Ethiopians for Obama is reaching out to the Ethiopian community and looking for volunteers to drive to Philadelphia this Sunday March 16th to help register Ethiopian-Americans to vote in the Pennsylvania Primary, which is being held on April 22nd. The Pennsylvania deadline to register is March 24th. Anyone who is not registered on or before the 24th of March is not eligible to vote in the Pennsylvania Primary. In addition, those voters who are not registered as Democrats are also not eligible to vote in the Democratic Primary as it is a closed primary.
The good news is that we have a week and a half to register as many Ethiopians-Americans and other citizens as we can. The key is to make sure that they are registered, and if they support Barack Obama, to make sure that they are registered as Democrats. If we are able to get enough participation, the plan is to drive from Washington DC at 7:30 AM on Sunday March 16th and arrive in Philadelphia in time to set up a booth at the various Ethiopian churches in Philadelphia. We will bring our laptops and empower Ethiopians to register to vote right on the spot—you can register on-line in Pennsylvania.
There is a large community of Ethiopian-Americans in Philadelphia, it is vital that we galvanize and organize our community in Pennsylvania so that we can have an impact on the outcome of the Pennsylvania Primary.
If you are interested in volunteering to make this trip to Philadelphia, please email [email protected] and put “Trip to PA” in the subject header.
If you do not have a ride, please state that so we can try to work out accommodations for everyone. The plan is to drive back to DC by 4:00 PM Sunday.
11 thoughts on “Ethiopians for Obama drive to Philadelphia”
C’mon DC. Let’s roll to Philly & do the right thing. Here is an opportunity to walk the walk instead of talk & talk.
As they said, “That who trys to grab the silver on the top drops the gold in his grab at the bottom”, Yeqotun awrdalhu bila, yebibtaun talech” yilaul. “Man Yawora yenebere, man yarda yekere”. As far as the policics of this country is concerned, I have seen the election since 1968, and I have studied it carefully. I have some understanding of the American electorate and the elction process. It would take time and experience to be elected. Or you have to have the majority voters, old people over fifty to put you on the top. In 1968 all gollege students all over the United States of America had ganged up but did not show up to elect Democract when the time came. That is why Triki Diki, Nixon of the WaterGate had been elected. Even though I do not like Republicans, He was the best and the Smartest President I have seen in my life upto WaterGate. To your information the Democratic convention of 1968, was in Chicago, Obamas home town. We Ethiopians, should not put our eggs in one basket. Ha..Ha..Ho..Ho. Generation will not show up at the time of election day. My self, I have tried several times, to run for office and tell my fellow Ethiopians the value of political participaion in the democratic process. Forgive me to say many Ethiopians in this country work hard, talk to much about politics but do not act. Some of them, they rather sepend their time and hard earned money in bars and clubs. That is ok for frustrated lost generation who do not follow guidance. Everyone says everything, knows everything, but acts nothing. All Indians {Ethiopians} but no chiefs. My fellow Ethiopian, Do not count on some Ethiopians, especially, Philadelphians. These people are close to me by thir mouths or talks, But far away from me wiht their hurts. Most of us Ethiopians are backbiters. Come on, man do not make me angry and say too much about my fellow Ethiopians. We can even solve our own problems, Can not be united. How can you vote for Obama? Do you know him? Have you studied his legislative activities in IL? I heard and read, He cast 120 times present in his legislative vote. He was afraid to stand up one way or the other. If He was afraid to be counted, how can you think he is going to help Ethiopia and Ethiopians. I will wait for you here in Philadelphia to convince me to vote for him. By the way for your surprise, I and my wife will vote for Senator Hillary R. Clinton, my son and my daughter said, they will vote for Obama. It is a generation thing, and I think it is a matter of experience. Hay this is a democratic country and I wholeheartdly support your participation one way or ther. Stand up and be counted. I will be here. Thanks.
The bush admnistration should get a good lesson that ethiopians can make a difference in USA’s Presidentail election. So ethiopians should stand up and should show for all anti ethiopia groups that Millions of ethiopians who are living in USA can play vITAL ROLE IN THE ELECTION. SO GO AND JOIN WOITH ALL PRO BARACK OBAMA’S SUPPORTERS. God bless obama. amen. the future hope of poor Africa. we hope obama will Re-install USA’s wrong and blinded foreign policy towards Africa.
Harry Massele? Why not Hillary Mesele? what an ignorant for a supposedely ‘intelligent’ comment? Have you done your home work on Obama before you trash him? I highly doubt you know how to research on the internet or the public domain. Let me save you the trip: check out first Hillary’s record and connections to DLA PIPER before anything. Do you know that she has taken thousands of dollars from lobbyists to advocate for the weyane regime?? Check out the video on youtube under ‘Hillary’s connection to DLA PIPER’ unless ofcourse you are weyane’s —– licker. Nuff said! Just can’t stand morons like this who is bent on anything negative to thwart ethiopians’ attention. I am not going to give you the URL; but I leave it to you to investigate on your own:)…if you have the mental capacity to ‘investiage on your own’:)
Ato Harry (Hilary) whatever your name is, how dare you!? How do you think you can convince the overwhelming majority of Etiopians not to support Senator Obama if you can not convincece even your own children?????
No wonder why you faild to get elected for whatever office you tried to run.
Why Obama will be elected?
Because he inspring more and more first time voters. His message is dynamic.
Because DLA Piper donated $423,000 to Hilary. DLA Piper is hired by Woyane. Woyane is Ethiopian enemy.
Because Obama believes peace with world leaders.
Because Obama is mixed race and beleives in equality.
Becasue his plan is to support college students by giving $4000.
Because Obama is support the middle classes.
Because Obama is anti-war from the start.
Because Obama is not attcking his opponent Hilary.
Because Obama is more intellegent than Hilary or Mccain.
Becasue Obama is the 21st century leader.
Becasue Obama opposed NAFTA from the begining.
Becasue Obama beleives democracy from bottom. You and me can change the politics if we participate in the political process of US.
YES WE CAN CHANGE !!!
Reading these movements and reading how the DC, Virginia and surrounding community participated around the elections there – I was so filled with Ethiopian pride!!! Here is a great opportunity to honor and support someone that has only been here one generation, father from Africa, had to overcome all the struggles we have to go through, didn’t limit himself to short goals or didn’t get discouraged or swallowed by hardships, is so inspiring not just by his articulate speach but by his life, is well-respected and peace-loving, believes HE can change things for the better and goes for it in a peaceful way, is a religeous person, etc… and we are all standing behind him in support. That is what differs those that just stand by to watch and those that make a difference. It is easy to discourage people or to just talk when we have time to kill, it takes a great man/ woman to give time and energy to what they believe in. LOVE YOU ALL. LET’S DO ALL WE CAN.
Dawit:
Excellent point. What else do you expect from a person who makes such an absurd generalization about 70 million diverse people by saying “we ethiopians are backbiters”. His comment about only young people supporting Obama is also purposely misleading. Obama won in states like Virginia, Winconsin, Washington, Collorado, Missouri etc. by attracting a coalition of voters from every conceiveable demography. Yet, Clinton supporters like him purposely ignore those victories and cite only states like SC and Mississippi. What democrats need is not to appeal to their base support that is aleady in their bag. The base will vote to whomever the democratic nominee is. Rather, what they need is to enlist new voters, independets and some disgruntled republicans to form a large coalition of support. With this regard, Hillary is actually the worst possible candidate as she is a polarizing figure that will not only turn off new voters and independents, but also she will galvanize the republican base as they hate her passionately. The most likely outcome would then be Mccain’s victory. No wonder then conservative radio hosts are pushing for Hillary’s victory as that would give their party the best chance.
His other lame comment about experience is equally baseless. We all know that in the single most important decision of this decade that USA faced, Clinton chose to vote for invading Iraq. Longitivity in Washington isn’t a substitute for experience with good judgement.While she was first lady and attempting to implement healthcare reform, she miserably failed because of her inability to work with republicans. How could failure count as an experience? When she campaigned in NY for her present position, she promised she would create a minimum of 200,000 jobs, yet she delivered ‘zilch’. What an experience huh!
Finally, his comment about Obama’s legislative record are equally misguided. Anyone who has an iota of understanding about the legislative process in IL, would know that many well intentioned proposals require further improvements/amendments before they deserve a full ‘yes’. Only dogmatic ideoluges would see proposals in black and whate and reject or accept them fully while they need some work. These cheap political attacks are copied from the Clinton campaign. The good news is America is slowly waking up and saying ‘it is time for change!’
Go Obama!
One other important point is who would be best for Ethiopia? We all know that Bill Clinton was the president who absurdly called dictator Meles and Issayas as ‘the leaders of African renaissance’while they were grossly violating human rights. He financed their killing machines, supplied them with weapons and gave his blessing for the fake referundum of Eritrea land-locking 70 million Ethiopians and condemning both nations for an endless cycle of conflict. Electing Hillary will simply ensure the continuation of these failed policies towards East Africa. Having an east African ansestry, Obama will deifintely be interested in promoting democracy in East Africa. Moreover, he has clearly indicated in his campaign that US’s security interest and building democracy are not mutually exclusive. He proposed to be tough on Musharif even before the assassination of Bhuto. That clearly gives an indication that he will not be fooled by Meles’s jump into the bandwagen of fighting against terrorists (to secure US’s millitary and financial support without accountability). Ethiopians who yearn for democratic change are fed up with the failed policies of the Clintons and the Bushes. It is time for change and we rather take our chances with Obama than stick with the failed status quo.
Go Obama
I do not see any reason why all ethiopians are expected to vote for Obama? is it because he is black? or is it because all the other candidates are against our struggle? I think each person has to decide for himself.
Hey, Hi! my Fellow Ethiopian Brothers and Sisters!!!
It is my convection and thinking that, this is how you create an important political discussion and learn from it. I am so much delighted, no word can explain my blithes of heart, and ecstasy of my whole body. I am enjoying This. The reason that I am so flicitous is that I am realizing the climax of Ethiopians’ political maturity and participation in this Country, by action rather than words, in order to change the Policy of the West towards Africa, Ethiopia in particular.
Thank you Shegaw and Dawit for your baffle afflicition on my palable ignorance of political activities and analysis in this Country. Well, I am an Elcted Democratic Committee Person in my neighbourhood, in my City. Last Spring when I run for Council-At-Large, I had less than ten Ethiopian votes from over 22,000.00 votes I have received. I am basing my analysis on that action. I was the first supporter of my Concilman, now my Mayor, when he has less than 5% of the Black Vote in this, majority black city. I am always loyal for what I believe in. I do not sway by looks and speeches alone without action. I do not move where the wind blows and I do not swept by the wave. I do not follow acitory but facts and deeds. “Action speaks louder than words.”
The reason I saying all this is that to say I have been carefully analysing and participating in the political process without name calling and cursing. I have some inside understanding of political machine and I speak from experience. I have been participating in the Democratic Machine since 1995. I have some inside info.about my village.
I said most of us, that means 51% not 74 million Ethiopians. I was just mention the facts about our community’s luck of domestic political participiation. Now, you convince me that most of you are well aware on the issues except that you only see foreign policy, from what i gather in my side view. Most politics are local. Let us face the facts, the Majority of voters are white and they are interested in mostly in domestic economic problems surounding them. You know what is going on in housing, jobs, gas prices, etc, etc.
I did not trush Obama, I just ask how much you know about his legslative activiteis in Ill. We should not TRUSH (your word) each other. We should not be besotted by looks and speechs alone, but by act. I did not know Obamas before 2004 Democratic Convention, to vote for him, and I am not sure he would win in November, knowing the Republicans plan of using race card, religion, and inexpreince. Let face it Hillary Clinton has been tested on and the Republican hate her and her action. Because the Republican knows, that, the majority of white women and middle aged, some educated, and some blacks men would vote for her. They know they do not have a chance if she is nominated. The Conservative, Drug Adict-Radio-Talk-Show Hosts like Rush Lumbo, are trying to conspire on Clinton to have a back-lash against Clinton. They are real Supporters of her. My brothers and sisters don’t be fooled by these wolfs among sheeps, warmongers.
My Brothers and Sisters,I would love to have a Black President in this country, so also a Female President and Obama will be president in due time. I would like to see Hillary as a President and Obama as Vice President, so that we capture the White House and Obama can have more experience and he would be The President in 2016.
I believe our mature political discussion will rise above the frail, and I see waking up the sleeping giant of Ethiopian Dispora. This political entreat, exaggerate, extraordinary and expediency of Ethiopian Community, is beyond my comprehensive. This kind massive political participation is needed in order to see a Change of Policy towards Dectators in Africia, Particularly Ethiopia. Don’t We wish this kind of poltical discussion in our homeland, Ethiopia? How wonderful it would have been. We saw that for a liile while, until Dictator Melese stopped it. What a travesty of Democracy and what a hepocracy!!
Oh, my goodness, I am telling you from heart, I am enjoying this discussion, even though, some of you use Ethiopian-like political jargon, name calling and cursing, I am sure some of you could punch me by the mouth if I am near you physically. That what I call it Ethiopian-like Political discussion. We should stop Ethiopian-like political smear. Let learn civil dicussion, and learn how to win and lose with grace. We should learn from this Country’s sports, politics, and running for office. There winners and loosers, the accept with grace, as a matter of fact they congrgulate eachother. Let us accept that kind attitude with grace and civility. That is the beauty of this Democracy we should adopt from this country.
Hi, Berhe! what a middling sourse of information; Hana! what a wounderful conquering word. Love win’m all. Phili, you seems you are maturely prgressing from name calling, political delquency to analising political destination point by point. You conveince me you know your Obama affermatively by issues than I do. I am learning more every passing day. As far as my children concern, believe me, I am trying to convince them, they are trying to convince me. We dicuss politics with passion not with malce/vile. That is the political maturation and harmoney in my house and a real democratic way I teach them and learn from them. After all this is America, you don’t force any body to believe what you believe. That is freedom and beauty of Democracy, if you know what I mean. I hope you do. I lived over 30 years and my childern born here, So they are free to say and act as they wish. They know how to win and lose, we agree not to disagree, no matter wat.
Clinton’s Poicy as outlined: Restoring America’s Standing in the World, A Champion for Women, Comprehensive Government Reform , Strengthening Our Democracy, Rforming Our Immigration System, An Innovation Agenda, Creating Opportunity for Rural America. The bread and butter of American household discussion: The Issues are: Campaign finance, Campaign politics, Economy, Energy Foreign Policy, Health Care, Immgration, Iraq, LEGESLATIVE RECORD, RELIGION, Social Security and Trade. Both Clinton and Obama have similarities with slight difference in action.
Thank you my brothers and sisters for allowing me for my ignorance to dissipate and have my misunderstnding about Ethiopian’s political know how and participation in this country’s policics. As I said politcs local, and I will support whomever nominated as Democratic Nominee, no matter what. Thank you, and I ask an aplogy if I offended any body.