never been tried before; it was Meles Seitanawi, the puppet of the United States, with the blessings of the Bush administration, who split Ethiopia into several ethnicities. Economically, Meles has been spending, no one to control him, several millions of dollars for the development of the Mekelle region, his home town, and to make things worse, he has sold a piece of land to the government of Sudan to establish a friendship between his government and the Sudanese government in case a war breaks out between Ethiopia and Eritrea so that he could get some military support from Sudan. Politically, there were many Ethiopian political organizations that stood up against Meles’ undemocratic governance, but Meles has destroyed most of them, and some of them who are trying to exist despite the beatings, the persecutions, and the imprisonment they have been receiving, are barely existing and are struggling for their political survivals.
To curve or to completely eliminate the Meles’ regime, to give political freedom to the people of Ethiopia, to divide the money produced in the country and the money that comes from abroad equally among the Ethiopian people, to have a worm and close friendship with America, to let the Ethiopian people elect their political leaders democratically, to crash the powers of dictators wherever they are found, to make the dictator Meles regime responsible for the massacres of the 2005, and to release all political prisoners and compensate them with some kind of financial help for the times they have wasted in jail unjustly, Unity for Democracy and Justice or Kinijit requires the united Senates to pass HR 2003 and disband the Meles’ lobbyists in Washington. It is this kind of change the Ethiopian people want to see, and is Barack Obama really ready to bring this type of change not only to Ethiopia but to the entire world?
Mr. Donald Levine asks us on the opposition side to first recognize the few improvements Meles Seitanawi has made – improvements such as the release of political prisoners from Qaliti, the reforms of the Press Law, the progress made in building roads, schools, health facilities, and the friendly smiles the Ethiopian people showed him while he was visiting Ethiopia as positive signs that life in Ethiopia is improving for the better.
What Mr. Levine has failed to grasp here is that the Ethiopian people by nature are friendly people especially to strangers; they smile, they sing, they can converse with each other or with a stranger, and they ask repeatedly about the well-beings of the other person and his family, including the well-beings of his cat, his dog, his goat, his sheep, and his caws. Such friendly conversations and good smiling do not tell the real problems the Ethiopian people are facing in their homes. Most of them do not have enough food that lasts them for the whole year; especially, every time when September (meskerem) comes many Ethiopian families worry too much because their food supplies are dwindling, for some of them have spent a portion of their supplies during the Ethiopian summer perhaps for a wedding, a mahiber, a senibetie, teskar, and for other religious and secular festivals, and those with large supplies do not have refrigerators where they can store their food, so they have no other choice except to throw away the spoiled food. In the countryside, most Ethiopians do not have electricity, running water, hospital, modern transportation, and telephone in this modern age. Therefore, they just starve, get sick, and die, and the Meles government, about which Mr. Levine affirms has done some improvements to the Ethiopian people because they are smiling, more or less care only for his tribes, the Mekelle people. Yes, hungry, sick, the Ethiopian people can still smile to make the stranger like Mr. Levine feel comfortable or feel at home.
We Ethiopian knows we have a common history; we know we have lived harmoniously even though we have different people of different faiths; we know we have three, among many, common problems: poverty, AIDS, and a bad government. We can unite and work together to irradiate poverty and AIDS from our country, but we cannot bring down the Meles regime as far as the United States’ economic assistance continues to flow and bolsters Meles’ corrupt regime. If, however, the United States changes its heart and helps the opposing party to overthrow the undemocratically elected Meles, then we can prevail. Other wise, our effort to bring democracy to our country is worthless without the help of the United States.
Any way, Mr. Donald Levine has, it seems to me, concluded that the Ethiopian people are the happiest ones in the world because they had received him with a friendly smile, good humor, and a bright face without understanding the difference between true smile and artificial smile. Of course, when Ethiopians smile, they smile from their hearts, but their smile does not tell the whole story of the harsh living conditions of the people. If some one wants to know how Ethiopians live, he must stay with them for at least four or five years. In case, Obama becomes the first black President of the United States, and if he visits Ethiopia, the Ethiopians are going to welcome him with a big smile in their faces. But if Barack Obama concludes that the Ethiopian people are the happiest people without understanding their deeper problems, then he is cheating himself, and there will be no difference between him and Mr. Levine when it comes to the understanding of the real problems of the Ethiopian people.
Poverty, distress, and diseases will never stop Ethiopians from smiling, from becoming friendly to foreigners, but they cannot stand tyranny and dictatorship, and they will never smile for Meles Seitanawi because he has been the source of all political diseases that have affected his political opponents. Therefore, the Ethiopian people hope that Obama, if nominated, will help them break the yoke of Meles’ tyranny from their soldiers. It is this kind of change the Ethiopian people want to see if indeed Barack Obama is serious about CHANGE
Dear Mr. Donald Levine,
If you were truly meaning it when you wrote: ‘The bottom-line solution of these issues must be addressed by Ethiopians themselves’, Why do you object HR 2003 that has been supported by Ethiopians with the intention to create sufficient political space for civil right movements? Why do you call the bill, intended to promote democratization, ‘punitive’? Isn’t it because you understand that ‘woyane’ is not for democracy? But why do you want the enemy of democracy not to be punished? What we Ethiopians are asking the US is: not to make democratization in Ethiopia too difficult and complicated by supporting the enemy of democracy.
You tried to undermine the value of the ties the diaspora have with the local people in Ethiopia, by implying that your short trip to Ethiopia provided you better understanding of the fact on the ground. I wonder to know as to who tolled you that smiling faces of citizens are indicators of satisfaction in the quality of governance? Is it a new addition by the Bush administration to the list of indicators to be used for measuring impact of USAID’s interventions in Ethiopia?
How dare you to tell us that the rest of the Ethiopian people should stay content with what ‘woyane’ is willing to provide. How dare you to tell us that we have to be grateful to ‘woyane’ for respecting 1% of our inalienable human rights. You should understand that as known dictators ‘woyanes’ have to be forced to respect our human rights not to be begged for.
It is clear that you lack understanding of the difference between the history of blacks in America and the history of the ethnically diverse society of Ethiopia. It is complete ignorance to compare control of power by ‘Woyane’ (a minority group from Tigray) in Ethiopia, with that of control of power by whites in America. What ‘woyane’ has is only military power. The 2005 election result should give you more acceptable fact than what you tried to judge by counting the number of smiling faces. You should not think that civil right movement in Ethiopia today is as easy and possible as it was in America centuries ago.
Professor Donald Levin,
Thank you very much for your concern about Ethiopia and the Ethiopians.I have read your article which gives a naive advice and at the same time which gives unfair illustrations that tell us about Obama,Adwa,marathon runners and the elders.All these do not touch the kernel of the issue.
Let me give your own statements.
“Despite continuing violence, however, the millennial season appears to be bringing some hope. Fresh hope for democratization was kindled by the release of most political prisoners and all of the journalists, by reforms of the Press Law, and by ongoing dialogue regarding the Election Board and rules of Parliamentary procedure. Years of focused improvements by the EPRDF regime are showing palpable results in four areas: roads, schools, health facilities, and energy. The spirit of the people wherever I went in the countryside during a recent visit was buoyant. People were energized, smiling, and friendly to one another as only Ethiopians can be.”
You are telling to the Ethiopians that the Melese Zenawi regime “release of most political prisoners and all of the journalists” and be satisfied and praise the regime of Melese Zenawi.In the first place these political leaders and journalist are not and were not criminals and they should not be sent to jail for two years.The rule of the election is just to face the result of the election.But the one whom you side sent them to prison and at the same time changed the rule of the game.Not only that Melese Zenawi in the name of security he sent his own well trained merceneries, thanks to the USA government for the training, killed the innocent people whom your government and your hand picked leader told them that in democratic governance there is a right to demonstrate and show grievance.
In my view the release of the political leaders and journalist is not a gift of Melese Zenawi.It is only a gift for USA and European countries.If he is not doing that he is going to loose your friendship.If I were in the place of you I should sue Melese Zenawi for he broke the rule of the game in the democratic election;he killed innocent people;he sent the innocent political leaders and journalists to prison;there are many people who are in prison without law;there are many people who are lost and unaccounted.Instead you tried to tell us this so called leader should be honoured and praised.
Professor Donald Levin says”roads, schools, health facilities, and energy. The spirit of the people wherever I went in the countryside during a recent visit was buoyant. People were as only Ethiopians can be.”Professor Donald Levin I know your are knowledgable about Ethiopia but you are not an Ethiopian.You are professor of anthropology and sociology but you do not have the heart of the Ethiopians.You visit most of Ethiopia but you do not share the burden and tension of the Ethioians.We the Ethiopians are who should speak about the advantage that we have got from the USA planted leader of Ethiopia.I was in Ethiopia too but you are witnessing about the progress of Melese Zenawi’s Ethiopia which seems to me adifferent Ethiopia.I had the chance to meet the Ethiopians in the street but I lived with them and eat what they eat.I do not think it is fair when you said the Ethiopians are “energized, smiling, and friendly to one another”.I do not know which Ethiopia you are referring.I was in Ethiopia if you and I are talking of the same Ethiopia.I was taken as a threat and an enemy when I was in Mekele and Aksum.I was taken as a foreigner because I was speaking only Amharic.But you by the mere fact you have a different skin colour and a different language you are welcomed and at the same time you are well protected by the regime’s security for you are mouthpiece of the government.Ethiopians should smile for a FERENJI at this time for they know that you are with money and at the same time you will throw some coins just to be kind and friendly.I sit with them and share their heart breaking stories.Do you think they will tell you their heart breaking stories and sit with you?You are foreigner and not part of their problems but you are the factor for their sufferings.
Professor Donald Levin I think because of your age you should be wise and reasonable.I do not know why you are telling me what the Weyane cadres are telling in the paltalk.They tell me about bridges,schools,roads and buildings.That is true there are buildings and roads.There is no way out to get additional fund from USA and other NGOs if buildings are not erected.Melese must show that and that will bring more fund.But Professor Donald Levin why don’t you try to write about the number of people who are starving and without shelter.I know you will tell me and you have already told us that it is not the problem of Melese Zenawi.Repeatedly you have said the people do not have the idea of family planning.The children in Ethiopia ,if your profession did not record it,are security,bank,senior home managers,fund raisers,and work forces.They need children,they need them badly.Now in the time of Melese Zenawi you do not know how many will survive and they need to have more.I think it may seem illogical to you but that is the truth.You blame the people in the country side but that is not fair and it makes you one sided.Roads and bridges are shown and we will see more of that type for the sake of USA.That is the only way to convince its own western supporters and help Melese Zenawi its arch supporter and general against so called terror.
Professor Donald Levin,I am afraid you are a paid writer of Melese Zenwi.This staement revealed to me who you are.
“even if the current bill before Congress were to become law, it would have virtually zero ground impact.”This is the truth that slipped from your wonderful pen.It is true. During the government of Reagan it was done the same things happened.The senate passed a resolution against Saddam Hussien’s atrocity against the Kurds.But the president blocked the implementation of the bill.Instead Saddam Hussein got 1 billion us dollar as a gift.At that time Saddam Hussien was fighting the war of USA against Iran.Nowadays history is repeaing itself and Melese Zenawi is fighting the USA so called war against terror in Somalia.I am sure he will be supported by the USA government and Professor Donald Levin.I am sure as Professor Donald Levin put it the bill on which many Ethiopians in the diaspora fight for its implementation will be supported by the senate and Bush the little will block it.Instead a reward will be sent to Melese Zenawi.Already Professor Donald Levin has give us the clue that the bill will pass but it will be buried by the prayer of pastor Bush.You are indicating who you are and at the same time your article is giving us clue of your frustration.Whether USA president and the actors like you behind the scene try to kill the bill Ethiopia will survive without the bill and you will see Ethiopia flourishing before you pass away.
This is the total statement that you put to demoralize the Ethiopians.”In addition, even if the current bill before Congress were to become law, it would have virtually zero ground impact. The US Government is already doing the things that HR2003 requires in terms of assistance; the only military aid the US gives is for counterterrorism or peacekeeping; and the visa law already requires that the US not give visas to persons guilty of gross human rights abuses. So the law would have no ground impact, and might alienate a strong partner and
undermine the assistance being given to democratization and good governance initiatives. ”
Professor Donald Levin,it is good that you are telling us “The bottom-line solution of these issues must be addressed by Ethiopians themselves; ultimately the changes will have to be made by courageous nonviolent political action within and under the laws of the Constitution”.You are telling us this but did you tell to your friend Melese Zenawi?Is there a constitution in Ethiopia?I think you are telling me the fairytale of Melese Zenawi that is being every now then rewritten.The constitution which is written by Melese is not the Ethiopian constitution but the Woyane Manifesto to govern the Ethiopians and to fool you and the USA administration.Do you have any idea how the federal law that governed Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa changed after the rigged election?Who are the courageous Ethiopians who will discuss with a nonviolent action?Your friend do no have dictionary that define nonviolence.He grew up with violence and will go on violating not only against the Ethiopians but he will violate against his own manifesto.Did you teach your student Melese Zenawi about nonviolence?It would have been good if it starts with your friend and student.The Ethiopians know nonviolence and have demonstrated during the rigged election.It is only Melese Zenawi and the USA administration that violated against the democratic rule.I have read you very much through your statements who you are and what your goal is.You are a friend of Melese Zenawi and you will remain a friend forever for you have a bond with him.
Here is Prfessor Donald Levin your wise quotation”Conflict over the bill has been costly, diverting scarce resources that could have saved thousands of human lives in Ethiopia and mobilized diasporans to engage the democratization process at home. The bottom-line solution of these issues must be addressed by Ethiopians themselves; ultimately the changes will have to be made by courageous nonviolent political action within and under the laws of the Constitution, just as the civil rights movement in the United States ended centuries of state-authorized oppression of African Americans.”
“To many Ethiopians at home and abroad, this appears to represent the sum and substance of America’s interest in Ethiopia. They rarely realize the extent of support for democratization efforts both by official US Government bodies — not least, the USAID program in governance and democratization — and NGOs that derive support from the US as well as other donor governments, such as Justice for All, PACT: Building Capacity Worldwide, and the Council of Elders, which played a key role in negotiations leading to the pardon of the Kaliti and other political prisoners. I find it disheartening that so many Ethiopians remain unaware of those crucial efforts.”I have seen Professor Donald Levin of your intelligent advice and frustration.We have seen the contribution of USA to Melese Zenawi.We have seen what the USA government did to strengthen the dictator and build Melese Zenawi’s arrogance.What you failed to see Professor Donald Levin is that we Ethiopians are no more fools and we have understood well what USA is doing for and in Ethiopia.USA and Europe did what they did in Kenya during the election rigging of Kibaki.They have invested a lot to keep Kenya united. That is well and good.But we saw the reverse in Ethiopia.Do you know Professor Donald Levin the reason why you did differently in Ethiopia?That was your mission to dismantle Ethiopia and to make Ethiopia which became an icon of freedom for the colonized Africa weak.That was your government mission and that was the reason that you assigned Melese Zenawi for such distructive mission.All your NGOs and Capacity building business is only to clear out those who are going to be a threat to your government’s Africa mission and to your arch friend Melese Zenawi.Do not think that we didn’t realise the contribution and USA’s investment in Ethiopia.History already has recorded your contribution so do not be depressed.
Professor Donald Levin you have become FIRDE GEMDIL”.We Ethiopians are not afraid to discuss with the concerned indviduals.You are a witness before the election how the opposition leaders challenged the USA planted leader in the democrtic discussion.Melese Zenawi is the one who is afraid of people and intellectuals.Did not you observe the security situation in the palace in which you frequently dinned with Melese Zenawi?Tell him not to be afraid and help him to be courageous and to allow the mass media to be open for discussion.Tell him that press be free and journalists analyse the polictical situation in Ethiopia.We are not afraid but you and your government are afraid if some one whom you do not know but who is known by the people be in the place of Melese Zenawi.You are not sure if your mission will be continued with a new leadership in Ethiopia so you are glued to Melese Zenawi.You and your government have invested a lot of money and you have established a complex network of intelligence which is secret so you are afraid not to to expose Melese Zenawi to discussion.Tell to your friend every thing will be aligned to the democratic procedures and your friend will be protected by the people.I quot your statement here so that you can counter check my statements and responses.
“do not fear to talk to one another, and see what can be done if you work together. As he expressed the point in a talk given at Martin Luther King’s old church in Atlanta, “We can no longer afford to build ourselves up by tearing each other down.” If the US presidential campaign can produce an inspiring figure like Barack Obama, who projects that transformative vision for Ethiopians, I cannot imagine anything more salubrious”.Forgive me if I irritated you.
True,Ethiopia needs its own Barack (“Bereket”) Obama. Our politicians are demoralizing. I have given up on Ethiopian politicians since Eng Hailu flushed our own “Yes we can” slogan down the drain.